Sand's 2008 Reads

Book 65 of 2008: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

2008-12-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana, but she keeps to herself and doesn't date much because of her "disability" to read minds. When she meets Bill, Sookie can't hear a word he's thinking. He's the type of guy she's waited for all of her life, but he has a disability, too--he's a vampire with a bad reputation. When one of Sookie's coworkers is killed, she fears she's next.

My Opinion:

I'm typically not one for re-reading books only because there are SOOO many books still out there that I haven't read at all, but after having watched the first season of TRUE BLOOD I really wanted to re-read this book to see how the series truly compared to the book as I couldn't remember all the details of the book. I just looked and this book originally came out back in 2001 but I didn't discover the series until early 2006 so that was when I first read this book. It was amazing how much I had forgotten of the storyline within just about 3 years! I have to say that HBO did a great job with the series, but there are some major differences in the series and the book. The most disappointing thing that was left out of the show was the the character of Bubba! I'm HOPING that he will pop up in later seasons, but he first appeared in this book which is what season 1 was based upon and he wasn't in the show as of yet. *sigh* Another major change in the series was what happened near the end with the final "battle scene" with the killer. To avoid spoilers I won't say what the differences were here, but it did differ. Outside of that, the series added in a lot of storyline to the characters of Jason, Tara, and Lafayette... as well as a little extra to a few other characters, but other than that the story flowed quite closely to the book. There was another death within the book that supposedly Bill caused in the show that caused a big stink between the vampires, but in the book he didn't cause it... that seemed a little strange to have been changed to me, but while watching the show it made sense. So... even though a bunch of odds 'n' ends changes were made, the show flowed really well and made sense. I also liked that the show used some of the exact dialogue from the book. So... overall I think they did a great job in making the show based from the book. I'm not disappointed! And in re-reading the book... this still stands to be one of my favorite series and held up well as a re-read. I will probably read each of the books in this series again following up watching the seasons of the shows as they come out to compare them, so it'll be slow going, but I think it's neat comparing the differences.

Trailer for TRUE BLOOD:

Book 64 of 2008: Diary of a Sex Fiend: Girl with a One Track Mind by Abby Lee

2008-12-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

A sensational bestseller in England, here is the revealing diary of a young woman honest enough to put all of her sexual thoughts and erotic emotions in print.

Who says men think about sex more than women do? Abby Lee is a smart, determined young woman who for almost three years has been writing an online journal about her sex life. Her writing is everything that writing about sex should be—frank, hysterical, provocative, and completely honest. Her website quickly attracted thousands of hits a day, with both men and women drawn to her observations about masturbation, one-night stands, and same-sex encounters. Girl with a One Track Mind is a year-long diary of Abby's desires, fantasies, and anxieties as she tries to answer the question: why do I always think about sex? Celebrating both her sensuality and her physical needs, Abby explores a swingers' club and a Dominatrix dungeon, and even participates in a pre-arranged three-way (which ends without any satisfaction for her). In between her new experiences are run-ins with lifelong friends; potential romances; and long, frustrating nights when all she really wants is a "great shag." Whether she's offering a girl's guide to understanding date-speak or explaining to her parents why there's a racy picture of her on their computer, Abby writes with a ribald eye and a fearless heart.

My Opinion:

So one would think that having taken me almost two years to finally get through this book that the book actually sucked, but that was SO not the case! The major delay in me finishing this book was the fact that it got so intense (read "erotic") at times that I just had to put it down to move onto something else. *blush* I finally was determined to finish it though before the end of the year because I didn't want to see it on my Shelfari shelf come 2009 and so I did. LOL! And boy it got steamy! Whew!!! Anyway, this book is chock-full of sexual adventures that Abby went through over the course of a year and shows how she learned about herself and what she wanted in life more so during that time. The ending of the book didn't have one of those expected "oh-so-happy-endings" that are so predictable and I was quite happy about that. It seemed more realistic (and like my life) when it turned out differently for her in the end. I definitely say this is worth a read to anyone that enjoys reading erotica as it is definitely erotic... and it's even better knowing that it's a true story!

You can keep track of Abby Lee even more at her blog as I just stumbled across it online (and I now see that there was a link to it at the beginning of the book as well, which I probably noticed two years ago... LOL!!!):

http://girlwithaonetrackmind.blogspot.com

Book 63 of 2008: The Puppy Papers by Puppy Sharon and Steven Toushin

2008-12-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

The Puppy Papers is an instant classic in its genre. While the Story of O and the Beauty Series are fantasy, The Puppy Papers is reality.

There is no other book or story that captures so well the honest and real quest of a women's search for her Master in the alternate world of the BDSM lifestyle. The Puppy Papers is an interesting, well-constructed story geared towards the adventurous woman, the vanguard reader, and those thirsting for a story on the cutting edge of sexuality.

The Puppy Papers takes place in the present, as puppy and her prospective Master get to know and learn about each other. This true story follows an average Midwestern woman through her conversational emails with her Master as she describes to him her journey in the world of BDSM with men who called them selves Masters. In their conversations puppy discuses her childhood sexual explorations on how she learned about her body, a subject that women do not discuss. She tells about her discovery of boys, teenage life, her complicated relationship with her church, marriage, motherhood and her professional life, and eventually her profound SM sexual awakening as she cruises the new sexual frontier, the Internet.

Puppys awakening opens her eyes to new sexual worlds, to those desires and needs that laid dormant with in her. She explains her need to submit mentally, emotionally, and sexually as well as her sexual kinks and submissive masochist needs.

The Puppy Papers through open and honest communication allows the reader to follow puppy on her journey in the world of BDSM to find her Master, a man she needs to please and serve. In her liberating awakening, Puppy reveals her life, with wonderment, humor, and a refreshing humility, as she takes us on her quest for completeness to learn, experience and understand this overwhelming need inside her. Puppy is a remarkable woman unaware of her remarkable story who harbors no guilt, remorse or regrets about her needs and choices in life.

My Opinion:

This was an interesting look into one woman's life and journeys through self-discovery. Sharon shared so many of her adventures openly with her Master (as well as us readers) in order to allow him to understand her better. The book truly shows how she opens up to her Master and grows to love him and trust him fully. The D/s lifestyle is taboo for many people, but is actually a very beautiful thing if you truly look at it closer and or have experienced at some point in time yourself. It's one of those things I've learned you don't just judge by a first impression... and honestly, I have learned not to judge most sexual activities without first understanding WHY they are so intriguing to certain people. What interests some people may not interests others, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily "gross" or "evil". I recommend this book to anyone that is curious about the D/s lifestyle and/or anyone that is open-minded enough to look outside of a vanilla sex life to try other things. As this book shows, there are varying levels of D/s so what you expect it to be may not be what it truly is.

Book 62 of 2008: Vigilantes of Love by John Everson

2008-12-26T17:47:00.001-08:00

Book Description:

The collection includes 15 dark fantasy and horror tales, including the title story, written especially for this collection and "Lovesong" a 5th Place winner in the 2000 World Horror Convention Fiction Contest. Included are tales reprinted from the anthologies TransVersions and Freaks, Geeks & Sideshow Floozies, and the magazines Sirius Visions, Crossroads, Eulogy and Plot, as well as a number of original works.

My Opinion:

Yet another great anthology by John Everson. This collection isn't as dark as his NEEDLES & SINS collection so I did enjoy it a bit more, but this one is still a great read! Several of the stories in VIGILANTES OF LOVE left me with a warm feeling in the heart as the stories were just rather "sweet", which is very different from what I'm used to reading by Everson (think sacrificial orgies, demons, etc...) Within this collection, I'd have to say that my favorite stories (I won't include AFTER THE FIFTH STEP since I read it within NEEDLES & SINS already) would have to have been (in order):

Lovesong
A Lack of Signs
Christmas, the Hard Way
Seven Deadly Seeds
Trick and Treat
Hard Heart

I enjoyed the other stories as well, but these really stood out to me.

The sad thing about finishing this book is that I just realized I only have 1 more John Everson book left to read. Outside of that, there are only a few odds 'n' ends short stories out there. So... hopefully he'll be writing some new stuff soon 'cause I need more books to read!!! (yeah, yeah... I have other authors to read, but I need more by my favorite! *grin*)

Book 61 of 2008: Brides of the Impaler by Edward Lee

2008-12-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

When Cristina and her husband moved into the brownstone, they thought it would be their dream house. But almost immediately something began to beckon to her. She can feel it calling her, luring her, filling her dreams with newfound passion, unbridled lust and promises of ecstasies she'd never thought possible. Soon there will be no turning back, for the time has come for the unholy ritual performed by the…BRIDES OF THE IMPALER

My Opinion:

I had a really hard time sticking with this book and therefore put it down several times in exchange for other books, but in the end really enjoyed this book. I think my struggles with this one had to do with there being so many different characters involved and so there were so many different storylines that were being jumped around from. As the story progressed I got more and more involved so that helped, but I still found myself struggling a little with remembering exactly who was who at times. The book also picked up the tempo erotically at towards the second half which, of course, also helped better the read. Overall, I think BRIDES OF THE IMPALER was a very enjoyable read, but for someone wanting to check out Lee's books, I'd recommend MONSTROSITY over this one. I read it a while back and couldn't put it down!

Book 60 of 2008: Wait till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardsley

2008-12-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

To prove her journalistic chops, Libby Monroe ends up in Broken Heart, Oklahoma, chasing down bizarre rumors of strange goings-on--and finding vampires, lycanthropes, and zombies. She never expects to fall in lust with one of them, but vampire/single dad Ralph Genessa is too irresistible.

My Opinion:

It's been a while since I read any of the books in this series so I had kind of forgotten the characters, but I still fell into place with the story quite well. I really enjoyed Libby and Ralph's characters. The add-in of dragons into this book was different from the usual vampire/werewolf paranormal romance books I'm used to reading so that was a nice change, though I still love my vamps the best. This was a really fun, quick read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next with the characters in the book. There were a lot of funny moments in this book and the Jeff Strand book reference was a very nice touch made by Bardsley in the book!

Book 59 of 2008: Sacrifice by John Everson

2008-12-07T20:04:00.001-08:00

Book Description:

Ariana is on a killing spree. Dressed in a black vinyl catsuit, she lures men to hotel rooms, where they will leave their bodies behindin multiple pieces. That's the part of the story that the newspapers know. The "Sunday Slasher," as she's dubbed for her habit of leaving behind a corpse every Sunday morning, doesn't just have a wealth of misanthropic bones in her body. She's also got a hunger for ultimate power and control. Through ritual sexual sacrifice, she aims to open the door between this world and the domain of the powerful, but violently perverse Curburide demons. She will be their queen, and they will rape the world.

Joe Kieran is a young reporter who has just left the East Coast port town of Terrel with a demon on his back. Literally. Having forged a covenant with the demon, Malachai, to save the lives of two women, he now has a constant invisible companion, albeit one who is less than trustworthy. When Joe picks up Alex, a teen hitchhiker on her way to the Rocky Mountains, he soon finds that he's been setup by Malachai. Alex is more than just a perky runaway; she has the ability to talk to ghosts, something her right-wing parents forced her to hide. But now she will need that talent more than ever; as Malachai sets them all on the path that can only lead to... Sacrifice.

My Opinion:

After having chatted with John Everson, I knew to expect SACRIFICE to be a bit more intense than COVENANT was, but I didn't quite expect what I got. This book was simply amazing!!! I will warn that this is definitely not a book for those with a weak stomach or those that don't like graphic gore or sex in their reads because there are plenty of both in this book. If those things don't bother you and you want an intense, wild ride, well... this is definitely the book to read! (granted, I recommend first reading COVENANT since it is the predecessor to this one )

In COVENANT I grew to like all the characters who lived in Terrel, but in SACRIFICE... I *loved* all the characters! Everson did a fabulous job in really giving a background story on many new characters (especially 3 of the key roles in the book: Ariana, Alex, and Jeremy) and I really felt connected in some way to all of these characters.

The final chapter of this book disappointed me in for a couple of reasons...

1) I was saddened by the final "sacrifices" of the book.

2) I hated that my adventures with these characters was now over. I could've read on about their lives and adventures for a MUCH longer time.

With all that said, I have now found my new favorite book. Last in that spot was THE SINISTER MR. CORPSE by Jeff Strand, but my true love is actually erotic horror and that is what John Everson has provided me with SACRIFICE. I send many kudos John's way for such a fun-filled ride and look forward to all future releases. And to those that have yet to check out his books, I again say... what are you waiting for?!?!?!

Book 58 of 2008: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2008-12-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

About three things I was absolutely positive:
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him–and I didn't know how dominant that part might be–that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

"I'D NEVER GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT TO HOW I WOULD DIE– I'd had reason enough in the last few months –but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this. . . . Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of something else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something."
When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn't realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back. . . .
Deeply seductive and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned.

My Opinion:

I've had this one setting on my shelf for years waiting on me to get to it and I figured with the movie coming out I'd best get on it before everyone tells me what happens! Ironically, while reading it, everyone kept asking me if I had read the book (including my niece who rarely reads!!!). At any rate...

This was definitely a good intro to a new teen series. Meyer has set the scene for a lot of opportunities to come out of this story. There are possibilities for love, transitions, action, etc... etc... This story had a lot of plot twists and had a mix of several different genres mixed in. There was a major romance going on, but there was also a bit of action and drama going on as well. I think it's a very well-rounded story for anyone who enjoys a good vampire story. I am hoping that there will be a bit more "vampire action" (no... not in the sexual since, though that could be good too... *grin*) in future books as this one was a little light on that, but I think it was intended. This isn't really a "horror" book... it's more of just a paranormal/fantasy tale. It's a fun read for "kids" of all ages.

