Book Review: Exorcising Aaron Nguyen

Exorcising Aaron Nguyen

By:  Lauren Harris

Publish Date:  August 22, 2013

Format:  Audiobook

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st book in The Millroad Academy Exorcists series

Recommendation:  Oh yes. Enjoyable quick read/listen with a mystery.

Synopsis:
The murder of Millroad Catholic Academy's resident genius, Aaron Nguyen, shuts down student life at the boarding school in rural North Carolina...for about a week. With the resilience of youth, the student body bounces back, and the memory of murder is nothing but a streamer of caution tape fluttering in the breeze. Unfortunately for them, Aaron's spirit has some resilience as well. The school priest’s exorcism fails, and before long Aaron is breathing chills down the students' necks and hurling bunsen burners at nuns.

Georgia Collins doesn't give a shit about ghosts. All she wants is a story to prove her underground school news blog is more than a gossip column, closure on her one-sided relationship with her best friend Hiroki, and a vanilla latte. She wasn't expecting Aaron Nguyen's death to be anything more than a cold spot in the science hall, but since Hiroki has the curse of Spectral Sight, he is the only person who can see and speak to Aaron.

As the ghost’s demands for attention become increasingly violent, Hiroki decides that Aaron isn’t likely to budge until his killers are caught, so he recruits Georgia to help him investigate the crime. Still hoping for spontaneous romantic combustion, she agrees to help bring Aaron's murderers to justice and set the vengeful spirit free...but it's not quite the close encounter she's hoping for.

First Sentence:
Exactly one week after Aaron Nguyen's body appeared on the soccer field with his head smashed in, I found my best friend, Hiroki Satou, leafing through an exorcism manual behind the chapel.

Purchase At:
Amazon

My Thoughts and Summary:
Trying to get back to a normal life after Aaron's death, a death no one understands, isn't as easy as simply starting classes again. Aaron's ghost is seen by Hiroki and he's causing trouble. However, Georgia's best friend, Hiroki, is determined to snoop around the crime scene, hoping to help a Buddhist ghost move on (where the Catholic exorsisms by the Nuns and Priests don't work), Georgia and Hiroki get drawn deep into the mystery of why Aaron was killed. Hiroki thinks he may be able to help Aaron's ghost move on, since he can see and talk to him.

I think I like audiobooks in first person, at least from Lauren Harris here, because I felt like I'm right there with Georgia. Lauren is the author AND also the narrator and I feel like she's talking directly to me. When Lauren does other voices there is a difference; Hiroki is deeper, Bishop is raspier, Priest What-A-Waste (lol) is southern, and others as well.

A ghost story with diverse characters. The characters here are not the perfect images but they are the image of the REAL people we are. Diverse in visual description and personality. Georgia is a great character. She has a strong personality, though we see there is so much more to her as well. She's also a blogger!

The story is in first person, but that works amazingly well with Georgia's personality. She pops off the page for us. Georgia feels as she's a friend of mine while I was listening to the audiobook. Georgia has a history that is hinted at. I was becoming more and more curious about that past, and we get that answer in the end, which also helps tie things up too. Hiroki is a big player in this story as well. He's the gifted one, until Georgia gets konked in the head (and at the end we learn a very important piece about her past), the one that sees ghosts.

The story is in a current day setting. We get glimpses of the school through events and where they are which fills us in on the people and surroundings of the school. Just enough detail at the right time.

It is a Young Adult story with the high school age characters. I do want to mention, with saying YA, that there is strong language here. I have no problem with it, but some people might. Georgia drops the F word on occassions and all other swear words are used as well.

I don't want to say much more as I'll start talking about the story and I don't want to give away the mystery and ghostly events.

There was a light feel to the story. I liked it and it fits Georgia so well. There is a tearful moment but then Georgia brings a smile to our face in the next. Enjoyable listen!

