Book Review (415): Wickedly Wonderful (Baba Yaga #2) - Deborah Blake

Wickedly Wonderful (Baba Yaga #2)

by Deborah Blake

Publication: 2nd December 2014

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 352

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon + Barnes & Noble

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Though she looks like a typical California surfer girl, Beka Yancy is in fact a powerful yet inexperienced witch who’s struggling with her duties as a Baba Yaga. Luckily she has her faithful dragon-turned-dog for moral support, especially when faced with her biggest job yet…

A mysterious toxin is driving the Selkie and Mer from their homes deep in the trenches of Monterey Bay. To investigate, Beka buys her way onto the boat of Marcus Dermott, a battle-scarred former U.S. Marine, and his ailing fisherman father.

While diving for clues, Beka drives Marcus crazy with her flaky New Age ideas and dazzling blue eyes. She thinks he’s rigid and cranky (and way too attractive). Meanwhile, a charming Selkie prince has plans that include Beka. Only by trusting her powers can Beka save the underwater races, pick the right man, and choose the path she’ll follow for the rest of her life…

My Thoughts.

Wickedly Wonderful is the second book in an Urban Fantasy series, based on the Russian folklore of Baba Yaga, a Witch who travels around in her magically disguised home, and their Chudo- Yudo's which are Dragons disguised in the form of a dog.

Beka and her two sister Baba Yaga's are in charge of the United States, Beka is approached by the King of the Selkies and the Queen of the Merpeople after they are forced from their underwater home when their people become extremely ill from unknown toxins, they ask for Beka's help in identifying the problem and it's cause and fixing it.

Aiding her is Marcus a former Marine and his Father who owns a fishing boat and agree to take Beka out diving old shipwrecks unknown to them what she's really doing.

From their very first meeting Beka and Marcus butt heads denying their attraction for one another, when she meets Kesh the Selkie Prince he seems to pursue Beka unbeknownst to her of his nefarious plans towards her, with her mind undecided about whether she wants to continue on being a Baba Yaga or not.

With a story full of action, adventure, magic and romance this a great instalment to this series.

An original concept that will keep you intrigued.

I give this 3/5 stars.

Author of seven non-fiction books from Llewellyn. Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice (2007), Everyday Witch A to Z (2008), The Goddess is in the Details (2009), Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook (2010) Witchcraft on a Shoestring (2010), Everyday Witch Book of Rituals, and The Witch's Broom. I am also the author of the Baba Yaga series from Berkley Romance, including Wickedly Magical (novella), Wickedly Dangerous, and Wickedly Wonderful.

I live in a 120 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with five cats, and run an artists' cooperative shop when I'm not writing.

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Book Review (414): Hansel & Gretel - Neil Gaiman

Hansel and Gretel

by Neil Gaiman, Lorenzo Mattotti

Publication: 11th December 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 56
Genre: Fantasy/Fairytale
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Buy It:  Book Depository + Amazon + Barnes & Noble
The enduring story of the children, the breadcrumb trail and the gingerbread house is brought to life by master storyteller, Neil Gaiman. Who better to retell the Brothers Grimm's greatest, and perhaps darkest, fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel? Coupled with breathtakingly haunting illustrations from Lorenzo Mattotti, you will be enticed into the world and into the woods . . . so beware.

My Thoughts.

While this was a very short book I still found it extremely enjoyable.

It's been many years since I've read the Hansel and Gretel fairytale, but I did notice a few subtle differences here and there.

With black and white illustrations throughout this book it's gorgeously packaged inside and out.

A dark and creepy fairytale that comes through in not only the writing but also the pictures.

While this was the first book of Neil Gaiman's I've ever read I'm intrigued enough to pick up some of his other books and give them a go.

But for fans of Neil definitely add this to your tbr pile you won't be disappointed.

I give this 4/5 stars.

Beginnings
Neil Gaiman was born in Hampshire, UK, and now lives in the United States near Minneapolis.  As a child he discovered his love of books, reading, and stories, devouring the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, James Branch Cabell, Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Moorcock, Ursula K. LeGuin, Gene Wolfe, and G.K. Chesterton.  A self-described “feral child who was raised in libraries,” Gaiman credits librarians with fostering a life-long love of reading: “I wouldn't be who I am without libraries. I was the sort of kid who devoured books, and my happiest times as a boy were when I persuaded my parents to drop me off in the local library on their way to work, and I spent the day there. I discovered that librarians actually want to help you: they taught me about interlibrary loans.”

