Book Review: Strong Blood by Dale Ibitz.

Synopsis:
The war between nature's gods continues to rage on Eyidora and Haley, descendant of the Air Eyid, struggles with her own battles.

She's mired in a battle with Ian, the Fire Eyid descendant, over the lost Eyid stones. She needs the stones to stop the war, and he needs the stones to destroy Eyidora. She knows where the Land Eyid stone is hidden, and she races to Tamoor to find it before Ian does.

Haley still doesn't trust Tuggin, the stone-faced Eyidoran assigned to protect her. As a Menta witch, he's adept at lying, mind-control, and killing. Even though Haley is starting to believe that Tuggin may be serving more than one master, she continues to battle her feelings for him, never sure which duty he feels most inclined to serve.

But Haley's biggest battle of all comes when she meets Luke and Telsa, twins with undeniable strength. Haley invites them to join her on her mission to find the Land Eyid stone. Has she put her trust in someone who may be just as dark and dangerous as Ian, the descendant of Fire himself?

The Nerd's Ramble: In the second instillation of the Last Moon Rising Series, we find Hadley, Elana, and Tuggin still tangled up together in a twisted "should they be or shouldn't they be trusted" plot string. I like that no one really seems to be who they say they are in this series. Here we're also introduced to a second set of twins, Luke and Telsa who also apparently have secondary motives.

There's a lot more story in this book. We get history about the war and some of the things that are driving the story along. We get more character definition and learn more about a couple character's motivations. I really love the interaction between Tuggin and Hadley and the relationship that is building between them. Hadley gets more development, not only on a personal level, but grows with abilities. She and Ian are well matched as antagonist/protagonists go, and I'm really liking where this story is heading.

The major encounter between Hadley and Ian is very interesting. A few secrets are revealed, a couple of characters come clean about their actions, and betrayal rocks the rag-tag group of teens. Personally I feel that this book is a bit stronger than the first book, but I still want more. I'm one of those people who like longer books and in a way I almost feel that Book one and two could have been combined. I'm looking forward to book three.

Review of Book #1-- Fire In The Blood

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 260 pages
Available Format: All formats
Publication Date: October 1, 2012 (Createspace)
Author's Page: Dale Ibitz on Goodreads
Disclosure: I won Fire in the Blood through a contest. The author generously sent me Strong Blood. I am not compensated, nor am I influenced in any way for this review.

Book review: Fire In the Blood by Dale Ibitz.

Synopsis: 
Global warming is playing havoc on Earth, and when 17 year-old Haley tumbles to a parallel world, she discovers that Earth’s issues stem from a war between the Eyids, the gods of nature. Because her necklace is a stone that holds the power of the Air Eyid, Haley is called upon to stop the war

But Haley has a problem. Actually, two problems. One named Tuggin, and one named Ian.

Both lie to her. Both have secrets. And neither are who they say they are. With her stone of power, Haley’s forced to make a choice that will decide the fate of all the worlds. But who should she trust, who should she fight, and who is the one with fire in his blood bent on betraying them all?

The Nerd Rambles: Alternate world/universe books are something that I eat up like candy. This book was no exception to that. Fire in the Blood is a the first book in a promising young adult series. The main character Haley is a modern, typical seventeen year old girl, who wants nothing more than a "Hall-God" boyfriend, and to get through the day without some sort of muck up.

Instead, she's thrust into a parallel world called Eyidora by her adoptive mother when she's hunted by the same entity that killed her birth parents. There she's introduced to Tuggin, a tight lipped, abrasive, gorgeous eighteen year old who seems to want nothing to do with her--except to keep her on a tight leash. The problems don't stop there, in fact they intensify when she learns that she's a crucial piece to ending a war that would not only destroy Eyidora, but Earth as well. To further complicate things, THE Hall-God Ian enters the picture, joining her in this parallel world. He knows more than he should, and nothing is what it seems.