Book 57 of 2008: Failure by John Everson

2008-11-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Raymond is such a failure, he can't even kill himself and get it right. Cindy just plain doesn't care; she'll get on her knees for anyone beneath the football field bleachers to score a nickel bag hit. And Sal is a frustrated goon with a hook nose and an attitude so sour he can't nail a girl even with the lure of free dope and a getaway car.

When these three desperate teens meet Aaron, a failed practitioner of the dark arts who offers them the best high they've ever smoked in exchange for some kinky sexplay inside his pentagram, things can only go from bad to worse. Aaron hopes to ensnare and re-birth the spirit of a late witch, to capture her power from beyond the grave for his own.

Soon, they'll all learn the darkest, bloodiest, most terrifying definition of Failure.

My Opinion:

John Everson is certainly NO failure!!! This short chapbook released by Delirium Books is both gorgeous and well-written. Everson both designed the cover art and wrote the story... a man of MANY talents! The story starts off introducing the reader to each main character in the book as well as to what is going on with them. From there it flashes back and forth between flashbacks to what happened in the past to get them to this point and what is happening in the present. Everson's use of such intense imagery makes you feel like you are there watching the scene first hand. The flashback scenes are so "wild" that some readers might not be able to handle them, but TRUE horror fans will appreciate the writing style as much as I do.

John Everson has "wowed" me more and more with each book I've read by him. I have always enjoyed erotic horror to a point, but he has taken it to a whole new level for me with his writing style. He has ultimately become my favorite author. To anyone reading this that is a fan of horror... if you haven't checked out John's work yet, I HIGHLY recommend doing so. If you are a fan of novels, start of with COVENANT. If you like short stories, track down NEEDLES & SINS. I promise you... you won't be disappointed.

Book 56 of 2008: Needles & Sins by John Everson

2008-11-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Roses scented with bitter deception, Oracles redolent in hidden redemption, a body-mod-obsessed ingenue with an amputee fetish and a demon gone soft on a bitter angel. Dreamcatchers, an alternate Nativity with a pimp God and a non-compliant Mary, Stupid Bitch the three-legged cat and the secret explanation of how Germany almost won the war with the devil on their side. These are just a few of the provocative sets in these 19 stories rife with "Needles & Sins"...

My Opinion:

I HIGHLY recommend this anthology to fans of horror! There is a variety of stories of all kinds and I found myself only disliking 1 story in the whole book and even that one I am considering re-reading as I think I may have been distracted at the time of. Definitely give this book a shot as Everson has created a mix of bizarro, eroticism, kink, horror, fantasy, etc... A must read for fans of dark fantasy, horror, and erotic horror!

Some of my favorite stories in this book include:

Something Inside
The Beginning Was the End
The Char-Lee
Bloodroses
Green Green Glass
Mutilation Street
And Then Some
After the Fifth Step

And if short stories aren't your thing... read this book anyway! I typically am not the biggest fan of short stories, but I LOVED these! The last 5 stories in this book are all circus themed and are all tied together so it's kinda like reading a short novella.

Book 55 of 2008: Candy in the Dumpster by Various Authors

2008-11-02T13:02:00.001-08:00

Book Description:

The first Dark Arts Books release is Candy in the Dumpster, a compilation of 12 "new and used" horror stories by four Chicago authors: Jay Bonansinga, Bill Breedlove, John Everson, and Martin Mundt. This volume features an introduction by another Chicago horror veteran, Mort Castle.

Contents:

MORT CASTLE
Introduction: Candy in the Dumpster

MARTIN MUNDT:
A Perfect Plan
The Cure
Babies Is Smart

JOHN EVERSON:
The White House
Swallowing the Pill
Pumpkin Head

BILL BREEDLOVE:
The Lost Collection
Free to Good Home
Drowning in the Sea of Love

JAY BONANSINGA:
Animal Rites
Stash
Deal Memo

My Opinion:

As with all anthologies, there were some stories I loved and some I didn't really care for.

Mundt's A PERFECT PLAN had me laughing like crazy every time I read the word "shit" and even though I really, really shouldn't have found the story funny, BABIES IS SMART left me in stitches! It's a HORRIBLY wrong story, but written extremely funny so I still enjoyed it. On the other hand, I just didn't get the point of his story THE CURE. I guess it just wasn't the story for me. *shrugs*

Now... Everson's stories on the other hand... I loved 'em all! No surprise there really as I have yet to read anything by him I haven't enjoyed. THE WHITE HOUSE story did start off a little slow for me just because I was trying to figure out what was actually going on, but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. SWALLOWING THE PILL had me from the get-go wanting to know what was going to happen. And PUMPKIN HEAD, well... EVERYONE should read PUMPKIN HEAD! I mean, it's just a really "bad" Halloween story... LOL! (and I mean "bad" in such a good way... hee hee!!!) And if you act fast you can check out the story on John's website as he has it up right now for Halloween!!! Click below:

Pumpkin Head

Breedlove's stories... well, I wasn't really impressed with THE LOST COLLECTION, though the ending had a nice twist to it... and FREE TO A GOOD HOME was just a story. I didn't really get it I guess. However, I did really end up enjoying DROWNING IN THE SEA OF LOVE. It was VERY different compared to his first two stories and I was pleasantly surprised when I got to that one after being disappointed by the first two reads by this author. This just goes to show that I should never give up on an author based on just a few short stories!

Lastly, Bonansinga... ANIMAL RITES... meh... another story in the anthology that I just didn't really get the gist of I guess. However, STASH I ended up enjoying. I didn't think I was going to when I first started reading it, but as the story moved along I started getting into it and it ended up being quite a good story. The last "story", DEAL MEMO, I'm hesitant to call a "story" because it didn't have the feel of an actual story I can't really say whether I enjoyed or not because I can't say I totally got it. The reason being is, I haven't seen the movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. I guess had I seen it I might have been able to get this and laughed at it a bit more.

Overall though... I did enjoy this anthology and am looking forward to reading the other anthologies that Dark Arts Books has published.

Book 54 of 2008: Wall of Kiss by Gina Ranalli

2008-11-02T13:01:00.001-08:00

Book Description:

A woman. A wall. Sometimes love blooms in the strangest of places... What would happen if a woman, tired of previous broken relationships, instead fell in love with her wall? Would she be spurned yet again, or would it be a match made in heaven?

My Opinion:

Okay... so this was NOT my 54th read of the year, but I just realized I somehow missed reviewing this one so I've gotta toss it in the mix somewhere, so just throwing it here where I'm at now. I absolutely loved this short chapterbook by Gina! When Nick Cato told me about this story I was thinking, Gee... that sounds like it could be my autobiography one day. LOL!!! I guess you have to be familiar with my run of luck in relationships to fully understand that, but trust me... it could happen! ha ha! I'm definitely looking forward to checking out more Bizzaro books by Miss Rinalli in the future and recommend her to anyone else out there wanting to give this genre a try.

Book 53 of 2008: ??? by ???

2008-10-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

This was a book I was asked by a particular author to read/edit prior to it being submitted to his/her publisher so I'm not going to post a review here. The person has been given my feedback on the book and once the book has been published I'll re-read it and give it an "official" review then.

Just wanted to note it here as to not mess up my book count for the year... hee hee!!!

Book 52 of 2008: Darkness Wakes of Tim Waggoner

2008-10-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

Book Description:

In the small town of Ptolemy, darkness is a living thing. Its home is in the shadows of a bizarre club named Penumbra, where it is worshipped by followers who need the pleasure it gives them. They live for it. And they kill for it.

When Aaron was first introduced to Penumbra, he thought it was just a secret club where members could indulge their kinkier fantasies. As he learned the club's true purpose, he began to change in subtle, horrible ways. Now it's time for Aaron to prepare his first human sacrifice. It's too late for him to back out now, but murder is the least of Penumbra's sins. The true terror is still to come, when...Darkness Wakes.

My Opinion:

Yet another fabulous book from Waggoner! I've enjoyed every book Leisure book that has been put out by this wonderful author and I hope that there will be more to come in the near future. Waggoner has a way of mixing horror and sex together in such a way that it just fits perfectly... not to mention the fact that his imagery is so detailed that you can actually picture pretty much every scene in great detail. I highly recommend his books to any fan of the horror genre that doesn't mind graphic details in their reads.

Book 51 of 2008: Johnny Gruesome by Greg Lamberson

2008-10-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Johnny Grissom, aka "Johnny Gruesome," is a small town high school student with a passion for fast cars and loose women, served with a dash of sex, drugs, and head-banging rock 'n roll.

People think Johnny has a chip on his shoulder, but they haven't seen anything yet. When his murder by a drug dealer is made to look like an accident, Johnny returns from the grave as a vengeance crazed zombie.

With his over-the-top personality intact and the clock on his decomposing body ticking, "The Headbanger from Hell" vows to teach the residents of Red Hill the meaning of true fear.

Right after he watches his favorite horror movies one last time on DVD.

Book Trailer:

My Opinion:

I could NOT put this book down!!! Okay... I could, but only because I was forced to due to work and such, but other than that, I didn't... not even to drive. Seriously! This book was fabulous! The action in this book kept you wanting to read just to see what happened next. The only thing I was disappointed in from the book was that no one ever discovered the priest! I wanted to see the reactions to that one. There was another scene in the book that ALMOST happened that didn't that I am VERY thankful to Lamberson for, but I won't mention it here in order to avoid spoilers for those who have yet to read the book. This book was full of surprises and I can't wait to read more in the future by this author. This would make a great movie, yet I wouldn't watch it probably for two reasons... 1) it couldn't live up to the book and 2) it'd be sick as fuck!!!

MUST READ FOR ALL HORROR FANS!!!

Book 50 of 2008: The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

2008-10-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

It's never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl . . .

For Lizzie Brown, that's just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she's seen it all, Lizzie learns she's a demon slayer-and all hell is after her.

Of course, that's not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you've never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn't work, how dangerous could a little seduction be . . . ?

My Opinion:

I had just finished reading a couple of horror novels prior to this one so it was a refreshing change of pace to read a light, fluffy paranormal romance again. Angie Fox is yet ANOTHER new author to me and definitely someone I will read more from in the future. This book had some nice (and humorous) twists to the "demon world" and Hell. Plus the sexual tension between the two main characters definitely made it interesting. Oh... and I can't forget the "talking dog"... he was hilarious!!! At any rate, if you're a fan of paranormal romance, definitely give this one a shot as it's quite funny and a fairly quick read.

Book 49 of 2008: Covenant by John Everson

2008-09-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

To the residents of the sleepy coastal town of Terrel, the cliffs of Terrel's Peak are a deadly place, an evil place where terrible things happen. Like a series of mysterious teen suicides over the years, all on the same date. Or other deaths, usually reported as accidents. Could it be a coincidence? Or is there more to it? Reporter Joe Kieran is determined to find the truth.

Kieran's search will lead him deep into the town's hidden past, a past filled with secrets and horror, and to the ruins of the old lighthouse atop the tragic cliffs. He will uncover rumors and whispered legends - including the legend of the evil entity that lives and waits in the caves below Terrel's Peak...

My Opinion:

Horror... sex... suicides... sex... action (yeah, in the form of sex as well as other)... well... you get the idea!!! I'm an avid reader of both horror and erotica and when they are mixed together as well as John Everson has done with Covenant, well... that just puts a fan like me in "book heaven". Everson grabbed my attention immediately when I started this book and I had a hard time forcing myself to put it down in order to go to sleep at night or to go back into work after my lunch break each day. The scenes are compiled with such vivid details that I could truly visualize what all was going on. Of course, in some instances this might not have been the best of things. (John... if you're reading this I'm sure you'll know what I'm referring to!) I found this to be a great "starter" book for me into the works of Everson and am greatly looking forward to reading more works by him. (Especially the sequel to COVENANT... SACRIFICE... but do I REALLY have to wait until June of 2009?!?!?!?!?) I definitely recommend this to all fans of horror that don't mind a bit of sex put into the mix. Everson has quickly reached my top fave horror authors list, not only for his writing style, but also due to the fact that he is such an all-around great guy. I've conversed with him via email off and on for a while now and last weekend had the opportunity to meet him in person (see picture below) and get my copy of COVENANT signed. I like when authors take the time out to get to know their fans as I know at least one author that would probably be my fave author of all time if they were to do the same, but due to the lack of that I can't put them up at the top of the list. Sorry... I've gotten off on a tangent, but in conclusion... READ COVENANT BY JOHN EVERSON!!!!!!!!!!

Book 48 of 2008: Ring by Koji Suzuki

2008-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

One night in Tokyo, four healthy teenagers die one after another of heart failure. A journalist, the uncle of one of the victims and intrigued by the coincidence, investigates and learns of a videotape that the four watched together a week before dying. Amid a series of bizarre and frightening images is a warning that the viewer will die in exactly one week unless a certain act is performed. The description of the act, of course, has been erased from the videotape, and the journalist's work to solve the mystery assumes a deadly urgency.

Ring is not only a chillingly told horror story but also a shrewdly intelligent and subversive commentary on the power of imagery and contagious consumerism. Ring spawned one of Japan's highest-grossing films ever as well as the blockbuster DreamWorks remake starring Naomi Watts. The Japanese version of the novel has sold almost 3 million copies.

