Monday, November 30

Blodeuedd Review: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper

Nothing sucks the romance out of world travel like a boyfriend who may or may not have broken up with you in a hotel room in Brussels. Jane Jameson’s sexy sire, Gabriel, has always been unpredictable. But the seductive, anonymous notes that await him at each stop of their international vacation, coupled with his evasive behavior over the past few months, finally push Jane onto the next flight home to Half Moon Hollow — alone, upset, and unsure whether Gabriel just ended their relationship without actually telling her.

Now the children’s-librarian-turned-vampire is reviving with plenty of Faux Type O, some TLC from her colorful friends and family, and her plans for a Brave New Jane. Step One: Get her newly-renovated occult bookstore off the ground. Step Two: Support her best friend, Zeb, and his werewolf bride as they prepare for the impending birth of their baby . . . or litter. Step Three: Figure out who’s been sending her threatening letters, and how her hostile pen pal is tied to Gabriel. Because for this nice girl, surviving a broken heart is becoming a matter of life and undeath...


My thoughts:
This does prove it. I can still do pnr, but, only funny pnr. I have said it before with the Sand books, and it is true.

It was 4 years since I read the last book (I know!), but I could easily jump in even though it is about the same character. I just started reading, I did not remember a thing, and it did not matter.

Instead I learned that Jane is a vamp (well I did remember that), everyone knows about vamps now (still lots of tension). She has a hunky BF called Gabriel (the one who turned her). She used to be a librarian, now she owns a bookstore. She is sassy, and I like her. She is friends with Zeb who is expecting puppies with his were GF. Her friend Dick is a vamp and together with Angela who works at her bookstore. Oh and she has the bitchiest sister in the world!!!

The drama between her and Gabriel. Sigh. Ok that was not the best part. That man must learn how to communicate. Asshat.

Conclusion:
Then there is a relative (sort of ;) that shows up and annoys her. She joins a group, fun things there. There is a mystery and there is just, nice, fun, sarcastic. I enjoyed it .

Cover
cute

Paperback, 324 pages
Published December 29th 2009 by Pocket Star
Jane Jameson #3
Paranormal romance
Own

Sunday, November 29

Book Review: A Fistful of Fire by Rebecca Chastain



Author: Rebecca Chastain
Title: A Fistful of Fire (Madison Fox, Illuminant Enforcer #2)
Genre: UF & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: October 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Madison Fox survived her first week as California’s newest illuminant enforcer, defending her region against imps, vervet, hounds, and one lascivious demon. If her grumpy boss, Mr. Pitt, was impressed, he hasn’t told Madison. In fact, there’s a lot her boss has been closemouthed about, including the dark secret haunting his past.

But Madison’s problems are just igniting. Neighboring regions report an uncharacteristic flare-up of evil, fire-breathing salamanders blaze unchecked across the city, and Black Friday looms. Trapped doing cleanup amid mobs of holiday shoppers, Madison watches from the sidelines as dubious allies insinuate themselves in her region.

As suspicions kindle and the mysterious evil gains strength, Madison must determine who she can trust—and whose rules to follow—before her region and career go up in flames.


This is the second in the series. It could be read as a standalone, but I do encourage reading the first book first. 

Poor Madison! I get that she is a newbie, but I feel bad about how rudely everyone is treating her. Even in the paranormal world politics runs rampant. I also felt bad for Mr. Pitt the whole time. Poor guy...I'm happy to see that he really does like Madison and cares for her safety. She certainly has her dumb moments, but you can't really blame her. I would probably pull some of the same dumb things. She is new to this world and this role which people are trying to pull from under her feet. Again...poor girl.

Hilarious that this takes place on Black Friday. It proves my point about how horrible that event is. Its a day of greed, stupidity, and selfishness. It was awesome how the author incorporated this in this world. Clever, clever. 

The beginning was a little slow, but it was certainly the calm before the storm. So much drama. So many baddies. And so many twists that I wasn't sure what was going to happen and who was to blame! I love it when a story keeps me on my toes. I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm certainly glad the possible love triangle is still being avoided. I adore Nicko, but Madison needs a guy like Dr. Love to keep her sane. Nicko can find someone else. Maybe Madison's friend ;D. 