Book Review: Christmas Nookies

Christmas Nookies

Edited By:  Tricia Skinner

Publish Date:  November 27, 2014

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Holiday Romance, erotic

Series:  2nd in anthology series

Recommendation:  Missing the Christmas spirit? And a little heat to keep you warm this winter? Pick this up.

Synopsis:
Why settle for just one when you can have multiple? Our second annual Hot Holiday Reads anthology serves up another batch of tasty bits sure to warm your heart…and other places. Featuring all new quickies by your favorite Fuse Literary authors and more, this is one sleigh ride that will make you hold on tight. Are you dreaming of a wet Christmas?

Contributors include: Blake C. Aarens, Paul Goat Allen, E.B. Ashcroft, Philippa Ballantine, Peggy Barnett, Bethany Hyde, Nicola Jane, Mairi Kilaine, Maureen Lee, Melissa Lenhardt, Anh Leod, Elizabeth Shandy, and Wendy Vogel.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Missing the holiday season? Want to feel some holiday love? This is a smexy anthology of people looking to connect with others in a treasured way at a special time of the year.

Smexy moments in these peoples lives. A few are on a softer level of the romance, others on the harder side. All are well written. I enjoyed more than not. Only a few didn't appeal to me, which is a lovely bonus in an anthology. If you are looking for it, a few of these stories contain, as the cover implies, intermixed relationships. All are set in a Christmas setting that are rather believable for us. There are a few that are a bit fantasy setting but the world is drawn for it.

I enjoyed how these are sentimental special moments in these people's lives.

Miss B's Christmas Mix
By: Mairi Kilaine
It's Christmas Eve and Miss B. is happy to work, enjoying the performance with her jazz band kids. And also the sight of Mr. Tom Hartley, the jazz chorus director, as a bonus. When Miss B's fourth trumpet, and singer of her highlighted song, doesn't show, Miss B has to sing...

This feels like a real life event with the band and real people. Nice relation for us to the characters in beginning. A sweet story and lovely way to start the book. I really enjoyed the connection between the characters here.

Oh! What Fun it is to Ride
By: Elizabeth Shandy
Jess is at her work party, to say goodbye - or so she claims - but really to see her mentor and boss. Her friend talked her into dressing as if a night out on the town. But will he (soon to be ex-boss) notice?

They both have an attraction for each other, but have rules. When employed at the same company, they kept it professional. Now that her last day's over...

This was cute, and seems to be a bit of a surprise ending for Jess. lol. I like that the characters had barriers, and when that wall was taken away they could cross the line. Nice. This is the moment they can act on their feelings. A treasured moment.

A Christmas Mechanical
By: Philippa Ballantine
Lila is the lonely gate keeper who doesn't get the respect she deserves for checking all the citizen's doors at night. She is the only one able to be out in the poisonous fog that rolls in at night, and they fear her as they do the night prowling shifters. On her inspection tonight, she hears something and finds a lock open.

The town people don't give Lila the gratitude she deserves. She keeps them safe at night! This has an urban fantasy feel mixed with clockworks and mechanics. I do enjoy this combination. In this short, I got a feel for a whole world that would be interesting to explore further.

Lila does find herself a special Christmas surprise in the night though.

Old Fashioned with a Twist
By: Paul Goat Allen
He walks into the tavern and sees her. Instantly he knows she's the one.

This story is told from the man's POV, unlike the previous three. "He" reads like an Alpha male. In this short story we get several potential romantic moments to hang onto. When I started, I wasn't sure if I'd like this man. At the end... I loved him. I enjoyed the end with a twist. Lovely.

Away in a Maison
By: Bethany Hyde
Holly thinks her husband forgot Chrismakkuh. But he got her, them, a joint session at a retreat.

Stress happens, from work and life, in a relationship. It's wonderful to dream of the getaway. Holly and Shane get to do that. Holly's wanted her husband to take charge. Now he has.

Oh boy! Trying something new, and finding a way together again.

Fake It Till You Make It
By: Melissa Lenhardt
Roxanne took the day off work to finish her Christmas shopping. And the kids are gone for the night. Roxanne is dressed up and determined to give herself a Christmas present. However the bar is practically empty.