In addition to being dubbed "the Stephen King of Japan," Koji Suzuki is a respected authority on childrearing. He likes to roam Japan in his RV and has written about fulfilling his lifelong dream of riding his motorcycle across the United States, from Los Angeles to Key West. Suzuki is based in Tokyo.

My Opinion:

I read this book several years back and then went on to watch both the American and Japanese versions of the movie... therefore, I had to read the book again to make myself feel better about the storyline once again. The movies SUCKED!!! On top of that, they really didn't follow the book at all. After having re-read the book I realized just how much worse the movies were than I originally thought. It's like it was a wole new storyline rather than a movie form of the book. I also didn't get why people thought the movies were so scary. Uh... yeah... sur-re!!! Anywho... the book is VERY good and I love the way Koji Suzuki writes. I'm looking forward to progressing further with this trilogy as I've yet to read SPIRAL or LOOP. I will review them as I read them. Oh... and in case you're curious... find below the trailers for the two craptastic movies...

The Ring Trailer (American Version):

Ringu (Japanese Version):

Book 47 of 2008: My Prerogative by Sasha White

2008-09-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

A secret admirer provides the spark for a single girl's fantasies in a blistering new erotic romance from the author of Bound...

Kelsey Howard is happy with the single life. She has friends, a job tending bar, a nice apartment, and the freedom to enjoy wild sex games with strangers— the riskier the better. But what she really wants is love.

Then Kelsey realizes she's got a voyeuristic neighbor watching her every move—and every move she makes is arousing them both. Not only is she not scared, she thinks she may have found her soul mate. Especially when she meets the mystery man in the flesh. That's when the fun really starts, and Kelsey realizes just how far she's prepared to go for love.

My Opinion:

Sasha White strikes again! Her latest in this series focuses on Kelsey Howard who is a single bartender who likes things a bit more wild than most. This book, like all of Sasha's books, is hot and steamy, but filled with a great storyline that keeps the reader from putting the book down for very long. One of my favorite things about this book of Sasha's was the bachelorette party that Kelsey planned. I loved the ideas she came up with. Another scene that I COMPLETELY related with was where it was described about Kelsey's experiences with online dating. I believe most everything said within that section is something I've had to face in the past... was glad to know I obviously wasn't alone because I'm sure the author has heard others to have had those experiences in order to have put it within this book. I also really enjoyed the character of both Kelsey and Harlan. They really grew on me as the book progressed. I hope that in future books in this series that Sasha will bring them back to see where things go with them.

In addition to the main story, Sasha included a short story called LOSING IT, which focussed on Lacey. This was one VERY hot short story and the bachelor party that Lacey planned in this was even better than the bachelorette party from the main story in the book. I bet I know several guys that would enjoy attending such a party!

Now I'm just anticipating the next book of this series... or at least I'm HOPING there's another in this series. In the meantime I'll be picking up Sasha's PRIMAL MALE (sequel to SEXY DEVIL) this November in order to hold me off.

Book 46 of 2008: The Jigsaw Man by Gord Rollo

2008-08-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

What would you be willing to do for two million dollars? Michael Fox answered that question for himself. The hard way. He was just about to commit suicide when a stanger approached him and offered him two million in cold, hard cash. All he wanted in return was Fox's right arm....

But that's only the beginning. The mysterious surgeon's plans go far, far beyond one simple limb. And Fox is not his only "donor." Once Fox is trapped behind the operating room doors, he discovers there is no escape from the madness, as bit by bloody bit his body is taken away from him...and gradually replaced....

My Opinion:

I had never read FRANKENSTEIN or any books related to it so this was my first book of that horror sub-genre and I was quite impressed! This book was extremely fast-paced and kept you wanting to know what was going to happen next. If I had had more time available I probably would've read it in just a couple of days, but I ended up stretching it out a bit longer.

Gord Rollo detailed the scenes and characters VERY well in this book. I was able to picture most everything going on... though some of it I would have preferred to not have had such a visual on! Rollo is a very talented writer and I am definitely looking forward to reading more by him in the future.

I highly recommend this to any fans of horror as it's definitely a must read. Thanks Nick for bringing this one to my attention.

Book 45 of 2008: Just One Bite by Kimberly Raye

2008-08-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

THE STAKES HAVE NEVER BEEN HIGHER.

Lil Marchette, vampire extraordinaire and owner of Manhattan's hottest hook-up service, is an expert at matching up the lonely and desperate (and sometimes dead). And thanks to the popular local reality dating show Manhattan's Most Wanted, Lil has plenty of fresh blood to add to the mix–including the biggest, baddest vampire in the Big Apple. Vinnie Balducci, Brooklyn representative for the Snipers of Otherworldly Beings, is making Lil an offer she can't refuse: find him the perfect woman or she's going to be swimming with the fishes.

But Lil may not be the only one taking the plunge. The three hunky demon Prince brothers are poking around Lil's office–hot on the trail of a rogue spirit trying to escape the land down under (not Australia) by possessing some poor, clueless human soul. Then Lil makes a startling discovery: The oblivious human vessel is none other than her loyal assistant, Evie. Between saving Evie from eternal damnation and saving herself from Vinnie's lethal ultimatum, Lil is sure to be in for the most hellish ride of her afterlife.

My Opinion:

Number 4 in the DEAD END DATING series... this book was just as good as the others within the series. I love the characters that Kimberly Raye comes up with and am enjoying watching Lil "grow-up" as the story progresses. In this particular book there was a snort worthy section where Vinnie mentions to Lil about how he likes to sometimes wear a thong with pink rhinestones on it (or something like that). It was QUITE funny the way it all came out!!! (err... not literally mind you!) I'm looking forward to the next edition in this series... just not sure how long the wait will be!

Book 44 of 2008: Dangerous Pleasures by Bertrice Small

2008-08-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Widowed with five children, stay at home mom Annie Miller has been just getting by—and growing restless because of it. Thinking Annie just needs a vacation, her sister enters her into a contest sponsored by The Channel, a network that caters to delivering women's fantasies. Annie wins the grand prize, a week at a luxurious spa—and gets a treat when she turns on the flat-screen TV. The one working channel lets Annie program—and experience—her own personal fantasy each night. Suddenly she's living out dreams she didn't even know she had. But now that she's experienced a complete sexual awakening, how will everyone in her former life handle this humble homemaker turned vivacious vixen?

My Opinion:

WOW!!!!!!!!!! I waited for almost a year for this book to come out as it's the fourth in the series. Bertrice Small does a fabulous job writing contemporary erotica and this is an excellent series! This particular book is probably my favorite of the series thus far as the fantasies involved had to do with 1) Beauty & the Beast (which is my favorite fairy tale) and 2) a bit of master/slave. I'm hoping that this will not be the last book of this series as with the spas being opened in this book I think Small has opened many new doors for future books to come. I am going to try emailing her as I did after her last release to find out what I can about future releases and I'll come back and comment here if I find out anything.

Book 43 of 2008: The Royal Pain by MaryJanice Davidson

2008-08-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Marine biologist Dr. Shel ("Never Sheldon") Rivers has a problem. Some princess expects him to wait on her, hand and dimpled foot. His boss is taken with the royal redhead -- brunette, whatever, it's not like he keeps track of that stuff -- and nobody realizes that he just wants to be left alone in his lab. All alone. All the time. Weekends, holidays -- it's all good.

Now here's Miss Royalpants, insisting that he escort her around the marine institute, explain what he's doing, kiss her until her toes curl -- no, wait, that was his idea. She's not even apologetic about being born into a royal family! Says it's his problem to overcome, not hers. Which leaves him with one option: to kiss her again. And again. And...

So she's nothing like he expected. In fact, Dr. Rivers can see that this fantastic, exasperating woman has problems no princess should ever have to deal with. And he has an idea to help her get some much-needed sleep. Of course, it involves getting very, very tired beforehand, but if she's up to it, then so is he...

In this delightfully madcap sequel to The Royal Treatment, the Baranov family is back and as unpredictable as ever, and a prickly princess and cranky Ph.D. are about to discover that love conquers attitude every time! So she's nothing like he expected. In fact, Dr. Rivers can see that this fantastic, exasperating woman has problems no princess should ever have to deal with. And he has an idea to help her get some much-needed sleep. Of course, it involves getting very, very tired beforehand, but if she's up to it, then so is he… In this delightfully madcap sequel to The Royal Treatment, the Baranov family is back and as unpredictable as ever, and a prickly princess and cranky Ph.D. are about to discover that love conquers attitude every time…

My Opinion:

I'm still debating on whether I liked this one more or less than the prequel, THE ROYAL TREATMENT. I liked different things about each of them. I know that Laura said she liked this one better, but I still think I really liked the first one a lot. This one also seemed to cut off abruptly to me. (unless I'm getting them confused which is quite possible as well as I read this a couple of months ago... LOL!!!)

I am currently in the middle of 3 in this series, THE ROYAL MESS, so hopefully I can get back to it in the near future and complete the trilogy.

Book 42 of 2008: Benjamin’s Parasite by Jeff Strand

2008-07-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

I won't say much about this one here since it's not published yet, but I'll link to the post that Jeff has announced the release of his latest and greatest...

Benjamin's Parasite release date info

I will say this though... FABULOUS BOOK!!! My favorite part was the scene at the hardware store.

Book 41 of 2008: Male Me by Amarinda Jones

2008-07-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

After Delaware Brooks sends a silly email about what she would like the new boss to do to her, she is called into the boss's office. The punishment? Every hot, sexual craving she has ever had, fulfilled. But Templeton McAdam is not the only new man in her life. His best friend, Speed is invited to enjoy Delaware much to her surprise and excitement. Two men. One woman. Their only desire is to please her.

Intense pleasure is one thing, but is it wrong to enjoy both men? What would a good girl do? And should she be falling in love with them so fast? But sudden love is not the only problem Delaware has. Someone is watching her every move and planning on teaching her a lesson.

My Opinion:

I didn't review this here upon initial reading as I read it to review prior to its release. This story was a lot different than a lot of the erotica I've read, but I really enjoyed the style it was done in. In particularly I loved the scene where the guys tied Delaware down and after teasing her a bit left her there... then they came back later with cheesecake. I won't say what all happened here just because I don't want to spoil it all, but I thought it was quite funn. I thoroughly enjoyed this story though and will be definitely looking for more to come from Amarinda Jones.

Book 40 of 2008: Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander

2008-07-05T16:48:00.001-07:00

Book Description:

From the author of Voyeur comes a sizzling novel about seven steamy nights in Sin City, each one hotter than the last...

Brenna Cayton doesn't need a man. At least that's what she keeps telling herself. Then her boss sends her on a business trip to Vegas to make sure Damon Andros-the sexiest man in the entire music industry-doesn't live up to his bad boy image. But before she knows it, business turns to extreme pleasure as Damon brings out her naughty side, fulfilling every one of her wildest fantasies. Now, she has just seven sultry nights to commit every sin in the book. Because once Damon discovers her dirty little secret, he'll surely never indulge their lust again...

My Opinion:

Hot... Hot... Hot!!!!!!!!!!!! Lacey does it again! This book gets hotter night after night in "Sin City" as Brenna learns to let go and reveal her bad girl side to Damon. I devoured this book and still wish there was more to it. I can't wait to see what Alexander has in store for us next. For those of you out there that like your erotica hot, be sure to give Lacey Alexander a try or... for those of you who want it a little more tame... try out Toni Blake... they're one in the same person, but the books are VERY different! Both pseudonyms write fabulous books and I highly recommend them both!

Book 39 of 2008: The Royal Treatment by MaryJanice Davidson

2008-06-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Alaskan Royal Family Book 1 - Alaska is an independent country with it's own royal family. The king, who likes to mingle with his subjects incognito, meets Christina, a loudmouth chef who speaks her mind using vividly colorful phrases. The king invites her to the castle; she thinks for a job interview but he sees her as a worthy bride for his crown-prince, David. Can Christina's confident personality carry her through planning a royal wedding and a royal family crisis? See how Christina and David's relationship goes from arranged to blistering in spite of the cold climate!

My Opinion:

I can't believe I am just now getting around to starting on this series. I've had this book for quite some time and now that I've read it I can't believe what I was missing out on. This book was hilarious!!! Since I was going to see MaryJanice at Borders again this past week I had decided I wanted to start in on more of her books and this was the series I started... I think I made a great choice. This is one of her non-paranormal series. It is a contemporary romance, but as with pretty much all MJD books, it's chock full of comedy. I love her snarky/sarcastic sense of humor! She's a riot! I'll definitely be reading the other 2 books in this series very soon!

Book 38 of 2008: Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson

2008-06-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Seventh in the hilarious New York Times bestselling series featuring Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor—now with a hot new look.