Early Writing Career
Gaiman began his writing career in England as a journalist.  His first book was a Duran Duran biography that took him three months to write, and his second was a biography of Douglas Adams, ‘Don’t Panic: The Official Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion.’  Gaiman describes his early writing:  “I was very, very good at taking a voice that already existed and parodying or pastiching it.”‘Violent Cases’ was the first of many collaborations with artist Dave McKean.  This early graphic novel led to their series ‘Black Orchid,’ published by DC Comics.  

The groundbreaking series ‘Sandman’ followed, collecting a large number of US awards in its 75 issue run, including nine Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards and three Harvey Awards.  In 1991, ‘Sandman’ became the first comic ever to receive a literary award, the 1991 World Fantasy Award for Best Short Story.

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Book Review (413): Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1) - Monica Murphy

Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)

by Monica Murphy

Publication: 2nd December 2014

Publisher: Bantam

Pages: 400

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon | B&N 

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.

I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

My Thoughts

Steamy, sizzling, red hot and sure to set the pages on fire this book is full of passion, hot love scenes and the gorgeous Ryder McKay.

Violet Fowler is the dutiful middle sister, straight-laced and committed to her job at family firm Fleur Cosmetics, and dating Zachary a serial cheater, when he announces that he is being sent to London for work, Ryder McKay had an extremely terrible upbringing, Pilar turned him into the man he is today, both Fleur employees Ryder is determined to become something and he wants the job that Zachary is being sent to London for, so he hatches a plan with Pilar to use Violet to get what he wants, whar Ryder doesn't plan on is falling for Violet, but when Pilar and her scheming get out of hand what will happen when Violet discovers the truth about Ryder just when she realises her feelings towards him.

I enjoyed reading the dual povs, reading from both Violet and Ryder's perspectives helped to understand the characters Ryder especially, and while at first his callousness makes it hard to find him likeable, I soon found myself warming up to him and his emerging feelings for Violet.

This is the first book I've ever read of Monica's and it certainly won't be the last, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more.

Extremely enjoyable I can't wait for the next book, Monica has found herself a new fan.

I give this 5/5 stars.

About Monica Murphy

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of new adult contemporary romance. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

I also write romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

I’m a wife, a mom and I live in California.

Check out my Facebook page for info & updates

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Book Review (412): The Terminals - Royce Scott Buckingham

The Terminals

by Royce Buckingham

Publication: 14th October 2014

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Pages: 288

Genre: Thriller

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Buy It:  Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Books-a-Million    iBooks    Indiebound   Powell’s Bookstore   Village Books

The riveting story of a covert team of young, terminally ill teens who spend their last year alive running dangerous missions as super-spies for an organization that may not be all it seems.

When 19 year-old Cam Cody is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he expects to spend the rest of his shortened life in an adjustable bed. Then one night, a mysterious man offers Cam one chance to join a covert unit of young “terminals.” They are like him, only they spend the last year of their lives executing exciting and dangerous missions to make the world a better place.

With nothing to lose, Cam is in.

A helicopter flies Cam to a secret tropical location, where he’s tossed out with a parachute and an instruction manual. After a rough landing, he meets his nine teammates. The other terminals don’t seem sick; Zara is beautiful, Donnie is an amazing athlete, and Calliope sings like a bird. He soon learns that they’re enhanced with an experimental super steroid TS-8, which suppresses their illnesses’ symptoms and heightens their physical and mental abilities. It’s also fatal if taken for more than a year.

Cam joins this extreme spy team, and they begin pulling dangerous operations in multiple countries. As his teammates fall around him, he starts to receive cryptic messages from a haggard survivor of last year’s class hiding in the forest. She reveals that the program isn’t what it seems, leading Cam to question whether any of them are really sick at all. 

My Thoughts.

The Terminals is an action packed, pulse-pounding young adult thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until you reach the very end.

Nineteen year old Cam is told that he has an inoperable brain tumor and has a life expectancy of about a year left to live, when he is approached by a stranger to spend the last year of his life training to spy and undertake missions to save innocent people he jumps at the chance, wanting to know that he spent the time he has left doing something worthwhile.

When he arrives at base he meets the other nine teens on his team, all around the same age, all with the same brain tumor, but these nine are also taking a drug TS-9 which enhances their natural abilities, once training is over the missions begin and it's not long before Cam's teammates start dropping like flies, when a survivor from  the previous year's team Siena who has been hiding in the forest all this time explains what happened to her and what's really going on with the program, will Cam find a way to escape before he finds himself dead just like his teammates?

