2018 Wrap Up!

It’s that time of year, when I list my top 5’s for Books, Movies and Other Stuff! Like last, this 2018 year flew by in a blur. As always I am going to start with books because that’s what I enjoy most!

Top 5 Books

This year I felt like there was more ‘average’ books than ‘outstanding’ books that I read. Two off the top of my were out of this world and the others were very high in the ‘I would read again’ column.

Earlier in the year I read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. For almost all of the year this was the only book that truly blew me away. It was way better than the movie, and that’s saying a lot I enjoyed the movie. This book gave such vivid detail you felt like you were apart of the world and you didn’t want to leave. Adult or teen this book is one you will enjoy!

It wasn’t until two weeks ago when the second book of the year blew me away. This was one that was extremely unexpected. Live Long and ... What I Learned Along the Way by William Shatner & David Fisher completely caught me off guard. Not only do I normally avoid nonfiction and autobiographical books but I also avoid books that teach a lesson. I just usually can’t get into them. I selected this one for the simple reason I needed to hit my 115 books and it was available on the Libby Library App. Well I am so glad I did because this book was hands down the best read of 2018 for me. It felt like the authors were speaking directly to me! Add in that Shatner himself was narrating and this one was a knock them out of the park success! You HAVE to give it a try. His message is outstanding.

Justin Cronin has a series, The Passage that I’ve written about before. I read book 1 years ago and book 2 & 3 this year. It’s book 3 that really did it for me. The City of Mirrors. As a reminder this was the series that I didn’t realize was a vampire series. This took place a lot on Texas in book 3, specifically the area of Houston where I work, so that was really neat to see how it was all portrayed in the apocalypse. This is a longer book series, they are quite thick and require investing a lot of time. When I look at all 3 books as a whole I really am glad I took the time to read them. If you want a book series that is fantasy with some paranormal but not in an ‘in your face’ sort of way and without all the sex that surrounds vampires usually, this is the book series for you!

Now I can’t remember in the past if I have included A.L. Kessler in my annual wrap up. I try to not show favoritism towards authors who are my friends. But, she has these two series out, cozy mystery & apocalyptic series, that I absolutely adore. The first book Rabbits Out of Hats in her cozy mystery really keeps you smiling. It was so light and fun that the pages practically turned themselves. Then her series Children of the Apocalypse I really really love. I forgot I read this book earlier in this year, I thought I read it last year. Book 3 Behold Death. You have these teens who eventually have to take over their father’s jobs as the powers that keep the world balanced. For instance, death, the grim reaper. It really makes you wonder sometimes if elements like this actually real. If you’re looking for either of these types of series books Amy is the way to go. I love her work, and I’m not just saying that because she is a friend.

Last I feel the need to group these two authors into the same post. While they are two different series they both impacted me the same way. They are huge successes in their fields and if I could ever have their kind of success I would consider it a blessing. They each have cozy mystery series that are just good easy books to read. I gave almost all of them 4 stars because they didn’t blow me away but they did make me keep reading more and more. Sue Grafton & Janet Evanovich each have these sassy women characters that I loved tremendously. Sue Grafton I read all of her books, A through Y, in her mystery series and Janet Evanovich I had read 20 out of 26 Stephanie Plum books. Overall really great reads if you’re into cozy mysteries!

Moving onto movies ... this was a bit easier. 

When I look at movies I just loved for the sake of lovin’ the movie the first one that comes to mind is Bright with Will Smith. This was a Netflix movie that I have watched a few times this year and really really loved! It was different and enjoyable beyond my expectations. Will Smith plays a cop character who was hurt in the line of duty because of a ‘minority species’. The conflict resolution of the movie really was excellent with how the characters wrapped up each of their issues. I hope there is a sequel.

Next would have to be Infinity Wars. I cried In the first 10 minutes when Loki was slaughtered. I know most people who saw it had to of cried! It was SO emotional. I look forward to the next movie where we see what happens after Thanos has to live with his decisions. Hopefully it doesn’t make me cry again.

Instant Family is a movie based on a real family, a couple who decided to adopt older children, three siblings. This movie was so well done. It spoke directly to my family. Every single thing that happened in the movie applied to the first 6 months of my children living in our house after the State placed them with us. I spent the entire movie crying, I mean just crying. It was so real and vivid. If you ever, ever, thought about adoption or wondered what it was like for families who have to build themselves in a non-traditional way, go see this movie. It was hands down, amazing. Best movie of 2018.

Peter Rabbit jumps out at me next. That movie was fun and very enjoyable with my husband and kids. We have watched it a few times on television just to pass the time doing something the whole family can enjoy together.

Last but not least, Deadpool 2. I don’t think I need to say anything else. Everyone knows Ryan Reynolds is always good for an enjoyable time and a good laugh when he don’s the DP suit. Great movie series, I hope they don’t push it to far with a DP3 that doesn’t live up to it’s 1 & 2 counter parts.

