Book Review: Primal Needs

Primal Needs by Susan Sizemore

Description:Sidonie Wolf is a female vampire in a world where all they want to do is protect her. She has always been attracted to werewolf Joe Bleythin. But she let him go years before for both of their best interests and now that he is returned she doesn't know if she can do it again. Hopefully she can because in her society they are not allowed to be together. And it could mean death for Joe. Of course the bad guys are after all of them - so can they face the difficulties that they are facing and their growing feelings for one another?

Thoughts: As someone who is about to embark on the journey of mother hood the beginning of this book disturbed me like nothing else. They take away your child and then plant memories so that you don't feel that bad about the whole thing?!? I understand the need (at least in this book) I mean crazy vampire kids who want to suck your blood don't sound like the best thing to have around you - but still!

I guess if you really wanted to you could compare this book and its themes of women's rights (in a society that only wants to protect and coddle their women) as well as cross species (werewolf/vampire) marriages as being bad - to society in the olden times. For that it makes it interesting.

I had forgotten most of the times I had seen Sidonie and Joe together so it took a little while for me to remember what was going on with them and to catch up - so I wouldn't suggest this as a first time book for someone. Read the others first. But it is still entertaining.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: Forbidden Nights with a Vampire

Forbidden Nights with a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Description: Vanda Barkowski used to be a member of Roman's herim. But now she has her freedom to do what she wants nad she runs a nightclub for her fellow vampires. Her hot temper continues to get her in trouble and when several former employees make complaints about her she is forced to go to therapy. And who is her sponsor - but Phil Jones - the former bodygaurd that used to make her hot and bothered.

Phil has always like Vanda and can't believe he now has his chance to spend time with her. But there is much more at stake then just their romance as someone seems to be out to get all of them.

Thoughts:This series is overall a good one. I have enjoyed it and think that the stories are enjoyable and add to it the overarching story of a bad guy getting good guys and you have something that ties it all together. Is it my favorite series ever? No. Some of the characters are hard to get into. Like Vanda who is a bit hard and you don't know why for a while. Eventually they come into their own though.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Veil of Midnight

Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Description: Renata is a special woman who has been trained to fight. She has special gifts which have come in handy in protecting her from the bad people in the world (and saved her life more than once). Nikolai's job is to find the bad guys in the Breed and serve justice. When he meets Renata he can't help but wonder why she seems to be the employee of an assassin.

But Nikolai can't deny his attraction to Renata. And Renata needs the help of someone and the only one around that seems to be capable is Nikolai. Can they solve their problems best by being together? What about their own histories that have scared their bodies and souls?

Thoughts: Am I in a book rut? I haven't seemed to find much that has been interesting me in terms of wanting to read. When I do read things I have middle of the row feelings on them. They don't astound me, but they also don't make me hate them enough to put them down. Do I feel like putting these books on my must read list - No. But is that more a by-product of the other things going on in my life? I really can't tell. It makes me sad - because I don't want to influence others' choices in books if it is just me being in a perpetual bad mood (then again I am not in a bad mood - I have a lot going on but overall am very happy with how my life is).

I guess my goals with this website was to give people another venue to find out what a book is about. Maybe find out why I liked it (or loved it - or hated it). Not that they should take my word as gospel - but more if you like the things I like - maybe you will find something listed here you wouldn't have picked up.

So that is how I feel about this book. Ambivalent. Not bad as in I am going to scratch my eyes out - but not great.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Secret Life of a Vampire

Secret Life of a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Description: Lara Boucher is an officer who has been asked to come to a very disturbing call. It looks like it isn't just a bachelor party but instead a murder has happened. But she is confused. Someone seems to be messing with her mind. The one thing she does remember is being attracted to the man at the door - Jack. What she doesn't know about Jack is he is both a vampire and the son of Cassonova.

Can their attraction work out when she finds out who he really is? Can he tell her - he has been burned by loves before who couldn't handle what he really was.

Thoughts: In terms of this series I enjoyed the book but it wasn't my favorite in the series. (Maybe it is because I read them a touch out of order). I love the kids and wish I could see more of them in the books. They have such fun differences and you just don't know what is going on with their half human-half vampire selves.

