The Sleeping Beauty Proposal by Sarah Strohmeyer

Genie Michaels boyfriend of four years is finally proposing….On National television no less! Unfortunatly, just not to her. But since everyone thinks he proposed to her, and he has left her to deal with the aftermath, she decides to just go with the flow.

As her mother plans the reception and wedding gifts start flooding in, Genie begins to blossom. A new trainer to get her in shape for her dress, new knickers for the wedding night are just a few things that bring out the confidence Genie’s been missing. Unfortunately, she’s getting “married” just in time to meet Mr. Right.

This book was so much fun! From the cringe-worthy beginning when Genie realizes her boyfriend wasn’t actually proposing to her to all the moments after where she changes into the confident woman really deserving of a Happily Ever After.

I enjoyed the flawed and interesting characters Strohmeyer created. It makes them all the more realistic and easy to relate to giving the reader someone to cheer for. There are just enough plot twists to make the story familiar yet unpredictable.

One could even go deeper and think of this book as a bit of a character study. Why do we wait to give new brides a shower to start their new life with Cuisinarts and cutting boards? Why do we wait for a prospective husband to give us a diamond ring? I didn’t really buy the feminist aspect of the story, but it made for fun reading and gave the characters justification for their actions. I also didn’t agree with the point that I think the author was making regarding the importance of marriage. I didn’t think that the end justified the means as far as the deception went, but it was a light-hearted read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath

Lt. Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels has survived and escaped her deadliest foe only to be tormented and tortured by the madwoman again and again. Alex Kork, the psychopathic, sadistic serial killer from Hell, isn’t done with Jack yet. She calls the guilt ridden Jack at the funeral of a loved one, putting yet another depraved plan into action. In order to finally catch Kork, Jack finds herself working without her badge, official resources, with only her grief for fuel.
I am a very selfish book reviewer and committed fan of the Jack Daniels series. Now that I have made that confession, I have to be honest and get my disappointment out of the way… It was too darn short! 304 pages would normally be a good length, but I’m greedy. The shock and awe chapters are rapidly paced, making bathroom breaks a challenge. I do have to say, sadly, that once you bring in a monkey into your story line, you’re getting ready to jump the shark, if you haven’t already. This monkey was particularly heinous and disgusting, bringing a certain humorous je ne sais quoi, but like the cashmere sweater that became his girlfriend, some things are better left undone.
Konrath isn’t shy about putting his characters through torment. This time, he puts Jack in touch with her darkest side, testing her strength like never before. Fortunately, Phineas Troutt is back in Cherry Bomb . He’s got to be one of my, and many readers, favorite characters in the series.
The ending had a very conclusive flavor to it. It did leave some openings for more from Jack and Friends, but tied also everything up with that closing time feel. I hope the bar stools haven’t been put up for the night!

Kiss and Hell by Dakota Cassidy

Some people see the image of Oprah burned on their morning Wonder Bread. Some people see car keys float midair. Some people even claim to see UFO’s. Delaney Markham? She sees ghosts. And hears ghosts. And it makes her life pretty darn difficult with the spectres popping in and out at all hours. In her attempt to make lemonade out of lemons, Delaney holds séances to make ends meet and maybe help people find some closure. Okay, she comes across the occasional demon, but that’s what her industrial sized box of Morton’s salt is for. Until Clyde. He’s a demon that just won’t leave her side. Fortunately, he’s easy on the eyes. Unfortunately, Lucifer has bid him to drag Delaney to hell. Why are the good ones always married or demons?

Dakota Cassidy has done it again. She’s written another hilarious, laugh until your snorting out loud, and your kids bring their friends over to take pictures of you for blackmail, book. And in these tough times, we all need some good funny. Fans of The Accidental Werewolf, Accidentally Dead and The Accidental Human will love KISS AND HELL. The same unique style and sense of humor, only with a whole new set of characters and a distinctive flair, it’s a winner. Delaney says so many wonderfully sarcastic things that dance around in my head, but I don’t have the nerve to say. Or chic to pull off.

And yet there is always a sensitive side to Ms. Cassidy’s books bringing just a bit of realism to the urban fantasy. Her characters are fruitful and fulfilling in ways I wish more people were. Delaney’s love affair with her 6 needy doggies was hilarious and touching at the same time. And Clyde was a sexy beast for taking them potties in the early morning hours! Yeah, give me a leading man with six pack abs, but one who loves three legged dogs and takes them potty? Now that is sexy. Another well written tome from Dakota Cassidy!