"No one does humorous romantic fantasy better than the incomparable MaryJanice Davidson" (The Best Reviews), and nobody reigns over the undead with more savvy than her heroine Betsy Taylor, back to rule the nights as Vampire Queen––and survive the days as a new suburban bride. But it's not all marital bliss. Betsy's husband, Sinclair, has been perusing The Book of the Dead, Betsy's being hounded by a ghost who's even more insufferable in death than in life, and a pack of formerly feral vampires has decided to pay an unwelcome visit…

My Opinion:

Ahhh... it felt good to be back in the "Betsy Universe" again! It's always torture waiting for the next MaryJanice Davidson book to come out as there is a usually about a year between books within each series of hers and then the books are such quick reads that you want the next one right away. This is the case... yet again! I just finished UNDEAD & UNWORTHY and I can hardly wait for the release of the next in the series. This was probably one of the best books in the series though I'm never good at comparing them as I don't retain well enough to remember exactly what happened in each book. The storyline has taken a turn in this 7th book of the series and as MJD notes in the "A Note to the Reader" section this is considered a new story arc within the Betsy stories and there will be a trilogy to the arc. A lot took place in this story and I can definitely see Betsy making a lot of changes within herself. She seems to be starting to adapt to the role of queen a bit better, but thank goodness she's keeping her smartass attitude that we all know and love.

I'll be going to Borders on Thursday to see MJD in person again and hear her speak so I'm really looking forward to that and hoping to find out more about her plans for Betsy beyond this book.

Book 37 of 2008: Escape! by Various Authors

2008-06-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Follow your fantasies for fun in the sun with eighteen of your favorite Changeling authors!

This anthology contains the eighteen previously released Escape! novellas. These titles are all available as individual e-book releases.

Back -- titles only
Runaway Home -- Camille Anthony
Firefighter's Sour -- Tuesday Morrigan
The Frog in the Room -- Jade Buchanan
Lunar Lovers -- Kira Stone
Pool Boys -- Sierra Dafoe
Gator Bait -- Mary Winter
Isle of Dreams -- Alexis Fleming
Demon Ahoy! -- Cassandra Kane
Sex on the Beach? -- Willa Okati
I Dream of Jimmy -- Fiona Jayde
Devilish Fantasy -- Marie Treanor
For A Good Time Call -- Amelia Elias
Werewolf Cove -- Marteeka Karland
Gremlins -- Isabelle Spurrier
Room Service -- Cat Marsters
Island Dreamin' -- Kate Douglas
Midnight Sun -- Alecia Monaco
Sex in the Sand -- B.J. McCall

My Opinion:

Well, this is probably the first book I've read this year that I mostly disliked. There were 18 stories in it that consisted on average of 10-12 pages each. Out of those 18... I actually liked 6 pretty well... the rest, well... a few of them had a decent sex scene... 1 particular story about a pair of gay vampires had me laughing and telling everyone about it just because of the whole idea of the story (though the story itself was quite corny in a way)... and the rest well... they just sucked! I'm not saying I wouldn't give these authors another go because I definitely would. I know it's hard to write a good story within a 10 page limit so I would never judge an author based on that alone, but I just was really disappointed in this book overall. I did want to list out the 6 stories that I did really enjoy in case anyone is curious though so you'll find them below:

Pool Boys by Sierra Dafoe (this one was just hot! loved the whole fantasy behind it)

Isle of Dreams by Alexis Fleming (yet another really hot one with a decent plot)

I Dream of Jimmy by Fiona Jayde (quite comical and sexy... I must check out more by this author)

Devilish Fantasy by Marie Treanor (this one had me laughing the most)

Werewolf Cove by Marteeka Karland (the story behind this one was sweet and a bit different so I liked it)

Island Dreamin' by Kate Douglas (the best story in the book... with the most plot... and very sexy!!!)

Book 36 of 2008: Sundays at Tiffany’s by James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet

2008-06-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother Vivienne Margaux, the powerful head of a major New York theater company has no time for her. But she does have one friend--Michael--and no one can see him but her. But Michael can't stay with Jane forever, and on her eighth birthday, her imaginary friend must leave her.

When Jane is in her thirties, working for her mother's company, she is just as alone as she was as a child. Her boyfriend hardly knows she's there and is more interested in what Vivienne can do for his career. Her mother practically treats her as a slave in the office, despite the great success of Jane's first play, "Thank Heaven." Then she finds Michael--handsome, and just the same as she remembers him, only now he's not imaginary. For once in her life, Jane is happy--and has someone who loves her back. But not even Michael knows the reason behind why they've really been reunited.

My Opinion:

Patterson's latest "girlie book" was a fast read and tear-jerker as were both SAM'S LETTERS TO JENNIFER and SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS. I love Patterson's mysteries, but these dramas he has come out with I really get into emotionally and I can't put them down until I finish. They are typically a 1 or 2 sitting read depending on how much time I have available at the moment. I'm not sure what Charbonnet's contribution to this book was, but whatever it was, the story worked. This one was a bit different than the other 2 books I mentioned considering it had an "imaginary" person involved as a main character, but it worked well for the story.

Book 35 of 2008: What Happened In Vegas by Various Authors

2008-06-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Behind closed doors, the real games begin…

Winning it big.

That's the name of the game at Las Vegas's Liege Hotel and Casino, where the hottest fantasies hinge on a roll of the dice…and the tantalizing knowledge that anything could happen before sunrise.

Cocktail waitress Carinna wants a man to tie her up, not tie her down. Little does she know that her most willing partner yet has something else planned for this fiery Latina bombshell.

Dahlia is a burlesque dancer with a brain for business and a bod for sin. Her latest admirer may be a sweet-talking Casanova, but despite what he thinks she's not giving anything away free.

Meanwhile, Amy has the perfect plan to rob the Liege Casino blind…until the intimidating owner catches her red-handed. Now she knows she's going to pay… with both pleasure and pain.

Professional shill Cassidy is ready to experience a breathless rendezvous with her "friend with benefits." But when he proposes five delicious nights of sexy blackjack, the stakes have never been so high.

My Opinion:

First off I want to send a big thank you Anya Bast's way for providing me with a copy of this fabulous read!!! I saw on her blog where she was looking for people to read and post "reviews" up on their sites/blogs about the book and I knew I was going to be seeing her at a signing in Radcliff, KY so I requested a copy and sure enough, she brought me one. :)

This was my first read by all of the included authors and I was not disappointed by any of the four, which means I'm going to be bumping up other books on Mt. TBR by these authors soon and/or trying to locate other books by these authors in the near future!

The first story in the book, HOT FOR YOU by Jodi Lynn Copeland, was actually my last story in the book to read as I wanted to get my hands on the prequel short story, HOT FOR IT. Let me tell you though, it was definitely worth waiting for as the story was, well... HOT!!! I met Jodi Lynn last weekend at the Lori Foster get together in Cincinnati, OH and she sure looks the innocent one, but you wouldn't think it based on reading these stories. Carinna & Jack made one hot couple and I loved every minute of their story. I can't wait to read more by Copeland. (especially HANDYMAN as I just want to carry that cover around. *drool*)

Story 2 is STRIPPED by Lauren Dane and I absolutely loved the struggle that was put up between Dahlia and Nash (awesome name for a guy!!!) in getting them together and the tension that built while they were struggling NOT to give in to temptation. The character development in this story was a major strong point and something I look for in my stories so I really enjoyed it due to that aspect. Lauren was yet another author I met last weekend and after having met her I think I could see her writing this story as I think her personality spills out in it a bit. (No, I'm not saying I think she's naughty & such, but just the language flow and such sounds like it was in talking to her in person). Dane is yet another author I'm looking forward to reading more of. (Oh... and for anyone that wants a great author blog to check out be sure to visit Lauren's as it's quite funny!

Kit Tunstall's RED-HANDED was a bit different than the other stories in the book I thought as it was a bit more intense. A friend of mine read this story and it actually bothered her as she felt that some of the sexual acts were actually forced upon the girl rather than her willingly giving her approval... even though it was part of their "deal". I could see her point of view and honestly it didn't bother me a whole lot as it takes quite a lot to offend me, but it also didn't "turn me on" like the other stories in the book did and probably because it wasn't a welcomed form of punishment... at least not initially anyway. I have no problem with sexual punishment by any means as I read books like that all the time... this story just seemed different somehow. It was extremely well written... just wasn't quite my "cup of tea" I guess. I'd still read more books by Tunstall as I did enjoy her style of writing and I doubt all of her books are about the same theme, but this was probably the weak spot in the book for me.

And last, but certainly not least, was Anya Bast's THE DEAL. As I mentioned above, Copeland has quite the innocent look about her, but let me tell you... Anya looks even more like an angel! Again... you definitely couldn't tell that from her writing. WOW!!! I have met and talked with Anya on several occassions now and she is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. I really didn't know what to expect of her erotica because she seemed so... pure. ha ha!!! Well... THE DEAL was probably my favorite story in this book. I loved the storyline of this one. I liked the concept of the 5 different nights of "sexy blackjack" and how they were playing out their fantasies each night. Again, this story also had great character development which is a major plus for me. I have many other Bast books that I've yet to get around to, but I'll definitely be getting to them sooner rather than later now as I loved this story!

As you can probably tell, I truly enjoyed this anthology. Spice did a fabulous job in selecting a wonderful group of authors to be included in this anthology. Now I just wish I were back in Vegas and having my own Vegas fantasies lived out.

Book 34 of 2008: Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake

2008-06-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

The last thing she needs right now is a man . . .

Lindsey Brooks had it all—an awesome job doling out advice to the lovelorn, a fabulous high-rise apartment, and a to-die-for fiancé. But then she got dumped—wearing nothing but a "Kiss the Cook" apron—and desperate to escape, she retreats to a tiny Montana town to reclaim a family treasure. She never dreamed anyone would try to stop her—or that he'd be sexy as sin.

Too bad she finds such a hot one . . .

Rob Colter isn't into relationships—but Lindsey sees Rob as the perfect guy to help her "get back on the horse." The sex horse, that is. Unfortunately, he comes complete with a mysterious past, which gets even more mysterious when she finds his passionate letters to another woman—whose name happens to be tattooed on his chest.

And too bad he has so many secrets . . .

Now Rob's dangerous past is about to catch up with them both. And if that's not horrible enough, Lindsey is falling for him—hard. For a girl who usually has all the answers, Lindsey is up to her neck in trouble.

My Opinion:

I have to start this off by giving my opinion of the book cover and back cover blurb. I absolutely LOVE the cover!!! The colors are gorgeous and the couple on the front is just extremely sexy! As for the blurb on the back... I was uncertain of what to think of this book. I honestly didn't know how much I was going to enjoy this one. I bought the book though as I've enjoyed other books by Toni Blake so much that I pretty much just pick up her books no matter the storyline. In this case, I'm REALLY glad I was already familiar with her because I would've missed out on a great read if not!

LtaSL has it all... an extremely sweet story line, sweet and steamy sex scenes, comedic breaks, suspense, anticipation, etc... Blake did a fantastic job combining everything into one book and the story is very well-rounded. There was one part in the book that I had pretty much predicted ahead of time, but when it actually came out in the book I was given chills. Blake's writing is powerful and heartfelt. I'm definitely going to be putting some of her other books towards the top of Mt. TBR in the near future.

Book 33 of 2008: From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

2008-05-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and the manmade explosion at the vampire summit, everyone—human and otherwise—is stressed, including Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who is trying to cope with the fact that her boyfriend Quinn has gone missing.

It's clear that things are changing—whether the weres and vamps of her corner of Louisiana like it or not. And Sookie—Friend to the Pack and blood-bonded to Eric Northman, leader of the local vampire community—is caught up in the changes.

In the ensuing battles, Sookie faces danger, death, and once more, betrayal by someone she loves. And when the fur has finished flying and the cold blood finished flowing, her world will be forever altered.

My Opinion:

The latest installment of the Sookie Stackhouse series (8) by Charlaine Harris was just as fabulous as the previous 7 novels by her. I love how this storyline progresses throughout each book. This book wrapped up some loose ends, but then unraveled some new ones that will need to be fixed up in the remaining books to come. I believe there are 2 more books contracted, though I'm definitely hoping for more!

I'm kind of nervous about how much to say in this posting as it'd be easy to give stuff away to people considering this is so far into a series so I'll leave it at that, but if you haven't read this series and are a fan of paranormal fiction and mysteries, definitely check out this series. Or... if you just like mysteries, check out her Lily Bard series.

Book 32 of 2008: Suckers by Jeff Strand and J.A. Konrath

2008-05-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Vampires.

Well, not vampires—Pires. Whack-jobs who think they're vampires. They've inducted an innocent young girl into their cult, and her mother has hired legendary (not in a good way) private investigator Harry McGlade to get her back.

Infiltrating this bloodthirsty cult is too big of a job for just one man, especially when he has the intelligence of half a man. But when he joins forces with the also-less-than-100%-competent Andrew Mayhem, maybe, just maybe, their combined efforts will succeed in thwarting this savage menace. Or perhaps they'll just embarrass themselves and get killed.

Masters of humor-tainted-horror (or horror-tainted-humor) J.A. Konrath and Jeff Strand team up for the first time in this hilariously gruesome adventure that does not contain a single lame "You suck!" or "That bites!" joke. Suckers. The ultimate Idiots vs. Phony Vampires extravaganza!

My Opinion:

I'm a bit late in blogging about this book as I read it a week ago when it first arrived in my mailbox. I pretty much read it in 1 setting, but had to go to bed in order to wake up for work so I slept and then got up and read the last 20 pages before getting ready. LOL!!! I certainly couldn't resist this book considering it contains 2 of my all-time favorite authors in it... Jeff Strand who I've been obsessed with for MANY years and J.A. Konrath who I'm a new fan of this year (and he's definitely a new fave!).

