A Charming Voodoo by Tonya Kappes - Scavenger Hunt Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Description:

Bubble. . . bubble. . .
Whispering Falls is abuzz with the new
housing development and new shops
popping up all over the magical
village right before the annual All
Hallow’s Eve celebration.

Cures and trouble. . .
June Heal’s intuition
is on high alert and she just can’t shake
that something bad is about to happen.

Magic stirs . . .
June finds Violet Draper standing over a dead body
In the new pumpkin patch hours before it’s supposed
to open for hayrides.

And trouble doubles . . .
Once again, June has to put her sleuthing skills to work
and figure out who the real killer is before the new
citizens pack up and move right back out of town.

My Thoughts:

I love this series, though I've missed a few books. I was able to catch up pretty easily. There are some great characters in this series. I love June in particular. In this book Whispering Falls is welcoming some new people to the community. Then there is a murder. There are plenty of suspects. June uses her witchy intuition to figure it out. A fun mystery read with magic.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !


My Source: author



Where to get it:



Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's your favorite Halloween costume? (For yourself, or one you've seen.)  This year I'm making my 7 year old daughter a Captain America costume this year with a sparkly tutu! Definitely the most fun costume I've made. 

Review: Someday I'll Be Redeemed by Kelly Blanchard

Description:
Everyone thinks him to be dead--or guilty. Without a word or sighting of Prince Lorrek of Cuskelom these last ten years, all believe the rumors of his crimes, which he is said to have committed, are true. However, when he finally returns to clear his name, Lorrek realizes the only way to find redemption is to become the very man they think him to be in this time when advanced technology challenges ancient magic to war.


My Thoughts:
I loved this one from beginning to end. Something a little different. Fantasy combined with sci-fi, complete with kings, queens, princes, princesses, magic, technology, and politics among wildly different kingdoms. Fantastic world-building, excellent story-telling, and intriguing characters. I really loved Lorrek and the story kept me hooked. I can't wait to read the next installment.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: References to rape and abortion. Even though there is fighting it is not graphic. No bad language. A fairly clean read overall.

My Source: purchased


Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: In the Air Tonight by Lori Handeland

Description:
Four centuries ago, in a small Scottish village, three baby girls escaped the wrath of a witch hunter. Today, one young woman will learn about her secret history, her heart's destiny, and the sisters she never knew she had...

With her blue-black hair and dark eyes, Raye Larsen has never fit in with the Scandinavian community of New Bergin, Wisconsin. Being adopted is part of the reason she feels like an outsider, but what really sets Raye apart is her ability to see dead people. Everywhere. 

She’s learned to keep her visions to herself . . . until she stumbles onto the ghost of a murder victim who needs Raye’s help. Enter Bobby Doucet, a distractingly handsome homicide detective who has been tracking a killer all the way from New Orleans. Could this be the break in his case he’s been looking for all along? 

Meanwhile, the deeper Raye gets involved with the case—and with Bobby—the closer she comes to unlocking the mystery of her own origins. What she discovers about herself could destroy everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves. Is finding the truth worth the risk?

Filled with dark magic, dazzling romance, and dire suspense, this is the first book in a thrilling new series by New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland.



My Thoughts:
Loved this! Raye is a great character. She was adopted and lives in a small town in Wisconsin and has never quite fit in. She also sees dead people. I really enjoyed her voice. Also, living in a smallish town in Wisconsin myself, I enjoyed the Wisconsin references, like the Badgers, Packers, and Leinies. :) Things get serious when there is a murder in the town. When it is linked to a serial killer in New Orleans, Bobby comes to town and they cross paths. Ghosts, murder, romance. I just loved this and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the next book!


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Notes: Some mild language.

My Source: publisher via NetGalley



Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes

Description: 
Bubble... Bubble... June Heal has nothing to lose when she relocates her homeopathic cure shop, A Dose of Darla, from the flea market booth in her home town, to a quaint shop in the cozy but unusual little town of Whispering Falls, Kentucky. Or so it seems. Cures and trouble... Whispering Falls has a lot of secrets. From talking snow globes to whispering animals not to mention a few sprinkles of fairy dust, June realizes Whispering Falls is more magical than she thought. . .literally.