Honestly, I am so glad this series found me, because I was losing faith in the UF genre. The characters are interesting, the world new/different, and the story fresh and creative! Love it! I am curious to see what happens next.

In the end, I highly recommend this series. I advise reading the first one first though, because there are a lot of backstory I feel is essential. Granted, I can see this being read alone. The beginning was a little slow, but after a couple of chapters I could NOT put this down. A fun world and characters that entertain me. Too be honest, this was better then the first book which is rare! Out of five stars, I stamp this with 5. 


















Friday, November 27

Book Review: Unlaced by Kristina Cook


Author: Kristina Cook
Title: Unlaced (Undone by Love #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: 2004
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

All Lucy Abbington wants is to get through her first London season without losing sight of her true ambition—gaining some informal training in veterinary arts so that she can retire peacefully to the countryside with her beloved horses. Instead, she’s caught up in a whirlwind of balls, marriage proposals, and ton intrigues. Worse, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her sponsors’ maddening neighbor, Henry Ashton, the Marquess of Mandeville. The handsome, arrogant, sometimes infuriating Mandeville stokes a passionate fire within her that won’t be denied, no matter the consequence.

Deep, emotional scars secretly plague Henry, Lord Mandeville. As a result, he’s avoided romantic entanglements at all costs. Only, now he needs a wife—someone from a wealthy, powerful family to further his political aspirations. Instead, he finds himself all but obsessed with the beautiful but unconventional Lucy Abbington—a woman whose passions and wit stir desires he’d rather ignore. And yet…she might just be the one woman who can heal his wounded heart.

Lucy and Henry’s heads say no, but their hearts say yes. Will they find themselves undone by love?



Stupid Henry. Stupid, stupid boy. He needed a fine kick to the romp. 

Sorry, but I was saying/thinking that throughout the entire book and it had to be the first thing I stated in this review. Henry was a blooming moron and almost lost Lucy before he even had her. Yes, I understand that he is not trusting because his mother was cruel and his ex-fiancee cheated on him. HOWEVER, time and time again Lucy was proven to be way better then them, but no...just because she was born a doctor's daughter and didn't have a dowry that would benefit him he was ready to write her off at every turn. What an ass. 

I did like Lucy. I did love the fact that she dreamed to be a Vet and take care of animals. Not an appropriate occupation of a lady during the time, but I did enjoy her being a bluestocking with an actual plan if/when she gets freedom. Many times in books like this the rebel gal has no plan or ideas on how to get money to support them. Lucy was smart enough to realize she needs a way to make money if she wants her freedom and so forth. 

Ooooh the ton. Their arrogance and their rumor spreading never gets old and never ceases to surprise me. Poor Lucy. The ton was so mean to her. Which can only be expected due to her station, dreams, and her beauty. 

I liked Collin. I want to read more about him and I hope he finds his HEA.

The twist was good. I kind of expected it, but I had doubts that the author would actually do it, but I'm glad she did. Also, I adore the cover. That is the only reason why I got it at first haha. 

But yes, this was an entertaining book. Some eye-rolling moments, lots of unnecessary drama, snottiness that is unwarranted by the ton (but what do you expect?), and a HEA ending. 

In the end, I recommend this to those needing something light with some drama. I really needed romance to lighten up my reading. I wanted to kick Henry, but I'm glad Lucy got her HEA even tho Henry was an ass. I hope Collin gets his HEA! I liked him a lot! Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars. 


















Wednesday, November 25

Black Friday of Death - Avoid or Approach with Caution

Happy  Pre-Thanksgiving to Americans and other countries that celebrate their own version of this holiday.

I want to bring up a serious issue that has been bugging me for years…Black Friday.



That cursed day that I had to deal with when I was working Food Service not so long ago. I personally have never experienced this day as a consumer. I refuse to. Yes, yes, there are good deals those who love day will appeal. I totally understand wanting to get a good deal (I’m a frugal girl myself) and it is an excellent Marketing day and it helps boost the economy. However, they need to ban this day.

