Review: Pandora's Key

Pandora's Key by Nancy Richardson Fischer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: When everything you believed about yourself is a lie, how do you unlock the truth…

Evangeline Theopolis has nightmares about the violent deaths of women she has never met. Her single mother, Olivia, suffers delusions she can’t hide. And Malledy, a brilliant young man, may have a disease that will leave him paralyzed and insane. Their lives are about to collide.

On Evangeline’s 16th birthday her mother gives her a necklace with an antique key charm—a family heirloom, though no one knows what the key unlocks.

Everything changes. Her mom is hospitalized. Her godmother attempts murder. An ancient Order tries to kill Evangeline, and a lethal sect to kidnap her.

Nothing makes sense—especially Evangeline’s own face, which has morphed from geeky to eerily stunning; the ancient key that feels strangely alive against her skin; and the magical abilities she begins to possess.

Evangeline must use her wits and supernatural powers to fight her deadly adversaries and discover her true identity. But can she accept who she really is and save the world?

My Thoughts: There were two separate storylines that converged a little more than half way in. I liked parts of it and not so much other parts. The story kind of sputtered along which the shifting storylines didn't help. There wasn't much on the character development. There were a lot of characters involved which contributed to their lack of substance. This is the first book in a planned series, which really could stop with this book. I guess I would have to see the synopsis for the subsequent books to decide if I was going to read more.



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Review: Wallbanger

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: Caroline Reynolds has a fantastic new apartment in San Francisco, a KitchenAid mixer, and no O (and we’re not talking Oprah here, folks). She has a flourishing design career, an office overlooking the bay, a killer zucchini bread recipe, and no O. She has Clive (the best cat ever), great friends, a great rack, and no O.

Adding insult to O-less, since her move, she has an oversexed neighbor with the loudest late-night wallbanging she’s ever heard. Each moan, spank, and–was that a meow?–punctuates the fact that not only is she losing sleep, she still has, yep, you guessed it, no O.

Enter Simon Parker. (No, really, Simon, please enter.) When the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. Their late-night hallway encounter has, well, mixed results. Ahem. With walls this thin, the tension’s gonna be thick…

In her third novel, Alice Clayton returns to dish her trademark mix of silly and steamy. Banter, barbs, and strutting pussycats, plus the sexiest apple pie ever made, are dunked in a hot tub and set against the gorgeous San Francisco skyline in this hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight

My Thoughts: OH MY WORD!! I giggled through the beginning of this book. Actually truth be told, I giggled through the whole book for a number of reasons...but beginning was hysterical. I started this book at 7pm last night and didn't put it down until I finished at 1:30am...Thank you Ms Clayton for the set of Samsonite luggage that has taken up residence under my eyes! As usual, I've digressed!

So laying in bed last night, I would erupt into fits of giggles, which my poor sleeping husband probably didn't appreciate! Oh Well, his snores never stopped for very long!

I could not put this book down! I love snark and wit...and Clayton has it in spades! You can't help but fall in love with both Caroline and Simon...but the scene stealer is Clive, Caroline's cat! And I absolutely adored Clive's last words. *sigh*...I really didn't want this story to end.

So thank you to Ms. Clayton for a thoroughly delightful night! And thank you to Jennifer Armentrout, a favorite author of mine here on GoodReads, because it was the fact that she was reading Wallbanger that brought it to my attention. I look forward to enjoying Wallbanger again in the not too distant future!



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Review: Iced

Iced by Karen Marie Moning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to take a whole book about "Mega". Her attitudes and behaviors in the "Fever" series got on my nerves a bit. Thankfully Moning toned her down a bit.

Now this story continues very shortly after the 5th Fever book ends. Dani is still killing any demon she can, but for some reason she has attracted Ryodan's attention and the attention he gives this young (15) lady, is a bit creepy. Then there is the former druid who has been slowly turning into an Unseelie Prince who also has a creepy fascination with Mega.

While I missed Mac and Barrons, this was a great continuation with familiar characters following a familiar style of storyline in a familiar world. I was glad to see not too much had changed because I really love the world of Mac and Barrons. I'm really looking forward to spending more time in this world with Mega. Just have to try and be patient!