I wonder if it is the fact that I know how it all will end that is causing my luke-warm feelings for these sorts of books. I mean you know in a romance novel the couple ends up together. So if that is the only plot twist then you aren't going to have to deal with much more.

But it is well written and the story is entertaining so I don't blame the author!

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Stakes & Stilettos

Stakes & Stilettos by Michelle Rowan

Description:What else does an undead girl want to do but go back to her high school reunion. But like any girl - she doesn't remember totally what high school is all about. It is way more than just fun and friendship - there might be trouble there.

The Red Devil has returned as well. The vampire legend has him as someone who helps vampires - and he has been helping Sarah. So that means he can not be evil -right? But what does he really want?

Sarah wants the time to be a normal vampire girl. And focus on the fact that her 600 year old boyfriend is already married (don't tell her parents they won't understand). Can everything work out for these star crossed lovers?

Thoughts: I appreciated the class reunion feel in this book. I didn't return for my 10 year reunion - but that was because I went to my 5 year one and had enough for a while. Besides the people I truely wanted to see weren't going either. But I learned a lesson that I found to be helpful at my 5 year reunion. If I had been drunk in high school - I would have liked a lot more people a lot more. As in everyone has their past and people they hurt. Whether you are the cheerleader or the geek - somewhere out there is someone you hurt and you may not remember it. And you may have good reasons. But you affected their lives.

The Red Devil twist was something that just helped the plot move along. It was interesting but again not life changing in my reading tastes - which is why it only gets a 4.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: Undead and Unwelcome

Undead and Unwelcome by Mary Janice Davidson

Description: Betsy and Sinclair are off to do their duty as King and Queen of Vampires. A werewolf has died under their protection and they must make amends with the werewolves. Of course things are never easy for Betsy. She can't keep her mouth shut and that only causes more problems.

Meanwhile at home things aren't going so well either. Marc is left with Betsy's half-sis Laura (oh did anyone tell you she is the child of Satan). It all starts off with the best of intentions but things go south quickly. Can Betsy and Sinclair make it back in time to fix all the problems?


Thoughts: I like these undead books. I think the refreshing tales of Betsy who is queen of the vampires but not really all that into anything but herself, her family, and staying alive, fun. They aren't written to make you scared or think the world is crashing down - they are witty and light.

That being said - this wasn't my favorite of these books. I feel like I am just not getting enough story from this one. Yes we find out some tidbits about BabyJon and the sister who is half-Satan, but overall there isn't a ton of progression. I wanted more in terms of plot moving forward.

I also didn't particularly enjoy the "diary" aspect where Betsy's friend Marc is writing things from his perspective. Yes, that is the only way to tell that story since Betsy isn't around. But I didn't like it so much. So in terms of recommendations - yes read the series. Don't start with this one - I think it may make you put it down and you shouldn't judge every book by this one.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: The Immortal Hunter

The Immortal Hunter by Lynsay Sands

Description: Decker Argeneau is a Rogue hunter who needs a vacation. But when there are rogue vampire's out there - vacations sometimes have to wait. When he comes across a nest of vampires and their captives everything changes. Decker has found his soul mate. Dr. Danielle McGill knows there is more than meets the eye going on. But if Decker and his friends will help her find her sister she will follow along and do what needs to be done.

Along the way Danielle realizes that Decker is not what she expected. Is she ready to be his soul mate? Can she get her sister back before she is really hurt? What happens when Danielle becomes one of the undead too?

Thoughts: I love the Argeneau series and this is just another way to extend that set of books. You get to meet and see the Argeneau's and at the same time extend it to a few more people. The only thing I see as possibly being an issue is the whole - you can only convert one person and these girls seem to have families. What do you do with that?

These books are great and one long continuation of a story. So start at the beginning or I think you will be missing way to much. You don't have to read all of the books - just the Rogue Hunter Novels.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Dead and Gone

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Description: Sookie is excited - the weres are going to come out. It has been a while since the vampires have done it and now the Were community has decided to try it. It can't go wrong can it? Except it seems to be a problem.