I really enjoyed this book. There are a couple hitches to it though. I think there should have been just a little more exposition in the beginning as things start quickly and the reader is expected to keep up, even as this new world, new languages and history are thrown at us in a rapid fire fashion. I like that Hadley grows through the story, and learns quickly rather than depending on Tuggin and a few other characters. It's also extremely fast paced and the story moves so quickly that I read through the book and wanted more to this piece.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 236 pages.
Available Format: All available formats.
Publication Date: July 11, 2011 (through Createspace)
Author Link: Dale Ibitz on Goodreads
Disclosure: I won this book through a contest on Facebook. I am not compensated or influenced in any way. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: Love by Design (Design #1) by Elizabeth A James

Synopsis: Callie Brandon wasn't looking for love; it always ended up at the feet of someone else. But when a sexy architect sets his determined, baby blue eyes on her, she starts to believe maybe life has designed her very own "happily ever after".

The Nerd's Ramble: This was a cute read. The romance was well written, though a little predictable. It's the classic boy meets girl story through an intervening cupid, this time in the form of the boy's dad. Justin and Callie are characters that the reader can relate with. Their romance is a love story, but they do have arguments and snags along the way.

Callie is one of my favorite heroines in a long time. She's smart, successful, confident and caring. She's got a good head on her shoulders, and good relationships with the other characters in the story. Her major flaw--and the thing that pulled me out of the story for a few moments was her interactions with Ashley once the other woman's true intentions were revealed. I know I personally wouldn't stand for that, but it is fiction.

The support cast really  shines here and I'd love to get to know more about them, and their romances. I recommend this book. It's a great sweet summer read. Perfect for the beach.

Rating:★★★★☆
Total Length: 164 pages
Available Format: epub
Publication Date: January 24, 2013
Author Link: Elizabeth A James on Goodreads
Disclosure:  I was gifted a copy of this book for review. I am not compensated or influenced in any way. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: Brie Learns the Art of Submission by Red Phoenix

Synopsis: First published as the popular nine-part eBook serial, Brie Learns the Art of Submission is now available as a full-length novel.

Join Brianna Bennett as she is introduced to the erotic world of submission...

Brie's life changes the day Sir comes to her tiny tobacco shop. His invitation to the Submissive Training Center is about to rock this young woman's world. The renowned school is famous for its elite submissive instruction. She has no idea what will be asked of her or the boundaries that will be pushed. One thing is certain: Brie is about to learn more about herself in six weeks than she has over the previous twenty-two years.

From formal classes, hands-on practicums and weekly auctions, Brie will confront her deepest fears and desires. In the process, she will also forge lifelong friendships with fellow submissives and fall for several of the Center's skilled Doms.

As graduation day approaches things begin to unravel, forcing Brie to make an unexpected choice of Master. Which Dom will ultimately earn her devotion and capture Brie's courageous heart?

The Nerd Rambles: This book really pushed the limits of my comfort, which I suppose is a good thing. I won it in a contest, and it sat on my tablet for a long time--the cover taunting me and daring me to click it open. I did, and started to read.

The book is mind melting hot. It's well written, and actually the story itself is really good. There's romance there as well as the introduction to the culture and way of life. Something that I really like about this book is that it's presented in such a way that it leads me to believe that Ms. Phoenix is involved in the BDSM world. It's in a way educational and exposes the reader to various aspects of the world.

The characters grow and change and form relationships. Brie finds herself attracted to three men and forming bonds with them. I like that all three men have positives and negatives and offer challenges to Brie, and in the end there is a happily ever after (or at least for now), but I'm not going to tell which she picks. ;)

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 479 pages
Available Format: Epub
Publication Date:  November 2012
Author Link:  Red Phoenix on Goodreads

Book Review: Obscura Burning by Suzanne van Rooyen

Synopsis: The world's going to end in fire...and it's all Kyle's fault.

Kyle Wolfe's world is about to crash and burn. Just weeks away from graduation, a fire kills Kyle's two best friends and leaves him permanently scarred. A fire that Kyle accidentally set the night he cheated on his boyfriend Danny with their female friend, Shira. That same day, a strange new planet, Obscura, appears in the sky. And suddenly Kyle's friends aren't all that dead anymore. Each time Kyle goes to sleep, he awakens to two different realities. In one, his boyfriend Danny is still alive, but Shira is dead. In the other, it's Shira who's alive...and now they're friends with benefits. Shifting between realities is slowly killing him, and he's not the only one dying. The world is dying with him. He's pretty sure Obscura has something to do with it, but with his parents' marriage imploding and realities shifting each time he closes his eyes, Kyle has problems enough without being the one in charge of saving the world...