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Review: Sapphire Blue

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

My Thoughts: This series is not grabbing me like I thought it would. In my Ruby Red thoughts, I mentioned that I thought it took a long time for the story to really get going. That the first book was mostly backstory and I was really hoping the story would take off in Sapphire Blue. I felt like it sputtered and stalled.

First the "romance" between Gideon and Gwen didn't really go anywhere, if anything it showed Gideon to be very fickle. Which I found disappointing, he has absolutely no faith in Gwen. If I were Gwen I'd kick his ass to the curb and ignore him completely rather than pine away for him!

I did love Gwen's grandfather and the little gargoyle like creature Gwen picks up in her travels. Xemarius has some great snarky comments and wonderful insights if only Gwen would actually listen to him. Gwen's cousin continues to be the bane of her existence as does the Count/Baron, whatever he is.

Sadly, I'm not holding out much hope for Emerald Green, the third book in this trilogy. With 2 books worth of back story and build up, I'm afraid it won't live up to the hype. I guess I will just have to wait and see.



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Review: The Beautiful and the Cursed

The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: It was bizarre and inexplicable, but after it happened no one spoke of it and Ingrid Waverly was forced to leave her life in London behind. She had to trade a world full of fancy dresses and society events for Paris with her mother and younger sister, Gabby.
In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house her twin brother Grayson found for them isn't a house at all. It's an abbey. A creepy, old abbey with a roof lined in stone gargoyles that one could almost mistake for living, breathing creatures.

And Grayson is missing.

Yet no one seems to be concerned about Grayson's whereabouts save for Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant who has some secrets of his own.
There's one secret about the city that he can't keep hidden, though. There's a murderer on the loose. And every day Grayson is missing means that there's less of a chance he's alive.

Ingrid is sure her twin isn't dead--she can feel it deep in her soul--but she knows he's in grave danger, and that it's up to her and Gabby to find him before all hope is lost.

Only the path to him is more than she could ever imagine.

My Thoughts: I've said it before and I will say it again. I tend to shy away from "historical" novels. This one took place in 1899 and I didn't realize it at the time I requested the galley. But once again, I am wrong and thoroughly enjoyed this historical paranormal story. I almost wrote "romance" which would have been wrong. There is some interest amongst some of the characters, but the "romance" would be the least of the plot points.

I love gargoyles and the thought of them coming to life and protecting their homes was intriguing. This storyline had the gargoyles, dispossessed, as a kind of slave to angels and they are used to protect humans. These gargoyles have an uneasy kind of alliance with a human group who is aware of and fights demons.

I loved that these young women are not the helpless "damsels in distress" types. They are headstrong and don't want to be reliant on anyone. If only the men of the time would allow them to be more self-possessed. Part of the conflict. But the women are smart enough to run an end game on the guys.

The story was well written if a bit predictable. I will definitely be on the lookout for future installments. I'm hoping that there may be some coming surprises!!





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Review: The Madness Underneath

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…

There’s a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London. Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…

But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions.

My Thoughts: This picks up shortly after the end of The Name of the Star. This one also starts off with a murder, a strange murder...but Rory is a long ways from London and no longer has any contact with any of her friends from school. Rory has signed a Secrets Act and can be tried for treason if she even thinks about contacting Stephen, Callum or Boo! Suddenly Rory's therapist suggests that Rory would be better off returning to school for the remainder of the term to face her ghosts.

This was a great continuation of Shades of London. Rory has to learn to deal with the fact that she is a terminus. Ghosts/Poltergeists seem to be wrecking havoc in London, again, and there is somneone or something else that suddenly seems to have their sights on Rory.

This book took a lot of unexpected turns! Some had me shaking my head and others had me in tears. And with that cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what happens next! If you enjoyed the first book as much as I did, I don't think you will be disappointed in Madness Underneath



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Review: Beautiful Bastard

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other.

**NOTE TITLE IS INTENDED FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE**

My Thoughts: I did not know this was fan fiction based on Twilight prior to reading it. Ah...the irony of it. As I read it I thought of the glut of "50 Shades" wanna-be's, which was originally Twilight fan fiction.

