Review: Exiled by M.R. Merrick

 

Exiled (The Protector #1)

by M.R. Merrick

 

Kindle Edition, 1st Edition, 286 pages

Published June 28th 2011 by M.R. Merrick

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Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.

Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna — a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.

In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it

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Action-packed, great flow, and a male POV that pushes this book to the Urban Fantasy limits. Exiled won't disappoint, as a young boy journey's to become a man and learns that true friendship may just come in the form of an unlikely enemy.

Urban Fantasy is a genre I really enjoy reading, so when I heard of Exiled, and found out it not only was a UF, but a UF/YA written from a male pov. I was more than ready to read it.

Chase the male pov. is a Demon Hunter exiled by his dad, from the "Circle" because of his failure to show elemental powers. Chase and his mother must live outside of the Circle's protection, and fend for themselves.
 
Chase is a pretty good demon hunter, even with his lack of elemental power he still is able to take down the worst of the worst in the demon world, until one day he meets his match and seems doomed, but to the rescue comes an unlikely heroine and Chase learns that labels are just that-labels, and maybe learning to trust someone who seems to be his worst enemy turns out to be the best learning experience for him.

A journey unfolds and now Chase must team up with this unlikely heroine, whom just may prove their worth, and turn out to be a lot more than he bargained for. The ending is action at it's finest and filled with heartfelt emotion, and I felt was the best part of the book, as Chase faces the ultimate "demon", and proves he's not so weak, after all!

The author did a great job with this book. Not only did he manage to hold my attention, but he managed to draw elaborate scenes, and  creatures in my mind.

This book is, not only for adults, but it's especially a great book for YA males, since many of today's YA reads seemed geared to the female persuasion. Vampires, Demons, action induced scenes makes this an adventurous start to this series, and I look forward to the next book in Chase's journey of good verses evil.

 

4/5

.REVIEW: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Shadowfell                 
by Juliet Marillier
416 pages

Published: September 11th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Series :  Shadowfell #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy /Magic/

Romance/Adventure

Received Arc Copy from Pub

Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.

Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.

 
 
 

 

 

 

An adventurous fantasy book, that was highly enjoyable. Shadowfell

was one of those books that whisked you away and had

you routing for the heroine.

 

 







Shadowfell, for me was a fantastic fantasy read. I enjoyed all aspects of the book, even when the plot seemed to trudge along -slower than I expected, this book still held my interest and has me dying for the next book in the series.

Our adventure begins with our main character, Neryn, sixteen and traveling with the only surviving member of her family, her father. Protective of her at first, he slowly is on a downward spiral, and loses control, through his addiction with the drink.

After an awful circumstance leaves Neryn alone a mysterious hero comes and basically swoops Neryn away from the danger. Unconvincing of this hero's agenda, Neryn is always on guard, and even though, this hero named Flint seems to have her best interest at heart, Neryn  is determined to adventure her journey alone. A journey that will take her across a vast land of uncertainty, and emotion. She will face many obstacles along the way, but she is skillful, smart, and has an ability, that will help her face all sorts of creatures, good and bad.

Flint, is a character, that will have you convinced he has Neryn's best interest at heart, but he just may have an underling agenda that will have you convinced he is deceiving her. Reading the parts with Flint, had me falling for him, but I also was convinced that he too, may be after her for her ability, in a evil way. He will come to her rescue, and like breadcrumbs on the journey by the end of the book we learn full well, what his intentions truly are. I enjoyed Fint's character, and found him to be a wonderfully written character.  


Miss Marillier has a way of capturing, and holding your attention, through her words. I was actually captivated and read this book rather quickly. Some parts had me at a little less attention, but I never was bored with the plot or the characters. The story held my interest, and I enjoyed "walking" along the journey that are heroine sets off on. I felt like I was walking along with Neryn, throughout the journey and I found myself routing for her, and carrying her emotional baggage, telling her in my mind which steps she should take, or whom she should trust.
Imaginative, and lovely!

5/5 lovely roses

“It seemed to me it would be better to die standing up to a tyrant than to survive as a tool of his will.”  

" I did not complete the gesture. For there, in a crevice between the rocks at my feet, I saw a tiny plant growing. Three fronded shoots of soft green cradled a single flower no bigger than my thumbnail, a five-petaled bloom, white as first snow, fragile and perfect. So unlikely a survivor. So delicate, to stand against the scourging wind, the biting cold, the drenching rain. It was a place of death and sorrow. Apart from me..."

 

.Frisky Fall Saturdays #1: Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Summer is over, but just because the temperature is dropping, doesn't mean we have to stop reading scorching hot books! Frisky Fall Saturdays is a new weekly post created by
The Autumn Review, The Bookish Babe, Hackaroo's Reviews, and Sim-Sational-Books.