Add to that her great grandfather the fairy Naill is back. He loves Sookie and wants to protect her. But his enemies know that she is in his life. And they figure why not just hurt the expendable human. Sookie has a lot of friends but can they protect her from all of these enemies?

Thoughts: I have been a Sookie Stackhouse fan for a while now. I have enjoyed the books and kept picking them up whenever they would come out. Imagine my surprise (and feeling of stupidity) when I picked this one up and it explained to me that the TV show I had been hearing so much about (and yet never seen) on HBO - True Blood was based on the books. All of a sudden I couldn't believe that I had totally missed it. I mean I like vampires. I had heard of True Blood but because it was on HBO hadn't paid any attention to it. Well now I will have to.

I liked this Sookie book quite a bit. Sookie has been progressing as a charecter as things have changed in her world. Her brother isn't the man she wishes he would be. She loves Eric (but is that because of their blood bond or cause she really does love him)? Then there are her conflicted feelings for Bill. I mean he was her first love but something has changed. This book explores Sookie's view on family and how having a brother who is a bit of an a** has changed her perspective and made her want just anyone who can love her and care for her. Even if it means he is a fairy and she can't totally trust him.

I would defintly recommend this series and if you can start at the begining. Then you will understand the depth of these feelings she has for everyone.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

Description: Jane Jameson was just a normal librarian when she loses her job and ends up at a bar drowning her sorrows in alcohol. She meets a very nice man and thinks things might be looking up for her. When she wakes up, she finds out she has died and become a vampire.

Imagine how strange it is to one day be human and the next to be an unemployed vampire who is being greated by the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee. It would be an adjustment for anyone. Add to that the complication of telling her family (with her quite needy mother she knows that won't be easy) and Jane doesn't know what to do.

Thankfully the man who turned her and who she is attracted to is there to help. But is he really trying to do what is best for her? Why does it seem as if someone is out to get her? I mean all those accidents can't be random can they? Can Jane figure out what is really going on before someone gets hurt?

Thoughts: I am seeing more and more of these books come out. Or maybe I am just finding them. And what I mean by that is books that are less romance and more of series of books that surround a person and their lives. Of course there usually is a romantic interest (or two) but the focus is less on that and more about the mysteries they solve, the people in their lives, or the crazy twist that makes them interesting (i.e. they are witches, vampires, detectives etc).

This one is one of those that I liked a lot. The great aunt ghost who only Jane can see is a great foil for the mother who wants nothing more then herself to be pleased. Jane is a likeable character with a best friend who is willing to deal with the fact that she has now turned into a vampire (he is even willing to find his own girlfriend who isn't considered normal). It will be fun to see how they all progress and what being a vampire will mean for them.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Feature: Blood Bar

By Norm Applegate
Publisher: Black Bed Sheet Book
Publication Date: January 2009
Pages: 305
Price: $14.00
Description: Kim Bennett (who is featured in Applegate's other books as well) is a woman who is sure of herself. She is a madame who is into the S&M game and has recently delved into solving murders. When an acquaintance calls her and asks her to help because her lover - a vampire - was murdered, Kim runs to her side.

This takes her on an adventure that has Kim (and many others) looking for this vampire book - The Black Testament. The Black Testament was supposedly written by Jack the Ripper and has all sort of secrets in it. As far as Kim is concerned vampires don't really exist. So this is all some weird story. But as she gets deeper into the world Kim has to start to wonder. Maybe they do exist.

Book Review: The Vampire's Bride

The Vampire's Bride by Gena Showalter
Description: The King of the Vampires, Layel has been on a mission to destroy all vampires ever since the death of his soul mate and wife. They killed her in a brutal fashion and he will make sure every last dragon pays.

In a battle he meets Amazonian woman Delilah. Delilah has a past with men who don't follow through and while she can't help but be attracted to Layel she knows that her focus should be on herself and the other women in her Amazonian tribe.

When the God's focus on Atlantis it means trouble for all of them. And many creatures are swept away into a game that could mean death for all of them. Can Layel get over his idea that there was only one woman for him - even if that woman is dead? Can Delilah start to trust a man - especially a vampire one? Can they escape with their lives?

Thoughts: This was my first 'Tale of Atlantis' book. It was quite interesting and different. I loved the different creatures. While this book took us far from Atlantis for much of it - it makes me think that I should try out some of the other books!

I love that Layel is as true to his dead wife as he can be. That he realizes loving someone else just means letting go a little - it doesn't in any way make his relationship with her any less special or important to him. Especially after hundreds of years.

Delilah is a strong charecter who doesn't need a man. Yes, she likes that she has found someone who can maybe show her up once in a while. But he is so much more than that.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Blood Bar

Blood Bar by Norm Applegate

Description:Kim Bennett (who is featured in Applegate's other books as well) is a woman who is sure of herself. She is a madame who is into the S&M game and has recently delved into solving murders. When an acquaintance calls her and asks her to help because her lover - a vampire - was murdered, Kim runs to her side.

This takes her on an adventure that has Kim (and many others) looking for this vampire book - The Black Testament. The Black Testament was supposedly written by Jack the Ripper and has all sort of secrets in it. As far as Kim is concerned vampires don't really exist. So this is all some weird story. But as she gets deeper into the world Kim has to start to wonder. Maybe they do exist.

Thoughts: What a unique book. The theme of vampires is something I have read a lot about over the last few years and is something I enjoy - but I really have a hard time comparing this book to anything else that I have read. And that is a good thing. The heroine Kim isn't necessarily likable. She is a hard woman that has a past that has caused her to be the way she is. She likes sex -and she likes it the way she likes to have it (but mind you this book isn't about the sex though it is a theme that winds its way through the story).

But despite Kim not being a character I would want to be friends with the story has so much of a different twist to it that I just didn't mind. This isn't a story that I wanted to identify with. But the theme of it, the way it progresses still keeps me entertained.

I was curious how I would like a female main character in a book written by a man. In earlier posts I have written about how men writing from men perspectives are interesting and not something I see often enough (except with action books). I have heard some people mention that they think that women writing men can be off (and since I am a woman I can't say one way or another for sure). I think this book is written in a way that it is ok that a man is writing it - and in fact maybe gives it a refreshing outlook. This woman is hard on the outside. She has had to be. I wouldn't consider her feelings or emotions the same as a the generic woman's (mainly out of hope that no one has gone through the things she has). The writing style displays this more than anything else.

Applegate's first book Into the Basement is going to be a movie. And I definitely will take a look to see what I have missed by not reading that first book.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: Hunted

Hunted by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast (A House of Night Novel)

Description: Zoey and her friends saw the bird man Kalona unleashed on the school and its participants by headmistress Neferet at the end of the last House of Night Novel. They escape into the world only to be forced back into the school.

Zoey has always had special abilities and her loyalty to her friends as well as Nyx has served her well. She now is surrounded by different vampires then the kind that were originally created when teens like herself transformed. She knows it is up to her friends and herself to save the world. Kalona is out to get them - especially Zoey and she is the only one that can figure out a way to stop him.

Zoey has to figure out if all of those who seem to be her friends really are. Are the red fledglings someone she can trust? What about the students who are still back at the House of Night? Zoey has been burned before can she figure out who is good and who is bad in time?


Thoughts: I liked this series when I first started reading it. As time has progressed I have grown to like it more and more. You don't know who is the good guy and who are the bad guys. You instead focus on relationships of teens - within groups as well as individual friendships and romantic relationships. Tie all that in with a girl who maybe has a little too much responsibility and it may have hurt her in these relationships. But she is loyal - both to her friends as well as Nyx - the goddess.

The way things are progressing Zoey learns to rely on her friends a little more and more and that group is ever expanding. The red vampires, her special guards, as well as her circle. The story is interesting and inventive and if anything the only thing wrong with it is that it ends - and you keep wanting more.

I personally would recommend starting at the beginning of the series - as I think many of the things in it would be things you don't necessarily need to know about - but would start out as confusing (why are some of the teens dead, how do they become vampires, who Kalona and Neferet are and what is up with Heath the human teen who seems to be attached to Zoey).


What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal/Teen

Overall: