Christmas with an Angel by Debbie Mason ~ Review

Title: Christmas with an Angel (Harmony Harbor #1.5)

Author: Debbie Mason
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Length: Short story
Publisher: Forever Yours
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

It's been eight long years since Michael Gallagher has laid eyes on Shay Angel, back when he was a boy from the most prominent family in town and she was a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. But he hadn't cared about their differences - until one bad decision landed her in jail.

That was years ago and now he's back in Harmony Harbor for the holidays. So when Shay goes missing, Michael is intent on finding her - and finding out if their sizzling attraction is still there. But he's now a district attorney, and it looks like Shay is once again on the wrong side of the law.

A cute and very suspenseful Christmas story. I would recommend reading book one first, while the story stands alone, there was obviously some back story that I had missed going into it that I missed out on.

Michael's long lost love, Shay, is back in town and seems to be in trouble. So, like any good romance hero, he sets off to save the day. But none of it goes as planned. He ends up in trouble himself and there are some really good secrets that come out at the end of the story. Debbie Mason drops just enough hints that I wasn't completely surprised, but it was still a great reveal when it happened.

Almost too short to get a lot of romance in, but the characters already have a history, so the connection was in place. They just needed to reconnect. They don't quite do that (just warning you), but I think it might be something that happens in a future book at some point.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of the book**

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The Edge (Ignite #1) by Fleur Camacho ~ Review

Title: The Edge (Ignite #1)

Author: Fleur Camacho
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 75 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: October 12, 2016
Source: Freebie
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Laura only wants one thing, and it’s the deepest darkest secret of her heart. When a mysterious man emerges from a fire in her backyard, can he be the key to unlocking the secret she guards so close? Or will his own secrets ruin her trust forever?

If you like edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance, you’ll love this book.

This book had a great set-up. We start with a hunky guy walking out of a burning field, rushed to the hospital, and Laura needs to know what happened. Somehow, he's not hurt nearly as bad as he should have been. But he's being hunted, and it puts Laura and the ones she's closest to at great risk.

Definitely an eye-catching story, but it wasn't executed as well as it should have been. There are too many things that just "happen" with no explanation. Like when he runs from the hospital - without unhooking the machines or IVs, without any alarms of any sort going off, that there wasn't a police officer waiting to talk to him about the accident..... It was something that really stood out to me. There are enough of these little mistakes that I really started to get distracted.

I really wanted to like this one, but I don't think I'll be continuing the series.

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The Most Wonderful Time by Ferm Michaels, Stacy Finz, Sarah Title, Shirlee McCoy

Title: The Most Wonderful Time
Author: Fern Michaels, Stacy Finz, Sarah Title, Shirlee McCoy
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Length: 384 Pages
Publisher: Zebra
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

What goes better with mistletoe and merriment than the sweet beginnings of romance?

“Christmas Passed” by Fern Michaels
Three years after her husband’s death, Brandy Heyers still finds that celebrating the holidays without him is anything but jolly. Then handsome widower Ryan Rogers shows her that moving on is possible, and her frozen heart begins to melt…

“A Glory Junction Christmas” by Stacy Finz
When Hannah Baldwin hears her ex is getting remarried, she’s ready to give up on Christmas, not to mention love. But the best gifts come in unexpected packages, and old friend Josh Garner is just the man to convince her that the coming New Year is going to be the happiest yet…

“Moonshine and Mistletoe” by Sarah Title
A holiday fling is all Emma Fallader expects when she meets gorgeous fiddler Abe Tate at her friend’s wedding—but after just days together, it isn’t all she wants. Can the spirit of the season work its special magic for two people separated by more than miles?

“An Apple Valley Christmas” by Shirlee McCoy
Now that her beloved dad is gone, Emma Baily is facing the holidays alone—until her ex, Jack McAllister, shows up to help her close her father’s estate. After four years apart, only the magic of Christmas will show Emma that joy is a gift meant to be shared…

As with any anthology, some were better than others, but overall this set really hit the holiday spot.

Christmas Passed is a sad story that finds a twisty way to turn happy. Brandy is severely depressed after her husband dies and her children are paying the price. It's almost as if they've lost both parents instead of one. But Ryan sneaks into her life and helps her find the bright spots, one at a time. A very touching romance that just might make your cry.

A Glory Junction Christmas is a fun read. Hannah's ex is getting re-married and it seems like she's the only one in town not invited to the wedding. Christmas just isn't as much fun when you feel like you're being left behind and left out. Josh is determined to see her happy and smile again. A sweet romance, but it didn't stand out as much as some of the others in this collection.