First, people have been hurt AND killed over this “holiday” event. It is rather morbid, but there is a website completely dedicated to counting how many people in the United States and some in International countries have perished or been injured to the point they needed to go to the hospital since 2006. 7 people have been killed and 98 have been seriously hurt. The one that really made me avoid this day was a worker at Wal-Mart was killed after opening the doors in a stampede in 2006. The consumers rushed in once the doors were opened and trampled him to death. Horrible, horrible. There are a few “honorable mentions” that were not part of the count since it can only be assumed Black Friday was the cause: 3 murders, 1 suicide, and 1 severe injury (blackfridaydeathcount.com).



Second, in the United States this event occurs RIGHT after Thanksgiving. Morally this event goes against Thanksgiving. “Giving thanks to what we have.” Contributing in the madness and selfishness is anti-Thanksgiving. Many people will say, “Oh it is not for me – it is for Christmas gifts.” I will grant this. However, why does there need to be a sale to get a gift for someone you love or care about? When I see something I buy it I don’t risk waiting for this particular event to happen and risk it being sold out.

Third, this encourages overspending. It seems counter-productive: lots of sales…buy more then you planned too…spend the same or more? Impulse buying at its finest. Also, many people do not read the sign properly or have researched or read reviews. In the end, the deal may have seemed like a deal, but it really wasn’t.


Fourth, why in the world is it a good idea to get up at 3 AM to get to the store to get in line before it opens? Is that turkey fryer or TV or that video game worth getting up that early and standing in the cold (for those areas that get cold)? It is pure lunacy. Many people get this day off…ENJOY it. Being up that early, being in the cold, being around all those people can cause an increased chance of getting sick which may result in calling off sick at work and losing more money. Was that stupid product worth it?

And lastly….Cyber Monday exists. Half of the time the deals are better and you don’t have to get injured, die, get sick, and the chances of impulse buying is a little lower.

Yes. Do not support this horrible day. I know I will not. I volunteered to go into work since I have no ambition to even be part of society on this day. Unlike many, I will be EARNING money rather than spending money.

What are your thoughts?



References:
http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/

http://www.businessinsurance.org/10-reasons-black-friday-is-awful-and-needs-to-go-away/

Monday, November 23

B's Monday Review: Dukes are Forever by Anna Harrington

Battlefields and barrooms hold much more interest for Edward Westover, Duke of Swarthmore, than a little girl's fondness for dolls and lace. When he takes possession of his enemy's estate, everything that villain held dear-including his daughter-belongs to Edward. Hire a governess, arrange a dowry, give a few reassurances, and be off on his way-that's Edward's plan. But he's in for the shock of his life. For his new ward is a beautiful, impetuous, and utterly irresistible woman . . . 

Kate Benton is stunned. Who is this arrogant, infuriating man who's invited himself into her home and taken over her life? Her vow: to do everything in her power to convince him to leave her-and Brambly House-alone. Yet as chilly days melt into sultry nights, Kate sees glimpses of kindness underneath Edward's cool façade . . . and a passionate nature that takes her breath away. There's so much she doesn't know about this man. But does she dare trust this devilish duke with her heart?

My thoughts:
Oh Edward, so I understand why, but still, why? He is angry at a man, and the man deserves it. Edward buys all his debts, and the one good thing is that he is pushed into is taking that man's child as a ward. So yes that was good, so she would not be out in the streets. Still, revenge...

And he does try, taking a doll to the kid and everything.

Haha, there is no kid, just a 21 year old woman who loves her father. Why? I do NOT know. Her father was an ahole, who took everything of value, sold it, and left poor Kate alone and in debt. But it's hard to stop loving family even if they are aholes.

The rest is obvious;
Oh my ward is hot? Damn. Is she in her father's pay? Will she destroy me? She can't be trusted. All women are bad. But she is beautiful.

