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3.7.14

Monthly Short Reviews #1 | June 2014 Book Reviews

Hello everyone & Happy July!



So, I was thinking that I read a lot more books than what I review here on my blog (I almost always review them on goodreads, though) and was thinking of what the best way was to remedy this "problem" was.

Basically, I came up with this - Monthly Short Reviews! At the end of each month, I will post short reviews on the books I have read as well as any links I can find to connect you to them.


Let's get started!


Name: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1)
Author: Darynda Jones
Publishing Company: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Chick Lit

After RT14, with enough people raving about this series, I felt I had to read it myself. 
I have to say that I am so happy for these recommendations because I truly loved this book. I'm not much into the whole ghost story business and was a bit nervous that was what I was getting in to- I was kind of wrong and kind of right. Does that make sense?
So, there are obviously ghosts since Charley (protagonist) sees dead people. Since, you know... She's the grim reaper. 
The story went at an even pace and the protagonist is hilarious. You are hooked into the story line, instantly, and left with too many questions to not purchase the second book before you finish this first book in the series... Like it did. Loved it!


Rating (out of 5): 4.5
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon Barnes&Noble
Author Online: Website goodreads Twitter Facebook



Name: Bared to You (Crossfire #1)
Author: Sylvia Day
Publishing Company: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Erotica, Adult Fiction

I feel like I'm late to a party with this one. People have been raving about this for a couple of years now and I was hesitant to pick it up. For one, it was being compared to the Fifty Shades of Grey books which I did, in fact, enjoy (no shame in admitting this).
But I was scared I was going to be rereading that same series with just the names exchanged for others and similar sex scenes spread out generously throughout the novel. While there were similarities, I am happy to say I was wrong. 
The beauty of this story is the love/connection between Gideon and Eva. Both having their own personal demons to conquer and seem to have been subdued (no pun intended) in a way that makes the need to create an atmosphere where they are the dominant figure imperative.
Needless to say, they struggle.
It's just a great book. Sexy and a great romance with some serious baggage - just buy it. You need this book in your life.

Rating (out of 5): 4.0
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon Barnes&Noble
Author Online: Website goodreads Twitter Facebook



Name: Second Grave on the Left
Author: Darynda Jones
Publishing Company: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 16, 2011
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Chick Lit

I got these first two books of the series on audible and was a bit dismayed at first because I wasn't a fan of the narrator. But the story... Ah, I have found a new series to obsess over. The first book was a safe introduction to the series but this second book? Blew it out of the park.
There was action, paranormal goodness (Grim Reaper - Say whaaaat?), mystery, suspense and romance. Holy sexual tension. 
This is such a fangirl review... I don't care. Read this book - now - because I know you will love it. :)


Rating (out of 5): 5.0
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon Barnes&Noble
Author Online: Website goodreads Twitter Facebook




Name: Boomerang Part#1 (Chapters 1 - 19)
Author: Noelle August
Publishing Company: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: June 24, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit, New Adult

I really like the story so far. It was a quick and easy read. Looking forward to reading part two. 

Rating (out of 5): 3.5
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon (FREE) Barnes&Noble (FREE)
Author Online: Website goodreads Twitter Facebook




Name: No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark #3)
Author: Kresley Cole
Publishing Company: Pocket Star
Publication Date: October 31, 2006
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Adult Fiction

After reading A Hunger Like No Other, I was a bit hesitant to get into this book. 
Once I finally gave it the chance it deserved, I found I enjoyed it a thousand times better than the prior novel. I love the connection between Sebastian and Kaderin. They both have this passion and love for each other that transfers onto everything they do - with and without the other. 
I loved watching the transformation from Kaderin's cold-hearted nature into something warmer and delicate and fierce. Great read - plenty of action, adventure and sexiness.


Rating (out of 5): 5.0
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon Barnes&Noble
Author Online: Website goodreads Twitter Facebook



Name: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Author: Kresley Cole
Publishing Company: Pocket Star
Publication Date: October 30, 2007
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Adult Fiction

After reading No Rest for the Wicked, I dived right into this book. Finishing it in less than a day from when I finished the previous book in the series, I had to come up for air.
This series is just getting more complicated and complex and sexier as it goes along. 
This book had a lot more intrigue and mystery than the previous novels and I kind of wish that Cole would have explored the witchiness of it all more because I found it so interesting. 
Other than that, I am not sure if I enjoyed reading NRftW better or this one.. Decide for yourself and pick them up - loved it & can't wait to jump into the next book in the series.


Rating (out of 5): 5.0
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon Barnes&Noble
Author Online: Website goodreads Twitter Facebook



Name: Velvet Trap: The Awakening (Book#1)
Author: Mael d'Armor
Publishing Company: AUS Impulse
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Erotica, Adult Fiction, FF

*Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review*
As far as the story line goes, it was a bit cheesy and kind of put me off a bit (hence the 3 stars).
The romance - or straight up lust, really - was intense. This novel is pure build-up even after the epic photo shoot scene. Dark and intense, this book left me wanting more and I will definitely be looking for for part two of this series.


I should also add that this book is FF so it is definitely not everyone's "cup of tea" as the saying goes. 

Rating (out of 5): 3.0
Recommend? Yes
Where it can be purchased: Amazon 


** I have also opted out of posting reviews of books I marked as DNF - "did not finish"**


So, that's it! Hope you enjoyed my June short reviews & I'll be seeing you soon.

&& here is where you can find me on the interwebz:


Until next time-


-Jannelle

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