Moonshine and Mistletoe is my favorite of the collection, by far. The whole situation that Emma and Abe find themselves in was perfect. It doesn't hurt that she's a librarian and he's a musician. The perfect pair in my mind. I can't even pick a favorite part, because I loved all of them so much! Great mix of humor, a little excitement, and the sweetest couple ever.

An Apple Valley Christmas is another sad starting one, and it takes awhile to turn around. I loved the history of Emma's house. The house is almost a character in the story on its own. A little different than some of the stories I've read. I really enjoyed the way it turned both of our characters around and slid them together.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Mistletoe Between Friends and The Snowflake Inn by Samantha Chase

Title: Mistletoe Between Friends/The Snowflake Inn

Author: Samantha Chase
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary Romance
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Two gorgeous stories about the most romantic time of the year...

The holidays don't have to be fraught with tension, as lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene discover in Mistletoe Between Friends when they cook up a scheme to fool their family and friends.

The Snowflake Inn shows rivals Grace Brodie and Riley Walsh that Christmas is a time when dreams come true-even if you've given up on those dreams long ago.

These are some great Christmas romances. Starting with Mistletoe Between Friends is great. The perfect pair of opposites that are best friends, a plot to stop the blind date set-ups for the holidays, and things just lead to so much more. Lily and Cameron have amazing chemistry and they are just far too adorable together. I was rooting for them right from page on and I enjoyed every page of their story.

The Snowflake Inn was another great romance, but it didn't hit the same high note that Mistletoe Between Friends did. Grace and Riley are both survivors on different tracks life. Riley is a bit of a jerk for most of the story - which was hard to wrap my head around after such a great feel-good story in Mistletoe. I needed him to turn around faster to really like him. Grace was a strong woman, but she had her weak moments that really made me feel for her. The romance was quite fast to all wrap up.

This is a great Christmas duo. Not sure I'd recommend reading them back to back though - just too different.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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My Bonny Heart by Synclair Stafford

Title: My Bonny Heart (Pirate’s Progeny #1)

Author: Synclair Stafford
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 257 pages
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Release Date: June 23, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Laurie

A dangerous secret . . .

A treacherous past haunts ex-pirate Anne Bonny’s attempt at a fresh start. Rescued from a Port Royal jail, she’s forced to marry a prominent landowner to retain custody of her children. She vows no other man will ever dictate her life again. But the lord she is to wed is more tempting and infuriating than the devil himself.

An unexpected contract . . .

Addison Blackhurst agreed to wed a fellow merchant’s daughter, solidifying the expansion of his rice plantation and trading business. Not mentioned in the contract? A temperamental, out-of-control widow who is unlike any woman of his acquaintance, complete with not one, but three children. But from the beginning, he’s drawn to her wild spirit and seductive charms.

A fiery romance . . .

Through Anne’s husband-repelling schemes—and Addison’s equal endeavors to ignore them—they find an exasperating, yet most fascinating attraction. When Anne’s past threatens her future, and Addison believes he’s lost her for good, only a pirate’s resolve can determine if love will prevail.

My Bonny Heart is an adventure romance with a hard as nails heroine that can take on any man in a sword fight. I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between Anne and Addison, but the story takes a while before things start to pick up. Basically, you don’t see much action until you get halfway through the book so, please keep reading if the story seems to drag for you too. I would have loved to read more background on both the hero and heroine, more showing me not telling me and descriptions of the settings around the characters. It seems like more and more books are missing these little details, which can make the books come to life for readers. I recommend this story to anyone who loves historical romance with a hard as nails heroine.

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Learning to Ride by Erin Knightly ~ Review

Title: Learning to Ride

Author: Erin Knightley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 144 pages
Publisher: BookShots
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

She never wanted to love a cowboy. . . .

Rodeo king Tanner Callen doesn't want to be tied down. When he sees Madeline Harper at a local honky-tonk and everything about her screams New York, he brings out every trick in his playbook to take her home. But soon he learns that he doesn't just want her for a night and, instead, hopes for forever. . . .

This was a really fun and quick read. Madeline was a great character that I could easily relate to. She's career driven and love is the furthest thing from her mind. She's in town for one reason only, to make the deal that will send her back to the big city and cement her promotion into her dream job. But this little town seems to like having her around.

Before she knows it, she's in a reading group, making friends, and has caught the eye of the town's most eligible bachelor, Tanner Callen. Tanner isn't looking for love either, and when he runs into Madeline the first time he's just looking for a good time. His reaction to finding out she was going to be in town for more than a vacation was priceless.

I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the depth of emotion that both characters felt. It was all so genuine and real that it really made both of them pop off the pages and come to life. It showed in every page and their interactions were incredible. And their interactions weren't all sexual in nature, but each one highlighted the sexual tension between them.