Now I want to talk about some movie let down’s. I know I am probably in the minority on these and I refrained from posting review but I still felt strongly.

Black Panther this movie just didn’t do it for me, I think of all the MCU movies this is my least favorite. Granted I still like’d it way more than most of the DC universe so I’m not saying it was crap! It was still a good movie I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I felt like I should have. And in a similar notion, AquaMan, I was bored through this whole movie. Yes he is a good looking man and yes his muscles should make all women melt at his feet. But, I need more than a half naked hottie running around I need some meat to the plot and this plot just didn’t do it for me. I was also kind of bored in the latest Fantastic Beasts. But of the three movies just mentioned I liked it the most.

I’m going to add the theater plays to this list. For the few years my husband and I have been frequenting Theater Under The Stars and I think some are worth noting here. This year in 2018 I saw Bright Star, Memphis, Oklahoma, The Wiz, and Beauty and the Beast. I let my daughter go to Hamilton instead so I missed out on that one. Of these 5 Bright Star & Oklahoma were my top two with Beauty and the Beast narrowly missing the #2 spot. I have probably seen about 20, maybe 25 plays & musicals as an adult and sometimes it is just amazing to me how these actors and actresses perform. We have started taking our kids with us to the theater, trying to expose them to culture. They are loving it as well. I highly recommend Theater Under the Stars to anyone in Houston!!

Well I think this is a good recap of the movies, books and others that encompassed my 2018. I’m curious if you agree or disagree with these titles. I’m looking forward to next year but I think the one change I am going to do ... reduce my reading goal. 115 books was just too much pressure! Haha. Happy New Years people of the blogger world.

   

** Side note, I am having technical difficulties with my IPad that is why none of the titles are in italics. Please forgive me. **

Review: The Witch Is Back by Stacy A, Moran

Title: The Witch is Back
Author: Stacy A. Moran
Source: Given for free in exchange for an honest review
Amazon Link: Purchase

Blurb:

Tabitha Ashworth is a lot of things, a daughter, a writer, and a reluctant witch. She was also a runner, not a grab your tennis shoes, let's take on a marathon kind of runner.

No, she has been running from her past and her heritage her entire life. She's avoided her hometown for nearly a decade but after a cryptic call from her mother, she is summoned back home.

From the moment she arrived back in Graveton County she was flooded with her past and realization her running days are over.

Welcome to Graveton County where the haunted town is make believe but the witches are real.

Review:

What a cozy mystery! Def a different take on small town life. This crew of bubbly, delightful and crazy women make you laugh as they take you through their small town’s journey into a murder. The twist and turns of the plot are heightened by the friendly personality that the ‘witches’ play with one another. GiGi’s hit list, Tabby’s quick wit personality, the sherrif’s patience in dealing with these witches as they continue to botch up his investigation.

It makes you smile as you read.

I have read a lot of cozy mysteries and this one is right up there with an easy going, care free, kick back and relax read. I love how all the female character names came from television witches and that adds all the more fun to the mix.

It almost makes you wonder if that is what real life in small town West Virginia is really like ,...

Grab a copy today and see for yourself, you won’t regret it.

Solid 4.5 Stars!
             

Review: Beautiful Master Peace by Gabriela Lizette

Title: Beautiful Master Peace
Author: Gabriela Lizette
Source: Recieved from the author in exchange for an Honest Review
Amazon Purchase This is also available under Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

Being a stylist for the rich and famous is a dream come true for Victoria Robles. A lively gal from Texas, she finds herself touring across the States with the best names in Country music. But after a shameful truth sends Vicki into hiding, she lands in Peace, Montana, the quaint little town she remembers from one of her touring trips through the state. A lot has changed since her last visit, but she hopes the people are still friendly enough to welcome her among them.

That is until she collides with Calbert Miller and he immediately assumes she's nothing but trouble. At every corner, Cal and Vicki exchange heated, unpleasant words. To make matters worse, he discovers the truth she has been fleeing.

What will Vicki have to do to overcome the humiliation? Will she be able to convince the man who looks at her with complete disgust one minute—and fierce desire the next—that she’s not a trollop? Will she find her peace in Peace, Montana?


Review

This is my first review of 2018 and I struggled a bit coming up with how I wanted to word this. Overall I enjoyed this story and I am going to give it a 4 Star review. But I wanted to look at things differently this year when posting reviews on my blog. I wanted to make sure that I gave a full picture of what I was actually reviewing and not lump everything into just a star numbering system.

This book is a novella which was easy to read, easy to enjoy the MC and easy to follow. The story seemed to have the full ARC and a HEA. With these types of romance there is some predictability and cookie cutter that go into all of them, which is what us as readers like. Usually I take off for that but as I wrote my own romance it occurred to me, I shouldn’t deduct for that when it is what most readers want. Thus what I am saying, I am looking at books differently this year.

The MC was very likeable and while her situation was very different from the normal boy meets girl romances it was still believable in the world that was created.