I wasn't sure what to expect throwing Andrew Mayhem and Harry McGlade together as both are very bizarre and extreme characters, but I knew it'd be a fun ride! The book started off with Andrew getting into his typical trouble with his wife as he screwed things up yet again and then just as fast he gets himself into more severe trouble by running into Harry. I was surprised to find that Konrath's writing style in this book took on more of Strand's style with the slap-stick humor... I wasn't expecting that. The story flowed really well together considering the story was written with every other chapter written by the opposite author and taken from the opposite character's point-of-view.

I'd love to see future stories containing both Harry and Andrew. Maybe I'll have to put a little buzz in Jeff and J.A.'s ears. In the meantime, I'll be reading the next Konrath book very soon as I still have 2 in the Jack Daniels series that I need to read. Now if Jeff would only release the next Andrew Mayhem book... *hint hint*

Book 31 of 2008: Bloody Mary by J.A. Konrath

2008-05-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

When Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels receives a report of an excess of body parts appearing at the Cook County Morgue, she hopes it's only a miscount. It's not. Even worse, these extra limbs seem to be accessorized with Jack's handcuffs. Jack must put her train wreck of a personal life on hold to catch a terrifying and brillian maniac - a maniac for whom getting caught is only the beginning...

My Opinion:

If possible, the 2nd installment of Konrath's Jack Daniels mystery series was even better than the first, WHISKEY SOUR. (you can see my blog post here) Konrath's books are super fast-paced with lots of twists and turns throughout. I was wondering how he was going to wrap things up in the end and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I don't want to say too much though due to possible spoiler potential. For anyone that likes mysteries/thrillers, if you haven't checked out this series yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!!! It's got lots of action, some comic relief, semi-detailed murder scenes (don't way I didn't warn ya!), etc... Konrath is definitely gaining momentum up my list of fave authors!

Book 30 of 2008: Because Your Vampire Said So by Michele Bardsley

2008-05-12T19:38:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

When you're immortal, being a mom won't kill you - it will only make you stronger.

Not just anyone can visit Broken Heart, Oklahoma, especially since all the single moms - like me, Patsy Donahue - have been turned into vampires. I'm forever forty, but looking younger than my years, thanks to my new (un)lifestyle.

And even though most of my customers have skipped town, I still manage to keep my hair salon up and runningg because of the lycanthropes prowling around. They know how important good grooming is - especially a certain rogue shape-shifter who is as sexy as he is deadly. Now, if only I could put a leash on my wild teenage son. He's up to his neck in danger. The stress would kill me if I wasn't already dead. But my maternal instincts are still alive and kicking, so no one better mess with my flesh and blood.

My Opinion:

Yet another fun and and fluffy paranormal romance. I tend to really like Bardsley's writing style and so I end up flying through her books. I just started this one a couple of days ago and am already done. The story line was cute and I loved Gabriel's character. (YUMMY!!!) Unfortunately, it's books like these that leave me wishing there were supernatural guys like this in real life. Le sigh! At any rate, I read a chunk of this one while sitting on the sidelines at jury duty today and boy did it help pass the time. I did have to stifle a giggle at one point that I recall though else I would've had some really funny looks most likely. I think I'm going to move onto something a bit more serious next for a change.

Book 29 of 2008: Night Life by Ray Garton

2008-05-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Davey Owen is a man with a death sentence. Nearly twenty years and a lifetime ago, Davey battled a circle of vampires and survived... forever changed. Many of the vampires were destroyed, but the ones who escaped have been hunting Davey ever since. Now they've found him. The passing years have only intensified their thirst for revenge, and at last their prey is within sight. They will make sure that this time he does not escape. They will not rest until Davey pays for what he did to them. With his last drop of blood.

My Opinion:

This was the sequel to the last book I read, LIVE GIRLS, and I liked the way the story continued on. I also liked how this sequel pretty much forced the reader to have read the prequel in order to fully get the background instead of doing a bunch of flashbacks within the story taking up the word count of what should be a completely new novel. (thank you Ray!) I will say that I agree with Garton in that this wasn't his strongest novel, but I still enjoyed the story. I just felt that his writing style wasn't as strong as it had been in the other books I had read by him. Considering the stuff he was going through during the time he was writing it though, I completely understand. I enjoyed how the characterization progressed with Davey and Benedek in this story and hope to learn more about the futures of all the remaining character's of NIGHT LIFE in a future novel.

Book 28 of 2008: Live Girls by Ray Garton

2008-05-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

The garish neon lights of New York City's Times Square can be very seductive. And so can the promises of dark pleasures on the seedier side streets. To Davey Owen, the lure of a glowing sign advertising "Live Girls" was too hard to resist. He was looking for a little entertainment. He found instead a nightmare in the form of a beautiful but strangely pale woman. A woman who offers him passion, ecstasy - and eternal life - but takes in exchange his lifeblood and his very soul.

My Opinion:

After having recently read RAVENOUS by Garton I wanted to check out more by him so moved on to his vampire series. I found myself loving LIVE GIRLS even more than RAVENOUS (most likely because I prefer vampires to werewolves plus... who can top a book about vampire chicks stealing blood from a guy's erection... ha ha!!!) I found LIVE GIRLS to be a refreshing take on the vampire stories out there as a lot of the myths were left behind. As with RAVENOUS I found myself growing attatched to many of the characters and am looking forward to continuing the saga of some of them in NIGHT LIFE (which I've already started reading).

For those horror fans out there who've yet to give Ray Garton a shot... what are you waiting for?!?!?!? Check him out!

Book 27 of 2008: The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley

2008-05-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

A deliciously potent tale of one woman's quest for self-discovery

Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he's a natural dominant if Rowan's ever seen one. Yet she can't stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.

Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He's dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.

Rowan finds Christian's offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian's power might be more than she can handle…. Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there's no turning back.

My Opinion:

Yet another new-to-me author... Eden Bradley. I had been eyeing this book at the bookstore for many months and finally gave in to get it a while back. Then it sat on my bookshelf for a few more months... big mistake!!! I should've bought this and read it the first time I saw it as it was fabulous! I loved the character development of Rowan's character as she sorted through her feelings regarding her past and how she made her conversion back from Dominatrix to submissive. Her character was a very emotional and strong character and I really felt like Bradley did a wonderful job showing Rowan's emotions on paper. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys erotica and doesn't mind a bit of BDSM involved as well as people curious about the D/s lifestyle as I think this book really shows what some people struggle with when going into this kind of lifestyle. I look forward to reading the follow-up book... THE DARKER SIDE OF PLEASURE.

Book 26 of 2008: Ravenous by Ray Garton

2008-05-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

A corpse gets up and walks out of the hospital morgue. Minutes later, a policeman is killed outside the same hospital…and partially eaten. Something deadly has come to the coastal California town of Big Rock—something that's leaving mangled and devoured bodies in its wake.

Sheriff Arlin Hurley refused to believe the wild talk of werewolves. Then a tuft of wolf's fur was found on one of the victims. But there's more than one werewolf on the prowl. It's quickly becoming an epidemic, the curse passed on not through blood but through sex. As the sheriff and his men set out to stop the spreading terror, they'll learn that many of the old werewolf legends are just myths. The reality is far worse.

My Opinion:

So I'm in Waldenbooks and RAVENOUS catches my eye on the shelf so I scoop it up and start reading the back as I'm trying to talk myself out of it since I have so many books at home as it is and really can't afford to buy new books, but then I get to the part in the description about how the "virus" is spread via sex rather than biting and I can't say no to a book like that, so... well... obviously I bought it.

Ironically, 2 days later, Ray Garton friends me here on MySpace. I thought the timing was ironic and pretty darn cool as well. I ended up putting RAVENOUS up next on Mt. TBR in order to get to it and let him know what I thought of it, which is what I'm trying to do now within all this rambling! hee hee!

Anyway, I devoured RAVENOUS within just a few days. I haven't read a lot of werewolf horror books, but I can almost guarantee that even if I had this would be one of my favorites! Garton's writing style is new to me as his other books (I'm ashamed to say) have been waiting on Mt. TBR for quite some time, (though they are definitely getting bumped up now!) but I truly enjoy the way he writes. RAVENOUS was filled with scares, lust, sadness (I really didn't want some of the people that died to die!!!), and tons of suspense. I am truly looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully a sequel to RAVENOUS one day.

Book 25 of 2008: Lady & the Vamp by Michelle Rowen

2008-04-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Former vampire hunter Michael Quinn is living a nightmare: he's been turned into a vampire. His only hope is the "Eye"--a long-lost artifact that, once every millennium, will grant one wish to its possessor. Fortunately for Quinn, he has a map detailing the path to the "Eye." All he needs to do is find it, then he can wish himself back into humanity.

Janie Parker has made a lot of many mistakes in her life, not the least of which was getting tricked into working for a demon. Not only is the pay awful, but she has to successfully complete all her unsavory assignments or risk a torturous death. Her latest mission is to track a vampire who apparently knows where some stupid treasure is. No problem. Until she sees who the vampire is -- Michael Quinn, a man she's had a crush on since she was twelve years old. Too bad she'll have to kill him to get to the "Eye."

But Quinn and Janie are kindred spirits, and soon they're falling in love even though they're after what the other person is desperate for: the "Eye".

My Opinion:

This is the 3rd book in Michelle Rowen's IMMORTALITY BITES series. The book focuses on Quinn and Janie rather than the main character, Sarah Dearly, of the first 2 books. I absolutely loved the storyline in this book and Quinn... *drool* ... majorly grows on a girl. His character is most fabulous! I can't wait to see what happens next to Quinn & Janie, but unfortunately book 4 (which doesn't come out until February 2009 as it is) shifts back to Sarah Dearly so I don't know how much we'll get to find out about Quinn & Janie's story. Oh well... one day! I am curious to see where Sarah is now and what all mischief she is up to so I am still looking forward to book 4!

Book 24 of 2008: The Bitchfight by Michael A. Arnzen

2008-04-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Mike Arnzen, THE BITCHFIGHT. 14,000 words of original fiction from one of horror's up and comers. A nasty tale plumbing the depths of human depravity.

My Opinion:

Hmmm... I didn't find much of a "description" for this one, but that might be the best way to go into reading this short chapterbook. Michael A. Arnzen calls this a "horror comedy", but honestly, I didn't laugh at all (much like the author of the forward, Brian Hodge). That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the story... it simply means I didn't find the subject matter as humorous. I actually felt quite the opposite about it. If I sound like I'm struggling for words in this "review", that's because I am. I'm still a bit undecided on my true feelings of this novelette. This is my first peek into the writing style of Arnzen and I really like the way he puts his words down on paper, but as for the subject matter of this story, I found it a bit disturbing. I definitely wasn't offended by any means (as it takes a great deal to offend me) but that doesn't mean that subject matter had me thinking a lot. I mean, I can't imagine the events in this book taking place in real life, but if they did... well, I'd probably have a VERY hard time being around this kind of situation and would hope to never have to be. Arnzen definitely has a way with words and describing everything in the book. I honestly felt like I was sitting on the sidelines watching a lot of the events in this book. There were also a few times where I thought that he was going to go somewhere with the story that I was really hoping he didn't go to. (thank you for NOT going those places Arnzen!!!) Of course, having the thought that he MIGHT go there might be saying something a bit about me as well. LOL!!! I do have to wonder where the authors come up with these ideas though. I guess that's why I'm the reader and these other guys are the writers. Maybe one day I'll have a crazy idea or two pop into my head and I'll be able to disturb a few people out there, but in the meantime, I think I'll look for some more books by Arnzen to read!

Book 23 of 2008: Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

2008-04-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Seattle. One minute you're drinking a vanilla breve, the next, some creepy old dude is breathing on you, turning you into a zombie. And that's just for starters. Now, the recently deceased Amanda Feral is trying to make her way through Seattle's undead scene with style (mortuary-grade makeup, six-inch stilettos, Balenciaga handbag on sale) while satisfying her craving for human flesh (Don't judge. And no, not like chicken.) and decent vodkatinis.

Making her way through a dangerous world of cloud-doped bloodsuckers, reapers, horny and horned devils, werewolves, celebrities, and PR-obsessed shapeshifters-not to mention an extremely hot bartender named Ricardo-isn't easy. And the minute one of Amanda's undead friends disappears after texting the word, "help" (The undead-so dramatic!) she knows the afterlife is about to get really ugly.

Something sinister is at hand. Someone or something is hellbent on turning Seattle's undead underworld into a place of true terror. And this time, Amanda may meet a fate a lot worse than death.

My Opinion:

Mark Henry's first release brought a refreshing new change on the scene. HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAMNED is listed as "urban fantasy" but the book has a bit of everything in it... romance, horror, comedy, etc... Henry adds a lot of "pop culture" references and witty comments throughtout the book as well. I think my favorite parts of the book were within the footnotes that are listed throughout the book. I found myself snorting out loud more than once due to his quirky comments.

The main character, Amanda, ia obsessed with fashion and make-up. (I was quite impressed with the amount of research the author must have put into learning about all the latest fasions) I can't relate to this side of her, but I was definitely enjoying her personality and snarky comebacks she made throughout the story.

I enjoyed this story quite a lot and am looking forward to the release of the 2nd book in this series, ROAD TRIP OF THE LIVING DEAD!

Book 22 of 2008: Gleefully Macabre Tales by Jeff Strand

2008-04-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Cemetery Dance magazine says that "No author working today comes close to Jeff Strand's perfect mixture of comedy and terror." Gleefully Macabre Tales compiles 32 of his most twisted blends of cringe-worthy horror and ghoulish humor, with a couple of serious pieces thrown in just to mess with you.