Where is my father? Why do I have a Duke as a guardian? Oh he is pretty. No, do not look at him. I will become a doctor. But he is so handsome. One kiss wont kill me.

They dance around each other. There is lots of smexy time (we all know I skim that, but for you who want lots then here it is.) There is drama, and there is a happily ever after.

Conclusion:
I'd read more by her. 

Cover
Nice, but so not her

Kindle Edition, 384
Expected publication: November 24th 2015 by Forever
The Secret Life of Scoundrels #1
Historical romance
NetGalley

Sunday, November 22

Joint Review - Shadows of Asphodel by Karen Kincy





This month Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Shadows of Asphodel" by Karen Kincy.



Author: Karen Kincy
Title: Shadows of Asphodel (Shadows of Asphodel #1)
Genre: SciFi, Steampunk, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance, & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: September 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (ebook freebie)

1913. Austria-Hungary. Ardis knows better than to save a man on the battlefield. Even if he manages to be a charming bastard while bleeding out in the snow. She hasn't survived this long as a mercenary without some common sense. 

When she rescues Wendel, it isn't because he's devilishly handsome, but because he's a necromancer. His touch can revive the dead, and Ardis worries he will return from the grave to hunt her down. Besides, a necromancer can be useful in this world on the brink of war. 

A gentleman of questionable morals, Wendel drops to one knee and pledges his undying loyalty to Ardis. She resists falling for him, no matter how hot the tension smolders between them. Especially when she discovers Wendel's scars run much deeper than his skin, and it might be too late to truly save him from himself.



B: Let’s get started, and this time with a book I actually enjoyed. Omg, enjoyed. No snow child, but good.

 C: I have to agree! It was good. I didn’t really even notice that it was a Steampunk until I looked on Goodreads. hahaha but i’m not a huge fan of Steampunk, but I actually enjoyed this one! It wasn’t over-the-top and cheesy. 

 B: I do not need gadgets to be mentioned all the time, that is one bad aspect of some steampunk, but I also need some things to be mentioned cos else it’s just stupid. And I felt that this book walked that line well. Not too much, not too little. The perfect mix that made me believe in this world. And that is so important to me.

 C: It was a good mix and I think that’s why I really liked it. Plus I loved the time period. Not Victorian like most steampunks, but during the 1910s. 

 B: Someone mentioned dieselpunk somewhere, but to be honest, I am not really one that keeps track. it was good, it was a nice period, pre war and all (and war that might not come in this world, but come on, we all know it will.) And I liked the mix of magic and tech. That is always a good mix.

 C: I’ll be honest I’m not sure what dieselpunk is. 0_0 But yes, I loved the mix of historical, magic, and tech. It was nice. Did you like Ardis? 

 B: It’s not like I was all, I love her! She was tough as nails. I could respect that toughness. But yes I did like her. It just took me a while to warm up more to her. You then?

 C: At first I really did, but then she fell in love with Wendel and was kinda obsessed with him really quick. I was hoping that the romance aspect would take a little while then. After a while, I did warm back up to her again, but she was overall just okay. 

 B: You have a point there. I did not think of that, but yes I was actually kind of happy when this other thing happened, and I had hoped that would continue. Instead she just got more into him, and I never felt that he loved, or liked her. She was just means to an end. The romance part did lack. Those two were not meant to be together. Him and someone else, yes, she and someone else, yes. thinking if the same person too.

 C: I think he did like her...maybe not love. Honestly, I think she was something different and she was prolly the first girl/person to not judge him based on his ability. 

 B: I can settle for like, like is easy. But true love? No, not what I saw. That whole HE IS MAD part was really over the top too. I never saw any evidence, give me some evidence. Make it harder for me to like him, and then I will fall more deeply. Cos now he just seemed really nice. At least to me.

