Review: Howling For You by Chloe Neill

Title: Howling For You
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 8.5
Author: Chloe Neill
Publisher: New American Library (NAL)
Length: Approx. 88 Pages
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Available Format: Kindle Edition, eBook
Source: Bought
My Rating: ★★★½☆☆
Get it @: Amazon | Goodreads

Book Description:

Jeff Christopher is a shapeshifter and ally of Chicago’s Cadogan House of vampires—he’s also a tech whiz and mostly-legal hacker. And the only protective shields he’s never been able to find a way around are those of the powerful Keene Family.

For a long time, Jeff has only had eyes for the beautiful Fallon Keene. Unfortunately, she is the only sister of the lethal North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene. The intricate balances of power and politics make it all but impossible for Fallon to trust her feelings.

But fate takes a hand when the Pack’s totem is stolen—threatening the Keene family’s rule—and Fallon enlists Jeff’s help to retrieve it before the Pack is thrown into chaos. Can she and Jeff find the totem, and restore order, before it’s too late? And will Jeff finally be able to prove himself to the only person he truly loves?

First off, the short story comes with a two-chapter preview of the next Chicagoland Vampires, Wild Things, which comes out on February 4, 2014. Honestly, I love that sneak peak, I can't wait to read another Merrit and Ethan story.

Now the review...

I have mix feelings about this short story. On one side I love the chance to learn more about the shifters in the Chicagoland Vampire series, on the other I had a small problem with part of the resolution.

In the end I liked the story, I wish it was longer. Is very sweet and straight to the point. I'm curious to see how this particular plot line develops in the next books on the series.

MAJOR SPOILER COMING, READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. 

You've been officially warned. 

Review: Steel and Lace by Adriane Leigh

Title: Steel and Lace
Series: Lace, Book 1
Author: Adriane Leigh
Publisher: Self-Published
Length: 40 Pages Approx.
Publication Date: December 16, 2012
Available Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Free Download [ETA: no longer for free; currently at 0.99¢ (checked on Feb 8, 2013)]
My Rating: ★★☆☆☆ 
Get it @: Amazon | Goodreads

Book Description:

Enigmatic and sexy, Carter Morgan is a wealthy CEO and playboy who keeps a model on his arm and the walls around his heart high. His dangerous good looks and seductive charm gets him whatever he wants— whenever he wants it. That is until he meets Eva. When Carter locks eyes with smart and spirited fashion editor Eva Austin, sparks fly and worlds collide. He's drawn to her quiet beauty and independent spirit, and she can't deny the overwhelming affect he has on her. Her every instinct tells her to run, but he won't take no for an answer. They embark on a passionately physical affair and discover that learning to love won't be easy. This novella is intended for mature audiences. Approx. 12,000 words.

Downloaded this book for free today at Amazon. Is a very short, erotica novelette that features a young, billionaire business man and a 26-year-old online, fashion magazine editor. They have enough chemistry with one another capable of scorching the entire New York City in one single sweep. I like the actual plot of the story, unfortunately is too short and rushed that there is no time for the characters to develop and in the end I really couldn't care much for them. Also, I don’t look at grammar when I’m reading for pleasure, but sometimes some errors just jump off the page. For example, right at the beginning of the story [the emphasis is mine]:

Review: Bewitching the Werewolf

Title: Bewitching the Werewolf
Author: Caroline Hanson
Publisher: Host of the Hills
Length: 62 Pages Aprox.
Publication Date: September 25, 2011
Available Format: Kindle Edition, eBook.
Source: Free Download @ Amazon
My Rating: ★★★☆☆
Get it @: Amazon | Goodreads

Book Description:

When witch for hire, Megan Stephens, is assigned to help the local werewolf pack leader find a mate, she thinks the job will be easy. Get in, get it up and get gone. But when she meets Zack Connor, she realizes her future might have a lot more dog jokes in it than she ever imagined.

I bought this book on a whim because I wanted to read something new, but had no idea what. So I went into check Amazon and stumble upon this baby. I'll admit it, the cover was the reason I got the book, that and the fact that it's a short.

Turns out that it's a really fun and quick story with lot's of witty lines that had me smiling through the whole thing. Short enough that it can be read in minutes, a little rushed, yet satisfying for such a short story. I'm looking forward to read more about this author.

Best part is that so far it's still FREE at Amazon; click on the corresponding link above to check it out. It includes an excerpt for Love is Darkness, the first book in the Valery Dearborn trilogy.

Quotes (said by Megan):

"Fortunately, I’m the best Wiccan in a two state area. So my personality literally can’t get me fired. (Kindle Locations 43-44)." 

"...endless windows giving the impression of being outside. It was exactly how I liked nature— air conditioned and bug free. (Kindle Locations 58-59)."

Review: Quidditch through the Ages

Title: Quidditch through the Ages
Series: Harry Potter Companions Book, 2
Author: Kennilworthy Whisp (J.K. Rowling)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Length: 56 pages
Publication Date: September, 2001
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback
Source: Borrowed
My Rating: ★★★★★
Get it @: Amazon | Book Depository

Book Description:

If you have ever asked yourself where the Golden Snitch came from, how the Bludgers came into existence, or why the Wigtown Wanderers have pictures of meat cleavers on their robes, you need Quidditch Through The Ages. This limited edition is a copy of the volume in Hogwarts School Library, where it is consulted by young Quidditch fans on an almost daily basis.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to improving and saving the lives of children around the world – work that is even more important and astonishing than the three-and-a-half-second capture of the Golden Snitch by Roderick Plumpton in 1921. – Albus Dumbledore

I confiscated this book along with many others from my sister’s collection out of boredom. xD

Quidditch Through The Ages is a must have for all fans of the sport. Whether new to this sport or a lifelong fanatic this is a valuable addition to anybody’s personal collection.

ARC Review: Dark Light by Carl Hose

Title: Dark Light
Series: Standalone
Editor: Carl Hose
Publisher: MARLvision Publishing
Length: 518 Pages
Publication Date: June 15, 2012
Reviewed Format: ARC Edition: Kindle Edition, PDF
Source: Supplied by the editor through IO Book Tours
My Rating: ★★★★★
Get it @: Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Book Description:

Dark Light is the light that shines through when some of the finest writers in horror use the power of their words for something good. That’s the case with this anthology—42 writers coming together to help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities and all the good the organization does for families every day of the year.

Make no mistake, though. These are horror writers and the stories they’ve written are not pretty. Traditional and non-traditional horror, dark humor, ghosts, serial killers, alternate universes, magic, zombies, and other creatures of the night hide between these pages. Shadows move and dead fingers stroke unsuspecting flesh, razor sharp knives shimmer in the moonlight, and unknown things hide in closets and under the bed. The stories here are as varied as the writers themselves. If you’re a fan of horror, you will not be let down.

Despite the horrific nature of these tales, however, their very existence in Dark Light stands as proof there will always be a light at the end of every tunnel.

Turn the lights down low and enjoy the show.

This book is an amazing anthology, 44 short stories by 42 extremely talented authors. Some of the stories are scary; others are downright creepy, while some leave a note of sadness at the end. Have you ever been reading a scene in a book and felt a chill go down your spine? I did while reading this book. It’s as gruesome as the genre gets, with a strange, albeit twisted, undertone of hope. It highlights human nature in the good, the bad and the extreme throughout many different scenarios. If you are a horror fan, this will be a great addition to your collection. If you want to taste the genre, this book will give you the perfect opportunity to test it out while also getting some serious quality reading. Best part is, if you buy this book you will be giving back to charity.

You read that right. I received this book for review as part of its Blog Tour thanks to Innovative Online Book Tours. Proceeds from the sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House Foundation.

The Roaster: (Title / Author)

Review: The City of Eternal Hope

Title: The City of Eternal Hope
Series: Standalone
Author: Rina Grant
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Length: 14 Pages (approximate)
Publication Date: January 10, 2012
Reviewed Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Free Download
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Get it @: Amazon

A good short story about the decisions we make in life and the consequences that arise from them. The City of Eternal Hope tells the sorry of Bhasset, a female demon, and her downfall from grace. Bhasset’s job is to lure unsuspected humans into willingly give away their souls to her. But when she sets her eyes on Tim she doesn’t realizes that her doom is close. This is a (as far as I’m aware) a kindle only short story of approximately 14 pages long. To tell you more about it will give away the whole plot, but if all you want is to read a quick story that makes you rethink your choices in life you can check this one out.

Review: Connected by Jolyn Palliata

Title: Connected
Series: Twists of Fate, Book 1
Author: Jolyn Palliata
Publisher: Jolyn Palliate
Publication Date: October 14, 2011
Reviewed Format: Free ePub
Source: Read for Free at Goodreads
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Get it @: Amazon | Book Depository

Book Description:
Addison wakes from surgery to discover that the doctors have removed the mass that she had, unfortunately she had a reaction to the anesthetics and she died on the operation table, but only for a moment and they obviously succeeded in bringing her back. However, she didn’t come back alone.

Rhys Alexander had it all, money, fame, looks to die for, and more women he cared about. Such is the life a rock star, but Fate is one girl that likes to mess with people, will he be capable of handling the curve ball thrown his way?

I am a sucker for a good love story and that is exactly what one gets out if this short novella.

The book is short enough that it took me about 4, maybe 5 hours total to read. Yet it is exactly the type of story I was in the mood for. A sweet, good, well written tale that had me rooting for the characters and completely interested on their story.

I like how it feels like Rhys seems to be the main character even though the story is told from Addison’s POV. The story only shifts POV whenever Rhys himself is shifting, and it is his character the one that has the most growth within the pages.

But enough with the spoilers; the bottom line is that it’s very enjoyable story, easy and fast to read. It is a great beginning to a new series.

The story is currently free to read in Goodreads, how long that will last? I honestly don’t know. Still, I recommend you guys to check it out. In truth, no one loves every book and not every book is for everyone; try the prologue and the first chapter (since it’s free). I believe that they are strong enough to pull you in, and if they don’t, then maybe the story is not for you.

Quotes:
These are two quotes from the book that i really like, so I'm sharing them with you:

"...as Johnathan kissed her, his tongue dipping in and sweeping against hers. His contact was firm and she felt the purpose behind it; he was testing the waters, checking her receptiveness. She would have been a helluva lot more into it if it hadn't been for asshat rock star in her head." 

–Addison, Chapter 8

and:

"Her last thoughts before drifting to sleep were of their conversation. His last words whispered through her head: I always loved a good challenge in life. 

It seemed that inclination hadn’t changed in his death.” 

–Addison, Chapter 9 

PS: if you do choose to read the novella, stick to it until after it ends. The letter shown at the end is written by none other than Fate himself (yes, you read that correctly, Fate); I was smiling through the whole thing, which is not too long, but still.

UPDATE:

• The author read my review and clarified a minor detailed that I got wrong; Fate is a MAN! Yeap, he is. When I read the intro for book 2 it sounded to me like a girl was talking; however, this throws a new an interesting curve ball ^.^
• (June 21, 2012) - The book is no longer available for free at Goodreads.

Review: Take Me

Title: Take Me
Series: Naughty Nooners
Author: Grace Samuels
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publication Date: March 16, 2009
Reviewed Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Free Download
My Rating: ★★★★☆ 

This ebook is (or was) free on Amazon; honestly i bought it out of boredom and no idea of what to read. I am beyond surprise at the story. I love it, so sweet and tender, yet incredibly hot and steamy.

Is a short story, about 10, maybe 15 pages long (i am never sure on the kindle). I truly enjoyed this one.

View all my reviews