The love interest I wasn’t too fond of, not because of the writing or story line, he just, rubbed me the wrong way. And While the MC forgave him for his assish behavior I still didn’t, lol. But it is feelings like that which make me want to give a higher star ranking because it made me feel which is the purpose of any good novel. To feel the emotions.

This is the first novel that I have read from this author and I can see picking up more of her stories in the future. It wasn’t one that made you feel rough and raw after reading, which is nice. I started it Friday night and read 85% of it in one sitting before I was just too tired to continue. Picked it right back up Sunday afternoon and enjoyed the ending. Def a nice weekend read for sure.

If you like novella’s and you like love stories I think this one would fit the bill. The characters like I said are easy to follow and the writing seemed well thought out and flowed.

Overall a 4 Star story!

The Best of 2016 Books, Movies, Memories...

Here we go again ... another year in the books no a slew of books and movies to go through.

Picking the best of the best is always hard but I am up to the task this year. I read over 80 books in 2016 which was my challenge to myself. So picking the best of those is going to be a bit difficult. Luckily Goodreads is there to help remind me which books I liked the most and which ones will be put on the "must forget" list.

And here we go in 3 .... 2 ....1 ....

THE BEST OF 2016

BEST BOOKS

(In no particular order)

Seeds of Control: Generations to Execute By Lawrence Verigin

SCIENCE-FICTION

Oh My Goodness was this book a killer read. This had everything in it from a completely plausible plot to a lovable main character to an evil despicable bad guy who just wanted everyone to die. This was by far the scariest book of the year as well because every time I now eat a piece of food that isn't organic ... I wonder. Is someone trying to kill me? Seriously go buy this book!

Kim Law's Sugar Spring Series

ROMANCE

Do you ever just want to get away and read one of those cheesy romances that take your mind off of everything? Then this series will do just that. Thank god they were KU books because I knocked them out back to back without even batting an eyelash. They were fantastic. Her writing style was phenomenal and she kept you begging for more with each book in the series. Def a must read for anyone who loves a good romance.

The Bitter Season by Tami Hoag

MYSTERY

First off, the fact that I FINALLY met my favorite all time author has nothing to do with this review. Tami Hoag's writing was top notch again and this book brought a whole new twist to the relationship of these detectives I have come to love. This is prob about the 5th book in this series but it is a good stand alone. If you like mystery then this was the winner of the year.

Just A Little Death by A.L. Kessler

URBAN FANTASY

Now some of you may say whoa there Amy is your friend and she can't make the top list ... but I assure you this series is worth it. I LOVED these new characters. And Oh M G! Death was great! Seriously if you are looking for a new author or series that doesn't give you the expected when it come to a good urban fantasy book then pick up A.L. Kessler's. She has a few series I really enjoy but this was her best 'first' book in a series and I truly loved it!

BEST MOVIES

(In no particular order)

DEADPOOL

I am not sure I even need to explain this one because it was just absolutely fantastic. Ryan Reynolds who isn't known for his super hero skills was killer. The writing, the music, everything was amazing and this movie left me laughing and smiling throughout it. BEST movie of the year for sure!

BRIDGET JONE'S DIARY

I never watched this series when it came out originally so I was majorly skeptical about the excitement of this movie. But after binge watching with the hubby we were quite excited to head off to the movie to see who was the father of Bridget's baby. This was a feel good movie for sure and it left me smiling. And that's the sign of a good flick.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

The Harry Potter world is growing and this one is a winner. This movie brought a very loved magical realm into the great country of America and opened our eyes to others who possess this great skill of magic. I loved this movie, the kids loved this movie and the hubby loved this movie. For all you HP fans you will love it too.

MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENTS

INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURRECTION and BATMAN VS SUPERMAN

These two films had every opportunity to be awesome but they fell majorly short. I was super sad they killed off Will Smith in ID4R and in BVS they gave the women the worst lines when when they were the best actors in the film. I just wish these two films had been better written so they would have increased their world universe instead of making me want to never travel into their realms again.

I just hope Ben as BATMAN gets better because our SUPERMAN really makes me sad.


BEST MEMORY

February 2, 2016 - Tony and I adopted Aaron and Sierra. The day you officially become a parent is the best day of your life. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the court and who came out to the celebration three days later. Hearing someone call me mom, momma, mommy will always be the best memory in the world.


And there we have it ... 2016 in a nut shell. Here's hoping 2017 knocks it out of the park.

Stronger Than Blood by Johanna Rae - A New Release!!!

Book  Blurb

A demon a vampire and an angel... 

Three supernatural beings who should never have been allies, develop a bond which brings them closer than brothers. Though everything they stand for runs in direct conflict with each other, somehow they defeat the odds. What will happen if their unity is put to the test? When a mortal female becomes irreversibly tied to each in turn, will their bond be strong enough to withstand the challenges they face? Is the safety and survival of this one woman going to tear them apart, or is what they have stronger than the blood which separates them?

When Heaven, Hell, and the In-between come together, nothing is certain.