 C: He had his sarcastic moments and was ruthless because death means nothing to him. But yeah - he was such a gentlemen throughout the story. I liked it, but I do feel he should have been more bitter at his parents…..unless he’s good at hiding it? IDK. I didn’t mind him being kind of a nice guy. I think I liked Wendel more than the other dude (the mage? I can’t remember his name)

 B: I did really like Wendel, more than her. But I never felt the whole he is mad, and evil. I wish I had felt it a little bit at least. And yeah, sure he should be angry, but them they could never have kept them, maybe he grew to understand. He did hate the Asphodels more so maybe that took over.
That would be Konstantin ;) I liked him, nice side character. Oh oh, the twist, the person that shows up, that was weird. Her hint hint

 C: YES that is his name. I totally blanked. Yes, he was a nice side character, but if I had to pick between the two I would be Team Wendel. I do want to learn more about Konstantin. And the twist was nice! Weird, but nice! I really didn’t expect it. 

 B: Always Team Wendel, just not, sigh, I wanna FEEL it. I hope book 1 makes me feel it more, I need to feel the romance. But awww Wendel, gotta love him.

 C: :3 I loved how his ability was looked down upon by pretty much everyone - it was a nice. What did you think about the twist with Adris’ dad? I have mixed feelings….

 B: I am not sure about it either. It felt strange, and did not make sense for me in a way. It felt too much HAHA, look what I did here. Suffer!

 C: Honestly, I was hoping for something entirely different. It surprised me and I still can’t determine what I feel about that. I want to know more about how her parents got together now THAT would be a fun short story. ;)

 B: That would make an excellent short story! I’d be into that.

 C: :D Do you plan on reading the second in the series? I’m not sure myself. Like this was good and I do wanna find out what happens next, but for now I am still digesting this world and story. WHICH, again, I loved the world built in here.

 B: I’d like to, but it’s an ebook. I can only buy ebooks on amazon, and I have like 50 cents left on this GC I got 5 years ago! Yes, I saved and saved it. So I actually can’t read more. But I hope it will be free one day *fingers crossed*

 C: I think I would like to read especially if it is free or at the library (which...still free of course). 

 B: LOL. Well, to close this conversation. Would you recommend it? I would, it was an interesting world, sure it had a few faults, but still, interesting.

 C: I would. It was fun and I was addicted to the first half. The second half drifted off a little bit, but overall I do recommend this to even those who are not the biggest fans of steampunk like me. ;)

B: Your turn next then to pick a book. And hopefully I will get my war book as soon as someone gives it back to the library.

 C: I still really wanna read the war book. :D I’ll send some ideas ASAP!! The end?

 B: Das End




**Carole's Conclusion - I am not a huge fan of steampunk. Not at all. I honestly had no idea going in that this technically falls into the category. I didn't realize something was up until after the first chapters and then I checked Goodreads. This is not your a-typical steampunk. The technology isn't horribly advanced and the outfits aren't crazy and it takes place in the 1910s pre-ww1 (normally it takes place during Victorian era). Also, there seems to be more magic and supernatural aspects then technology advancements. The characters were fun. I liked Wendel. I just wish that Adris and Wendel would have taken their time falling in love/lust. It seemed too quick. I am curious about the next book and what is going to happen next. The world was entertaining and I liked it. 

I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 















Thursday, November 19

Movie Review: Serena (2014)



Length: 109 mins
Released: 2014
Genre: Historical Romance & Drama
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

In Depression-era North Carolina, George Pemberton struggles to maintain the future of his timber empire. His life becomes more complicated after his wife, Serena, learns that she cannot ever bear children after she suffers a miscarriage with their first child








TRAILER:





REVIEW:
A totally random find on Netflix. I was feeling something historical with a touch of romance. The cast seemed like fun and the story seemed to be intriguing. This seemed like something to appease me while being bored....

It was not horrid...it entertained me kinda sorta. HOWEVER, it made my eye twitch the entire time. 

Why?

Serena. 

Yes, the main character. The one the film is titled after. As everyone knows I hate, yes hate, perfect characters and she certainly was a perfect character. Beautiful, smart, good with animals, a lot of know-how on running a timberlogging company, has a sexy man who supports her being independent, is okay that her sexy hubbie had a love affair with a poor girl once upon a time ago, had a rough past but it made her stronger, and oh yea - every man loved her eventually. REALLY? REALLY? >_> I love the actress, but for the love of pie why did she play Serena. 