This collection includes tales from his three chapbooks (Two Twisted Nuts, Socially Awkward Moments With An Aspiring Lunatic, and Funny Stories of Scary Sex) and numerous other stories both popular and obscure, including "Really, Really Ferocious" (the one with the wiener dog), "High Stakes" (the one with the slot machine), "Roasting Weenies by Hellfire" (the one with Satan), "The Bad Candy House" (the one with a very unpleasant old man at Halloween) and "The Socket" (the one with the eyeball socket).

It also includes two of his entries in the World Horror Convention gross-out contest. But you don't want to read them.

So if you're looking to laugh, gasp, gag, or do all three at the same time, making sort of a weird sound that hurts your lungs and elicits odd glances from nearby pedestrians, don't miss Gleefully Macabre Tales!

My Opinion:

Being a huge Jeff Strand fan I was torn when it came to buying this book as I wanted the book, but the covered creeps the hell out of me due to my fear of clowns. *shudder* In the end, I gave in and just try not to look at the cover much.

This book is stuffed full o' Strand goodness and has a little something for everyone, well... maybe not EVERYONE, but for all of us twisted, psychotic people that like to read about gross things. ha ha!!! My favorite new-to-me stories within were (in random order):

Socially Awkward Moments With An Aspiring Lunatic
Werewolf Porno
Glimpses
Abbey's Shreik
Howard, the Tenth Reinder & Howard Rises
Wasting Grandma

I actually have the chapter books for the first 2 mentioned, but hadn't had the chance to read them yet, so now I can keep from breaking the mini-spines of those chapter books for now. :)

In addition, 3 of Strand's stories that I've enjoyed in the past and still enjoy are:

The Socket
The Bad Candy House
Mr. Sensitive

Probably my least favorite stories in the book were:

Them Old West Mutations (this one reminded me of Mandibles and just isn't my kind of story)
One of Them (I guess I'm in the majority on this one based on the story notes at the back of the book)

It's nice to have a compilation of Strand's stories all in one book instead of having to go from one book to another and I do hope there is a GMT 2, 3, etc... in the future.

I did think one thing while reading this though... if I ever meet Jeff Strand & there is a chainsaw anywhere nearby... I'm running like hell!!! It seems like a chainsaw is a VERY common weapon in his stories and I wouldn't doubt that that would be his weapon of choice if he were to ever have a breakdown and go on a killing spree!!!

Book 21 of 2008: Duma Key by Stephen King

2008-04-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

NO MORE THAN A DARK PENCIL LINE ON A BLANK PAGE. A HORIZON LINE, MAYBE.

BUT ALSO A SLOT FOR BLACKNESS TO POUR THROUGH...

A terrible accident takes Edgar Freemantle's right arm and scrambles his memory and his mind, leaving him with little but rage as he begins the ordeal of rehabilitation. When his marriage suddenly ends, Edgar begins to wish he hadn't survived his injuries. He wants out. His psychologist suggests a new life distant from the Twin Cities, along with something else:

"Edgar, does anything make you happy?"

"I used to sketch."

"Take it up again. You need hedges...hedges against the night."

Edgar leaves for Duma Key, an eerily undeveloped splinter of the Florida coast. The sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico calls out to him, and Edgar draws. Once he meets Elizabeth Eastlake, a sick old woman with roots tangled deep in Duma Key, Edgar begins to paint, sometimes feverishly; many of his paintings have a power that cannot be controlled. When Elizabeth's past unfolds and the ghosts of her childhood begin to appear, the damage of which they are capable is truly devastating.

The tenacity of love, the perils of creativity, the mysteries of memory and the nature of the supernatural -- Stephen King gives us a novel as fascinating as it is gripping and terrifying.

My Opinion:

This book took me forever to read, but not because it wasn't a good book, but because it was a hardback book and rather large/heavy/bulky. I actually enjoyed the book quite a lot especially as the book came to a climax a bit into the second half of the book. The story took a major turn in the book, which made it quite exciting and fast-paced. I did have to laugh at the obvious "advertisements" for his son's book HEART-SHAPED BOX by King using a heart-shaped box as an object in the book several times near the end. I am glad to be done reading this though as I was really tired of lugging that monster around, but I'm definitely glad that I have had the opportunity to read the story though.

Book 20 of 2008: Rogue by Rachel Vincent

2008-03-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Okay, so cats don’t always land on their feet

I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I’ve made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I’m working harder than ever , though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on and off duty.

But not all my mistakes are behind me. We’re beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women, and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

My Opinion:

First off... I have to say how much I absolutely LOVE the covers of Rachel Vincent’s books. In case you haven’t seen the cover of the first book in this series, I’ll post it here as well:

I just think the color scheme and the design is absolutely gorgeous. I’m not sure who did the cover art, but I definitely hope to see more by them!

At any rate... on to the story. This book continued on where STRAY left off. (see my 2007 reading blog for my review of STRAY) There are several different events taking place in this book, yet all of them are tied together in one way or another... werecat killings, stripper kidnappings, human-turned-stray, etc... Vincent leaves little "down time" in the book as it is chock full of action scenes. I loved it from start to finish and found myself enjoying it even more than STRAY, but mainly due to the fact the characters are growing on me so much. The characters are absolutely fabulous and believeable. All of the "drama" between Faythe and Marc cracks me up and I keep on cheering for Jace, but I have a feeling where things will end up there in the end. LOL!!! I also found myself laughing at several other scenes in the book, the most memorable being when Faythe was flinging cassette tapes in order to attack someone and refused to use a classic Aerosmith cassette, so in turn tossed the Thompson Twins. Ha ha!!!

Unfortunately, the book left a major cliffhanger at the end and now I’m left waiting until the fall to find out what is going to happen next. Drat!!! Can’t these books get published faster?!?!? LOL!!! Seriously though, I am highly anticipating the 3rd book of this series, PRIDE, and commend Rachel Vincent for how wonderful she has done in writing this series thus far. I hope that she continues on with this story for many more books and one day moves on to some other storylines as I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of her writing style.

Book 19 of 2008: The Haunted Vagina by Carlton Mellick III

2008-03-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

It’s difficult to love a woman whose vagina is a gateway to the world of the dead...
Steve falls madly in love with Stacy, but it isn’t until they move in together that he hears voices coming from Stacy’s southern junction. When a skeletal creature makes it’s way through Stacy into their world, Stacy convinces Steve he must go exploring to find out where this mysterious passage leads. After his fist foray, Steve almost doesn’t make it back from the alternate world, but the next time Stacy sets him up for a full spelunking.

My Opinion:

First off... I absolutey love the cover of this book. I think it’s gorgeous!!! The skeletal hand reaching up to the "girl" is a very neat touch (pardon the pun). The story itself is very f’ed up! Stacy has a "haunted vagina" in that it makes noises and expands, etc... She decides that she wants her boyfriend, Steve, to explore the "world" within. The adventures continue from there as he wanders around the insides of Stacy’s vagina meeting up with Stacy’s childhood "friend" as well as the Zephrans. I won’t say much more than that as I don’t want to spoil the story, but the story makes you laugh as well as wonder WTF!!! Mellick is definitely a writer I’m going to have to explore some more because his stories really make you think. Of course, the entire time I was reading THE HAUNTED VAGINA I kept having the same one though... Why doesn’t this girl go get checked out at the gynecologist!?!?!?!?

Book 18 of 2008: Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath

2008-03-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels is having a bad week. Her live-in boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, chronic insomnia has caused her to max out her credit cards with late-night home shopping purchases and a frightening killer who calls himself "The Gingerbread Man" is dumping mutilated bodies in her district. Whiskey Sour is full of laugh-out-loud humour and edge-of-your-seat suspense. It also introduces a fun, fully drawn heroine in the grand tradition of Kinsey Millhone, Stephanie Plum and Kay Scarpetta.

My Opinion:

Fabulous read!!! I wish I had listened to my friends and started into this series sooner. I finally made myself start the series due to the upcoming release of SUCKERS which is co-written by J.A. Konrath and Jeff Strand (my favorite author for those who don’t know me all that well) as SUCKERS includes a character from both this series as well as Strand’s sickeningly-awesome Andrew Mayhem series.

Konrath definitely has a way with keeping his viewers interested. This book is full of action from the first page to the last. You are immediately thrown into the nightmare life of "Jack" Daniels. She is one kick-ass lieutenant who doesn’t take shit from anyone... well, except Harry McGlade, somewhat. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of "trouble" Jack and the rest of the cast get into in the future installments of this series.

Book 17 of 2008: Dead Over Heels by MaryJanice Davidson

2008-03-18T19:24:00.001-07:00

Book Description:

Three all-new paranormal stories of lust, laughter, and love from the New York Times bestselling author, including an original novella featuring Undead queen Betsy Taylor.

With her trademark "sassy dialogue, lusty lovemaking [and] irreverent humor"* New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson delighted fans with her wickedly sexy and wildly funny anthology, Dead and Loving It-stories in which the worlds of the Wyndham Werewolves and Undead Queens collided. Now she returns to that sensual and irresistible after-dark realm of werewolves, vampires, and mermaids in three more original novellas--including an all-new Betsy Taylor novella.

My Opinion:

Undead and Wed: A Honey Moon Story
This story follows up Betsy & Sinclair’s wedding. I couldn’t believe Jessica and Nick decided to "crash" their honeymoon. LOL!!! The story was classic and I about died when the shoe got stuck in the wall. I do wonder how Nick will be getting along with everyone after the events in this story. Only a bit longer to wait for UNDEAD AND UNWORTHY. YAY!!!

Survivors
Fred the mermaid doesn’t actually show up in this story, but it tells a bit about the adventures of a loan guy, Con Conlinson, who is stranded at sea, and is being followed by a "silver severed head" better known as a mermaid. HA HA!!! Enter Ree, the beautiful mermaid, who ends up having to rescue Stupid Con and help him survive. This story had me laughing at several points and I hope the characters appear in future mermaid stories by MJD.

Speed Dating, Werewolf Style
Okay, so Laura was telling me about this book and how this story wasn’t all that great... yada yada. Well, let’s just say that I made the mistake of taking this book with me to lunch the other day and while I’m sitting there eating my Wendy’s chili I read a part in the story that makes me laugh so hard I actually choked on my chili! Due to that scene and many, MANY others this became my favorite story of the anthology. I just kept thinking that one day that I may end up doing some kind of speed dating thing like Cain does in this story.

Book 16 of 2008: Right House on the Left by Steve Vernon, Mark McLaughlin, and L.L. Soares

2008-03-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Right House on the Left is a deluxe chapbook with three imaginative tales mixing humor and horror. The first is "The Outhouse on the Edge of Forever," by Steve Vernon, where a mystical outhouse built for a community picnic becomes the source of some inspired horror and hilarity. "Don’t Look in the Little Storage Room Behind the Furnace," by Mark McLaughlin, takes many of the horror fiction staples and parodies them in a tale about a family moving into a house with a haunted past. Finally, in "The Blood Splattered Mirror Ball," by L.L. Soares, an exclusive club becomes haunted by the fun-loving spirits of some unpopular people who had always been refused admittance. The chapbook presents a wide variety of writing styles and tales and they all work well for those who are familiar with the horror genre. The chapbook is perfect for horror fans and recommended for libraries that support a large community of horror readers.

My Opinion:

Right House on the Left was published by Novello Publishers in a limited release. I lucked into receiving my copy direct from one of the wonderful authors within, L.L. Soares, who I’m happy to have become really good friends with thanks to the wonderful Internet world!

Soares’ story, THE BLOOD-SPLATTERED MIRROR BALL, starts off with a scene of a guy snorting coke off of a model’s ass and from then on everything that happens makes you feel like you, the reader, are the one snorting that coke! Soares describes the events of the party in so much vivid detail that you feel you are standing in the midst of it, but thankfully you’re not as some very f’ed up stuff happens... though I’ll leave that for each of you to read as to not spoil it.

In addition to L.L’s story, I also got my first peek at the works of both Steve Vernon and Mark McLaughlin. Vernon’s story, THE OUTHOUSE ON THE EDGE OF TERROR used some very unique alliteration that I found amusing and who can go wrong with a book full of potty humor? McLaughlin’s story, DON’T LOOK IN THE LITTLE STORAGE ROOM BEHIND THE FURNACE, also had a bit of potty humor in it as well what with the zombie eating creatures that pooped the zombies back out. HA HA HA!!! That was just classic!!! And ya know, now that I think back on it, Soares’ story also had potty humor due to the horse scene.

So... all in all... this was one "shitty" chapterbook... and I mean that in the best possible way as this story collection is hilarious and extremely well-written. I loved all of the varying styles of writing and the combination of stories. I will definitely be looking into other works of all three of these authors, as well as anything else published by Novello Publishers!

Book 15 of 2008: Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

2008-03-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Sooner or later, the dead catch up . . .

Judas Coyne was a collector. The bizarre, the uncanny, the grotesque. A cookbook for cannibals. A used hangman’s noose. A snuff film. Many of these objects were gifts from the black-clad fans who made his metal band a legend and made him rich.

But not all. When his personal assistant told him there was a ghost for sale on the Internet, Jude knew he had to have it for his private collection, didn’t think twice. He should have. Jude has spent a lifetime evading ghosts -- of an abusive father, of the bandmates he betrayed, of Anna, the suicidal girl he loved and abandoned. But this spirit is different. This one means to chase him to the edge of sanity.