This was actually a pretty tame romance in terms of sexual context, but it didn't skimp on the chemistry. A great quick read that lived up to its expectations.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Fearless by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review

Title: Fearless (Ruin #2.5)

Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length:100 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: March 9, 2014
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

When I met Kiersten, time stood still. It was as if every cell in my body screamed HER. I couldn't look away, I couldn't walk away, I couldn't even move. My other half, my soul mate, was staring right at me. I had to have her. I had to make her mine. But I felt selfish doing that--knowing that I may not have endless amounts of time to give her...and even now that every things' over with and I've been given that time back.

Nothing is ever certain in this life.

Which is why I'm about to do something crazy, impulsive, daring.
After all, what type of person would I be if I didn't take my own advice?
I'm jumping off the cliff, I'm living fearlessly.

This is the continuation of Wes and Kiersten's story.

This one didn't cut it for me. There was just a bit too much that I couldn't quite believe or see these guys doing. Kiersten in particular just seemed quite out of character several times, and I just didn't like her as much.

Towards the end, the author starts to set up Lisa's story - which is fine - but I don't really like how she did it. I think it should have just been left to her own book so we can experience it all at once. This was a little novella that just didn't seem to fit very well.

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Toxic by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review

Title: Toxic (Ruin #2)

Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length: 340 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Everyone has a secret...

Gabe Hyde is on borrowed time. He's been hiding his identity for over four years-hidden from the world that used to adore him--obsess over him--driven to the edge of insanity by one poor choice. But that one choice, altered the course of his life forever.
Pretending isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when pretending means hiding your real self from the people that care about you the most. But if anyone ever discovered the truth it wouldn't just be his life at risk--but hers.

Saylor doesn't hate men.
Just Gabe.
Only Gabe.
He's a reckless, happy-go-lucky, silver spoon fed pain in her ass. Everything about him makes her more and more confused. Unfortunately they both donate time at the same Group Home. If she wasn't afraid of flunking, she'd be long gone. She hates that she's attracted to him almost as much as he hates that he's attracted to her--and she can tell, especially since their first encounter ended up making her knees so weak she couldn't form coherent sentences for weeks afterwards. But the closer she gets to him, the more confused she becomes. He isn't who he says he is, and he's hiding something big.

What happen when two worlds collide? Two worlds that never should have met in the first place? Some secrets are too big to be hidden forever--the only question? Will his destroy everyone he loves? Or finally bring about the redemption he's been craving for the past four years?

Everyone has a secret...What's yours?

 Gabe is the sort-of bad boy that you just have to love. The tortured soul with a heart of gold. He was quite a different character in this book than he was in Ruin. I got to experience a side other than the best-friend Gabe. I got to experience the man running from his past and doing anything to make it right again.

I really loved Saylor. She was such a breath of fresh air. I loved how she stood up to Gabe and his bad attitude. She was such a sweetheart. But he was not very nice to her - he makes her cry. But when he tries to make it up to her, I thought I was going to cry because it was just so awesome.

Gabe's story is quite a hard one. Once we find out all of what he's running from, you will totally understand his actions and why he feels like he does. Lots of amazing dialog, and we get some more Wisdom from Wes (I really love that guy).

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Ruin Series
Ruin #1

Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review

Title: Ruin (Ruin #1)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: New Adult Romance, Contemporary Romance
Length: 250 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: August 11, 2013
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michals offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

This was an incredibly emotional ride. There were a few times I expected everything to go wrong and turn into a tragedy - but we do have an HEA, and this was one of the best New Adult romances I've read in a long time.

That doesn't mean it wasn't perfect. There were a few places I rolled my eyes just a tad and said "Yeah right." But they were minor in comparison to the chemistry and love between Wes and Kiersten. An unlikely pair from the very beginning, it takes them a long time to realize they are more alike than anyone (even the reader) really thought. Rachel Van Dyken leads the reader on quite the ride trying to figure out what is going on with Wes, and have a box of tissues handy for when it all comes out.

They are one of those couples that everyone seems to envy, and they are just so adorable together you sometimes want to get a little sick (but in a good way). There are some amazing friends in the story that really help bring out everyone's personality in a way that had me laughing right along with them.

I want more "Wes Words of Wisdom" - that guy has some seriously good moments and speeches. I have put Rachel Van Dyken on my inta-buy list for new titles and she has quite the backlist for me to explore - I can't wait to start!

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In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware ~ Review

Title: In a Dark, Dark Wood

Author: Ruth Ware
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvill Secker
Release Date: July 30, 2015
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

Nora hasn’t seen Clare for ten years. Not since Nora walked out of school one day and never went back.