GRANTED Miss Perfect does have her snapping point. Oooooooh and when she snapped it was beautiful. I pretty much applauded! I cannot say what happened or what Miss Perfect did, but it appeased me. It was not good and it kinda sorta made her the bad guy of the film, but oooooooh I can't express the joy I felt that Miss Perfect fell off her pedestal. However, it took 90% of the movie for her to reach this point. In a weird way...it was worth it. hahahaha

Yes, the ending was good because Miss Perfect caused it, but looking at it in a whole...it was cheesy and over-the-top. 

If you are looking for brainless background noise this is the film for you. Which is sad, because I adored the cast. I blame screenwriting myself.
In the end, this was a total meeeeeeh. Yes, I sickly enjoyed Miss Perfect Serena and her downfall, but alas, I hate perfect characters. A great cast, but a total meh movie. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 1 star.


Re-watch?: No.












Tuesday, November 17

Book Review: The Judges by Elie Wiesel


Author: Elie Wiesel
Title: The Judges
Genre: Historical Fiction & Religion and Spirituality
Pages: 224
First Published: 1999
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

A plane en route from New York to Tel Aviv is forced down by bad weather. A nearby house provides refuge for five of its passengers: Claudia, who has left her husband and found new love; Razziel, a religious teacher who was once a political prisoner; Yoav, a terminally ill Israeli commando; George, an archivist who is hiding a Holocaust secret that could bring down a certain politician; and Bruce, a would-be priest turned philanderer. 
Their host—an enigmatic and disquieting man who calls himself simply the Judge—begins to interrogate them, forcing them to face the truth and meaning of their lives. Soon he announces that one of them—the least worthy—will die.


I do adore Elie Wiesel's writing style. It flows well and he doesn't need a lot of words to really make you feel, think, and see. This is my third book by him. And its still as good as the other two. However, not my favorite. 

Yes, this was okay. Interesting plot, a people story, thriller-ish (even though the ending was totally predictable), and though-provoking. The characters' stories were too long and boring. Each character got a huge chunk of the book dedicated to their past life/who they are on the inside. It was too long and I would skim. Honestly, it really did take away from the plot. The author did try and split up each character's story throughout the book, but each section was too big and I found myself not caring about the character. If it was shorter I would have not skimmed.

Speaking of the characters....the vast majority I didn't like/care about. I wasn't worried about them being picked by the Judge. Is that bad too say?

Ugh...the Judge...self-righteous bastard....BUT he was certainly entertaining to read about.

Poor Hunchback guy. :/ 

The ending as I had mentioned was predictable, but I liked it. It fit and made me happy. Okay...maybe happy is not the right word....but I approved and that is how I would've ended it myself. 


So yes, this was an interesting book, not the authors best sadly. I didn't care about the majority of the characters for many reasons, but their backstories dragged on for far too long. I liked the ending a lot and I approve. This book would be a good one for High School or college students to read. Lots of thought-provoking questions and it shows that people can be both good and bad. In the end, I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 



















Monday, November 16

B's Monday Review: The Winter Mantle by Elizabeth Chadwick

Blurb: Fresh from his defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy has returned home in triumph, accompanied by the English nobles he cannot trust to leave behind. For Waltheof of Huntington, however, rebellion is not at the forefront of his thoughts. From the moment he catches sight of Judith, daughter of the King’s formidable sister, he knows he has found his future wife.

When Waltheof saves Judith’s life, it is clear that the attraction is mutual. But marriage has little to do with love in medieval Europe. When William refuses to let the couple wed, Waltheof joins forces with his fellow rebels in an uprising against the King. William brutally crushes the rebellion, but realizes that Waltheof cannot be ignored. Marrying him to his niece, he decides, is the perfect way to keep him in check.