It's cute, Roxanne's best friend doesn't think she can do it. A one night stand. Roxanne does meet and get to know Curtis. This is fun and sexy with them. They made me smile. This stayed true to their feelings and concerns.

Wet Christmas
By: Anh Leod
Orik's parents are out of their home for the holiday after a kitchen fire. His home's not big enough for them all and he's tight on money with care for them, he hasn't even been on a date in far to long. The neighbor, Nymph, offers to take the older couple in on Christmas Eve, and invites Orik over for dinner after his shift at the firehouse. When he sees her fenced back yard, the fetish he's afraid to share with anyone in this small town sets in deep.

Orik is ready for in-water extracurricular activities. lol. This was fun for the sense of what can happen in water just like in the house, or anywhere. This erotic story is all about fun in the water. And they have fun.

I felt back for Orik with caring for his parents and making sure they are safe. But was glad that he got to have fun in the end.

Holy Fuck
By: E.B. Ashcroft
Jude's friend of years' family does big celebrations around Christmas with a Christening, Birthdays, a Wedding, and of course Christmas. Jude is there for it all. Steven's sister remembers Judes birthday and gives him the key to a room with his present.

Oh My! This one is out of my comfort zone for hot and heavy romance. I'm not much of an erotica read, so this was a bit steep for me. It was a m/m read. I can't really say much more on this one.

Ghost of Christmas Past
By: Wendy Vogel
Marissa's recovered from cancer and divorced. She's determined to never spend a holiday alone again. This Christmas Eve day she's spending it horseback riding at the lodge she's staying at. However, the trail leader is a blast from the past. A man with which she has a hot past.

We get to share two smexy moments in Marissa's life. A past and present. This is a sweet story as after twenty years no one is the same. And this one touches on a woman who's survived breast cancer, and a man who doesn't see the visible scars. I liked this one for the issue it touched on along with being a smexy romance.

Do You Believe in Santa?
By: Nicola Jane
Ellen slipped out from the office Christmas party and is locked out of the floor where her coat and purse are. Ellen finds her Santa...

This was a quick,Quick read. I was surprised. A moment in Ellen's life. I kind of wanted more...

I'm Coming Home
By: Blake C. Aarens
Ron is coming home at the holiday season with his discharge papers. A heroes welcome awaits him. Ron has passed his home town to go the extra mile and thank his aunt, who saved him. Yet his Christmas plans are to be with another, even though his mother doesn't know he's out of the service.His high school sweetheart, newly divorced and kid-less for the holiday, lives in the same town.

This was nice to see a soldier receive the gratitude he deserves on his flights home after he's served the country. The people on the flights treat him and his fellow soldiers well.

This is heart felt and sweet.

From Keats, with Love
By: Maureen Lee
Eleanor's last night in the city of London before Christmas. She's in the holiday spirit and determined to make the best of it, even though she's been in a bad mood since her fight with her best friend Colin, three weeks ago. She misses his company. But there is a gift waiting for her at home when she returns.

Ella suffers from the best friend barrier line. Do you cross or not? For four years Ella has not crossed the line. Not being willing to lose the friend she has in Colin. When she finds him waiting in her home with a gift that he planned on leaving for her, but couldn't without talking to her as she was leaving for the States the next morning. This is nice to see people find something they always wanted and was in front of them.

Stealing Christmas
By: Peggy Barnett
Pinch doesn't like Christmas. Because he's lonely, though no one knows that. And the neighbor has needs she needs itched.

lol. This was fun. It's written like A Night Before Christmas in syllables but with a touch of The Grinch in the words. This Christmas stanza was different and a fun way to close out the book. I did enjoy this sexy rendition with the rhythm and phrasing.

Happy Release Day! And Cover Share: Soulless

I'm thrilled to share a release of a favorite author of mine.