His new acquisition -- delivered to his doorstep in a black heart-shaped box -- is the restless soul of Anna’s vengeful stepdaddy. Craddock McDermott swore he would settle with Jude for ruining his daughter’s life. Soon, everywhere Jude turns, Craddock is there: behind the bedroom door; in Jude’s restored vintage Mustang; outside his window; on his widescreen TV. Waiting -- with a gleaming razor blade on a chain dangling from one bony hand.

If ever there was a case of caveat emptor, this is it . . .

My Opinion:

I checked this book out from the library after getting good reviews from both Cindi and Nick. I had heard from Nick that the first few chapters were very scary. I’m not sure that I was scared by the book... I do remember getting freaked out at one point though when Craddock was trying to "control" Judas to the point of shooting and killing Georgia. I even had dreams about it, though I don’t recall them now. This book was VERY well written though and I truly enjoyed the story line. I think that Joe left enough of an opening *IF* he’d want to write a sequel to the book as I’m sure that more could become of both Anna and her mother ... especially if the mother were to escape from jail. Plus Anna could become a sociopath or something after having been through so much crap over the years. I’m looking forward to reading further books by this author and definitely need to track down his anthology TWENTIETH CENTURY GHOSTS!

A couple of side notes...

1 - if you aren’t familiar with Joe Hill... this is Stephen King’s son

2 - I was just surfing around a bit and it appears that there IS a movie in the works on this book so I’ll be curious to see how that turns out. It could make for a VERY creepy movie or it could just suck... only time will tell!

Book 14 of 2008: Like Death by Tim Waggoner

2008-03-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Scott Raymond is a man haunted by his past and terrorized in the present. As a young boy, he witnessed the brutal murder of his family, but there is so much of the gruesome tragedy that he simply cannot remember — including the identity of the killer or why Scott alone was spared. The memories won't come, but the trauma won't go away.

Scott is an adult now, still emotionally scarred but learning to deal with it. He has come to Ash Creek to write about a different mystery, a six-year-old girl named Miranda who has disappeared in broad daylight one year ago. Here, Scott meets another girl named Miranda, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the one who's missing — but this one's a teenager. She will draw Scott into the bizarre hidden world known as Shadow. A world where nightmares are very real . . . and very deadly.

My Opinion:

Again... this Tim Waggoner book goes above and beyond the description provided for it. Waggoner is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors as his writing style and ideas are extremely fresh and different from other horror I have read (albeit a bit f'ed up... lol!!!). I have no idea where he comes up with the ideas he has his books filled up with, but my oh my they are bizarre! I love how he integrates everything together and twists the plot so much it makes one dizzy trying to figure out what is going to happen next. I'm looking forward to reading DARKNESS WAKES in the near future and any other Waggoner books I can get my hands on.

Book 13 or 2008: Red: A Seduction Tale by Maddie James

2008-02-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

Note:

This "review" is a bit wimpy as I don't have a lot to go off of. This is an e-book that is to be released by Resplendence Publishing next month. I read an ARC of it since I'm involved in their beta reader program. I managed to find a small picture and a very brief description, so that's all I can give ya besides my opinion. LOL!!!

Book Description:

A grown-up version of Little Red Riding Hood in Resplendence's new Wicked line. (novella)

My Opinion:

This is my first reading of any of Maddie James works and since she's local to me I was very curious about her writing style. (I actually got to meet her several months back at an author signing in a nearby town) Red is a very enjoyable story, albeit too short. I think there could've been a lot more done with this story to make it a full length novel. I didn't feel that the novella allowed James enough time to fully develop the characters or let us really delve into the full background of what all was going on in the story. I thought the visuals were very good as was the storyline itself... I just wish it didn't have to be rushed due to the length of it. The sexual scenes in the book were written very well and I absolutely loved the scene where Garnet (Red) first realizes the wolf is also the man she had seen earlier in the story.

I will definitely be looking for more of Maddie James' stories... especially any full length novels she writes!

Book 12 of 2008: Stud Finders Incorporated by Alexis Fleming

2008-02-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Wanted - An Orgasm... and the chance to fulfill all her sexual fantasies.

Madison believes she's frigid. Her ex told her so and maybe it's true, because there's one thing she's never experienced. An orgasm! Now she wants it all. So when her mother rings Stud Finders Incorporated and hires a stud for her to practice on, why look a gift hors in the mouth?

Jake's ex-lover said he was boring, both in bed and out. So when sexy Madison asks him to teach her to have an orgasm, he jumps at the chance to prove his manhood. Even if it means hiding the fact that the purose of Stud Finders Incorporated is to find the studs behind the wallboards of a building so the owner can safely hang his paintings.

WARNING: This book contains explicit sex explained in graphic detail with contemporary language.

My Opinion:

This book was an extremely fun read! Alexis Fleming created scenes that made me laugh, made me sympathize with the characters, made me think about my own life, etc... Fleming added in many scenes where the character's thoughts were told to the reader and it greatly influenced the character development of the story. I loved all of the characters in the book and was hoping all would end up well in the end (granted it's a romance book so I assumed the ending was basically spelled out anyway). I couldn't help but laugh at all the "almost busted" moments they both had with the books Jake bought and how they also both kept reading each other's actions wrongly. The story, overall, was a great "fluff" read and as well as a "feel-good" book. This is the first book I've read by Fleming, but I plan on checking out more in the future.

Thanks for the book loan Laura!!!

Book 11 of 2008: Pandora Drive by Tim Waggoner

2008-02-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Damara Ruschmann was a child when her ability to manifest dreams and fantasies as three-dimensional, living-breathing reality first made itself known — with tragic results. After that terrible night, Damara withdrew from the world, becoming a recluse so that her power could never hurt anyone ever again. For twelve years, she's managed to keep her power under control, but now it's beginning to leak out, affecting all those around her. Like a wildfire, Damara's power soon rages out of control, and the hidden fantasies of her friends and neighbors begin to take on a terrible — and deadly — life of their own . . . on Pandora Drive.

My Opinion:

*re-reads description again* Ya know... I would never in a million years have expected what I read in this book from that description nor the similar write up on the back of the book. This book would be one that my friends would put in the "sick shit" genre though the description above makes it sound very mild. The people in Damara's town have fantasies alright, but some of them are extremely sick and twisted... especially Kenneth, the neighborhood pervert. Some of the scenes he was in had me nauseous (which, of course, means that Tim Waggoner was doing his job!) while other scenes made me crack up laughing (which either means it was truly funny or I'm just a sick little bitch! ha ha!!!).

I thank Nick Cato of Novello Publishers yet again for recommending a book that turned me onto a new author and had me flying through the chapters. I was having trouble putting this one down and it kept me up into the wee hours the last couple of nights. I'm looking forward to digging into Waggoner's LIKE DEATH in the next couple of weeks!

Book 10 of 2008: Kink by Saskia Walker and Sasha White

2008-02-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Two men. Two women. Two stories. Too wild...

Contemporary erotica filled with love, lust, and kink.

Sex, Lies, and Bondage Tape
Clayton's one hunk of a musician. A pinup hottie for squealing teens everywhere. And he's gay, Kelly Burton discovers when she sneaks into his dressing room for an autograph, but gets a peep show instead. But Kelly's soon distracted: a bouncer has found her. A bouncer with pecs of steel, a six-pack, and sinewy arms. After a scolding, the bounder decides to have his wicked way with the naughty-but-eager groupie. And what follows is a night of passion, hard-rock style...

Watch Me
Some people have coffee. Some have tea. But the only thing that wakes Bethany Mack up in the morning is sex. Too bad marriage to Grant has settled her into a sex-starved routine. That is, until she spies a hot, muscled roofer next door. Broad, sexy shoulders: check. A muscular chest you could nuzzle all day: check. And under those jeans, well, the thought ust makes her weak. So she puts on a little show for him through the window, letting her inhibitions loose, and discovers a naughty new addiction. But how will her husband react when he discovers just how far a desperate housewife will go for some loving from him?

My Opinion:

I must say... there is a LOT of great erotica out there on the bookshelves these days!!! I realized KINK had a story that tied in with Sasha White's other books that I had just read and had to pull the book off of Mt. TBR. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Saskia Walker writes some kick-ass erotica as well! Walker's story, SEX, LIES, AND BONDAGE TAPE (man I love that title... ha ha!), takes you into the look behind the scenes of a rock star's life and how the rock star is struggling with hiding "in the closet". But in the meantime, the main character of the story, Kelly, is learning a lot about her ownself while getting it on with the bouncer! The character growth in this story was fabulous (yes, erotica CAN have charactor development in it!!!) and I loved the way the story progressed... of course, the sex scenes were hot too! I will definitely be tracking down more of Walker's works! I'd love to hear more about what happens with the gay rock star couple as well as Kelly & "the bouncer"!

The second story in the book was WATCH ME, by Sasha White. This story fit very well along with her books BOUND, TROUBLE, and WICKED. Though I wish I had read this prior to reading the latter two as that's where it fell into place chronologically. Anywho... the story was focussed on 2 characters I hadn't learned much about yet, Bethany & Grant. (with some cameos of Ginger and Samair) Bethany was struggling with not getting the attention she needed from her husband and started running into "opportunities" to paly with her exhibitionist side. After a few charades, Grant busted her and got upset... only long enough to realize what she needed from him and then brought her to her knees as he decided to dominate her. The story took off from there as they played around with the D/s life style and got a fresh start on their love life. Yet another wild adventure from White and I can't wait for her to put out more books as she is quickly getting to the top of my favorite author's list!

Book 9 of 2008: Monstrosity by Edward Lee

2008-02-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Blue skies, palm trees, and flawless white sand beaches. Clare Prentiss thinks her new home is paradise, and her brand-new job as security chief at the clinic almost seems too good to be true.

It is.

Lurid dreams, erotic obsessions, and twisted sexual fantasies aren't the only things that abruptly invade Clare's life. Is someone really peeping into her windows at night?

Yes.

Are those screams she hears just her imagination?

No.

Is Clare being stalked?

Yes. But not by a man. By a monstrosity.

Will the last scream Clare hears be her own?

My Opinion:

Another great recommendation from my buddy Nick Cato!!! I absolutely loved this book! I was having trouble understanding what the prologue had to do with anything, even when those characters popped up throughout the book, but the epilogue tied it all together in the end. :) There were many memorable scenes in the book... the giant toad, the "voyeuristic" Clare, the scenes where Clare was having erotic dreams, but I think the funniest (well, for me anyway... maybe not for the guys... LOL!!!!) scene was where "Ranger Jingles" got a little shock.

I will definitely be reading more by this author in the near future as I thought his writing style was great and he kept me on the edge of my sit throughout most all of the book. But for now... I'm digging my way through another "smut" book.

Book 8 of 2008: Wicked by Sasha White

2008-02-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Bad-boy divorce attorney Karl Dawson has seen all the ways love can go wrong. That's why he's given up on it. Jaded and feeling restless, he has playmates, not girlfriends. A leather-clad Dominant, he comes and goes in the city's after-dark playgrounds as he pleases. That's how he likes it.

Lara Fox is an independent jack-of-all-trades who can do anything she sets her mind to - except that falling-in-love thing. She's got a need for control too strong for most men, and an inability to walk away from a challenge. Including a challenge like Karl. He's cocky, arrogant, and demanding. That's how she needs it.

They're perfect for each other. But what begins as a sensual battle of wills turns into a journey neither is prepared for when Lara is threatened and emotional walls start to crumble.

My Opinion:

I can not get enough of Sasha's books! I tore into this book as soon as I got home from work on Wednesday and found the Amazon box sitting on my front porch. I actually was frustrated at first because I thought the book was taking a turn on me from what I expected. I knew Karl was a bad boy Dom and he was always "playing" in an underground club called The Dungeon and I thought she was going to stray completely away from that scene. I was pleasantly surprised when I was wrong and the book started picking up very quickly. I couldn't put it down as I wanted to know how everything was going to pan out in the end!

After completing this I picked up a horror book to start on to take a break from the erotica again for a bit, but I just read on Sasha's website that KINK also includes a story based on the characters/location from this book and I didn't know that. So... as soon as I finish my current read, I'm switching over to reading KINK! I just hope I didn't read something out of order because I hate that!!! Ugh!!! Oh well, too late now!

Book 7 of 2008: The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum

2008-02-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Suburbia in the 1950's. A nice quiet simpler time to grow up -unless you count the McCarthy trials and red-scares and the shadow of the Bomb and the Cold War, unless you could see the dark side emerging. And on a quiet tree-lined dead-end street, in the dark damp basement of the Chandler house, it's emerging big-time for teenage Meg and her crippled sister Susan -whose parents are dead now, who are left captive to the savage whims and rages of a distant Aunt who is rapidly descending into madness. It is a madness that infects all three of her sons -and finally an entire neighborhood. Only one troubled boy stands hesitantly between Meg and Susan and their cruel, torturous deaths. A boy with a very adult decision to make. Between love and compassion, and lust and evil.

My Opinion

This is my first peek into the writings of Jack Ketchum. I was recommended this book highly by Nick Cato of Novello Publishers and the LAIR of the YAK. I must admit, the book made me VERY mad!!! I remember hearing others talk about getting mad at a book and tossing it at the wall on the other side of the room and I never understood, but now I do. I, of course, didn't throw the book because I'm too careful with my books, but I did feel the urge to do so. The narrarator (and main character) of the book, David, frustrated me to no end by just standing by and watching all the torture take place in the Chandler's household. I knew he considered himself a friend to Meg and even seemed to have a crush on her so I just couldn't fathom that he'd stand by idly and watch her be tortured in the many ways that she was. Not to spoil the end, but even though he "came around" somewhat, I was still disappointed in the fact that he didn't "buck up" sooner. Granted... I know he was only a 12-year-old boy and probably didn't know WHAT to do... but you'd think he would've done something!!!