But is the match between the Saxon earl and Norman lady made in heaven or hell? As their children grow, Waltheof and Judith must choose between their feelings for each other and older loyalties. At the same time, the reputation of Waltheof’s Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis continues to flourish. The son of William’s chamberlain, he shares a special bond with Waltheof, who rescued him from being trampled by a horse when he was a squire. Now Simon enjoys the confidence of both the King and the rebel earl. And when tension between the two ignites once more, it is Simon who is set to reap the reward.

My thoughts:
I have read almost all of her books, and I do like how she take characters that makes you want to read more.

In this one we have Judith, she is the niece of William the Conqueror, and she married a Dane/Englisman, Earl Waltheof. We get to see those big events, and we are also on the side, which I liked. You do not have to be in the middle of things to get the picture.

Judith, oh she was nice and turned into a bit of a shrew. Waltheof was nice, but did not really see the big picture.

But yes I thought the book would be about them, nope after half the book we get the POV of their daughter Mathilda and her marriage to Simon de Senlis. And it ended before the good part! Well the good part for me, I wanted to know about her second marriage to King David of Scotland. She was just so old, I get that they wanted a connection, still so old, could have been too old for kids (but was not), and I would have wanted to see the take on that.

Conclusion:
Interesting, but still not one of her best. She has many books after all. But worth the read.

Cover
nice

Paperback, 512 pages
Published January 31st 2007 by Sphere (first published January 17th 2002)
Historical fiction
Own

Sunday, November 15

Book Review: A Fistful of Evil by Rebecca Chastain


Author: Rebecca Chastain
Title: A Fistful of Evil (Madison Fox, Illuminant Enforcer #1)
Genre: Urban Fiction, Fantasy, YA, & Paranormal
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given by an author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Madison Fox just learned that her ability to see souls is more than a sight: It’s a weapon for fighting evil. The only problem is she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing. 

On the positive side, her money problems are over, she’s possibly discovered her purpose in life, and her coworker is smoking hot. On the negative side, evil creatures now actively hunt her, and deadly experiences are becoming the norm.

When she thinks it couldn’t get worse, a powerful evil sets up shop at a local hotel’s video game convention, and it’s got its eye on more than the gaming geeks: it is hungry for Madison’s soul. Madison needs to become an expert illuminant enforcer overnight to save her job, her region . . . and her life.

This is the first of the Madison Fox Illumnant Enforcer series. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here. 

Madison has an interesting power, she can see souls of people and things. She randomly finds a job posting and goes for it. Well, it leads her to use her ability to fight pure evil. However...she is a complete newbie and is thrown to protect a whole region. She meets new people and a new world.

I love the whole concept of the book/series. This is an interesting ability she has and it was very refreshing for this genre. I did like Madison. She's not kickass yet, but she is learning and is funny. Honestly, I'm glad she wasn't a "natural" at battle the forces of evil, she has LOTS and LOTS to learn. There is a lot of training still in her future. Yes...she does have her dumb moments which made me roll my eyes, BUT she is a complete newbie in this world and this job. 

Ooooh Niko you hot, hot man. ;) I liked him a lot and I want to learn more about him. But I did like Dr Love the Vet as well. I know, I know - Dr Love is a lame name, but I think its kinda funny and clever. I feel like there is a possibility of a love triangle in the future....BUT I have some suspicious on Dr Love...I hope he's not a baddie, but he seems too perfect hmmmmm. HOWEVER, what I really REALLY liked was that romance was not the center of this story. It wasn't Madison's main goal to find love, yes, she thought Niko and Dr Love were hot, but her main concern was saving her region. Major props to avoid the pitfall of a making the story to loved filled. I hope this remains the same in the second book.

My only issue was the lag that occurred after her first meet with a stronger evil. The lag only lasted about 25 pages, but it picked up again and thank goodness. 

In the end, this was a fun read. It was a refreshing read. Urban fantasies were blending together, but this was a fresh new story with an interesting cast and power. Also, I loved the fact that the romance was there a little bit, but it wasn't the center/core of the story. The lag killed me, but it didn't last too long. However, I am super excited for the second book in the series! I can't wait to see what Madison is up to next. I highly recommend this to those that want to read UF, but want something refreshing and fun. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.