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox

Lizzie Brown is a new demon slayer on the block. Well, at least she has a permit. Now she’s in a mad dash to Vegas with her biker witches, talking terrier and gryphon boyfriend for back up when Succubi are taking over the city and are holding her Uncle hostage. If only there was some sort of manual for this sort of thing…

In Angie Fox’s second book in her demon slaying series, we’re in for a serious treat. It’s a wilder ride than cruising on the back of a Harley in a halter top. The Accidental Demon Slayer provided us with a great foundation and now that the characters are established, there’s a lot of room for Lizzie and the gang to grow AND kick booty. A strong supporting cast provides a lot of laughs and a multitude of magical reinforcement.

While there are rip roaring moments of fun, THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR DEMON SLAYERS delves a bit deeper into Lizzie’s family history and has a more serious feel. The author lets her talent show as she gives the reader a great balance of light hearted humor with a darker plot. She’s not afraid to let her characters grow, and Lizzie took every advantage. I’m pleased that this series continues to grow at just the right pace.

I particularly enjoyed the bits of Demon Slayer Manual that Lizzie wrote. It gave the reader a break from the intense moments in the story and I would have appreciated even more.

I’m happy to recommend THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR DEMON SLAYERS.

Sorcery and the Single Girl by Mindy Klasky

Witchy novice, Jane, thinks her future lies with a large and prestigious coven. Soon she learns they must accept her as one of them and she must pass all their tests, or they will confiscate her collection of books, her friend and familiar, and her priceless collection of gems and crystals. While training for these exams with her mentor, Jane is distracted by a suave and hunky guy and a new friend from the coven, where it looks like she chooses new friends over old. Can’t a girl have a life and be a witch too?

I didn’t realize this was the second book in the series until well after I finished reading it. Obviously there was enough back story cleverly scattered throughout that I had no problem keeping up. Now I’m curious enough to go back and see how Jane came to discover her talents and her familiar, the rather self involved cat and occasional man in Girl’s Guide to Witchcraft.

Definitely a page turner, Jane’s antics kept me reading long after I should have turned off the bedside light. The author’s talent can be accredited because although the story itself was sometimes quite predictable, the authenticity of the situations kept me interested. Sometimes the situations were painfully authentic. Ever fallen for the wrong guy who was too good to be true? Ever make your best friend feel bad and not know what to do about it? Oh, and my favorite… Ever want to be part of the popular book club, wine tasting group, or popular kids back in high school? Mindy Klansky brings realism to a fantastic fairy tale.

I was glad to find the story uplifting and more importantly, enlightening.

I Got a New Booooook

I know, big deal, right? I’ve been trying (and mostly failing) to read books from my bulging shelves. Books I’ve had for years and have been wanting to read. I’m a finicky girl though (and I think my husband would agree, although he better not agree too heartily!) and I have to be in the mood. Sometimes a book will call my name, and talk me into buying, but end up hanging out on the shelf for a while. Other times, a book will call my name, and I must buy and read immediately. Tonight was one of those times. Thank you, payday!

I’ve been looking forward to buying the second in Angela Hunt’s Fairlawn series, SHE ALWAYS WORE RED. But then, calling to me from across the store, was a book I wasn’t expecting. By an author I haven’t heard from in a long time. I loved the first two in her series, hated the third and kept waiting for a fourth to redeem itself. Finally! Lo and behold!

Kyra Davis’ LUST, LOATHING AND A LITTLE LIP GLOSS. I can’t explain my nearly unbridled excitement. I was so hugely disappointed by OBSESSION, DECEIT AND REALLY DARK CHOCOLATE. I think it was actually one of my first negative reviews, and I hated writing it. This new release caught me by total surprise. I’m usually on top of things like this…

So, I hope no one minds. I’ll be buried in a book tomorrow. Someone please water my garden. Thanks!

Reading in the Month of May…..

I didn’t read as much as I would have liked in May, (does one ever?) but what I read was wonderful!

Field of Blood by Eric Wilson wasn’t a Twilight vampire book, if that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for. It went deep into Biblical truths, using them as a solid foundation to tell a compellingly creepy story.

The characters are very real, and they endure difficult struggles readers looking for squeaky clean Christian heroes may be disappointed in. However, there is nothing unBiblical about the story. Fans of Dekker should really enjoy this series.

While there was no “preaching”, Field of Blood definitely captured the spirit of God’s love.   This is the first in the Jeruselum Undead Trilogy. I really enjoyed how the author wove archeological history with his characters struggle. Great story.

Doesn’t She Look Natural by Angela Hunt was a definite page turner. Although it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was just what I wanted. The character goes from working on Capitol Hill to a divorced mom who inherited a funeral home. For some reason, I was expecting more politics and got more funeral business.

I never thought I could be so interested in what goes on in a mortuary, but as I joined the characters on their inspiring journey, I couldn’t stop reading. Hunt manages to keep things lighthearted when needed and respectful and uplifting when needed. When I turned the last page, I wanted to rush down to buy the second in the triolgy!

Turn Coat by Jim Butcher is the 11th in Harry Dresden’s adventures. It was all I expected. Jim Butcher has yet to disappoint, and with so many books in the series, that is definitely saying something. Wait! There was one disappointing thing… I miss Bob. I would have enjoyed a bit more of Bob the Skull, but other than that, it was wonderful!

Morgan, the Warden that has been a stone around Harry’s neck for most of his life shows up wounded on his doorstep. Accused of treason, Morgan is in serious trouble and how he’s made his trouble Harry’s. Harry is sarcastic, sardonic, and idealistic. I love him!

Kiss and Hell by Dakota Cassidy takes paranormal romance in a new direction. Delaney Markham sees dead people. Yeah, like that Haley Joel kid in that movie with Bruce Willis. Only it’s not as happily ever after as The Ghost Whisperer makes it look on TV. Now she’s got a demon hanging around with nothing but bad news. Too bad he’s Mr. Wonderful. And really too bad he’s supposed to take her back to hell.

Dakota never disappoints. Her contemporary style is hilarious. She creates characters that I’d love to meet, even if they do have to keep a lifetime supply of prisms and rock salt to keep demons at bay!

Hosts by F. Paul Wilson is the fifth installment of the Repairman Jack series. Focusing on two stories, Jack is put in the position of saving a subway car full of people from a terrorist. Now he’s the city’s “savior” everyone wants to know, but no one can know Jack… The other story involves his sister who’s concerned for her friend. She’s in remission from a brain tumor but has odd behaviorial episodes and wanders off to meet strangers. Jack would do anything for his sister, and soon that is put to the ultimate test.

Jack is one of the most compelling characters ever. I heart him! Every book in this series is so vastly different from the last, yet keeps the same feel. This keeps each new installment fresh. Reading them back to back is not a problem because these aren’t the same rehashed plots. This one is more of a medical drama with some supernatural elements and with Jack, Gia, Vicky and Abe around for some wonderful familiarity.

Haunted Air by F. Paul Wilson is the next in the Repairman Jack series, and my favorite so far.

Death’s Daughter by Amber Benson

Calliope Reaper-Jones was great at shopping for designer clothes, searching for organic dim sum for her demanding boss, and living a regular life. Unfortunately, a normal life isn’t what fate has in mind for Callie. She has actually been under the thrall of a “Forget” spell and it’s come time for her to remember.

Returning to the family estate, she discovers her father, Death himself, has been kidnapped. Seems it’s time for Callie to take over the family business and hopefully save her father as well. Being the Grim Reaper isn’t as easy as it sounds, and Callie has to satisfy certain requirements in order to be official. Including a trip to Hell, keeping the Devil’s hunky protégé at bay, and making sure Kali, Goddess of Destruction keeps her temper.

I was quite impressed by Amber Benson’s first solo book. Many fans of urban fantasy and paranormal will be familiar with the author from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her portrayal of Tara. DEATH’S DAUGHTER is proof of her multitude of talents.

Calliope (what a fantastic name!) was a great character with a lot of room for growth. Although she starts out slightly self absorbed, she grows into her newfound responsibility and I had a great time getting to know her. Callie’s rapid fire wit kept me smiling page after page.

In the familiar genre of urban fantasy, I found DEATH’S DAUGHTER to be quite unique. Not a vampire or werewolf was to be found. Instead we had hellhounds, an uppity faun and other characters of mythology and religion, combined with a healthy dose of creativity.