Feel free to join in. (let us know so we can add a link to your post) As those leaves start piling up in the yard, ignore them and pick up a sexy book!


**The books featured on FRISKY FALL SATURDAYS are for adults. If you are under 18 years of age, or do not like smexy books, please stop here. **

I decided to join up with the awesome bloggers above, and do a Frisky Fall Saturday Post. I've been reading more and more contemps., new adult, and erotica lately {non-paranormal} and I've been stalking a few blogs listed above especially Andrea from the Bookish Babe, she is basically the main reason why I'm reading all these new genres. I've been visiting her FFS posts for awhile now, and finding awesome books that she has read and reviewed and loved. It just made sense to join up and give credit to the brainchild(s) of this great post. I may not feature this meme every week, but hopefully I will be able to do at least two a month.

On Dublin Street
By: Samantha Young

Kindle Edition, 414 pages

Published: August 31st 2012

ASIN: B0094J01VG
Personal Purchase: Amazon
*18 over Adult read*

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

First-
If you haven't read, heard , or seen this book then may I suggest you RUN to wherever you buy books and purchase this FANTASTIC book! I loved it! I couldn't get enough!! Braden was yummy and totally the kind of male I adore! Loved him!
Joss was filled with emotional baggage. She was strong, and sassy at times, but most of it was because of the wall she put up, from all she has been thru. These two were great together, and Braden...hmmm...he's a doll.... There was great sex in this book and it was done really well, and not overdone.

I love my men hot, steamy, ego driven, and umm.. good between the sheets! So, falling in love with this book was sooo easy to do. Braden is career driven. He's brass at times, but shows emotion and has a soft side. He loves the ladies, of course he needs to be seen with arm candy, but when he meets Jocelyn, everything seems to shift for him.

We begin this story with a heartbreaking start, Joss has some awful news delivered to her when she's in school and everything about her life changes, it has scarred her for life. Flashfoward a few years later and Joss has decided to leave everything she ever has known and start a new life, heading off to college in Dublin. Her past always seems to haunt her, and it seems to hault her in the relationship and friendship department. Her motto is " Never get close enough to feel anything for anyone" She seems to think a dark cloud hangs over her.  After living in Dublin for a few years, her roomate one of the few people she has a friendship wih decides to move out and leave the country. Joss is now on the hunt for a new roomie. Seeing a great ad in the paper leads her on the doorstep of Dublin Street. She meets what seems to be a great, friendly, girl; Ellie. They seem to get along and Joss falls in love with the apartment.

As Joss is moving in and is settling down, in walks Mr. Braden Carmichael, literally. He finds her in a somewhat... compromising position, and has a hard time taking his eyes off her!
You can just feel the heat between these two and as coincedence goes this is the same  guy she shared a taxi ride with, that same week! The same guy who rattled her bones, and left her at loss for words. He also happens to be her roomate, Ellie's--->brother ;) Phew, thank goodness it wasn't Ellie's boyfriend!
 
Ellie is an incredible person and friend to Joss, as they become closer and Joss becomes more and more involved with her family. You can see the great friendship that blossums between these two. Even as Joss seems to always withdraw herself, Ellie seems always ready to pull her in. I loved Ellie as she was a great person and friend to Joss.

Braden and Joss, have a great bantor, They always seem to bounce off of each other. She denies her feelings to Braden, and Braden always seems to come on strong as he tries his best too woo her into going out with him. Braden is a jealous, macho male -think caveman-she's mine don't even think about looking at her type- but, it's only because he has really strong feeling for Joss.
He's a business man, so he comes up with a business proposititon for Joss, basically an exclusive friends with benefits deal, and does he ever take advantage of that benefit part!! ;)

I loved their encounters together, especially at the club/bar, where she was working at. He was outraged with lust for Joss, after seeing her in another mans arms and sharing a kiss. He exploded in more ways then one...as he locked them both up in the clubs office and had to take her right on the desk....yep, smoldering...

But, Braden is no ass, you can slowly see he has grown to fall in love Joss. But Joss, who always seems to keep everyone at arms length, does the same to Braden. She pushes him away, time and time again, although she does enjoy those cozy nights between the sheets.


A major crisis evolves and it puts a major crimp in their relationship. Will they be able to survive? Will Joss stop pushing everyone away, and finally open her heart to love again, not just for the love of a man, but for friendship, and herself. Will she let the past go, before everyone walks away and turns their back on her, forever?  You'll have to read it to see! The last half of this book had me in emotional turmoil, I was crying. I was mad. I was sad. I was satisfied.