My Thoughts:
Thanks to her best friend Oscar, June starts to learn that there are secrets about her past and family, even herself, that she never knew. She moves to Whispering Falls where things are not as they seem. I loved this book and its quirky characters. I did start to worry for June's health. It seems that all she ever eats are ding dongs. Maybe she has some kind of magical metabolism. I loved this book and can't wait to continue the series. 

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: n/a

My Source: Kindle freebie


Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N 


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Review: Ever After by Kim Harrison

Description:
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels the human world, is shrinking. If it disappears completely, so does all magic. It's up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to avert catastrophe and keep life from changing... for the worse.

While saving the world is important, it isn't Rachel's only motivation. There's also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. That little mistake has made her life forfeit unless she can fix it. It's also made her more than a few enemies, including the most powerful demon in the ever after—a terrifying entity who eats souls and now has an insatiable appetite for her. He's already kidnapped her friend and goddaughter to lure her out, and if Rachel doesn't give herself up soon, they'll die.

But Rachel has more than a few impressive and frightening skills of her own, and she isn't going to hand over her soul and her life without one hell of a fight. She's also got a surprise: elven tycoon Trent Kalamack. With this unlikely ally beside her—a prospect both thrilling and unnerving—she's going to return to the ever after, kick some demon butt, rescue her loved ones... and prevent an apocalypse before it's too late. Or, at least that's the plan...

My Thoughts:
I love this series and I can't believe it's almost over. Rachel has been through so much over the course of the series. In this book, she has to save the Ever After, and her own skin. A certain demon with a grudge against her isn't making it easy, though. There is not much Ivy in this one, but we see more of Bis, some Al and even Nick. I have to say, this book was more than a little heartbreaking, though still funny at other times, with lots of magical action. Her relationship with Trent seems to be evolving, though, which I think is a good thing. I really need to read the next book now.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !


My Source: library

Where to get it:

Ever After (Hollows) | B&N | Kobo


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Review - Compelled by Shawntelle Madison

Description:
For the past five years, Natalya Stravinsky has dreamed of two things: to rejoin the South Toms River werewolf pack and to be reunited with Thorn Grantham. Fate may have brought the pack back into her life, but unless she journeys to Russia to save Thorn, the love she’s found may be lost again. For a stubborn werewolf like Natalya, no distance is too far, no magic spell too complex to master, because one way or another she will find a way to have everything she has ever wanted.

My Thoughts:

So I jumped in and accidentally read the third book of a trilogy without reading the first two. I hate that. I wish I had read the first two, but this one was pretty good anyway. The world building and the characters were interesting, but I felt like I was missing quite a bit, because I was. 

Natalya is an alpha female werewolf. Her husband is dying and she wants to find the cure to his curse.

She has quite an adventure, and learns quite a bit about magic with the help of some old friends and some new. Natalya has OCD and is a hoarder, which makes things interesting. I missed the first two books but she seems to have grown. I enjoyed this adventure with magic, magical creatures, and magical war. I just wished there had been more Thorn. She mentioned him quite a bit, but he was actually in the story very little.  

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !

My Source: NetGalley

Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: Consequences (Chronicles of M Book 4) by Nicholas Forristal

Description:
Roughly ten years have gone by since the death of A'loc and the unexpected public demonstration from M and Thomas. M, now a minor TV celebrity, is finding out there's more to being a star than just fans and with every turn a new danger lurks. New, blood thirsty mutants attack M at every chance, strange investigations in other countries and a psychopathic mass murderer are just a few examples.

Who are the BLB and why are they so intent on killing M? Why has nothing happened with the Lords and who, or what is a Domitianus? There's never a dull day in the life of M.

My Thoughts:
M on a talk show. I was hooked right there. I have enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. There are new and interesting characters, as well as old favorites. This book has Thomas, magic, zombies, Mai and Oni, and a five man midget death squad from Scotland. It is not necessary to have read the other books, but I recommend it. And this one is definitely not the end. There is death, mayhem, action, and humor. It was a fun read and I'm looking forward to book 5.

My Rating: *****
*Notes: Language

My Source: author

Where to get it:


Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Goodreads

Review: Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood

Wind and Shadow (Talbot Trilogy #1) by Tori L. Ridgewood

Description:
Rayvin Woods, photographer and natural witch. She just wanted to start her life over again after a series of misadventures. She didn't count on rekindling a lost love when she came home to Talbot...or battling a malevolent vampire and his coven for her life.

Grant Michaels, police officer. He thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger...but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it's too late?

Malcolm de Sade, cunning vampire, imprisoned underground for a year by Charlotte Fanning and Pike Mahonen ("Mist and Midnight", Midnight Thirsts). His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town…

***

Facing the past can be a nightmare. It's worse when a vampire is stalking you.

My Thoughts:
Rayvin returns to her hometown ten years after being driven away only to discover that a vampire is on the loose. As a witch she has no choice but to try to stop it. Of course the first person she meets when she comes back to town is her high school crush, Grant, who thinks she tried to murder his best friend. I liked Ravyn and Grant. There is romance and magic and vampires. This is the first of a trilogy and nothing is resolved. It takes a dark turn at the end and I'm not sure I can handle it. I know I will check out the next book anyway.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Language

My Source: publicist

Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Goodreads

Review: Bronze Gods by A.A Aguirre

Bronze Gods (Apparatus Infernum #1) by A.A. Aguirre

Description:
Hy Breasil is grimmer than it used to be.

Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside.

That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad.

Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city.

But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…

My Thoughts:
Not quite like anything I've read before, and I mean that in the best way. An interesting combination of steampunk, urban fantasy, and a detective novel. The characters are intriguing and have personality. The relationship between Mikani and Ritsuko, working and otherwise, is enjoyable to read. The banter between them is fun. I loved this and look forward to the next book in the series.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: Some blood and gore, but not graphic.

My Source: Goodreads giveaway

Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads

Blog Tour Review and Guest Post: Mountain Charm by Sydney Logan

Welcome to Sydney Logan's Mountain Charm Blog Tour! I have a little Q&A here from Sydney Logan, followed by a review of Mountain Charm. Enjoy!


When you sit down to read, what is your favorite genre?   

My favorite genre is contemporary romance, but that’s a very broad term. Specifically, I like sweet love stories with happy endings.  I read almost anything – YA, New Adult, Inspirational Romance, and some Erotica if there’s a decent plot and it’s well written.

If you wanted a good laugh, what book would you read?I recently read Wallbanger by Alice Clayton, and I laughed so much! So that would be my go-to story if I ever needed a good laugh.
If you wanted a good cry what book would you read?

I can always rely on my favorite author, Nicholas Sparks, if I need a good cry.  I recommend grabbing a tissue before reading Message in a Bottle or The Notebook. The last book that made me cry was John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.  I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster of that book.

Mountain Charm by Sydney Logan

Description:

“True love and sweet whispers, till death do us part;

Send someone to love my Appalachian heart.”

At the age of thirteen, Angelina Clark followed in the footsteps of her ancestors by casting an Appalachian love spell, which promised she would blossom into a beautiful and gifted woman who would find her true love. A young Angelina had been thrilled to participate in the sacred ritual, but through the years, her father’s untimely death and her mother’s failing health have shaken Angelina’s magical faith to its core. As her twenty-first birthday approaches, she refuses to practice her supernatural gifts and no longer believes in the love charm.

That is, until Dylan Thomas arrives on her front porch.

Dylan, a Nashville writer, travels to the mountain town of Maple Ridge to unearth the family’s supernatural secrets. While her clairvoyant mother is convinced that Dylan is her daughter’s soul mate, Angelina refuses to see the nosy reporter as anything more than a nuisance.

Despite their constant bickering, sparks fly.

Dylan admits he feels strangely drawn to Angelina and is in no hurry to leave Maple Ridge or publish his magazine article. Fearful that his emotions are being influenced by the spell, a stubborn Angelina struggles to fight her own budding attraction to the reporter.

The two inevitably grow closer just as her mother’s health begins to deteriorate, and Angelina is faced with the possibility of selling the family’s music shop to pay the mounting medical expenses. Desperate to help the woman he loves, Dylan explores his own family tree and finds support from an unlikely source. Can he finally prove his love is real—spell or no spell?

A story filled with love, friendship, family, and just a hint of Appalachian magic, Mountain Charm will leave you spellbound.

My Thoughts:
I loved this. Mountain Charm is a sweet contemporary romance with a touch of magic. There are some very funny moments, as well as some that tug at the heart. Angelina doesn't believe in magic anymore, but when Dylan shows up at her door on her 21st birthday, she has to reconsider. She fights the attraction and Dylan has to prove that there is more to their relationship than a spell. Very sweet. I was drawn in from the very first page. 

