The Last Challenge by Sharon Karaa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
"The Last Challenge" by Sharon Karaa is a coming of age story. Lauren, the main protagonist, is pretty much alone in the world save for her best friend Selena and her Cat. A computer programmer by trade, she considers herself to be fairly average except in the luck and love departments. Emotionally and psychologically still a teenager, in a twenty-five year old's body, she has a few hang ups to work through. All she needs is a push, and that comes in the package of a hunk named Daniel and a grandmother to the sixteenth generation. Oh, and by the way, she also finds out that she is a natural witch. Hence, the great x 16 grandmother. It turns out that her family line is cursed and there are three spirits that would love to kill her.
This novel is for the person who loves to read about the development of interpersonal relationships between the protagonist and her new family/friends/love interest. Ms. Karaa has a way with details that makes you feel like you are sitting in the room with the characters watching the story unfold. But just to warn you, it takes place in Northern England, so there are instances where if you're American (like me), you might be unfamiliar with the vernacular. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one in the series.
Please note: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
"The Last Challenge" by Sharon Karaa is a coming of age story. Lauren, the main protagonist, is pretty much alone in the world save for her best friend Selena and her Cat. A computer programmer by trade, she considers herself to be fairly average except in the luck and love departments. Emotionally and psychologically still a teenager, in a twenty-five year old's body, she has a few hang ups to work through. All she needs is a push, and that comes in the package of a hunk named Daniel and a grandmother to the sixteenth generation. Oh, and by the way, she also finds out that she is a natural witch. Hence, the great x 16 grandmother. It turns out that her family line is cursed and there are three spirits that would love to kill her.
This novel is for the person who loves to read about the development of interpersonal relationships between the protagonist and her new family/friends/love interest. Ms. Karaa has a way with details that makes you feel like you are sitting in the room with the characters watching the story unfold. But just to warn you, it takes place in Northern England, so there are instances where if you're American (like me), you might be unfamiliar with the vernacular. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one in the series.
Please note: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
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Hell on Heels by Robyn Peterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Robyn Peterman is a master at weaving together fun, entertaining, spicy stories filled with amazing characters and plenty of plot twists. Her latest novel, "Hell on Heels" follows Dixie's story as she leaves the safety of her life in Hell to take care of rogue demons on Earth. Joined by her group therapy trio she will meet several interesting new characters and become acquainted with some of Astrid's friends. The worst part of the story is actually finishing it and knowing that you'll have to wait a couple of months to get another one to read. I highly recommend all of Robyn Peterman's novels. She is definitely one of my favorite authors.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Robyn Peterman is a master at weaving together fun, entertaining, spicy stories filled with amazing characters and plenty of plot twists. Her latest novel, "Hell on Heels" follows Dixie's story as she leaves the safety of her life in Hell to take care of rogue demons on Earth. Joined by her group therapy trio she will meet several interesting new characters and become acquainted with some of Astrid's friends. The worst part of the story is actually finishing it and knowing that you'll have to wait a couple of months to get another one to read. I highly recommend all of Robyn Peterman's novels. She is definitely one of my favorite authors.
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First Kisses, Near Misses: Short Stories from the Magical World of Cindy Eller by Elizabeth A. Reeves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elizabeth A Reeves takes you an a journey into the lives of Cindy Eller and her family in "First Kisses, Near Misses". These short stories are a taste of some of the adventures highlighted through her series.
"How (Not) to Kiss (at all)" Is about Cindy's first boyfriend and her first kiss.
"Of Love and Centaurs" Follows Rainy's first date with a Centaur.
"Summer in Summerland" Is about Miranda's first time revolting against her mother.
"D'Jinn Big Trouble" Highlights the day Jess met Alecto.
"Avow" Is about Ethan Tanner and Eithne from "The Last Selkie"
"Baehrly Beginning" This is the start of Goldie's story.
"Work of Art" Follows Iris and her thoughts about a boy in one of her classes.
"Starrie Crossed" Is in the perspective of Starrie and the inner turmoil she faces.
"Roses Red" Highlights how Rose met her husband.
"Fairytale Beginning" Centers on Tansey and her arrival in the Middle Lands.
Lastly there are two pieces from fan writers Rebekah Lesson and Peg Lewis.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elizabeth A Reeves takes you an a journey into the lives of Cindy Eller and her family in "First Kisses, Near Misses". These short stories are a taste of some of the adventures highlighted through her series.
"How (Not) to Kiss (at all)" Is about Cindy's first boyfriend and her first kiss.
"Of Love and Centaurs" Follows Rainy's first date with a Centaur.
"Summer in Summerland" Is about Miranda's first time revolting against her mother.
"D'Jinn Big Trouble" Highlights the day Jess met Alecto.
"Avow" Is about Ethan Tanner and Eithne from "The Last Selkie"
"Baehrly Beginning" This is the start of Goldie's story.
"Work of Art" Follows Iris and her thoughts about a boy in one of her classes.
"Starrie Crossed" Is in the perspective of Starrie and the inner turmoil she faces.
"Roses Red" Highlights how Rose met her husband.