Although there were some scenes of violence and near sexual rendezvous, this could be a fun possibility for older young adult readers. I always appreciate a book that focuses more on character and plot development.

Callie was a total kick in the pants. There’s so much potential that I am really looking forward to what DEATH’S DAUGHTER is up to next in the series. Highly recommended!

Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter… well, not quite extraordinaire is back, in her first full length “Between the Numbers” book in the series. This time, Diesel, bounty hunter definitely extraordinaire, is along for the ride as Stephanie hunts Martin Munch, boy (okay, he’s in his twenties) genius. Diesel is really after Wulf Grimoire, who seems to be connected to Munch. Diesel and Stephanie’s partnership takes them out to the freaky Pine Barrens of New Jersey to find their quarry. If they can manage it with a menagerie of monkey’s at every turn!

Okay, I love Stephanie. Call it an addiction, because apparently I can’t stop reading this series even when this installation shows I should know better.

My first issue with PLUM SPOOKY is the title. What was spooky? The Pine Barrens is supposed to be. The legend of The Jersey Devil is supposed to be. Somehow, this story made any possibility of spookiness just ridiculous. There was no spook factor at all. Instead we get a retired Easter Bunny and Sasquatch. What? Disappointment number one.

My second issue is with Diesel. Who is this guy? What is the deal with his powers? Where in the Sam Hill does he come from? There are just too many questions. Great. He’s cute. Do we really need a third guy sleeping with Stephanie? Not really. Diesel isn’t adding to the storyline, he just irritates me because I know next to nothing about the dude. Give him his own series. A spin off. The poor guy has potential with nowhere to go and no place to go back to. Disappointment number two.

My third issue is with Lula, Tank, farting in general and too many monkeys. (I’m combining issues to save on the length of this review.) Lula used to add some spice. She was a gun toting mama with enough attitude and confidence to take on anyone. In this book, she was relegated to farting. She wasn’t the only one, unfortunately. We have a character named Elmer the Fire Farter whose farts actually explode. Tank takes up residence in a little old lady’s house with lots of cats. Hunh? That’s not ironic, that’s character assassination. The monkeys don’t really make sense. I suppose they were there for humor but it was overkill. Too many monkeys spoil the mix. Wasn’t there an old saying about once you have to get cute animals in on the act, you’re pretty much done? Yeah, I think we’re done. Wasn’t Bob the dog enough? I miss the days of good old Bob eating half the house and dumping a truck load on Joyce’s (remember Stephanie’s nemesis?) front lawn. Disappointment three, four, five, and oh for goodness sake. You get the point.

I haven’t wanted to admit it, even to myself, but I have to say that my beloved Stephanie has jumped the shark. There were still some great Morelli moments courtesy of his carousing brother, a good Ranger moment or two, even a Grandma Mazur giggle, bringing my rating up by a half for good times sake. Unfortunately, Stephanie can no longer be counted on for a solid laugh, a good mystery, or even the comforting familiarity of characters I’ve loved for years. So much about those characters are gone and have become nothing more than a bad fart joke.

My advice for new readers to the series is to start with ONE FOR THE MONEY and enjoy the pants off the next seven books or so. You’ll find sharp wit, touching moments, and a page turning mystery with actual nail biting danger thrown in.

Reading, Reading and Reading…

Since the doctor decided my insomnia was ridiculous, Ambien has been my friend. Unfortunately, I haven’t been reading nearly as much as a result. And I’m reading about five books at once. I hate it when I do that…

So, I’m nearly done with Set Sail for Murder by Carolyn Hart on audio book.

Ditto Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn in print. Awesome, touching book I want to share with everyone immediately.

Over My Dead Body by Michele Bardsley, an ARC I am privy to since becoming a Supreme Minion that I downloaded onto My Precious, AKA Sony E Reader. I’m enjoying it more than the previous installment in the Broken Heart series!

Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. With two boys, ages 8 and 3, I need all the help I can get, thankyouverymuch. Boys are so different from girls. Duh, right? Almost finished with that one as well.

Women’s Devotional Guide to the Bible that I’m reading with a friend. I think… We both keep flaking. I love the book though! I will finish it!

Reviews of Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich, Death’s Daughter by Amber Benson and Edge of Evil by J.A. Jance will be posted in a couple of days. You’ve been warned. Heh.