The ending was left open ended which I don't mind if I know that there will be another book but so far I've seen nothing to suggest that there is going to be a sequel.

This was such a great book, I finished it in one sitting, it was very enjoyable.

I give this 4/5 stars.

Royce Buckingham is an American fantasy writer with an English degree from Whitman College and a Law degree from the University of Oregon. In 2006, Royce sold his first novel, the middle grade fantasy DEMONKEEPER, to Penguin, Putnam. His screenplay for DEMONKEEPER then sold to 20th Century Fox.

In his debut, Royce made reading lists, garnered good reviews, and hit the bestseller list overseas in Germany. DEMONKEEPER (DAMLICHE DAMONEN) sold over 100,000 copies for Random House, Penhaligon, who then commissioned a trilogy.

In the meantime, Royce wrote two more middle grade novels for Putnam—GOBLINS, and his ghost story, THE DEAD BOYS, which was a Junior Library Guild selection. THE DEAD BOYS won the 2014 Washington State Sasquatch Book Award and has been a nominee for state reading lists in Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Hampshire.

Royce’s next two U.S. books are with Saint Martin’s Press – a YA thriller, the Terminals, which will be released October 2014, and a legal thriller – due out in 2015.

He is currently writing the third installment of his bestseller Die Karte Der Welt (Mapper) for Random House (Penhaligon) in Germany, his first medieval series.

In addition to writing books, Royce works as a prosecuting attorney. Royce is represented by Baror International and lives with his family in Bellingham, Washington.

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Book Review (411): Burn For Me (Hidden Legacy # 1) - Ilona Andrews

Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy #1)

by Ilona Andrews

Publication: 28th October 2014

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 382

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: AmazonBNKoboAREBook DepositoryGoogle

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

My Thoughts.

This is the very first Ilona Andrews (husband/wife team) book that I've ever read, and I don't know why I waited this long, I looooooved this book so much, full of magic, action, witty repertoire, sizzling chemistry and of course the incomparable Connor 'Mad' Rogan.

Nevada Baylor works as a private investigator, after she is threatened with having her business taken away and her family being left homeless she agrees to the case even though the chances are that she won't survive it, in this world people have magical powers and she has been sent after Adam Pierce, a Prime who are the strongest magic users there are, his power is fire and he's extremely dangerous not caring if he hurts or kills anybody, whilst trying to convince Adam to turn himself in to his family she is kidnapped by Mad Rogan who ended up with the moniker for a very good reason, another Prime he is very powerful and against her better judgement Nevada agrees to team up with him and help stop Adam and his nefarious plans.

The main reason I adored this book so much was the interaction between Nevada and Mad, the dialogue between these two was hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit, add to that the attraction and sexual tension between these two and it was extremely hard to get myself to put this book down.

Another thing I loved is the fact that although this is an adult urban fantasy there was no sex in this book which we don't see much these days, although there were a couple of steamy kisses, the reason I loved it is because it just prolongs the tension and makes for an interesting storyline, drawing it out so the readers have something to eagerly await.

The concept of this story was so good, I enjoyed that magic was the main aspect.

I cannot wait for the next book, I need some more Mad Rogan, I commend the authors for creating such a fantastic character, I can see myself becoming quite addicted to this series, it was just incredibly written and awesome all around.

I can't recommend this highly enough, a great start to what appears to be an incredible series.

I give 5/5 stars.

Authors – Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. author2smIlona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)

Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children, and many dogs and cats. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.

Book Review (410): Christmas At Tiffany's - Karen Swan

Christmas at Tiffany's

by Karen Swan

Publication: 28th October 2014

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Pages: 592

Genre: Chick-Lit

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon ☀ B&N ☀ Book Depository ☀ Goodreads

What do you do when the man you pledged your life to breaks your heart and shatters your dreams? You pack your bags and travel the big, wide world to find your destiny--and your true love . . .

Ten years ago, a young and naive Cassie married her first serious boyfriend, believing he would be with her forever. Now her marriage is in tatters and Cassie has no career or home of her own. Though she feels betrayed and confused, Cassie isn't giving up. She's going to take control of her life. But first she has to find out where she belongs . . . and who she wants to be.

Over the course of one year, Cassie leaves her sheltered life in rural Scotland to stay with her best friends living in the most glamorous cities in the world: New York, Paris, and London. Exchanging comfort food and mousy hair for a low-carb diet and a gorgeous new look, Cassie tries each city on for size as she searches for the life she's meant to have . . . and the man she's meant to love.

My Thoughts.