 

 

Book links -

Amazon -
GOODREADS -

 

Social Media

Facebook – www.facebook.com/johannamrae

Website – www.johannamrae.weebly.com

Twitter - @JohannaMRae

Amazon author page -

 

Author Bio –

Johanna Rae is a former fashion designer and married mother of three. She has always had a passion for writing, even at a very young age. When she was five years old, her teacher asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. The answer was: A writer and an artist. It is safe to say that she hasn't deviated far from that mind set. Johanna lives near Hamilton, in New Zealand. She shares her rural property and gorgeous outlook, with her family, cats, cows, chickens and several crazy goats.

Just A Little Death by A. L. Kessler

Just a Little Death

by A.L. Kessler

Release Day May 16th 2016

Available on- Amazon

When most kids go to college, they think freedom, excitement, and maybe they are just a bit terrified. My experience was different. In addition to getting to know the new roommate and some serious test anxiety, I found out I was the daughter of Death. But learning that three others and I are supposed to stop the apocalypse from happening was more than just a little terrifying. The world may be ending and angels, demons and horsemen have become part of my everyday life, things suddenly seem impossible. I am Sammy Zadkeil and I am a Child of the Apocalypse.

A lone figure stood to our left, his back to us. His black robe billowed in the howling winds. His brown hair moved with the air and wrapped in his arms was a scythe, as if he was leaning on it during a hug.

Death.

My gaze moved back to Ruthie and she nodded and motioned towards him. “Go.”

“Alone?” I whispered, my eyes wide. I’d never met him, like hell I was just going to walk up. What was I supposed to say? Death chuckled. “I can hear you. Ruthie, I didn’t expect you to bring a friend. I wanted to speak to you specifically.”

“Sorry, my friend is my charge. Perhaps you heard?” She offered, and we both took a few steps towards him. He spun around. His face was angular and his pupils had skulls in them. My heart stopped at the sight of him. I had expected myself to be filled with hatred if I ever met my father, but now…now I wasn’t sure what the emotion flooding through me was.

“Pest, Famine, and War told me what the boys were up to. I didn’t know you were playing a part in it. What did you learn?” His gaze fell to me and the smirk he wore disappeared.

“Impossible.”

“So…I’m your daughter, apparently, and my mother was an angel at some point in life…my name’s Sammy.” I waved my hands around like an idiot as I talked. It sounded stupid, but it was the best I had at the moment.

He walked around me and I could feel his gaze studying. “Yeah, you’re mine all right.”

Neon signs anyone? I kept my sarcasm down for the moment. I bit my lip as I stared up at him. I couldn’t help but wonder where he had disappeared to and why he didn’t think to look for me himself. Why were Pete, Aeron and Kaleb given the task? I clenched my fist.

“What is it?” He asked, his voice even.

I tried to think about how I wanted to word it. “Where the hell have you been for the last eighteen years?”

His eyes widened slightly. “I didn’t know you existed.”

“Yet, at least four other people thought to come find me, and you sat here, not even curious as to why you couldn’t knock up another angel?” I growled through my locked jaw.

He raised a brow. “I assumed it wasn’t my time to have a child and I thought that War and Pest had lost it and were on a wild goose chase.”

“This is too much.” I turned away from him. “Demons, horsemen, fallen angels, and a long lost father.” I shook my head. “No.”

“No?” Death asked.

“No. I’m not doing this. Send me back home.” I snapped.

Ruthie stepped up and put a hand on my shoulder. I pulled away. “Sammy, we can’t do that. We need to figure out what is going on and the first step is here, with your dad.”

“A dad isn’t someone who just pops into your life. This isn’t about reconciling with family, it’s about all the crazy stuff that I’ve been dragged into in the course of two days.”

“I know,” Ruthie kept her voice even and faced me. “But you’re not going to face this alone. You’re not going in alone. We are here to help. All of us. For now, let’s just focus on the here and now.”

I took a deep breath and tried to push all the anger and confusion out of the way. I could get used to Death being my father, I could handle demons and crazy things…maybe.

“So…now what?” I asked after a moment of silence.

“Now we start training you on your job. The boys can be called back now that we know you exist.” He came to a stop in front of me. He let the scythe fall from his hand, and like Aeron’s sword it disappeared. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close.

I didn’t know what I expected, but he was warm against me and wrapped in his arms I had the feeling of being home. I belonged there, with him, and some of my anger melted away. I wrapped my arms around him and took comfort in his embrace. For a moment, I forgot about the demon and the crazy math teacher.

He let go and looked down at me. “Had I known, I would have come for you sooner. Your mother never even tried to contact me.”

“I have a feeling she’s going to be as shocked as you are.” I glanced at Ruthie. “Though there’s a reason we were going to contact you.”

He turned to the angel. “Yes?”

“Famine is missing, and judging by the plague that’s about to wipe out a fourth of the United States, Pest is missing as well.”

Death’s eyes snapped back to me and I held my hands up. “I swear I have nothing to do with that part.”