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!

My Source: author blog tour



Get the book: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/91

Author Bio:

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author and holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. With the 2012 release of her first novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. Sydney has a very unhealthy obsession with music, and her iPod is filled with everything from Johnny Cash to Eminem. She is also the author of two short stories: “Mistletoe Magic,” available exclusively on Amazon Kindle, and “Stupid Cupid,” which is featured in the Romantic Interludescompilation. When she isn't reading or writing, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her front porch at her home in East Tennessee with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.
Her second novel, Mountain Charm, is slated for a summer 2013 release.

Visit Sydney’s website at www.sydneylogan.com

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WiLoveBooks review of Lessons Learned
WiLoveBooks interview with Sydney Logan

Review: Rite of Passage by Kevin V. Symmons

Rite of Passage by Kevin V. Symmons

Description:
June, 1947, Sebago Lake, Maine. Robert McGregor has the perfect life until he meets Courtney Wellington at a reunion. Courtney is the stuff that dreams are made of: exquisite, vulnerable and desperately alone. But Courtney’s identity is more extraordinary than he could imagine. The 40th in a line of powerful witches, Courtney and her friends have elaborate plans for Robbie. He’s been chosen to wed her in a ceremony foretold a millennia ago. A ceremony to keep humanity from chaos and self-destruction. Though fearful and suspicious, Robbie is drawn to the young beauty. When Courtney is kidnapped by a rogue sect of Druids, she becomes a pawn in a deadly struggle. A struggle that will span the Atlantic, threaten their lives and lead to a confrontation effecting the fate of humanity. Rite of Passage combines classic romance with gripping action. Surprise and deception confront Robbie and companions as they struggle to wrest Courtney from the sinister Druids. Unbridled passion, non-stop action and plot twists will keep you turning pages well into the night.

My Thoughts:
This is a paranormal romance about witches. There is love at first sight and lots of mystery. There are plenty of unexpected twists to keep you guessing. It gets quite exciting, I just had a bit of trouble connecting with the characters. Maybe it is because Courtney is so mysterious and perfect that she is hard to relate to, and Robbie is so conflicted through most of the book. I had a hard time getting invested in their love story. It is a good story, though. I recommend it for paranormal romance fans who like a story light on steam.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !


My Source: RomCon Judge

Where to get it:
 

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Review: Swamp Magic by Bobbi Romans

Swamp Magic by Bobbi Romans

Description:
Deep in the muggy swamps where there is but one rule, kill or be killed, a new species has emerged—born not from nature but spawned from evil.

Octavia wasn’t stupid. Those unfortunate souls who have crossed paths with her didn’t just become swamp creatures, they became the least deadly of them. She hadn’t counted on the strong spirits of those she’d cursed.

From those murky swamp depths, a hero emerged. The type from which legends are born.

Moss, whose sensual iridescent tattoos are in fact thanks to his reptilian side, still struggles to come to terms with his fate and wants nothing more than to be left alone.

Beth’s life becomes upturned when she reluctantly agrees to accompany her idiotic brother on a hunt for the Bog Man. When she becomes separated from the others she comes face to face with the legend himself . . . only no one ever mentioned how damn sexy he was.

The swamp’s dark history tests the duo on their survival skills as well as luring them deeper into the magic of the swamp.

My Thoughts:
I love paranormal romances because anything can happen. I also tend to like books with shifters and magic. This book is great because it is a little different.  You don't read about swamp shifters every day. Beth is a fun character who thinks like a normal, strong woman with a sassy side. Moss is a hot, damaged alpha male. There is also a magical element and an evil witch.  Overall a lot of fun and kept me turning pages. At the end, I wanted more. I recommend this one if you like steamy, paranormal romance with shifters, protective alpha males, and feisty, sassy females.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Adult language.

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon
B&N

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Review: Chronicles of M Trilogy by Nicholas Forristal

Description:
This the first trilogy in the Chronicles of M. It's a series about the worlds only living superhero and the ex-government funded agency that helps him cope with modern day life as he saves us from the unknown and himself. A must read for any fantasy fan who enjoys a little dark humor, a splash of magic and the supernatural.