I've read this story, by chapter, when Skyla shared it on her site. It's a Paranormal, Urban Fantasy read and a different type of story from her Demons of Oblivion series. I loved it all the same. The main character is nothing like Zara, and is an amazing character as well! I hope you go and meet Anais. She is well worth meeting and can use all the friends that will have her.

Soulless is up for Purchasing!

Soulless

By:  Skyla Dawn Cameron

Due Out:  January 13, 2014

PRE-ORDER:

Amazon  /  Nook  /  iBooks  /  ARe  /  Smashwords  /  Kobo

Description:

Anais Peake was created to devour the souls of otherwise unkillable monsters, but with every soul she eats, she loses a little of her own. She’s been in retirement for eighteen months when her monster hunting best friend shows up one winter night needing help, and so Ani temporarily returns to a life she tried hard to escape.

Their plans go awry on a deserted highway when a harpy attacks and Ani’s friend is killed. Ani is pulled out of the role of sidekick and thrust into the uncomfortable shoes of heroine in a mystery involving both human and otherworldly monsters, with only her neighbour/cat babysitter, an old friend still suffering grief and anger, and an empath funeral director for help to solve her friend’s murder.

But fate has patiently been waiting: Ani was created with a purpose in mind and retirement or not, she has to face what she is and what she’s capable of.

Even if her soul doesn’t survive it.

After reading the book, I must say, the cover is right on with the story.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I also want to take a moment to share something additional. There is a program called Patreon. Many of you may have heard of it. It's a venue for authors to share with their fans items they are working on BEFORE others and stories you may not get anywhere else. You pledge a few bucks to be donated monthly and you get this access.

Skyla has joined Patreon. So if you enjoy her stories and want more and to read what she's working on long before it's published, go pledge her.

Sunday Post #70

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~

Oh brother. It's been like... FOREVER since I've posted. The holidays have kicked my kester, many a time this last few months. I've missed you all!

I did get a few Barnes & Nobles gift cards for Christmas. I did not use them to buy books. *gasp* Hard to believe, I know. But I did use them to purchase the new Nook. It's a Samsung Tablet with Nook installed on it. And bonus feature: It is run by Google Play so I was able to download the Amazon Kindle App! Woot Woot! That's what I wanted, a tablet I could have both book venues in one place. I got it! *happy dance*

So... now what. lol. Life has been so busy and I'm behind in so much, I'm not sure what to do. I've got several reviews to come your way and to write. And so much to read! The holiday was good to me in that sense, now I have to find time to read all that I've picked up. lol.

I've got a few posts to go back to and respond to comments. I'm trying to get back into a routine where I visit blogs/comment, do work here, write, and exercise. Truth be told, I don't know how people do it with all that goes on in a day.

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Tales of a Tesla Ranger: Tribute to P.G. Holyfield by (anthology)
Rhune by Michael J. Sullivan


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last Week: (in last month)
Christmas Nookies by (anthology)
Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball

Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None finished yet.

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:

Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)

Cover Reveals I've missed in November

Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet

Dead Living by Krista D. Ball

Interlude: Stories from Tranquility by Krista D. Ball

Road to Hell by Krista D. Ball

Posts:


Around the Internet...



Reviews:

Shadows on Snow by Starla Huchton

Podcast Review:

Tales of the Archives: Vol 3 #4 produced by Tee Morris & Pip Ballantine

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:




Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

What's to come.... erm, I'm not to sure. I have to sit down (now) and read through what I have in queue and what I've got to write to get out. But there will be some coming your way this week.

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

Exorcising Aaron Nguyen by Lauren Harris
(Audiobook)
Goodreads Synopsis:
The murder of Millroad Catholic Academy's resident genius, Aaron Nguyen, shuts down student life at the boarding school in rural North Carolina...for about a week. With the resilience of youth, the student body bounces back, and the memory of murder is nothing but a streamer of caution tape fluttering in the breeze. Unfortunately for them, Aaron's spirit has some resilience as well. The school priest’s exorcism fails, and before long Aaron is breathing chills down the students' necks and hurling bunsen burners at nuns.