The Nerd's Ramble: Obscura Burning is the story of Kyle Wolf and how his world is slowly crumbling around him. Caught between two different realities, one where his boyfriend is alive and their friend Shira is dead, and the other where Shira lives, but Danny, Kyle’s boyfriend has died.  The shifting reality, the appearance of Obscura, and the fight against time are tearing Kyle apart, and he ends up not only fighting for his life, but the salvation of Earth.

It took me a couple of chapters to get oriented with the world and the events that were going on. I feel that there could have been just a little more back story and set up, but it’s not detrimental to the pacing, or the story overall. I really enjoy the issues that were presented in this book and how the characters deal with them, and the emotions that go along with them. I like that Kyle Wolfe is more of an anti-hero or a dark hero, but I tend to fall for characters who have baggage.

The book is well written, well paced and the characters are ones that I keep thinking about and coming back to. I like the science in this story, and the fact that it’s a very different take on an apocalyptic story. Kyle, whether you love him or hate him, will stick with you for a while. The ending of this book is something that I would not change. I like the way it ends, and the sentiment in the ambiguity.

Obscura Burning is a book that I would recommend to people, even if they’re a bit turned off by the ‘young-adult’ label. It’s mature and fast paced, dealing with some heavy issues. I like that the main character is conflicted with his own personal issues, along with having to deal with the societal labels that go along with them. It’s a great, wild read and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Rating:★★★★☆ 
Total Length:  300 pages
Available Format: Epub and traditional
Publication Date: December 7, 2012 (Etopia Press)
Author's Link: Suzanne Van Rooyen on Goodreads
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by BTS Magazine for a review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Mortal Instruments Book Five City of Lost Souls Cassandra Clare

Synopsis: What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

The Nerd rambles: Say what you will about Cassandra Clare--I'm not going to get into it here. These books though---they're my dirty little secret. Seriously. I deny deny and deny that I like them, and a few select know that I do. (And here I go putting it up on the internet *sigh*). Please don't get me started on the movie, I don't think anyone can handle that.

The Good: There's A LOT going on in this book. And not all of it is Clary moping over Jace. Or whining about Jace. Or chasing Jace. The other characters show up and do things, significant things that are important to the plot--and to what this series may change into with the next book. Some of the characters have even appeared to grow a bit and have started to patch relationships and personal issues. I like that not everyone is relying on Clary to magically pull something out of the air to save the day. This book had a lot of action, and conflict. It takes a little while to digest.

The Bad: Clary whines. Simon whines. Izzy's a tall stoic bitch. And we're not talking about Alec. Ever again. There's so much going on in this book at times scenes tend to get too cluttered, too hung up on minute meaningless detail. Other scenes seem to drag. I think that's part of Clare's writing style though. The build up to the last 'big fight' was rushed, and the fight almost anti-climatic with how quickly it was over. Alec, you have a lot of explaining to do, and I don't think you're going to fix what you broke.
Honestly, I enjoyed it. I've read better, and I've certainly read worse. I just wish there was some way to smooth everything down, because at times it became very jarring.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 535 pages
Available Format: Epub, Kindle, Traditional
Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Author Link: Cassandra Clare webpage

Book Review: Conquering Zeus (SEALs on Fire #7) Cerise DeLand

Synopsis: Getting in the party mood for a weekend away with his SEAL teammates is no easy deal for “Zeus” Calderon. He’s hung up on a woman he saved from terrorists months ago, but he should be able to forget a gutsy blonde reporter who showed resilience and humor under fire. Shouldn’t he?

Kim Stansfield got the instant hots for the hunky Navy SEAL who led her out of harm’s way—and she’s got proof Zeus feels the same about her. He’s stubborn, but she’s devised a plan to conquer him.

When she shows up in Key West and surprises him on the beach, Zeus learns that once in a lifetime a man meets a woman he can’t forget—and every day without her is no easy day.