One of the best surprises as a reader is when you pick a book up thinking this'll be alright, not expecting to be blown away by how fantastic it ends up being, and that's just what Karen has done here, truth be told I was expecting a fluffy and typical chick-lit story instead I got so much more, once I started this book it was so hard to put it down again.

On the night of her tenth wedding anniversary Cassie discovers that not only has her husband been cheating on her with one of her best-friends but they also have a three year old son, devastated she makes a plan with her three childhood best-friends to spend four months with each of them, Kelly in New York, Anouk in Paris and Suzy in London, along the way Cassie finds heartbreak, happiness and love as she discovers herself and the person she's meant to be, with a cast of characters that are entertaining and uniquely different from each other and the landscapes of three big cities around the world as this stories backdrop.

With vivid descriptions, a great storyline and in Cassie a heroine that I can surely relate to, this book will keep you entertained and completely absorbed as Cassie finds herself in the experiences she has throughout.

I will be sure to pick up any other Karen Swan books that I come across, and keep an eye out for further releases.

A great Christmas read, I definitely recommend this one.

I give this 4/5 stars.

About Karen Swan

Karen Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and an ADHD puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her first novel, Players, was published in 2010, followed by Prima Donna and Christmas at Tiffany’s in 2011.

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Book Review (409): Sunflower Lane (Lonesome Way #4) - Jill Gregory

Sunflower Lane (Lonesome Way #4)

by Jill Gregory

Publication: 4th November 2014

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 304

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon + Barnes & Noble + The Book Depository

A heartwarming new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jill Gregory about taking a chance on passion, trust, love—and finally healing the past…

For Annabelle Harper, summer in her hometown of Lonesome Way, Montana, means a chance to make a home for her orphaned young nieces and nephew. It’s also a chance to find a new direction for her life—one that doesn’t include romance. So when rugged Wes McPhee shows up back in town, she has every reason to keep him at a distance…

Even unhappy memories can’t keep Wes from returning to Lonesome Way to help his grandmother recover from an injury. And his fear of commitment isn’t enough to make him resist the tantalizing heat that he feels whenever he’s near Annabelle. But can a wandering man like Wes ever settle down? When an old enemy comes to Lonesome Way, and their dreams of love are threatened, Wes and Annabelle must fight for the future.

My Thoughts.

Sunflower Lane is the fourth book in the Lonesome Way series.

This year is when I discovered my love for small town contemporary romance books, series especially, there's nothing like picking up a first book in a series and becoming absorbed in the lives and loves of small town life, and eagerly awaiting each new release.

Based in Lonesome Way, Montana a different couple is at the heart of each book, but as with all romances the journey to happily ever after is never a smooth one as problems and obstacles must be overcome before they can start their lives together.

Wes McPhee left Lonesome Way at eighteen, determined never to return after having one too many fights and arguments with his Dad vowing to never speak with him again, years later his Dad is dead and Wes returns when his Gran injures herself, not planning on staying past the Fourth of July, he rents a rundown, ramshackle cabin from Annabelle Harper who has become guardian to her orphaned nieces and nephew, sparks fly between the two but with Wes determined to leave will this romance be over before it's begun?

With a cavalcade of appearances from past couples and even some new characters there's something here for everyone.

A fantastic series full of warmth, love, laughter and heartwarming stories that will leave you with a smile in your face.

I look forward to the next book and the next couple to fall in love with.

An extremely enjoyable series by an author that knows how to write a good romance.

I give this 4/5 stars,

Jill Gregory is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than thirty five historical and contemporary novels and has been honored with the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as with back-to-back Reviewer’s Choice awards for Best Western Historical Romance. Her books have been published in more than twenty-four countries. Her contemporary novel SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE, co-written with Karen Tintori, was adapted into a CBS TV movie of the week and was excerpted in Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Jill’s most recent series is her contemporary Lonesome Way book series (SAGE CREEK, LARKSPUR ROAD, BLACKBIRD LAKE, SUNFLOWER LANE), set in Montana and published by Berkley Sensation.
Jill grew up in Chicago and received her bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Illinois. An animal lover, Jill loves long walks, reading, hot tea on a winter’s day, and the company of friends. She lives in Michigan with her husband, and enjoys her home overlooking the woods where the deer, rabbits, squirrels, and an occasional owl or hawk come out to play.
I love hearing from my readers and they can email me at JillyGreg@aol.com, or find me on Facebook, Twitter (@Jill_Gregory), and Pinterest. To see my latest news, readers can get the scoop at my website, www.jillgregory.net