"Fairytale Beginning" Centers on Tansey and her arrival in the Middle Lands.
Lastly there are two pieces from fan writers Rebekah Lesson and Peg Lewis.
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Phone Kitten by Marika Christian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Phone Kitten" by Marika Christian is one of those rare gems that you never expect to find, but when you do you are glad that you read it. Emily Winters is forgettable. At least that's how she feels about herself. Recently having lost a bit of weight and well on her way to improving her life. She takes the first step toward becoming a journalist only to find out that one of her friends betrayed her trust. Overall, I thought that this was an extremely well written novel. The plot was pretty fast passed and it kept me reading.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Phone Kitten" by Marika Christian is one of those rare gems that you never expect to find, but when you do you are glad that you read it. Emily Winters is forgettable. At least that's how she feels about herself. Recently having lost a bit of weight and well on her way to improving her life. She takes the first step toward becoming a journalist only to find out that one of her friends betrayed her trust. Overall, I thought that this was an extremely well written novel. The plot was pretty fast passed and it kept me reading.
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How (Not) to Love a Hero by Elizabeth A. Reeves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elizabeth A. Reeves continues the story of Cindy Eller with one last final chapter. Cindy is still torn about Timothy. She loves him, but he betrayed her and worst of all he's the heir to the dark fae throne. Timothy is at a crossroads. The war changed him, and now all he wants to do is figure out who he is before he can completely commit to Cindy. While Timothy is off trying to find himself Cindy does her best balancing being a baker and the heir of the light fae. Overall, I enjoyed this series and the spin off series about her sister Goldie. I'm sad to see the end of Cindy's story, but I hope that there will be more stories about her sisters.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elizabeth A. Reeves continues the story of Cindy Eller with one last final chapter. Cindy is still torn about Timothy. She loves him, but he betrayed her and worst of all he's the heir to the dark fae throne. Timothy is at a crossroads. The war changed him, and now all he wants to do is figure out who he is before he can completely commit to Cindy. While Timothy is off trying to find himself Cindy does her best balancing being a baker and the heir of the light fae. Overall, I enjoyed this series and the spin off series about her sister Goldie. I'm sad to see the end of Cindy's story, but I hope that there will be more stories about her sisters.
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Crimson Night by Marie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Carnival Diabolique isn't your average fair. It is run by the Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and human women. The Nephilim hosts a sliver of the soul of at least one demon whose powers are based on the seven deadly sins. The leading protagonist is a woman named Pandora who hosts Lust. Pandora is a bit different than the average Nephilim. Her humanity keeps her in line. Drawing the attention of a Death Priest, Pandora has to watch her back as she hunts down vampires, werewolves, and zombies who attack humans with light souls. But life isn't that simple for Pandora, in fact it just keeps getting more and more complicated for her. I highly recommend "Crimson Night" if you are the type of person who appreciates a good paranormal that is full of action and mystery.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Carnival Diabolique isn't your average fair. It is run by the Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and human women. The Nephilim hosts a sliver of the soul of at least one demon whose powers are based on the seven deadly sins. The leading protagonist is a woman named Pandora who hosts Lust. Pandora is a bit different than the average Nephilim. Her humanity keeps her in line. Drawing the attention of a Death Priest, Pandora has to watch her back as she hunts down vampires, werewolves, and zombies who attack humans with light souls. But life isn't that simple for Pandora, in fact it just keeps getting more and more complicated for her. I highly recommend "Crimson Night" if you are the type of person who appreciates a good paranormal that is full of action and mystery.
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All Hallows Night by Marie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The horror Pandora experienced in "Crimson Night" has damaged parts of her psyche. Lust isn't working right and now Pestilence is fighting for dominance. As Pandora tries to maintain appearances, she has to deal with a strange zombie situation in Mexico. Overall, this story was really well written. It kept me reading and hoping that things get better for Pandora. Marie Hall is a master at her craft. I highly recommend reading her books if you're into non conventional urban fantasy novels.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The horror Pandora experienced in "Crimson Night" has damaged parts of her psyche. Lust isn't working right and now Pestilence is fighting for dominance. As Pandora tries to maintain appearances, she has to deal with a strange zombie situation in Mexico. Overall, this story was really well written. It kept me reading and hoping that things get better for Pandora. Marie Hall is a master at her craft. I highly recommend reading her books if you're into non conventional urban fantasy novels.
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Howler's Night by Marie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One step forward, two steps back. Just when you thought things could not get worse for Pandora, it does. Kidnapped by the Triad, Pandora spends a year experiencing a mix of brainwashing, torture, and endless agony. I hate to wait to see what happens next. I just hope that some good comes out of everything that she experienced and that in "Red Rain" things turn around for her. Overall, you have to read these books in order. Once you start, you won't want to stop.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One step forward, two steps back. Just when you thought things could not get worse for Pandora, it does. Kidnapped by the Triad, Pandora spends a year experiencing a mix of brainwashing, torture, and endless agony. I hate to wait to see what happens next. I just hope that some good comes out of everything that she experienced and that in "Red Rain" things turn around for her. Overall, you have to read these books in order. Once you start, you won't want to stop.
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