In a dark, dark wood there was a dark, dark house

Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clare’s bachelorette party arrives. Is this a chance for Nora to finally put her past behind her?

And in the dark, dark house there was a dark, dark room

But something goes wrong. Very wrong.

And in the dark, dark room…

Some things can’t stay secret forever.

I was slightly disappointed because, to me, it was rather predictable. You are still drawn into the story and  compelled to keep reading. It was hard to rate because of this. You want to know why Clare has been invited back into her friends' lives after all these years especially for such an intimate party.  The story has a lot of flashbacks but the end does not disappoint with a "AHHHHH No it makes sense!"  feeling of closure.

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Menagerie ( Menagerie #1) by Rachel Vincent ~ Review

Title: Menagerie (Menagerie #1)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mythology
Length: 429 pages
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

At first I really didn't think I would like this book. I'm not into the whole carnival thing. I LOVED IT! It really made you think about what if we really had mythological creatures among us? How would society handle it? You are transported beautifully by Vincent's words to this time and you can feel the empathy and rage almost pouring off the page.

It's a different kind of read which was refreshing and I am happy that there seems to be a series in the works.

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Suicide Squad Vol 1 Kicked in the Teeth by Adam Glass ~ Review

Title: Suicide Squad Vol 1, Kicked in the Teeth
Author: Adam Glass, Illustrator: Ryan Benjamin
Genre: Graphic Novel, Superheroes
Length: 160 pages
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics--The New 52 event of September 2011, writer and co-creator of the CW show "Supernatural" Adam Glass rolls out an all-new team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous-they're sheer suicide.

The story begins with the Suicide Squad defeated, imprisoned and being interrogated about their newest mission. Harley Quinn, King Shark, Deadshot and company must make it out alive without revealing who's pulling the strings behind their illegal operations. Who will be the first to crack under the pressure? More importantly will they make it all out alive? Collects issues #1-7.

With the movie The Suicide Squad coming out in 2016, I wanted to read the graphic novel first. The book is supposed to be better than the movie, right? Marvel has had a pretty good following with getting their characters onto the big screen and I'm excited to see what DC can do.

The story begins with all the characters being thrown into a secret mission group where they basically must carry out illegal missions or die. They are baited with the prize of freedom if they continue to follow through. Unfortunately, nothing ever goes as easy as planned for the crew.

I am not a big graphic novel fan. The only character I was familiar with realy going into it was Harley Quinn. It gave some back story, so I feel safe in recommending it if you're new to the series.

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The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams, and Lauren Willig - Review

Title: The Forgotten Room

Author: Karen White, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: NAL
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

1945: When the critically wounded Captain Cooper Ravenal is brought to a private hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, young Dr. Kate Schuyler is drawn into a complex mystery that connects three generations of women in her family to a single extraordinary room in a Gilded Age mansion.

Who is the woman in Captain Ravenel's portrait miniature who looks so much like Kate? And why is she wearing the ruby pendant handed down to Kate by her mother? In their pursuit of answers, they find themselves drawn into the turbulent stories of Gilded Age Olive Van Alen, driven from riches to rags, who hired out as a servant in the very house her father designed, and Jazz Age Lucy Young, who came from Brooklyn to Manhattan in pursuit of the father she had never known. But are Kate and Cooper ready for the secrets that will be revealed in the Forgotten Room?

The Forgotten Room, set in alternating time periods, is a sumptuous feast of a novel brought to vivid life by three brilliant storytellers.

Three couples, one forgotten room, and love that is denied. The story of two families spanning three generations in the same house - but a house in different circumstances each time. We morph from sumptuous mansion, to boarding house, to military hospital. As the house itself changes, so do the couples that are destined to find heart break within its walls.

Each couple is faced with their own challenges and stands up to them in their own ways. It all begins with the classic story of a rich son and the maid. But what neither of them realize is that there is a third part working against them. The next generation is also torn apart and suddenly it is up to the third to try and find their happiness in this strange room.

The story jumps from generation to generation as their stories tie together in a very special way. At times they seem to overlap. A reader could easily begin to confuse the three story lines, but they were written so well that each period has its own voice that makes it impossible to mix them up.

As the final generation, Kate and Cooper, try to discover how their histories overlap the story even takes a bit of a turn towards a mystery. Uncovering secret hideaways and notes left decades ago that each point them in the direction of the truth.

An amazing story that is a romance, but not in the way you may think. There is plenty of heartache and unhappiness along the way . But the ending really makes it all worth the wait.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Dead Heat ( Alpha and Omega #4) by Patricia Briggs ~ Review

Title: Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega #4)

Author: Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 324 pages
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way...