He gave a bob of his head. “I’ve noticed their presences were weak. They are still alive, but not on this plane of existence. It’s why I called you here. I wanted a status on what was going on. Them disappearing from both planes means one thing…”

“They’ve been sealed away again.” Ruthie snarled. “I was worried about that. There’s been more demon activity lately, we had a demon show up at the school.” He paced back and forth for a moment. “You and Sammy work with the boys to figure out what is going on. I’ll do what I can from my realm, here. If need be, I’ll come help you fight, but once you figure out where the seals are you let me know. I’ll be the one to release them.”

“Sammy is going to need to learn to fight and control her abilities when she gets them.” He glanced at me and a small smile crossed his lips. “We have her come here to work with me. After classes and when her mother’s not around. I don’t want to involve her.”

“That won’t be a problem, I chose the college farthest away from home that I could get in state.” I shrugged. “I wanted to make sure she didn’t go all mama bear and visit every weekend.”

They both laughed. Death put a pale hand on my shoulder. “Then you’ll come here and I’ll teach you. Like I should have been since you were a child.”

“I guess it’s time I decide that this isn’t a dream.”

“Far from it. We’ll start tomorrow.” He looked to Ruthie. “Keep her safe until then. Keep an eye out for the Sins.”

“The Sins?” I asked.

Ruthie nodded. “How much do you know about the Seven Deadly Sins?”

“If you’re lucky, I might be able to name them.”

Ruthie put the palm of her hand to her head. Death sighed. “The Seven Deadly Sins are high level demons. They work closely with the Devil in causing havoc. I can promise you if the other three horsemen disappeared, they have something to do with it.”

Wasn’t that a pleasant thought. “Lust, Envy, Sloth, Gluttony, Pride, Wrath and Greed.” I muttered.

“If all seven of them get together in the same place…” Ruthie whistled. “Chaos, think about it like a frat party gone nuclear.”

I didn’t want to think about it, I was still trying to wrap my head around everything. “So how do we stop them?”

“We fight against them.” She said easily.

  

A.L. Kessler is the author of the Amazon Best Selling series Here Witchy Witchy. She’s a member of the Pikes Peak Writers and Midnight Writers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her newest book

Just a Little Death is her newest release. Her coffee and chocolate addiction get her through her busy life of being a mom, wife, student, and author. You can find out more about her at www.amylkessler.com

Links:

Website: www.amylkessler.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alkesslerauthor

Deathly Magic by A. L. Kessler

Title- Deathly Magic Author- A.L. Kessler Release Date- 2-15-2016 Buy Link- Amazon

 

  Zombies... When Abigail Collins heard Nick’s theory on their current case, she knew he had to be crazy, but when a zombie shows up in her apartment she has no choice but to believe him. A renegade necromancer bent on manipulating witches and murdering innocent people runs amok in town and Abby and Nick have to stop them before more bodies pile up. Further complicating matters two PIB agents step onto the scene, claiming a link between their case and Abby’s. To top it all off, blood starved vampires are causing chaos in the city. It’s just another day for PIB Agent Abigail

 Collins, full of blood, monsters, and explosions.

 

 

"Abby?" I heard Nick's voice. I turned to find him standing behind me, also drenched from the rain. "Yeah, what are you doing here? I thought you lived on the other end of town?" "I was out and realized I needed to grab something before heading home." He shrugged. "What about you?" I took the hood of my jacket off. "Apparently I'm taking care of a lost cat until I can find the owner." His eyes widened. "A cat?" "Yes, a Sphinx. You know, a naked one." His eyes got bigger and I laughed. "He was outside in the rain, I wasn't going to leave him there." "Maybe he's your familiar." He said, "But just be cautious." I raised a brow. "He's safe and means no harm." "How do you know that?" "Because I made sure to put up a protection spell on my house last year after the Cult waltzed right in, oh and after Michelle waltzed in too. I decided it was the best type of defense." He pressed his lips together and gave me a disapproving gaze. "You never told me the Cult paid you a personal visit." Aw crap, I'd screwed up. "It doesn't matter. It wasn't any of your business anyways. The point is that they backed off." "You're just a magnet for trouble, Abigail." We walked further into the store and I had no idea why he was staying next to me, but I let it go. "Don't I know it?" I laughed. "You've gotten the mild end of it. Just wait, if Boss Man makes you shadow me much longer you could start to see the really weird shit." "For our sake, I hope we only have to partner until the end of this case. Because it's only a matter of time until your bad luck starts to rub off on me." A shriek came through the nearly empty store. Nick and I both cursed and headed towards the sound. People were running the other direction, one screamed 'vampire' as they passed us. Well, crap. Nick and I drew our guns and continued to where the people were running from. Sure enough, a vampire stood there with his lips sealed to the woman's neck. His red gaze flickered to me. "He's blood starved." I told Nick and we both moved closer. We took aim. "Let the woman go." I didn't have to technically warn the vampire, but I wanted to give him a chance. Reasoning with a blood starved vampire was kind of like reasoning with a toddler, they may not realize what they are doing is wrong and need to be told to stop. He ignored me and went back to the woman. His blond hair fell in front of his eyes and he started to turn. I didn't hesitate. I shot his leg. I couldn't shoot him in the head without risking the woman, so the leg was going to have to do. He snarled and threw the lady away. Nick went to her without me having to prompt him. The vampire turned his gaze to me and rushed me. The problem with vampires was that they moved fast. Inhumanly so. I took two more shots in hopes of slowing him down, but I ended up pinned to the floor. He bared his fangs at me. I didn't have any desire to be a meal. I brought my hand up and slammed the butt of my gun into his temple. He reared back and I scurried away and shot the moment I could. Blood and vampire brains exploded all over the floor and me. The body fell and I wiped the blood off my face and stood. "What the fuck." "Don't put your gun away Abby." Nick called. "Two more!" Seriously, two more? What the hell was going on tonight? Buy two get one free on blood-starved vampires?

A.L. Kessler is the author of Dark War Chronicles and Here Witchy Witchy Series. She dabbles in paranormal romance, steampunk and urban fantasy. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, three black cats by the names of Jynx, Jiji and Sophie, training a playful puppy named Zelda, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles. For those who like things on the more spicy side, she leads a double life as Alexandra Webb. Links Fan Page Series Page Author Profile You can also find and follow her here: Goodreads Amazon Twitter Pinterest  

COVER REVEAL! Deathly Magic by A.L. Kessler

Title- Deathly Magic (Book 2 Here Witchy Witchy Series) 

Author- A.L. Kessler 

Release Date- February 15th 2016 

Synopsis Zombies... When Abigail Collins heard Nick’s theory on their current case, she knew he had to be crazy, but when a zombie shows up in her apartment she has no choice but to believe him. A renegade necromancer bent on manipulating witches and murdering innocent people runs amok in town and Abby and Nick have to stop them before more bodies pile up. Further complicating matters two PIB agents step onto the scene, claiming a link between their case and Abby’s. To top it all off, blood starved vampires are causing chaos in the city. It’s just another day for PIB Agent Abigail Collins, full of blood, monsters, and explosions. 

About the Author 

A.L. Kessler is the author of Dark War Chronicles. She dabbles in paranormal romance, steampunk and urban fantasy. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, two black cats by the names of Jynx and Sophie, training a playful puppy named Zelda, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles. For those who like things on the more spicy side, she leads a double life as Alexandra Webb.

Sunday Review: No More Black Magic by A.L. Kessler

Title: No More Black Magic
Author: A. L. Kessler
Source: Purchased on Amazon
Purchase Link: AMAZON

Blurb

Explosions, body parts, and black magic are all part of Abby Collins’ typical day. As the top Paranormal Investigation Bureau agent, she only gets the best cases, but when the Cult of Ra comes to play she might be in over her head. Finding a murderer while up against a hex, an overprotective coven, and a stubborn werewolf reminds her that nothing in the paranormal world is easy. As the death toll rises and a decades old crime, linked to Abby, is uncovered, disturbing information is brought to light. Abby must unlock an ancient language steeped in black magic to uncover the truth before the murderer comes for her.


Review


Do you know that feeling when you have an author that writes a series that you totally love and they come up with something new and you're scared about not liking it? That's exactly the feeling I had when Ms Kessler told me about her new series. Of course I wanted to support her. I love her DWC series and when you love an author you support them.

So I got No More Black Magic.

I am happy to report that I was very much captivated by the first chapter with this novel. It had a very Kim Harrison feel with better character development.

The different players in this world each were easy to see in my mind as the story unfolded. I really enjoyed the drama and the push and pull of Abby and the PIB mixed in with the Vampire and Wolves.

A.L. did a fantastic job building a world from scratch and I really cannot wait for the next novel.

With all of the reviews I have been doing this year I really had begun to become burned out with indie novels because it seemed each one I had been given to review dragged on, wasn't edited or just wasn't captivating me. And then this gem popped up.

Thank god for Abby and her crazy and wild life!!

This was a 5 star wonder because a wonderful story like this deserves as many stars as I can give.

Sunday Review: Past Demons by A. L. Kessler

Title Past Demons
Author A.L. Kessler
Source This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Lin ks Amazon

Blurb

With her freedom stolen from her by the Father, Tegan had never lived a life of her own. Whisked away to be a bound human to Lucius, she never knew what it was like to have a mate to love and cherish her. Now after losing three hundred years of memories, Tegan needs to rediscover everything she’s worked for and learn every lesson again, but this time something is different. Kaden claims that he is her fated mate.

The reason for Kaden’s exile from the Demon world is no secret: he beheaded his own king. The one thing that makes his exile bearable is being close to Tegan. When Tegan returns he knows he finally has his chance to make her his, but two people stand in his way: Lucius and Tegan’s brother, Zaaren.

The war rages on. With the rumor that someone has raised the Father and the Originals showing signs of waking, the bloodshed will only get worse.

Review
Let me start off this review saying this author is on a Time-Out! I cannot believe she ended the book like she did! Yeah - isn't it a 'horrible' feeling when the book ends and y ou want to scream at the person who wrote it saying "WHYYYYYY!!!!"

Haha -yeah this book evoked a lot of emotion out of me the last third of it.

Okay, where to begin for real ... lets see ... First off it was great learning more about Tegan, her brother and The Father. I loved how they all interacted together and how you got to really see why the characters do the things they do in modern day.

I was very disappointed it ended on this cliff hanger. And I am even more mad that I have to wait to find out what happens ... All I am gonna say is DAMN THAT CAEL!!!

Anyway - This is the forth book in the series. I know the last book I said I can tell how much the author has improved over the course of her writing but each book just keeps getting better. The story lines are deeper and the characters are more rich.

I highly suggest this series to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance.

I give this a 5 star rating because any book that makes me want to stop speaking to the author out of anger due to emotional overload deserves top marks!

Sunday Review: Black and White Desires by Alexandra Webb

Title BLACK AND WHITE DESIRES
Author ALEXANDRA WEBB
Source Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link: AMAZON 

Blurb

Erika’s world is turned upside down when she agrees to a photography job for Landon, a sexy archeologist with a passion for control. When he hires her for a shoot of a different nature, a BDSM demonstration on submission, Landon takes her into a lifestyle that has only been a curiosity for her. She must learn to let go of her control to follow her desire to submit. Can Erika come to terms with what she needs from Landon and learn to give up the control she clings to? 

****Warning: Contains BDSM Elements*****

Review

This book was very powerful to me. It pulled out a LOT of emotion that I never would have thought I would feel just from reading a book. And it wasn't the kind of emotion you would really expect. It's hard to explain so bare with me.

 The plot was solid for the most part. I sort of felt like Landon pushed himself on Erika a bit too quickly but that was his personality so it was forgivable for the story. Erika ... I just ... am not sure about her. When I read I always try and put myself in the main character's point of view to help me feel their emotions. I just couldn't with Erika. And not because the story was bad or anything but because I learned that this lifestyle is no way in any shape or form for me.

I think that's what my review of this is going to be about. How this book made me feel.

I am trying to remember the last true BDSM book that I have read. Not one with half-assing life style's like the 50 shades crap. Or just kinky sex, which with the BDSM is part of it. But a book with the true mental thoughts and actions of a submissive. And I can't remember any being like this.

This book won't be on my list of "favorites" because I am very much not okay with the "submissive" mind set and it really angered me a lot of the ways throughout the book how Landon and Erika were. But that being said ... all of the emotions that continued to come out inside me kept me wanting to read the book. Each page flew by.

If I take out  my lack of enjoyment for the submissive lifestyle and look at this book for what it is, a first person novel about a woman and a man learning to love each other, then I have to say it was a very good book. It just taught me that BDSM is more than kinky sex. It's a way of life. It's a mindset. It's not for me. But that doesn't mean it isn't for you...if this book had been in Landon's point of view maybe I would feel differently. Actually I am sure I would.

Overall I'm giving this 4.5 Stars. I really REALLY think everyone who is curious about BDSM should read it. It will show you that this '50 Shades of Grey' series isn't anything like what the reality of this lifestyle can be. That was child's play, this is reality.

Sunday Review: Michael's Journey by Sherrie Henry

Title Michael's Journey

Author Sherrie Henry

Buy Links Smashwords Amazon

Source: I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review

Blurb: 

Michaelia's wish was long ago fulfilled. Michael did his job and should be moving on, but he can't. He breaks all the rules to be with her, but what will happen when he is found out? "Michael's Journey" is the second in "The Guardian's Series" and is a direct sequel to "Twenty-Four Hours."

Review:

This is the sequel to Twenty-Four Hours written by Ms. Henry. I loved the character Michael in the first short story and this time around I still loved him. All he cared about was Michaelia's happiness. Such a sweet and touching man he is. 

Sometimes I wanted to knock Michaelia around a few times, and tell her to WAKE UP WOMAN!

Luckily the woman woke up and didn't play crazy for too long. Cause I wasn't havin that!

As always I find Sherrie's writing an ease to read and a delight.

I enjoyed this story, as it kept me smiling. It is a quick read, one that would be good for let's say a lunch break in the middle of a hectic day, when you just need to smile.

If you want to check out my review of Twenty-Four Hours click Here.

Overall - 4 Stars for Michael's Journey!

Also by Sherrie ... A Wolf's Bane

Teaser Tuesday: The Therian Secrets Series by Johanna Rae

THERIAN SECRETS – Johanna Rae
What if life as you know it, was a lie? Redcliffe hides a secret, not all its residents are human.
To police this community, thriving beneath the public eye, a parallel justice system exists. Not only that, but it’s globally recognized. International Shifter Information and Control, or ISIC as it is more commonly known, helps protect the rights of both the civilians (their own kind) and the innocents (humans). It’s their job to keep the truth from the human population and ensure a peaceful cohabitation. That isn’t always easy with two types of shifters, Lycans and Therians, who don’t always get along.
Danny Archer, Captain of Redcliffe’s Urewera Unit, is charged with that responsibility. He and his team of Special Forces agents work around the clock to deal with all the problems and chaos which continue to unfold despite their best efforts. You see, ISIC has only been in NZ for eight years and many shifters and rogues still believe it to be a place to escape the law or hide from their own clans. This is further complicated when some of these agents fall in love. The ISIC agent’s life is hard enough without adding romance to the equation. Welcome to Redcliffe, a world the wildlife channels DIDN’T prepare you for.
 

The Mercenary
BOOK ONE


When twenty-three-year-old Jodie Fletcher realizes shape-shifters are real—and that they’re trying to kill her—she finds herself thrust into a life of danger and unimaginable intrigue. With both parents away, and her newly-single alcoholic brother Luke camped in the spare bedroom, Jodie feels like she’s drowning in a world she doesn’t understand. The only thing she can count on is the leopard who has taken it upon himself to protect her. She cannot ignore the raw emotion he awakens in her and longs for more. The leopard becomes not only her savior, but her escape.

Mysterious and unpredictable, leopard shifter Danny Archer hides behind his dimpled smile and pretty boy façade. What’s more, he has a second job the human population doesn’t know about—the one that leads him to Jodie and Luke. Archer feels an instant connection with Jodie, and must find a way to balance his volatile lifestyle to include her.

Luke Fletcher became an alcoholic long before his wife left him. Now he faces the brutal reality that the past has caught up with him. He made a series of bad choices while under the influence, which have placed his sister and his two young daughters in danger. Luke must try to find the man he used to be in order to survive the chaos he’s inflicted. He knows he won’t be able to live with himself if anything happens to his family.

BOOK TRAILER - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQaeR_kosjQ
BUY LINK - AMAZON

 
The Fury
BOOK TWO

Luke Fletcher had finally moved past his alcoholism and marriage breakup when the past caught up with him. Abducted by a clan of Lycans, he woke chained to a cell wall. How long will it take before someone finds him? Will he survive the ordeal and more importantly, retain his sanity?

Jodie Fletcher is under house arrest and not even in her own home. Her boyfriend Danny Archer has become more than protective since Luke disappeared. Working for International Shifter Information and Control, or ISIC, Archer is head of the Urewera Unit in Redcliffe.

Trained and employed to maintain the shifter justice system in a world where humans are oblivious, is no easy task. Now his connection with the local shifters has crossed paths with Luke’s past, Archer is caught between keeping Jodie safe and finding her brother.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There is conflict within the Unit. A group of men closer than family are suddenly at odds, distanced from their duty as ISIC agents. Rufus discovers he may have missed the chance to be with the woman he loves. Eddie reveals his animal side to girlfriend Ainsley for the first time; can she accept his second form?

The turmoil surrounding Jodie leaves her nowhere to hide. The clan of were-boars who took Luke, grow bolder by the day. This escalation of tension has to end, but who will emerge victorious?

BOOK TRAILER - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boFbgiTx08w
BUY LINK - AMAZON


The Butcher
BOOK THREE

Polar bear Therian, Rufus Ramanui, is one of Redcliffe’s most dangerous ISIC agents. He swore an oath to protect the innocent and serve the greater good. Now, he wants to retrain as a Phoniás – an assassin – believing it necessary to help his comrades in the ongoing conflict with the Lycans.

The only problem with that plan, is pretty bartender, Summer Matthews. She and Rufus have definite chemistry, but she’s currently dating someone else. Will it be too late to win her heart by the time he returns home?

Siblings, Jodie and Luke Fletcher, also intend to train as agents. With Rufus and the two Fletchers out of the country, Danny Archer, Captain of Redcliffe’s Urewera Unit, will have his hands full. Already Rufus’ boss, and Jodie’s boyfriend, Danny has a lot invested in their success. When things start to get complicated, both at the academy, and back in Redcliffe, will Danny be able to spread himself thin enough to avoid disaster?
BOOK TRAILER – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJXz6GKZ4LI
BUY LINK - AMAZON



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Johanna Rae is a former fashion designer and married mother of three. She has always had a passion for writing, even at a very young age. When she was five years old, her teacher asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. The answer was: A writer and an artist. It is safe to say that she hasn't deviated far from that mindset. Johanna lives near Hamilton, New Zealand. She shares her rural property and gorgeous outlook, with her family, cats, cows, chickens and several crazy goats.



Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johannamrae
Website – https://johannamrae.weebly.com
Blog – https://johannamrae.blogspot.co.nz
Goodreads –
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5200713.Johanna_Rae
Twitter - @JohannaMRae




Everything you thought you knew about the world is a thinly veiled façade. Shapeshifters exist and live amongst the humans, a double life filled with danger and intrigue.