So... I hated the book in the sense that I was mad at David the entire time, but I honestly loved the book! It kept my interest peeked the entire time because I wanted to know what was going to happen next and kept hoping David would redeem himself. I'm still tossing around the ending in my head though and debating whether things worked out for the best or whatnot. I think they did end how I would've expected them to end, but I'm just not sure I'm happy with it all. It's just a lot to absorb and take in because it's a very powerful book. Ketchum did an awesome job with his descriptions of the events of the book making me feel I was watching the goings-on (granted, that wasn't always pleasant!). This book is definitely not for those of the feint of heart (though I recommend it to all my "sick shit sisters") I do applaud Ketchum also for NOT detailing the scene with the tire iron! As soon as I knew what was to come I was honestly thinking "what sick person can detail something enough in their minds to put it into words!?!?!". So... I was extremely happy the way he handled that situation & just left it to the imagination.

As an added bonus at the end of the novel, there is a look into the reasoning behind the story and also 2 bonus short stories (DO YOU LOVE YOUR WIFE? and RETURNS). I enjoyed all of the added bonuses, but not nearly as much as the novel itself.

As I said above, this is my first look into Ketchum's works, but definitely not my last. He had me with tears in my eyes at one point as well as chills going through me in another. My emotions were very into this book, which makes me think highly of an author. I will be bumping up another book on Mt. TBR by Ketchum in the very near future!

Book 6 of 2008: Trouble by Sasha White

2008-02-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Samair Jones is fed up with being a pushover for her boss and for her two-timing boyfriend. All she wants is to live by her own rules. Then she meets hot nightclub owner Valentine Ward and the decadent possibilities of answering only to herself become daringly clear. Especially when Valentine is willing to indulge every one of Samair's fantasies- no strings attached. At least none that Samair can see. Then she meets Valentine's powerful, jealous, and dangerously manipulative ex-wife Vera. Vera's about to throw a new kink into Samair and Valentine's games. But this one could be trouble.

My Opinion:

Well, what can I say... Sasha has me hooked! She's definitely one of my new favorite authors! I am having a hard time putting her books down once I start them. I finished this one in just a couple of days and I'm distraught because Amazon.com has yet to ship my copy of WICKED!!! (thank god I had a gift certificate!!!) This book didn't start off as BOUND immediately, but it only took a few chapters to get me hooked. I ended up loving Samair's character a LOT! I was having trouble for a while there because Samair sounded more like the guy's name than Val did, but after a while I got used to it. Samair's character grew so much in this book and learned so much about herself... as well as helping her friend, Joey, learn more about herself as well. TROUBLE seemed to have more story to it than BOUND did, though I think that was because the main focus of BOUND was for the character to learn about being a submissive. This book, on the other hand, focuses on the relationship that is spurring between Samair and Val and there is just hot sex thrown in throughout. It was just an all-around good story. Now... I just want to know what is going to happen to Karl!!! He's the main focus of WICKED and I MUST HAVE THIS BOOK SOON AMAZON!!!!

(note: I realized I probably should've been putting the book description above my opinion on all of these, but I'm not going back to fix the others so just expect them this way in the future! )

Book 5 of 2008: Bound by Sasha White

2008-01-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

WOWZERS!!!!!! I loved this book! I flew through it VERY quickly (well, for me anyway... started it Saturday evening I believe and finished it up on my lunch break Tuesday). This is one HOT book! Sasha definitely is an intriguing erotica author, though I wouldn't say ALL erotica readers would enjoy her. I have a very open mind and enjoy reading all genres of erotica, but this book leaned heavily on submission and domination. So... with that said, I wouldn't recommend the book to someone that just likes things vanilla in the bedroom even if they do like a little bit of chocolate sauce and sprinkles from time to time. On the other hand, for those that DO enjoy spicy sex and trying out new things, I HIGHLY recommend this read! My only complaints with the book are the typos that the editor missed (just like my issue with SEXY DEVIL) and that the book ended! I so wanted to see what other adventures Katie would get into with Joe/Karl. (granted, the scenes with Karl definitely weren't long enough!!! thank goodness he is reappearing in my current read, TROUBLE, and is the main character in Sasha's latest HEAT book, WICKED!!! I can't wait to hear what all he gets into! )

Book Description:

Bound by fantasy.

Everyone thinks small town Katie Long is the good girl looking for tender romance. All she needs is to find the right man. Katie couldn't agree more. She too has always fantasized about the "right man." But what she's looking for is one who'll give her exactly what she wants. And everything she needs.

Bound by desire.
Joe Carson is that man. A security guard at a local casino, he's the answer to her sensual prayers. But there's more to Joe than even Katie realizes. And more to their nightgames than just master and slave.

Now Katie wonders just how far she'll go with a man who's more than ready to take her...

Book 4 of 2008: Disposal by Jeff Strand

2008-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

Yet another great Strand read! This is a short novella (only like 100 pages) but it's jam-packed with Jeff's witty off-the-handle jokes and gruesome descriptions. The book initially starts off with several popular authors (incluing J.A. Konrath & MaryJanice Davidson) blurbing their NEGATIVE opinions of both Jeff Strand and his book and then ending with a rebuttal from Mr. Strand himself before the story itself starts off. (if you read this book do NOT skip over the introductions because they are classic!!!)

The story starts off with the main character, Frank, robbing a dry cleaning facility and Frank's day just goes downhill from there as the girl he robs asks him to kill her husband (who she's already tried killing plenty of different ways with absolutely no luck in taking his final breath away), he gets mugged, pissed on by a wino, questioned by the cops, devoured (almost) by a couple of homeless guys, etc... This story is full to the brim with events that you can't possibly fathom actually happening, but that's what we love so much about Jeff's stories. He truly allows us to step away from reality and just shake our heads & bust a gut laughing at this truly bizzare situations he puts his character's in.

Once again, I have to raise a glass up to cheer Jeff Strand for another fabulous story! (or kiss ass to as Cornelius would tell me)

Description of Disposal:

Meet Frank, a truly reprehensible human being. An egotistical sexist morally vacant scumbag who gets off on committing armed robbery. The kind of creep whose smirk you want to rub off with razor blade-laced sandpaper.

But when he robs Gretchen at gunpoint, he'll get a lot more than the twelve bucks in her cash register. She makes him an offer he can't refuse: Kill her husband in exchange for sex. The problem is that her husband is hard to kill. Really hard to kill. Like, the bastard just won't frickin' DIE!!!

Lots of bad and occasionally disgusting things happen.

Book 3 of 2008: Sexy Devil by Sasha White

2008-01-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Okay girls... enjoy the cover art for a bit and then you can come back and read my review of this book... hee hee!!! *DROOOOOOOOOOL*

I hadn't heard of this book, but was browsing around Barnes & Noble and could NOT leave this guy sitting on the shelf. Do you blame me!?!?!? At any rate, in my defense, the book itself sounded good as well. It's somewhat paranormal, somewhat action, and lots of romance/erotica! So... a VERY good mix for me! The story consists of 3 short stories all intertwined at least somewhat.

I'd break the stories down to say a little bit about each of them, but honestly, I'd be repeating myself for each one. I LOVED the characters in each of the stories. Story 1 is focussed on Gina and Caleb... Story 2 is about Angelo (Gina's brother) and Jewel, and story 3 is about Mac (who is Gina's friend) and Nikki. Two other main characters, Drake and Nadya, were mentioned in stories 1 and/or 2, but we don't get to learn a great deal about them. I am hoping that Sasha will follow-up the stories in this book with more stories or novels based on these characters because they are quite likeable! In the 2nd story they are actually battling against a demon in order to save Nadya and it's quite the adventure, especially with the sexual tension building between Angelo and Jewel! I read a review somewhere where someone said that there wasn't enough sex in the 2nd story because it was just all the build-up, but honestly, that doesn't need to be the main focus of the full book IMO. I mean, yeah, I like sex scenes just as much as the next (probably more than some people in all actuality), but I like having other meat (no pun intended) to my books as well. So... I think the balance Sasha has of sex/action/romance/etc... was quite good. I highly recommend this read & I enjoyed this book so much that I'm actually reading another book by her now called BOUND. (more to come about that later in a future blog!)

Here's the description of SEXY DEVIL:

No one can resist the spell of a bad boy.

Surrender to Sasha White's sensual world, where red-hot passions simmer-and desires are unleashed with sinfully wicked pleasure.

"The Devil Inside"

Workaholic Caleb Mann used to think blind dates were a waste of time, but when his ex-girlfriend calls him boring in bed, Caleb becomes bent on changing his image fast -ÿwith the help of the incredibly sexy woman standing in front of him.ÿ He barely knows his date's name, but her sassy mouth is almost hypnotizing, in more ways than one, and he can't stop fantasizing about replacing the sleek motorcycle between her firm thighs and letting her ride him all night long...

"Devil's Jewel"

Ex-soldier and psychic hunter Angelo Devlin has seen evil first-hand. He knows how perilous his assignments can be, and he doesn't welcome outside help, which makes his run-in with Jewel Kattalis all the more infuriating. But instead of sending her away, he wants to grab her, take her, and tease every inch of her beautiful body. This woman may be more dangerous than any mission he's ever been on before.

Book 2 of 2008: The Sinister Mr. Corpse by Jeff Strand

2008-01-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

After all these years I didn't think Jeff would ever write a book that I loved more than his Andrew Mayhem series, but I was wrong. I have a new favorite... THE SINISTER MR. CORPSE!!! I absolutely loved this book! The storyline was great, the characters were beyond creative, and Jeff's humor kicked ass as usual! There was one scene in the book that I still can't stop thinking about where I actually got laughing so hard I had a snorting fit (and I have my snorting pretty well under control nowadays... LOL!!) and was crying! Jeff's books, albeit grotesque at times, have the ability to make me laugh even if I'm in the worst of moods. THAT is why he is my favorite author of all time. Anyone that can cheer me up with just 1 sentence or even a couple key phrases is someone I will never stop reading. So... THANK YOU JEFF!!! I honestly haven't read all of your books/stories yet (though I think I only have 2 novels left), but mainly because I'm savoring them and trying to make sure I have something "fresh" by you when an occassion comes that I truly need your books to brighten up my day a bit more. To EVERYONE ELSE... if you haven't read any of Jeff Strand's books... what the hell are you waiting for?!?!?! Go to his website and I promise you that you won't be disappointed!

Here's the description for THE SINISTER MR. CORPSE:

Zombies…

Sometimes they rise from the grave, hungering for human flesh…

Sometimes they're created by a mad scientist intent on forming an unstoppable army of the undead…

Sometimes the zombie plague is transmitted by a horrific virus…

…and sometimes, they're resurrected in front of millions of viewers as part of a live primetime television special.

This is the story of Stanley Dabernath, zombie. A regular guy who dies, is brought back to life as a ghastly walking cadaver, and becomes the international sensation hailed by the press as The Amazing Mr. Corpse. Fame! Wealth! Groupies! Despite his ghoulish appearance, Stanley finds himself living the dream.

But in many ways, it's harder to be a celebrity than a zombie. The suits behind Project Second Chance want to tell him how to behave in public. It's difficult to enjoy a simple restaurant meal in peace. There's constant pressure coming at him from all sides–not to mention that many people consider him a vile blasphemy that should be erased from existence.

And does Project Second Chance have Stanley's best interests in mind, or is the real reason behind his reanimation something much more…SINISTER?

Book 1 of 2008: A Red Hot New Year by Various Avon Red Authors

2008-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I got a slow start in reading this year because I was having trouble focussing on any one book. I have been alternating between several various books in various genres. I finally managed to stick with this one, probably because it was an anthology, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I hadn't read anything by any of the authors in this anthology and have now found 4 new erotica authors that I really enjoy! :) I think that Cynthia Eden's story was my favorite in the book, but only because it was about a werewolf and I love my vamps and wolfies! However, I really liked Virginia Reene's SNOWBLIND as the story was just HOT!!!

Book Description

This New Year's Eve, turn up the heat . . .

At the stroke of midnight a new year begins—a time for passionate resolutions and brand-new pleasures; a time to let go of past restraints and embrace new sensual boundaries. Four masterful writers offer a quartet of boldly erotic tales guaranteed to heat up those winter nights.

Anna has always been the good girl, until a mysterious and powerful encounter with a wolf brings out her wild side! Now she's unleashing her long-repressed desires on the sexy stranger who comes to her rescue . . . in Cynthia Eden's New Year's Bites.

Seducing her lover at a lavish party seems like the perfect way for Chantal to rekindle their lost passion. But the tables are turned when she finds herself the target of an even more intoxicating man's desire . . . in Diana Mercury's Night Resolutions.

During a weekend getaway at a cozy mountain cabin, two couples decide the long winter nights lend themselves to exciting sensual exploration. But no one expects their red-hot sessions will turn good friends into lovers for life . . . in Virginia Reede's Snow Blind.

Gina is your average female who just happens to become a bit of a . . . dragon when she's turned on! Good thing she's found the kind of savagely sexy man who can bring out the beast in her . . . in Denise Rossetti's Coming on Strong.