Novella Review: Prom Fright by Dina James

Prom Fright: A Midnight Tea Shop Tale by Dina James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Who loves tea shop mysteries? And Urban Fantasy?

This is a nice little introduction to a new world that will fit the bill with a paranormal/urban fantasy hint to the world.

It's not the romance-y urban fantasy setting. It IS the relaxed feel of a tea shop with a hint of more that is happening here.

We get a glimpse into the world and main players in this novella. And also see how prom season is in this tourist town. And I like the strong sense of how people are seen. Some can be kind and help. Others....well, we all know those people and try to avoid them. Same happens here.

I'm looking forward to more in this world and to see the characters come to life in full books.

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Audio Book Review: Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur

Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew after the first book I was hooked on this series. But, now after book 2... It's all I can do to pause long enough to type up my thoughts quickly so I can get to book 3.

So, why yes. I'm completely caught on this series.

Lizzie and Belle. Best friends, also witches with Belle being Lizzie's familiar. I love both their personalities. They compliment each other so well! Belle being a bit more bold than Lizzie, which helps Lizzie out when she needs it. I wish I could have a friendship like these two have.

And the ring of a the church bell....there's a wrongness, a dark feel to the air. Lizzie goes to investigate to find fog. And death. But the bodies are strange. And it's very possible there's a Soul Eater on the lose.

As thing progress, Lizzie finds there's someone aiming for her too. Guns, that are NOT allowed to be on the reservation, are now leaving bullet holes around Lizzie. But who is after her? The person that raised the Soul Eater or someone else?

With trying to stop the Soul Eater, Lizzie learns that the council is questionable about her and Belle's presence, being witches and they don't want witches. However, the Wild Magic needs protected, and she knows she can't do it. But, will the council evict them before Christmas? Will the RWA Witch recognize Lizzie for who she is and draw more attention from the Witches?

Lizzie has her hands full of worries, while waiting for her official date with the attractive Aiden...who in town will win the bet on when they have their official date?

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Book Review: Siren's Song by Michelle Manus

Siren's Song by Michelle Manus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is more than a romance story. Yes, there's attraction and it draws the two characters, Siren and Jace, together. But there's more to them than meets the eye, and we quickly find out about it.

Siren has been on the run since she was 16, and as much as she'd like a relationship...any relationship, she knows it's dangerous to have them. And she's seen first hand what could happen. But when she bumped into Jace at the cafe, they really hit it off. And the attraction.

But, what's chasing Siren makes an appearance and we see a hint of what Siren has been through and running from. We also see that Jace is more than a common guy she met at the cafe over coffee. Maybe he can help her, if she lets him and his family and friends do so.

I really loved the urban fantasy in this story. It's different and described well as Siren is learning about her Aspect. The romance is here, but it's not the complete story. We see the characters get to know each other deeper as they bond and Siren learns about a world she didn't know she was part of.

I will say, there's an event in the last 3rd of the book that pulled me from the flow. I didn't quiet understand what happened, maybe it's me as I read at night, but I didn't seem to follow the end of the book as easily as the first 2/3 of the book. It felt to be rushed to keep a limited page count.

That being said, it won't stop me from reading the remaining books in this series. I really love Michelle's writing and the stories she tells.

Action, drama, and love. A great combo!

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Audio Book Review: Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur

Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay. I know, I'm really, REALLY late to the game here. But, I'm finally getting started. And believe me, I'm not going to stop any time soon.

This book was a great opener to the series and setting the feel for how things are going to go. Lizzie quickly won me over as well as Aiden. And Aiden won me over too. (I think they both are rather stubborn people and would love to see this work into something over the series.)

There's a lot of curiosity around the reservation, Lizzie and her family and magic, and....well, so much here. I can totally see it growing as Lizzie grows and becomes more confident and who she is.

This is my kind of read. Action and trouble. Reliable people and friends. Witches (though not powerful...yet, there's more there and I see it with the other characters in the book) and werewolves. Even a few vampires there.

We've started to see the possibility in this peaceful area where Lizzie has come to call home with her business partner Belle. These two have a great friendship that goes beyond that. Such a deep tie with them. Belle. I love her personality and willingness to push Lizzie out of her comfort zone to do more. lol. Keep pushing her, she needs it.