Georgia Collins doesn't give a shit about ghosts. All she wants is a story to prove her underground school news blog is more than a gossip column, closure on her one-sided relationship with her best friend Hiroki, and a vanilla latte. She wasn't expecting Aaron Nguyen's death to be anything more than a cold spot in the science hall, but since Hiroki has the curse of Spectral Sight, he is the only person who can see and speak to Aaron.

As the ghost’s demands for attention become increasingly violent, Hiroki decides that Aaron isn’t likely to budge until his killers are caught, so he recruits Georgia to help him investigate the crime. Still hoping for spontaneous romantic combustion, she agrees to help bring Aaron's murderers to justice and set the vengeful spirit free...but it's not quite the close encounter she's hoping for.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Tales of a Tesla Ranger: A Tribute to PG Holyfield edited by Tee Morris & Valerie Griswold-Ford
Goodreads Synopsis:
P G Holyfield. Award-nominated podcaster. Award-winning author. Voice talent. Friend. Father. 

Patrick was all these things and so much more to the people featured in this volume. His tragic loss to cancer was not only felt within his family and friends in North Carolina, but coast-to-coast from Virginia to California, and around the world from England to New Zealand. He was a voice we knew, a friend we loved, and this collection of stories — many of them inspired by, featuring, and written by P G Holyfield — stands as his legacy. He touched us all, and we will miss him. 

All proceeds from this anthology will go to the Patrick Holyfield's Childrens Trust, benefiting his daughters. 

Featuring stories from PG Holyfield, Jared Axelrod, K T Bryski, Jack Mangan, Nathan Lowell, Chris Lester, Tee Morris, Scott Roche, Allen Sale, Christiana Ellis, Kate Sherrod, and Philippa Ballantine

....


Won:

Skinjumper by Lincoln Crisler
Goodreads Synopsis:
Rose Bennett, a young, recently-widowed mother, comes face to face with a newly-minted murderer and learns that there are much scarier things than raising a child alone in an unfamiliar town. Terry Miller has discovered three things in a very short amount of time: his high school sweetheart's been cheating on him with his father, killing is fun, and if he does it just right, he can switch bodies with his victims.

Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
Goodreads Synopsis:
Holidays are worse than a full moon for making people crazy. In Harborsmouth, where many of the residents are bloodsucking vampires or monstrous fae, the combination may prove deadly.

Ivy Granger, psychic private investigator, returns to the streets of Harborsmouth in this addition to the bestselling urban fantasy series.

Holidays are Hell, a point driven home when a certain demon attorney returns with information regarding a series of bloody murders. Five Harborsmouth residents have been killed and every victim has one thing in common—they are fae. Whoever is killing faeries must be stopped, but they only leave one clue behind—a piece of mistletoe floating in a pool of the victim's blood.

The holidays just got interesting. Too bad this case may drive Ivy mad before the New Year. Heck, she'll be lucky to survive Christmas.

Blood and Mistletoe is an Ivy Granger series novella. 



Free Ebooks:
There are soooo many ebooks I picked up for free with the holiday giving that I'm going to share the images (linked to Amazon) and you can go check out the descriptions, see if they are still free, and if you want to pick them up. Enjoy!

I have so many, I'm going to have to split them all between this week and next week. lol.

(On my Kindle App)

       

(On my Nook)

 

Free Audio Books/Stories:

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews to Come:

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

The Secret World Chronicle: The Hunt by Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey (in audiobook while at work)

The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee

Harlan's Wake by John Mierau

The List by John Mierau
Selk Skin Deep by Kelly A. Harmon

Tales from the Archive: 5 (part 1 & 2) - Those Dark Satanic Mills by Suna Dasi

Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron
The Sentinel by Chris Lester

The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester

Dirty Magick: Los Angeles edited by Charlie Brown
Edgelanders by Jennifer Melzer
The Stillness of the Sky by Starla Huchton
Master of Myth by Starla Huchton

Christmas Nookies by (anthology)

Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball