Review: The Hexed by Heather Graham

The Hexed by Heather Graham

Series: Krewe of Hunters #13

Publication date: July 29th, 2014

Pages: 400

Synopsis (according to Goodreads):

A place of history, secrets... and witchcraft.

Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina--her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead--a woman was murdered nearby.

Craig Rockwell--known as Rocky--is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body--by... a ghost?

Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth--or Devin's might be the next body in the woods...

Available at:

Review:

I received an e-copy from the tour host in exchange for participation in the blog tour and an honest review.

It is no true surprise that I was asked to join the blog tour for this little beauty. I am a big fan of paranormal romance and had yet to read anything by Heather Graham. She has a tendency to write trilogies that stick within the same world so they can both be read independently as well as sequentially. I was worried when I found out it was the 13th book in the series, but it was easy to read out of sequence (something I rarely, if ever, do). This was my first experience with Heather Graham as a writer and I was curious how she would stack up against other authors in the paranormal romance genre.

The book opens on Rocky at a much younger age finding his dead friend not far from his house. She had been ritualistically slaughter and was found with her throat slashed and a pentagram hanging from her neck. Rocky never recovered from that experience and went on to join the FBI. It was only fitting that the boy who found his dead friend by way of a ghost leading him to her body would find himself joining the Krewe of Hunters, a branch of law enforcement that works exclusively with odd, supernatural cases. When Rocky discovers, 13-years after his friend's death, that another woman has been murdered not far from his home in Salem, he is the first to join at the chance to find his friend, Melissa's, killer.

Devin had just moved back to Salem after her great-aunt Mina had died. She had give up her career as a reporter in favor of writing children's books about a friendly witch who teaches fantastical creatures lessons every child should learn growing up. She believed Wiccan's were real, but as far as ghosts were concerned, they belonged in horror movies. Yet, she finds herself following a ghostly voice begging for help to where she stumbles across a body. As she is running for help, she comes face to vehicular grill with Rocky. It was from there that Devin enters a world where ghosts are real and a murderer is on the loose.

It is up to Devin, Rocky, and a few friends (both living and dead) to find out who the murderer is and how it could possibly be connected with the Salem witch trials and a 300-year-old murder.

The book was middle of the road for me. That is not based on the level of writing skill or any faux pas in the story line. That is mostly based on my own personal preferences. I am the type of reader who loves paranormal romance that has a lot of romance and a little paranormal thrill. This was more paranormal thrill/murder mystery than romance. There was one particular line that made me physically groan. "And we made love... And made love and made love." What? That's it? No detail of this love making? I feel cheated. Graham's description of the magical event was nice, but, call me crazy, I feel like if you skip the dirty details then it's more mystery than romance.

This book is perfect for those people who are not big romance buffs. It is heavy on the suspense, moderate on the paranormal, and light on the romance. To some that balances out to a great read, to me, it equals... eh.

Review: Inamorata by Megan Chance

Inamorata by Megan Chance

Publication date: August 1st, 2014

Pages: 420

Synopsis (according to Goodreads):

American artist Joseph Hannigan and his alluring sister, Sophie, have arrived in enchanting nineteenth-century Venice with a single-minded goal. The twins, who have fled scandal in New York, are determined to break into Venice's expatriate set and find a wealthy patron to support Joseph's work.

But the enigmatic Hannigans are not the only ones with a secret agenda. Joseph's talent soon attracts the attention of the magnificant Odile Leon, a celebrated courtesan and muse who has inspired many artists to greatness. But her inspiration comes with a devastatingly steep price.

As Joseph falls under the courtesan's spell, Sophie joins forces with Nicholas Dane, the one man who knows Odile's dark secret, and her sworn enemy. When the seductive muse offers Joseph the path to eternal fame, the twins must decide who to believe--and just how much they are willing to sacrifice for fame.

Available at:

Review:

I received a physical copy from the author in exchange for an honest review and participation in a blog tour.

I must admit I had grown predictable in my reading choices. It was normally paranormal romance or contemporary romance and I never deviated. When I was approached to read Inamorata, I pondered the discomfort of branching out of my normal genres. Finally, I threw caution to the wind and decided a historical read, with just a dash of fantasy so I didn't venture too far away from my zone, was going to be my guinea pig. I had never read anything by Megan Chance so it was also a way to test a new writer (for me at least).

Joseph and Sophie Hannigan are two twins with an odd connection. They are incredibly close and Sophie has learned to take a backseat to Joseph's work. It was no surprise that they ended up in Venice in hopes of expanding on her brother's talent and finding a rich benefactor to make him rich and famous. Sophie, Joseph's docile muse, is willing to do whatever it takes to make her brother a star. Even seduce and manipulate a man by the name of Nicholas Dane.

The Hannigans do not have to work very hard to dazzle anyone they come into contact with. They seem to compliment each other to such an extent that men and women alike can't help but be captivating by them. But their abilities to draw people in could also be their downfall when a seductive succubus catches wind of the handsome artist sibling, Joseph. Sophie has a strong aversion to Odile from the beginning and makes every attempt to keep her brother away from the temptation that is the famous courtesan. But Joseph seems under a spell that no one can break. Not even the sister he loves more than anything in the world.

Sophie finds help from the most unlikely of people. Nicholas Dane who she was meant simply to seduce into introducing her brother to a well known patron of the arts has a secret past with Odile. He has been following her for years trying to thwart her attempts at destroying young artists' lives and leaving them in talent-less ruin. Can Sophie and Nicholas stop Odile from claiming Joseph's soul before it's too late?  

This book was incredibly odd to me. When I finished it, I closed the book, stared at the cover, and muttered a 'Huh. That happened.' The incestuous undertones between the twins coupled with Sophie's potential romance with Nicholas confused me. I didn't know who I was rooting for. And if I rooted for the siblings to become romantically involved, how screwed up was I? I really liked Joseph. I saw how pained he was to know his sister was hurt by the scandal they left in New York and how much he wanted to be famous, not just for himself but for his sister. He wanted to take care of her. I loved him as a character. I growled and bared my teeth when he became involved with Odile though. No likey the succubus. Sophie seemed a little too submissive and docile for my liking, but thinking back, women were taught to be that way in the 19th century. Is it really a surprise that at least one of the characters had that sort of personality?

I found the book to be okay. There was no part of it that resonated in my brain really. It kept me reading but with a bit of a lackluster attitude. I liked the different landmarks in the book, but being as I know nothing about Venice or it's popular places, I had a hard time picturing the scenes. That was a bit frustrating for me personally. Other people may not have the same issue. If you are a history buff who also likes a dash of otherworldliness in your reading, Inamorata is for you.

Review: Layers by Sigal Ehrlich

Layers by Sigal Ehrlich

Series: Stark #1

Publication date: October 10th, 2013

Pages: 300

Synopsis (according to Goodreads):

According to Hayley love is a subject of ridicule, a myth created by hopeless romantics.

When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it's all good in theory...

That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.

Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidentally steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.

Both Hayley and Daniel can't avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.

In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorb, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley's pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.

Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for...

Available at:

Review:

I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I read this, I had not read any Erotica in a long time. I had stuck my head in the proverbial paranormal romance sand and hadn't ventured out. I thought I was due a change so through random draw of all my review books, this one was selected. I went into it with an open mind as I knew there would be no hunky vampires or troubled werewolves to be found. Could I venture out of my comfort zone for a sexy bit of smut?

Hayley has no desire to be hired at the job she is interviewing for. Her friend and roommate caonned her into coming with her and so, Hayley did the dutiful best friend thing and went along. As she ventures away from the group to find much needed caffeine she bumps into what she suspects is just another worker named Daniel in the office. They exchange witty comments and leave with smiles. Eventually Hayley starts receiving emails from the CEO of the company she had been interviewing for asking her to come in for a follow up interview. She goes and lo and behold the coffee room conversationalist is no more than the owner of the company. Thinking back on the less than courtesy words Hayley said about the CEO and his company she is utterly humiliated. She leaves in a huff but Daniel has found something special in Hayley and is not willing to let her go.

Hayley decides to explore things with the hot and incredibly domineering CEO. This is her chance to explore a situation where she can explore sex without frivolous emotions getting involved. She is saying goodbye to her need for love and companionship and getting a few orgasms along the way doesn't hurt. But the more time Hayley and Daniel spend together the deeper their feelings grow until they must confront the fact that their no strings attached arrangement may no longer work for them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the alpha male vibe that Daniel exuded. That just plan does it for me. And then to see Hayley give Daniel hurtles to jump through and forcing him to face situations that he would normally shy away from was absolutely adorable. I loved these two characters and the chemistry between them was red hot. I normally like to let myself be drawn into books so I can actually attempt to experience the things characters are. When reading Erotica that makes the experience even more fun. I could identify with Hayley. I have been where she has been where love and relationships just don't seem worth it anymore. That sort of experience in a book is rare and always welcomed.

I think if you like hot sex scenes with a quirky, fun female protagonist and a domineering, troubled bad boy then Layers is the book for you!

Review: Sanctuary by G. Michael Hopf

Sanctuary by G. Michael Hopf

Series: The New World #3

Publication date: May 27th, 2014

Pages: 352

Synopsis (according to Goodreads):

Surviving the attack proved to be more than they could have imagined...

Months after a super-EMP attack devastated the United States, the country is now unrecognizable. Major cities are run by gangs, survivors are dying of starvation and the government is falling victim to lawlessness. Those who were prepared at all. 

While some seek vengeance for their losses, others are determined to restore the nation. Gordon, Samantha, Sebastian, Barone, Connor, and Pablo are all on different paths, but they are all in search of a home away from chaos. They are all in search of a sanctuary.

Available at:

Review:

I received a physical copy from the author in exchange for an honest review and participation in a blog tour.

I read and reviewed the first two books in this series a while ago. The books were amazingly detailed and sent shivers down my spine with the possible reality behind such a catastrophe. The last book, The Long Road, left on quite a cliffhanger. I was dying to see what happened with the families I had grown to love and root for during their times of trials and tribulations. I found myself biting my nails and waiting anxiously to see if there were to be another tour for the next book in the series. Low and behold, there was. So, I begged, pleaded, and groveled (not really) to read the next book for review. The girls at TLC Book Tours had mercy on my G. Michael Hopf addiction and allowed me to participate.

Sanctuary starts off relatively in the same place the second book left off. Haley is still telling her story to the newspaper reporter and trying to set the record straight as to how their new world came to be. For a girl who experienced all these horrific things at such an early age, it is astounding to watch how her family coped and changed with the times. Samantha, Haley's mother, and Haley are still on their way to Idaho with a small party to set up a homestead to live on until something changes for the better in their world, Gordon is still searching for the man who took something from him more precious than gold, Sebastian is trying to find his brother while also having to choose between his new family and his old, Barone still has ideas on taking over the United States, Connor just wants to find a way to run the country to the best of his abilities, and Pablo wants to watch the country burn around him.

The characters in these stories concocted by G. Michael Hopf are unlike any I have ever encountered. They are familiar and easy to see my own loved ones in their eyes. I can see Samantha as my mother, strong willed but without my father she would fall apart at the seams. I can see Gordon as my father as well. The strong, determined man who loves his children with all his heart and just wants to do right by everyone. It is why I found these books to be so heartwarming and realistic. I can place my family in these character's roles so when something tragic happens to them, I can't seem to stop my own heart from breaking.

Sanctuary can not be summarized because it must be read personally. To avoid spoilers I am keeping this review generalized. If you ever wanted to read a book that was about a post-apocalyptic world that has realism and tragedy coursing through it's pages, this is the series to read. This book rivaled the other two hands down and I hope against hope there will be a fourth installment so I can continue my journey with my beloved fictional family.