The Nerd's Ramble: The premise of this one was promising, as the back story was engaging and interesting. It was something that I hadn't seen before--something that I hadn't seen done this way before. Let's put it that way. However, it's a stretch for me in the believability department even though this is fiction and some things have liberty taken. It's a good story, Zeus and Kim have amazing chemistry together, and I like the fact that they build on an actual relationship. This story went by super fast though, and while I appreciate the epilogue, I felt that there needed to be a bit more to this one.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given.
Available Format: kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2013 (The Wild Rose Press)
Author's Link: Cerise DeLand web page

Book Review: Coyote Heat (SEALs on Fire #1) Desiree Holt.

Synopsis: Miguel “Coyote” Cruz is happy to join his SEAL Team Arapaho teammates for a wild weekend at Key West. After all, they just came off a particularly tough mission and Coyote is ready to let it all hang out. The love ‘em and leave ‘em Cruz sees the female population of the tourist town as a veritable banquet for him. The last thing he expects is to meet a woman who gives new meaning to hot sex but who also singes his heart. What’s a no-commitment SEAL to do?

The Nerd Rambles: I like this one. I like this one a lot. In fact this book and Aiden's book are tied for my favorite as of right now. I have four more in this series to read. I like that Cori has a past, and it takes her a while to trust Coyote to even open up to him on a personal (rather than just sex) level. I like that Coyote, the alpha male who loves and leaves and doesn't seem to care too much about emotions is gobsmacked and hooked because Cori doesn't take any of his bologna. They communicate with each other, which is another aspect of their blossoming relationship that I like. This one cuts off short, but I didn't mind it as much. I want to know more about these two, as their chemistry is amazing.

Jonsein for Action (SEALs on Fire #3)
Dagger's Edge (SEALs on Fire)

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given.
Available Format: Kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press)
Author's Page: Desiree Holt on Goodreads

Book Review: Dagger's Edge (SEALs on Fire #2) Brenna Zinn

Synopsis: Though well hidden, deep scars from Dean "Dagger" Gregory's troubled past have influenced each important decision he's ever made, including joining the military and keeping his distance from his best friend's sister, Mia Benson, the only woman he's ever loved. But after Dagger's friend strong-arms him into checking on the feisty redhead during his leave in Key West, he finds himself under sexual attack and with no desire—or willpower—to retreat.

The Nerd's Ramble: This is book two in the SEALs on Fire series which is a multi-author series. I'm currently reading them out of order, and there isn't too much to give away if you do it this way. This is another super steamy short, that is actually pretty decent. The set up isn't anything original-- Dagger is best friends with Mia's older brother and rather than facing his emotions, kept her at arm's distance. They're explosively hot together, and I like the way that Dagger really cares for Mia and wants to protect her. Their relationship is one that I'd like to see more of, as this ends rather abruptly. Dagger is very much an alpha-male and a 'man's man', but there are a few moments where he's a giant massive dork. "Release the kracken" made me snort out loud and lightened the mood a bit, making the story even more believable.

Jonesin' For Action (SEALs On Fire #3)

Total Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: not available.
Formats Available: Kindle, EPUB
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press)
Author Link: Brenna Zinn webpage

Book Review: Raised by Hand, Lifted by the Tides Willett Thomas

Synopsis: When we first meet Lily “Lil Bit” Dalton, she is quite literally drowning. This “lip flapping” event, along with others, takes place in the quirky, yet racially divided waterway township of Arcadia, Florida in 1954.

In Raised by Hand, Lil Bit recounts the years between ten and thirteen spent in the care of the woman she considers to be her grandmother, "Bubbah," and this woman's alcoholic son, Bobby. As the story opens, it’s been five years since Lil Bit’s mama, Violet, “dropped her off like nothin’ but a bit of dirty laundry,” when on “Ditch Thursday,” Lil Bit is pulled from the river by Sheriff Marin. The Sheriff’s act of heroism leaves her not only with the secret of what lies beneath the water, but also with gnawing doubts about Sheriff Marin, “the only white man worth a damn in all of Arcadia,” who also knows the river’s secret, but tells no one.