5/5 AMAZING Roses!!



"My mouth hung open as I tried to work out what the hell was going on: it took me a moment to realize his eyes weren't on my face. They were running all over my very naked body. With a garbled noise of distress I clamped an arm over my breats and a hand in front of my vajajay. Pale blue eyes met my horrified gaze. "What are you doing in my apartment?" I glanced hurriedly around for a weapon. Umbrella/ It had a metal point... That might work. Another choking noise snapped my eyes back to his, and a flush of unwanted and totally inappropriate heat hit me between my legs. He had 'that look' again. That dark, sexually avarice look. I hated that my body responded so instantly to 'that look' considering the guy might be a serial killer."

“I feel like I'm missing something really important when you're gone. So important I don't feel like myself. I've never felt like someone was mine before. But you're mine, Jocelyn. I've known that from the moment we met. And I'm yours. I don't want to be anyone else's, babe.”

“After last night, there’s no denying the promise of what’s between us. I’m not backing off, so rather than coming up with a new defence – which I’m sure I’d find highly entertaining – just give in, babe. You know you’re going to eventually."

"I'm perfectly aware that I keep things from people and I know that it isn't brave, but it's how I handle things."

   $5.99

.Review: In A Fix by Linda Grimes

In a Fix (In a Fix #1)

by: Linda Grimes

Paperback, 336 pages /Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published: September 4th 2012 by Tor Books

ISBN: 0765331802 (ISBN13: 9780765331809)

*ARC Review copy: Via Netgalley from Tor Pub. Thank you, Tor!



The start of an original new urban fantasy series starring human chameleon Ciel Halligan




Snagging a marriage proposal for her client while on an all-expenses-paid vacation should be a simple job for Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire. A kind of human chameleon, she’s able to take on her clients’ appearances and slip seamlessly into their lives, solving any sticky problems they don’t want to deal with themselves. No fuss, no muss. Big paycheck.



This particular assignment is pretty enjoyable... that is, until Ciel’s island resort bungalow is blown to smithereens and her client’s about-to-be-fiancé is snatched by modern-day Vikings. For some reason, Ciel begins to suspect that getting the ring is going to be a tad more difficult than originally anticipated.



Going from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years—both skilled adaptors—step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended.



Suddenly, facing down a horde of Vikings feels like the least of her problems from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years—both skilled adaptors—step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended.









Next in series is Quick Fix (In A Fix #2)  -Expected publication: 2013 by Tor Books

In A Fix is an Urban Fantasy, with humor, action, and engaging characters, by debut author Linda Grimes.




Ciel Halligan is an aura adapter. She can jump into someones body and basically become them. Assuming the persons identity is her job. People hire her, why? you ask, well, have you ever felt like you couldn't do something or handle a problem in life? I'm sure you have, ever wish you didn't have to do it? That's where Ciel comes in, she assumes the persons identity and accomplishes the feat.

In this latest job, Ciel has to assume the idenity of a woman who wants to find out if her boyfriend is ready to propose-he's hot and wealthy-and the job seems fairly easy, but things are never easy and when things take a turn for the worst, Ciel tries to become the heroine, but not without the help of two concerned men in her life.

There is Billy, her best friend. They both have great bantor together and there is some sexual tension between the two, although, most of it is harmless flirting. He makes Ciel laugh and is quick to take her side and understands, that Ciel would love to "spread her wings" and accomplish missions without having protection from him or Mark.

Then there is Mark. He's a professional. He comes across as strong, in a Marine like fashion, always looking out for his best friend's sister, Ciel, he tends to treat her like a kid, and protects her from danger. But, Ciel wants to spread her wings and take on the dangers-head first- and wants to be included in missions, so there is a slight tension between these two, because of that. There is also alot of sexual tension, on Ciel's part for Mark. She crushes on him, and has been crushing on him for a long time.
There is a slight love triangle between these three, but it doesn't seem to be a brooding one.


I really enjoyed In A Fix, I enjoyed the action, humor, and bantor, between the three main characters. Although, I can say I wasn't a fan of the way the whole plot was thrown at you all at once. I think I would of enjoyed a little more back story, but the action toward the end of this book was enjoyable as Ciel, finally seems to show she can "hang" with the big boys, and maybe she's just not the little sister to Mark's best friend, maybe she can and will be someone Mark can finally show his true feelings too, because deep down inside you know he cares for her, and has feelings for her.

4/5 Stars

Review: HUSH, HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush

By: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush #1

Published: October 13th 2009 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Paperback copy:  416 pages

ISBN: 1442465131 (ISBN13: 9781442465138)

Personal Purchase: own- $4.99 special price to promote Finale, book #4 10/31/12

                                                                         

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life

Fast-paced, hard to put down, paranormal mystery that will keep you guessing...