Either way, I enjoyed this story if for no other reason than the banter between Bennett and Chloe. However, now that I know it's a "knock-off" I don't know if I will read any future installments. These fan fiction spin-offs are just too much alike. Plus I do agree to a certain extent that they are very close to copyright infringement. I'm not sure how I would feel if I wrote a popular book and suddenly there were all these over-night authors making money off my premise...know what I mean? Now that 50 Shades has become a sensation, I suspect more knock-offs will flood the market.



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Review: Confessions of a Murder Suspect

Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: On the night Malcolm and Maud Angel are murdered, Tandy Angel knows just three things: 1) She was the last person to see her parents alive. 2) The police have no suspects besides Tandy and her three siblings. 3) She can't trust anyone--maybe not even herself. Having grown up under Malcolm and Maud's intense perfectionist demands, no child comes away undamaged. Tandy decides that she will have to clear the family name, but digging deeper into her powerful parents' affairs is a dangerous-and revealing-game. Who knows what the Angels are truly capable of?

My Thoughts: James Patterson, where have you been? This book felt like a return to his roots! There were so many different things going on that may or may not have had an effect on the murders of Malcolm and Maud! Plus there is the bizarre parenting of M&M...what is in those "vitamins" the kids are taking?? And what with Tandy's black-outs/memory lapses? So many loose ends were left to tease and torment us. Can't wait to see where this goes next!

This was hard to put down! The character development was lacking, but I think that was one of the strengths of this story. There is so much to discover about this family of orphans and their bizarre skills as well as what their parents may or may not have done to them. If you loved James Patterson way back when...you will probably really enjoy this little mystery...it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.



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Review: S.E.C.R.E.T.: A Novel

S.E.C.R.E.T.: A Novel by L. Marie Adeline

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: Cassie Robichaud is thirty-five and widowed. After a life filled with disappointments, her days are dull and gray: she waits tables at a rundown café in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to a one-bedroom apartment alone. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman, Cassie's world will never be the same. The notebook's shocking and scandalous contents lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, darkest, and most intimate sexual fantasies. The S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T motto: No judgment. No limits. No shame. Cassie soon embarks on a tantalizing and unpredictable erotic journey, completing ten fantasy-steps toward sexual fulfillment--discovering acceptance, courage, surrender, and more--with gorgeous men in rapturous scenarios beyond her imagination. As she is set free from her inhibitions, the satisfaction and bliss she experiences bring her a new confidence that transforms her forever. Equal parts scintillating, liberating, and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality

**This title is intended for an audience of 18+**

My Thoughts: Really enjoyed this novel! LOL - I felt like a perfect candidate for the club! That maybe TMI.

I loved the character of Cassie. She seemed very down-to-earth and had a very sad, convincing back story. I enjoyed watching her come into her own...watching her character develop over the course of the story.

The concept of the book was refreshing and it really fit the New Orleans locale. The story stopped kind of suddenly, but I was relieved to discover after reading the GoodReads synopsis that this will be a series. So I will be looking forward to the next installment...curious to see in what direction the next book will go.



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Review: The Fetish Box, Part One: Open All Night

The Fetish Box, Part One: Open All Night by Nicole Camden

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



GoodReads Synopsis: An enchanting eBook debut about a world where your fantasies come true and nothing is quite what it seems. Come on in to realize your heart’s darkest desire...Virginal twenty-two-year-old Mary has just inherited a sex shop in Florida from her mother. After a long drive from California, she arrives at her deceased mother’s house only to be confronted immediately with two equally sexy strangers: the strong, silent John and the irreverent, taunting Max. She’s innocent, almost completely untouched, but feels a completely uncharacteristic pull to each man. Shocking even herself, she realizes it’s not an unwelcome desire.

**THIS TITLE INTENDED TO A MATURE, 18+, AUDIENCE**

My Thoughts: I would have liked this more and rated it better if it wasn't so short and quit just when we were getting to the good part. Apparently out in the publishing world it is becoming common place to serialize books and spit out small chunks at a time...personally this is something I hate! That's what seemed to be going on with this book. Now I got this first part as a galley with no guarantee that I will receive subsequent sections...nor was it clear going into this title that any of this was the case. Hence the 2 star score. I would really have like to read the WHOLE thing at once!



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