Like the tales told by the young heroines in the classics To Kill a Mockingbird and the Secret Lives of Bees, Lily “Lil Bit” Dalton’s quest to reunite with her mother, while also keeping the secret of the Massaquatta’s murky depths, takes readers on a tumultuous ride filled with adventure and mystery. But more importantly, Raised by Hand answers the age old question: What does it take to be a family?

The Nerd's Ramble: In short this book packs a punch. It's complex and layered a story within a story within a story. The characters all interweave together, seemingly random people and events take place only to have significant impact later on in the book. Lil Bit is an adept narrator, connecting with the reader through her day to day life. The voice is authentic and really well written.

I really enjoyed this book. It's one that transported me to the time of the novel, the setting as much as a character as the flesh and blood people roaming around in it. I love the themes of family and forgiveness that run through this. The characters are all strong, and each have their own set of flaws (some of which are corrected, others are not--once more lending to the authenticity of the voice of the book).

This story got under my skin in ways that books lauded as similar to this hadn't. It's really a wonderful book, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Thomas' work. I cannot recommend it enough. 
Disclosure: I was sent this book free for review. I did not receive monetary compensation for my thoughts or review. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: not given
Formats Available: Kindle, EPUB, Traditional.
Publication Date: Published in 2013 (Though first published October 2012)
Author's Link: Willett Thomas on Goodreads

Book Review-- Untamed (House of Night #4) P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.

Synopsis: Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead and unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her?  Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened in PC and Kristin Cast's spellbinding fourth House of Night novel.

The Nerd's Ramble: Thank goodness for Untamed as it has started to redeem the series for me. After Chosen, I was seriously debating on not reading any further. Untamed picks up with the nerd herd still angry at Zoey. There's a new student, by the name of Jack Stark--who Zoey instantly is attracted to, which is rather annoying, considering she talks the entire book how she's not going to dwell on any boys and how Aphrodite is still rather 'ho-ish'. This really bothers me because Zoey can't seem to function without thinking about any of the men/boys she's been with. Also, Damien and his boyfriend are adorable, don't get me wrong, but can we have them behave less stereotypically? I mean come on.

Thankfully, those are simply blips of thought, and the occasional internal whining. The plot really picks up in this book. I really love how the Casts manage to weave Cherokee legend, Christian theology and then the beliefs of the vampires to provide a lush and interesting cast.

I really like the last quarter of this book when the events hinted at in the previous two books start to come to fruition. Again, the blending of the legends is something that works well in the story's favor. I'm looking forward to reading the next part in this series.

Marked (House of Night #1)
Betrayed (House of Night #2)
Chosen (House of Night #3)

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length:  338 pages
Formats Available: Kindle, Epub, Traditional, and audio cd.
Publication Date: September 23, 2008 (St. Martin's Griffin)
Series Website: House of Night

Book Review-- Silver Orphan by Martine Lacombe

Synopsis: An endearing tale of unlikely friendship and compassion between two diametrically opposed individuals - a vibrant young woman and an elderly frail man - Silver Orphan illustrates that giving of yourself reaps untold benefits.

The subject matter covered in Silver Orphan is disturbing from a collective point of view. How we treat our elders, how we discard them - both in life and death - mirrors how we fare as a society. The old will soon outnumber the young - a chilling prospect treated with compassion in Silver Orphan. Interwoven in the stark reality of our superficial ethos is a story of love, redemption, and compassion. Silver Orphan should be included in ethics class curricula nationwide. A chance encounter; an unusual request; two lives inexorably transformed.

When self-absorbed Brooke Blake uncharacteristically sheds her narcissistic armor, she discovers that the hand we lend may pave the way to our own redemption. Silver Orphan is a perplexing hall of mirrors where every image reflects agonizing - though liberating - secrets.

The Nerd's Ramble:  I was sent a Galley copy of this book for a review. I am not compensated, nor influenced in any way.

I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Lacombe manages to weave stories and manage to make them both understandable and interesting. The female protagonist, Brooke is a little unlikeable, but as her's and Frank's story unfolds it becomes less grating to me. I really liked the use of flashbacks to progress the story.