NOTE: In addition to the 3 books, a section of "behind the scenes" is included that details how many of the main ideas came to be and also included are every book cover, used or not.

My Thoughts:
This is a contemporary fantasy series with magic, zombies, humor, and a bit of sci-fi. Each book has a bit of a different feel to it, even some different characters, but all revolve around the character of M. This edition has all 3 books of the first trilogy together, along with some bonus content. The extras are not listed in the table of contents, but are located right before the book covers. It was fun to get some of the background on certain aspects of the books. Entertaining and fun to read, I highly recommend this series.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: Profanity, blood and gore. Not for the easily offended.

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon


Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Pinterest
Goodreads

*WiLoveBooks Interview

Review: A'loc - Chronicles of M #3 by Nicholas Forristal

A'loc (Chronicles of M, Book 3) by Nicholas Forristal 

Description:
A serial killer is on the loose. With no clues, no witnesses and the bodies piling up, the local police call for the only people who can help. What the police don't know is just how full Thomas and M's plate already is. Time is running out. It's been ten months since A'loc showed up and challenged M to a duel to the death.

For him to even have a chance against A'loc, M must learn a lifetime's worth of magic, but Thomas's brother Amit is missing. Without him, M can only hope to learn what Thomas is physically able to show him. M also has to learn how to handle himself in a fight from Mai and discover the extent his mutant powers can go, but how can he do that when he can't even beat her? It's been a long hard road for everyone and it's not even close to over yet.

Amit is the third and last book of the first trilogy in the Chronicles of M.


My Thoughts: 
M has been training for his big duel with A'loc. For a break, he gets to track down a serial killer. Quite a bit has changed over the course of the books. the feel is a bit different, and I think this is the funniest. I love M's sarcasm, especially compared to the serious Thomas. Uhler is around quite a bit, spouting random movie quotes. This book has more fighting, more magic, and more laughs. You never know what is going to happen next. With action, magic, humor, and a big dose of crazy, this is a fun read. (If you haven't read the first two, you can check out my reviews for book 1 and book 2.)

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: Blood and gore, some profanity.

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Pinterest
Goodreads

*WiLoveBooks Interview

Review: Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind

Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth #2) by Terry Goodkind

Description:
An Epic of Awesome Power

Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.

Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.

Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.

My Thoughts:
I am addicted to this series. This is the second book in the Sword of Truth series. There are so many interconnected stories and it is so unpredictable. I keep thinking, "Well, now what? How could he possibly get out of this?"
This one is a little more graphic than the first, gore-wise. Lots of violence, gore and references to rape. Some of the descriptions are lengthy and slow down the pace a bit, and this is a looong book. That said, I had to keep going because the plot is so complicated and twisty, and just an emotional roller-coaster. I have never read a hero who cries as much as Richard, but I guess he has plenty of cause. I can't wait to get started on the next book.
I have been listening to the audio versions of this series and this one was over 38 hours long, easily the longest I have ever listened to, but the narration is fantastic and easy to listen to. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy worlds and magic and can stomach all of the blood and gore.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes: Violence, gore, references to rape.

My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon 
Audible
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Review: Fire by Terra Harmony

Fire (Akasha #3) by Terra Harmony

***Possible spoilers if you haven't read Water or Air. You have been warned. ***

Description:
Elemental magic is a weapon of power, on both sides of the war.
The Seven has another leader, Kaitlyn is a new mother, and everyone is busy building their armies. During one battle, the secret to Akasha is discovered, and the race to master it is on. With all eyes on the prize, what matters most gets left behind. It is up to Kaitlyn to preserve the planet in the wake of the pure destructive power of Akasha, and the humans who wield it.

My Thoughts:
This series just keeps getting better. Fire is my favorite so far! The books do need to be read in order. If you are new to the Akasha series, you can click the links to find my reviews of Water and Air. Fire starts where Air left off, jumping right into the action. This one has more than just Kaitlyn's point of view, allowing us to see what is going on with the others as well, which adds to the tension. I enjoyed that. As we get to understand Micah better, I am liking him more. Now Kaitlyn is trying to balance motherhood with everything else she has going on and, while I don't have her problems, I could relate. Lots of action and more fun banter. Another cliffhanger ending has me hoping to be able to read Earth soon!