I'll definitely be listening to this series. As a matter of fact, I think I'll start on book 2 now! :D

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Audio Book Review: Cibola by David Wood

Cibola by David Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found I had missed a few books in this series and went back to pick them up. This is one that's early on in the Dane Maddock Adventures. Adventures I really enjoy.

I'm not usually one to listen to books out of order, and I'm fixing that now. But, for Jade Ilhara, that may be a good thing. At the beginning of this book, it feels like Jade is using Dane and his kindness. Not a good relationship cue here. But, I know she's attracted to him too... but, I'm not really a fan of hers in this book.

I enjoy listening to these books as Jeffrey Kafer is great at voicing Maddock and Bones. They have a great friendship where they can banter, pick on each other, and tell the truth and not be offended. Great ones to adventure with.

This story takes on the adventure to find Cibola. What they do find...is amazing. I love seeing how things tie together and they follow the clues. And the people they come across and make friends with.

There's danger, fighting, strange creatures, cliffs, and so much more in this story. All make for daring moments and suspense.

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Audio Book Review: Moon Cops on the Moon by C.T. Phipps

Moon Cops on the Moon! by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As usual with C.T. Phipps's books, I had fun. Always a pleasure to read/listen to his books. This one, I listened to the audio book.

First, the narrator. I have to say, I'm going to date myself. But have you ever listened to the song "Wet Dream" by Kip? The tone to the voice, I found the narrator reminded me of it. lol. The old time detective feel with hidden innuendoes in the words. So cool.

The story is a detective/mystery style as Neal learns the ropes of being on the moon, a not so pleasant place to be with crime. Neal has a smart partner, Lucy, who has her own past with her mom's fame. Great detectives in a high crime place.

Then there's Barksley. lol. A talking dog. I love it and his history as well.

Everyone's got a "history" that's a hoot and fun to learn and see how it impacts them and the story here.

The story has a little feel of influence from the movie Cherry 2000. Also, with the punk feel from 1920-ish detective feel. I love this blend! I've not read much with this blend and I want more!

I'm afraid to give too much on the plot as I don't want to give it away. I want you to learn with Neal as you go through the book and world for the first time.

There is fun and action and guns along with high speed chase. All great things to add to the cyber punk feel.

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Book Review: Soul Spell by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Soul Spell by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There's so much more going on here! I didn't want to put the book down. I wanted to lock myself in a room and read straight through. The storyline with Elis being framed...to find Melinoe to help find Dev... I wanted it all! NOW!

I loved this book and could NOT wait to get to read it each evening.

There's someone out to pin murders on Elis. Of course these are not ones Elis committed and she's not that sloppy. So Elis is on the case to find who's committing these murders, and she's determined to clear her name. All while looking for her brother...

What really caught my attention, and pulled at my heart, is seeing Elis's father in action and getting out to help. Nate. *sigh* I've always been a fan of Nate's since the original series, Demon's of Oblivion. (Totally worth a read!)

I was happy to see Nate getting brought into the events as he has lots to offer in knowledge and connections. And to see him be Dad is pretty cool. I know Elis is always worried about telling him about Dev or bringing him into the group to search for his son, but he's great.

This book brings Melinoe back into the action as well. Oh the things she's going through. I love seeing Elis grow and be an honest person as she admits when she's made an error in judgement. Great seeing characters grow.

Now, to read the next book! Can't wait for it to come out!

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Book Review: The Night Before Dead by Kelly Meding

The Night Before Dead by Kelly Meding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evy has to fight for everything she wants. And this book is NO different than any other.

This was a satisfying end to the series. We get to see the overall arc of the troubles come together and close out. With all that's happened in this world leading up to this point, the author took us to the extreme. Kelly placed the ground work for why characters do what they do, and the characters stay true to their personality....even when I didn't want them to. The reasoning is sound for the characters. And the events are things I didn't expect or want to happen.

There's a coming together in this book that brings the world full circle from fully divided to a bonded one. Sure, there could still be troubles out there to work out, and that may be the stories for others we've grown attached to.

I enjoy how things have turned in Evy's mind and how she's grown. This book shows that, where she started and would have thought in the past to what she thinks now. Well done bringing us to the end.

A book I was looking forward to reading nightly.

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