I also really liked the social aspect of this story. We all age, obviously, and this story brings to light a lot of the challenges and difficulties that come with having a large aging population. And the fact that no one really seems to care. I don't think that society should so easily brush off those that took care of younger generations without a second glance. That's one of the reasons why I like this book so much, is that it lays things out--uncomfortable things, real issues and makes the reader look at them.

I didn't mind the medical jargon at all. I noticed a few readers did have difficulty with it. I think it added to the story considering Brooke's profession. I am familiar at these terms so they didn't seem out of place for me.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 250 pages
Format: Traditional, Kindle, Epub
Publication Date: November 1, 2012 (Five Leaf Clover).

Book Review-- Party Crasher by April Angel

Synopsis: She crashed his party and became his prize…

According to one annoying Drex Callum, Chris is a “nosy reporter.” And maybe she is. She’s heard of the super secretive event known as the Seduction Party, and she won’t be content until she finds a way in. The last thing she expects to find is that Drex is the host. She’ll never get an invitation from her nemesis—unless she finds a way to get one herself. And breaking into his house is nothing if it means getting the scoop. But what she gets instead is an eye-full of the man himself, half-naked and more than she’d ever dreamed he could be in all her teenage fantasies.

Drex has been fantasizing about Chris forever, and now that she’s a grown woman, he still has a hard time treating her like one. So when she shows up at the Seduction Party—on the auction chair!—he’s got no other choice but to teach that nosey woman a lesson. He never dreamed sex could be like this, with Chris in his room, tied to a bed, asking him for stuff that blows his mind…

The Nerd's Ramble: This book is by far one of the steamiest, sexiest things I have ever read. It's a little longer than Ms. Angel's "Wicked Valentine", and I appreciate that there was more backstory and more development with this book. Chris is a reporter, and grew up with her older brother and his best friend Drex. As a reporter she manages to worm her way into an exclusive party, and ends up in a rather-- entertaining position.

Drex is a fun character to read. I really like his and Chris' relationship and their banter. Their tension is high and it's really fun to watch the sparks fly and see what happens when they get each other alone. There is a bit of a dramatic streak and some intense situations due to another character who doesn't approve of their relationship, or Chris' access to the exclusive bash. I feel that while it was a little more rounded out, it could have done with a bit more toward the end when Chris and Drex figure out who is behind the horrible things happening to Chris.

Wicked Valentine Review

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 101 pages
Format: Epub, Kindle
Publication Date: February 22, 2013 (Etopia Press)

Book Review-- Betrayed (House of Night #2) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast.

Synopsis: Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night.  She's come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey's old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

The Nerd's Ramble:  This book picks up right after the first in the series, continuing with the story of Zoey and her band of dorky vampyre fledglings. I still dislike the spelling of vampire, and it's still rather jarring to me to see it spelled that way. The Greek theme continues, and it's something that I really enjoy and I think it makes this series stand out, and apart from most of the vampire works out there.

Zoey, our protagonist is continuing to gain power and has been declared "The most powerful fledgling ever" (TM). This is a little irksome, but I think that Zoey's internal monologue and way of speaking keeps it from getting a little too cliched. In this book we also find that things are not what they seem at The House of Night, especially in regards to characters that were heavily lauded, or mistreated/mistrusted in the first book.

I was not prepared for a character's death and that just blew me away. The Casts have some serious testicular fortitude (so to speak) to do that to one of the characters, and the supporting cast. There's an interesting twist at the end, and while I don't want to give anything away--it was unexpected. I enjoyed this book a lot.

Book #1 Review: Marked

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 310pages
Format: Epub, Kindle, Traditional
Publication Date: October 2, 2007 (St. Martin's Griffin)

Book Review-- Darling Jim by Christian Moerk

Synopsis:
When two sisters and their aunt are found dead in their suburban Dublin home, it seems that the secret behind their untimely demise will never be known. But then Niall, a young mailman, finds a mysterious diary in the post office’s dead-letter bin. From beyond the grave, Fiona Walsh shares the most tragic love story he’s ever heard—and her tale has only just begun.

Niall soon becomes enveloped by the mystery surrounding itinerant storyteller Jim, who traveled through Ireland enrapturing audiences and wooing women with his macabre mythic narratives. Captivated by Jim, townspeople across Ireland thought it must be a sad coincidence that horrific murders trailed him wherever he went—and they failed to connect that the young female victims, who were smitten by the newest bad boy in town, bore an all too frightening similarity to the victims in Jim’s own fictional plots.

The Walsh sisters, fiercely loyal to one another, were not immune to “darling” Jim’s powers of seduction, but found themselves in harm’s way when they began to uncover his treacherous past. Niall must now continue his dangerous hunt for the truth—and for the vanished third sister—while there’s still time. And in the woods, the wolves from Jim’s stories begin to gather.

Shelly's Thoughts: I picked this up from the library after a friend recommended it to me. I'd really give this 3.5 stars, but I decided to round up. The story unfolds gradually, backwards. The reader is introduced to a postal worker, who finds a letter and a diary. From there the reader is introduced to three sisters, a wolf in story teller's clothing and an aunt who is also swept up in the fray. As a reader I felt for the sisters, and though they too did something horrible, it was justifiable. The horrible realization that the three share later on when they're reconnected with their aunt is undeniably disturbing. It's a good read, a bit challenging in it's disjointed narrative (there's three narratives overall) and the ending is a bit frustrating for me, because I want to know the third sister's story.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 320 pages
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, EPub, Kindle, Audio book.
Publication Date: March 31, 2009 (Henry Holt and Co)

Book Review-- The Scarlet Dagger (The Red Sector Chronicles #1) Krystle Jones.

Synopsis: The strength of Sloane’s heart is about to be put to the ultimate test.

After the Eclipse – the night vampires began openly slaughtering human victims – everything changed. Out of fear, the government salvaged what remained of the human population and enclosed them in massive, security-laden cities called White Sectors, while marking the vampire infested territory as Red Sectors.

When seventeen-year-old Sloane McAllister’s twin brother disappears, she seems to be the only one who thinks he isn’t dead, and vows to stop at nothing to find him. Gathering her courage, she braves the Red Sector to search for clues to his whereabouts. By chance, she encounters Aden, a handsome, charismatic vampire with a hidden agenda. He turns Sloane against her will, and whisks her away to his underground city. Enemies quickly become friends as Sloane struggles against her attraction to Aden, and resists her growing loyalties to the creatures that ruined her life. But the vampires themselves are the least of her problems. The city is harboring a devastating secret, one that could change the tide of the war and threaten to destroy everything Sloane has come to believe in.

Shelly's Thoughts: Honestly, I'd rate this 4.5 overall. It's a really great book--and while I don't normally head toward YA especially YA vampire books, I'm really glad I took a chance on this. Sloane is a strong character, a strong heroine who stays consistently strong. She doesn't get stupid or act ditzy in front of either of the love interests, and frankly that was a breath of fresh air. I like that she has a few weaknesses, though a couple of the scrapes she got out of could have used a little more explanation.

One of the major plot points was predictable, but again, that didn't take away from the enjoyability of this book. The world building is beautiful and thoughtful, and I easily got caught up in this dystopian universe.

I look forward to reading the second book in this series.

Rating: ★★★★1/2
Total Length: 300 pages
Format: Epub, Kindle.
Publication Date: October 23, 2011

Book Review-- Jonesin' For Action (SEALS on Fire #3) by Samantha Cayto

Synopsis: Losing half a leg hasn't slowed down Aiden Jones. He can't deploy as a SEAL anymore, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying life as he always has. The one challenge left is to take a woman to bed. It's not his ability he questions, but his appeal. Can a woman overlook his damaged leg?

Marissa Nelson tends bar while working on her dissertation. Cautious by nature, hooking up with customers isn't her style, but Aiden tempts her to break the rules. More than the sum of his parts, he's a man who can rock her world.


Shelly's Thoughts: This book was a quick steamy read. I was surprised to find myself a little teary eyed at Jones' nerves about his disability. I think the author handled it well, and it was overall a really cute read.I like how Ms. Cayto took a character who was so alpha male and used to being the hero and saving everyone, and gave him a flaw. This really made the book something that I enjoyed. My only complaint is that the ending was rather abrupt. I would like to know more about the couple and how they work together after the events in the story.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given.
Format: Epub and Kindle
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press, INC)

Book Review-- Touching Smoke Airicka Poenix

Synopsis: For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN being on the run had been the easiest part of her life. Packing up and crossing whole cities on a split second decision had been tedious, having no friends and being alone had been painful, but being caught by the truth was something she learned too late was worse.

Fallon is a weapon. She was created to destroy. Keeping her alive, keeping her safe is all Isaiah knows. It’s all that matters, because Fallon is his. She belongs to him. She is a part of his body, his soul, his heart. He will do anything, kill anyone to keep her, even if it means sacrificing himself.

But can Fallon believe the stranger on the motorcycle claiming he was there to die for her? How do you trust when you have no one but the memories of a girl you’ve never met and a tall, dark, gorgeous boy that you feel pulsing deep in your soul? What do you do when you’ve been lied to your whole life? When you’re told you’re normal even though nothing about you is normal? Fallon must learn quickly just what she is before the evil chasing her finally gets what it wants… her blood.

The world depends on her not falling in love, not giving in. But what happens when the temptation becomes too great, when falling is her only option? Can she live knowing the world will burn because his touch is the only thing keeping her alive?

Shelly's thoughts: I won this from the author in a contest off of Facebook. I put it onto my Nook and left it there for a while. Last night, I wanted to sit down and read something to take my mind off of a horrible book I had finished hours before. I instantly got sucked into Fallon's world, and found myself getting carried away in the story. It's interesting, with a lot of action, and not a lot of teenage angst. One thing that I did dislike, was how long it took to get any sort of questions answered--both for the reader and Fallon. I do like Isaiah, and I like his and Fallon's relationship. It's interesting, has some challenge to it, and the idea of predetermined 'soul mate' adds an extra element of fun. Is their attraction simply manufactured? Or is there something else there? This was a quick read, and not too bad on the 'typical YA Romance' scale. There's enough going on that the romance is adding to the characters rather than becoming the sole reason for the book to continue. I look forward to reading more from Airicka.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 320 pages
Formats: Kindle, EPub
Publication date:  July 31,2012

Book Review-- Sergeant Rex.

Sergeant Rex by Mike Dowling.

Synopsis: Called “a deeply affecting tale of courage and devotion in the cauldron of war” by Publishers Weekly, Sergeant Mike Dowling’s heart-pounding account of an unbreakable bond between man and dog takes us into the searing 130-degree heat, the choking dust, and the ever-present threat of violent attack in Iraq’s infamous Triangle of Death. In 2004, Dowling and his military working dog Rex were part of the first Marine Corps military K9 teams sent to the front lines of combat since Vietnam. It was Rex’s job to sniff out weapons caches, suicide bombers, and IEDs, the devastating explosives that wreaked havoc on troops and civilians. It was Mike’s job to lead Rex into the heart of danger. An extraordinary chronicle of loyalty in the face of terrible adversity, Sergeant Rex is an unforgettable story of sacrifice, courage, and love.

Shelly's Thoughts: I picked this up after my dad left it laying around. A couple hours later, I had finished it and was wiping away tears. (just as a heads up, everything works out okay).

This is the real life account of Sergeant Mike Dowling and his Military Working Dog (MWD) Sergeant Rex. Sent to Iraq to seek out improvised explosive devices (I.E.Ds) and to launch the Marine Corps military K9 use in the front lines. This book was a quick read, and more of a conversation between Dowling and the reader. It's pleasant to read with a bit of military and 'boy' humor thrown in. It depicts day to day life with the military and working dogs in the front lines of the Iraq war. Dowling keeps politics out of the book, and recounts both humorous and sad times with his work with Rex. There is a nice afterword that explains what happened after the brunt of the story. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.

Kind of makes me feel a bit silly that all my German Shepherd does is nap. Though all I have to do is pull out the Kong ball and he's ready to play.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 289 pages
Formats available: Paperback, Hardback, and EBook.