I don't usually pay much attention to book covers, but I do have to say that this series has fantastic covers. They are eye-catching and beautiful, yet simple, and they represent the books well. Just wanted to note that.

I also want to note that Water is currently FREE on Amazonand Smashwords. So if you haven't read it yet and are still reading this, go check it out.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Some strong language.

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon

Barnes & Noble
Smashwords

Where to find the author:
Terra Harmony
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Google+

Review: Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth #1) by Terry Goodkind

Description:In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them--for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.
In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword--to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out.
This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

My Thoughts:
I know I am late to the party on this one, but after hearing my dad and sister mention this series on several different occasions, when I saw the first book I decided to give it a try. A very enjoyable fantasy world with magic, wizards, strange creatures and strange lands, and a quest to save everyone from evil. Then the story makes a crazy and unexpected detour, but manages to get back on track. Some scenes seemed to drag endlessly, but pressing on was worth it. The ending makes me want to continue on with the series.
I listened to the audio version of this book. A over 32 hours, this was easily the longest audiobook I have ever encountered. The narrator did an excellent job and was very enjoyable to listen to.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes: Violence, rape, torture, but nothing very graphic. Most is left to the imagination.

My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
Audible
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
 

Review: Air (Akasha #2) by Terra Harmony

Air (Akasha #2) by Terra Harmony

***Possible spoilers if you haven't read Water. You have been warned. ***

Description:
She carries more than just elemental powers. In ‘Air’, the sequel to ‘Water’ of the Akasha Series, Kaitlyn has a secret. One she won’t be able to hide much longer. As the strongest Gaia the planet has ever seen, she must face mankind’s greatest enemy as he campaigns for ‘One Less: Depopulation’. Everything depends on Kaitlyn fully embracing her role as Gaia. Her family. The Seven. The Earth. Something has to give, and it won’t be Kaitlyn.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Akasha series. You can see my review for Water if you haven't read that one. They really need to be read in order. Air picks up right after Water leaves off. I liked this one even better than the first. The first book had the world-building and since that was established, this one had more room for action.  I loved the elemental magic and Kaitlyn figuring out how to work all of her powers, finding out what she can do and preparing to face her enemy. Without giving any spoilers, if you read Water, read this one. If you haven't read Water, check it out if you like fantasy stories with action and magical powers. (Currently free on Amazon.) Book 3, Fire, is out now and I'll be reading it soon!

My Rating: !!!!
Steam Factor: ****
*Notes: Includes rape.

My Source: author

Where to get it: 
Amazon

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Where to find the author:
Terra Harmony
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Review: Chronicles of M: Ammit by Nicholas Forristal

Chronicles of M: Ammit by Nicholas Forristal

Description:
In this sequel to Chronicles of M, Samuel and Thomas race to find a way to purge the demon that resides in M. The demon takes complete control over M and escapes captivity, leaving Thomas to rely on old acquaintances and new allies to help him hunt down M before he kills again.

My Thoughts:
This is book 2 of the Chronicles of M and picks up right where the first book ends. There is enough information that you could probably get away with not reading the first book, but then you would miss all the fun. If you haven't read it, you can find my review for Book 1 here.
Now, trying my best to avoid spoilers, there are some answers to lingering questions from the first book, and some more history, but even more questions. There are different points of view in the story, and the style is a bit different, but I liked it. The story really moves along and the POV follows the action. And there is plenty of action. We get to see plenty of Dixie, and she is a riot. We get some fun new characters as well. At the end, you will be screaming for the next book. Read this if you like action, fantasy, sci-fi, magic, super powers, mythology, or any combination of those.

My Rating: *****
*Notes: Some profanity, but significantly less than the first book. Not overly graphic.

My Source: author

Where to get it:
Amazon

Where to find the author:
Blog
Website
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Review: Fate's Edge (Edge #3) by Ilona Andrews

Description:
Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...

My Thoughts:
I liked Kaldar in Bayou Moon and was happy to read his story. Audrey is a good match for him. Here is a quote I liked, from Kaldar's point of view: "Before this was all over, either they would be lovers or they'd kill each other. Right now, he had no idea which it would be." I think that sums up their relationship nicely. I like the Edge series and this was my favorite book so far. It is probably best to read these in the proper order, starting with On the Edge, or it might feel like you are missing something.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!
My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Ilona Andrews
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