I'm not sure why it took me sooo long to start reading this book. I actually bought it awhile ago and it's been sitting on the shelf staring at me, so after picking up the second book last week I decided to take the plunge, boy, I'm glad I did!

So, I've heard Angel books don't usually fare well with readers, and maybe in the back of my mind I had those same thoughts. I mean you think Angels and the first thing that comes to mind is.. religion! So, not being a huge fan of "religion" in my books, I hesitate to read them, but this one really has very little religious elements.
Over the weekend, I was absorbed into this book the writing style is great, the book flows well, and the story is a definite page turner, filled with mystery.

We have two main characters, Nora and Patch.
Nora is a young teen, coping with the loss of her father while attending high school, coming home to an almost empty house at times, with a part time housekeeper. Her mother struggles to make ends meet, with a job that has her traveling and working long hours.
So, Nora is a responsible girl, with a great but somewhat ditsy best friend. In one of her classes, she is seated with a boy she barely knows, as she tries to get to know him, he sort of pushes her away with short answers, and snarkiness. Having a hard time, keeping him out her thoughts....

Patch is snarky, sexy, and gets under Nora's skin(to say the least). He seems to show up everywhere that Nora is, but manages to underplay the reason why with snarky one liners or excuses.
 He finds her amusing as she is so easily upset over his comments. It's really hard to tell how Patch feels about Nora, I mean Nora thinks he's cute, but she too, has no idea where she stands with him. I enjoyed these two bantering back and forth.


I loved the mystery that was slowly built up throughout the whole book, Becca's writing style is that of one whom throws crumbs on the pages and you must follow and scoop up, picking up bits and pieces of info along the way. At points of this story it was hard to decipher whom the good from the bad really were, and I actually was questioning everyone, in my mind. Is he the one, is she the one, maybe it's the teacher? Thoughts like that had me gripped within the pages. When we do find out the mystery, its a total surprise at first as maybe who we thought was good, really isn't so good, after all. 


A great book filled with many characters, that you will have no problem following, and enjoying. This book can easily be read as a stand alone, as the ending is wrapped up like a neat little package, but, I soo want to see what happens in the next book, Crescendo,  as Patch and Nora's adventure continues, and we are left wondering if all will be safe with these two, after all the secrets that are revealed at the end of the book.
5/5 Stars

Quotes

“Patch wasn't the kind of guy mothers smiled on. He was the kind of guy they changed the house locks for.”



"He hung up on me.
I stared at the phone in disbelief, then ripped a clean sheet of paper from my notebook. I scribbled Jerk on the first line. One the line beneath it, I added, Smokes cigars. Will die of lung cancer. Hopefully soon. Excellent physical shape.
I immediately scribbled over the last observation until it was illegible.”




“You smell good, too,” said Patch
It’s called a shower.” I was staring straight ahead. When he didn’t answer, I turned sideways. “Soap. Shampoo. Hot water.”"Naked. I know the drill.”


“Before I could stop myself, I punched his arm.
“Careful,” he said in a low voice. “They might think
we’re flirting.”

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill *My Review*



Some Girls Bite

By Chloe Neill

Published April 7th 2009 by NAL Trade

ISBN:

0451226259 (ISBN13: 9780451226259)

edition language

English

original title

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1)

series

Chicagoland Vampires #1



Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker-and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude- and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood. ~goodreads










*My Review*

This book was a good start to another series that I will continue with.

This book started with action and mystery, two of my favorite story lines when reading a book, throw in some paranormal characters and you got me.

Merit is a 27 year old graduate student living a normal, college life. All that quickly changes when she is attacked by a vampire and left for dead. Lucky for her there just happens to be a another vampire in the area, Ethan, a master vampire. He scares off her attacker, and saves her by turning her into a vampire. Now she has decisions to make. She must decide weather or not she will join him under his "house" or become a rouge vampire, an existence that is looked down upon and is not under any house's protection. With the decision to join Ethan and his house she must serve the house and must "bow" down to him. Merit isn't to sure if this is something she will agree too.
Being a strong-willed female she has her own opinions about what she does and who she listens too, and does not falter to anyone. Especially a good looking master vamp who just happens to put shivers down her spine. But, since her killer is still on the loose and is killing more females through-out the area she makes a decision that will change her, once again.  



Chloe Neill's first book in the Chicagoland Series flows well, and easily absorbs you into her world.
With a likable cast of characters and a good storyline, this book will have you watching Merit come into her own and become stronger as she learns more and more about her new life... 4/5 stars