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.

I have followed Charles and Anna from the beginning. The couple just needed a break. But if they got a break, we wouldn't have an action packed story to read now would we?

This Alpha and Omega did take me some time to get into. Once I was able to fall into the story I was happy to see that the couple hadn't changed but evolved. I love seeing the couple connect on a higher level. The story had a few new twists as well. There was a lot of action and it was fast paced. I had to re-read several times to make sure I didn't miss anything.

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The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon ~ Review

Title: Winter People
Author: Jennifer McMahon
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
Length: 317 pages
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

West Hall, Vermont, has always been a town of strange disappearances and old legends. The most mysterious is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter, Gertie. Now, in present day, nineteen-year-old Ruthie lives in Sara's farmhouse with her mother, Alice, and her younger sister, Fawn. Alice has always insisted that they live off the grid, a decision that suddenly proves perilous when Ruthie wakes up one morning to find that Alice has vanished without a trace. Searching for clues, she is startled to find a copy of Sara Harrison Shea's diary hidden beneath the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. As Ruthie gets sucked deeper into the mystery of Sara's fate, she discovers that she's not the only person who's desperately looking for someone that they've lost. But she may be the only one who can stop history from repeating itself.

This was the first of Jennifer McMahon I have ever read. It came highly recommended from a co-worker.

It took me all of 1 night, with the lights on, to finish this book! If you like spooky tales with A LOT of great twists you've got to try this! The family ties that bind this family to the land and to the tale are creative and well thought out. You really wonder are there legends and folk tales about this stuff. 

This will not be the last of Jennifer McMahon's books I pick up. I'm eager to try another!

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Making Spirits Bright Anthology - Review

Title: Making Spirits Bright Anthology
Author: Anthology
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 433 pages
Publisher: Zebra
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Source: Contest Win
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Secret wishes, sweet surprises, and gifts straight from the heart. Delight in this season's most joyous presents with these four sparkling tales...

Making Spirits Bright by Fern Michaels
Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly...until unexpected sparks have Melanie dreaming of forever by his side...

Runaway Christmas by Elizabeth Bass
A glass of wine, lounging in pajamas, ans catching up on movies - that's Heidi Bogue's idea of a perfect Christmas. Until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise visit - and a snowstorm turns Heidi's cafe into a community refuge. Now one handsome cop is giving Heidi plenty more reasons to celebrate...

Home For Christmas by Rosalind Noonan
Jo Truman needs a replacement Santa for her gift shop's Christmas Eve party. She'll do whatever it takes to convince lonely soldier Sam Norwood that he's perfect for the part...and that the season for love is always...

Christmas on Cape Cod by Nan Rossiter
Maddie Carlson would do anything for her best friend. And helping Asa Coleman babysit a rambunctious puppy Christmas Eve night is her one chance to help the troubled teacher put his past to rest...and give the sweetest gift of all.

Making Spirits Bright:
This was a very cute story, but I wish she had done more research on the cat, it just wasn't very realistic at times. But while the animals were cute, they weren't part of the actual romance. Melanie really steals the show in this one in her quest to adopt a child. Her determination was amazing and was something she wanted with all her heart. Bryce was a great guy. He was fun and all, but a bit too much of "whatever you want I want". There really wasn't a conflict there. I don't need much, but a little would have been nice.

Runaway Christmas:
This was my favorite of the bunch! Heidi's world is really turned upside down this Christmas as everything seems to go wrong! Even the weather has it in for her and her dreams of a quiet, peaceful Christmas by herself are shattered. Her niece was just the right touch, but I'm not entirely sure how necessary she was to the story. It's almost as if she was added just to give another potential complication. There's a couple romances, and both are really sweet.

Home for Christmas:
This one had a back story and a lot going on for a novella. Very well layered, with a great small town versus big corporation running through it as well. Sam is a great hero - with lots of depth and a lot of development as we move along. Jo was a tad too sweet for my taste. Just a little to goodie.

Christmas on Cape Cod:
This one was my least favorite. A very sugary couple with a very sugary Christmas story. It just wasn't my style at all.

Overall, this was a great mix of Christmas tales. Some were better than others, but it was a great addition to my Christmas reading for the year.

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Changeling by Debbie Herbert - Review

Title: Changeling (Appalachian Magic #1)
Author: Debbie Herbert
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Source: Author
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

She thought she was a witch...she's more.

Skye's a teen witch who sucks at spells and works at a metaphysical store, The Green Fairy. Strange things are happening there at night: black specks of movement out of the corner of her eye, mysterious buzzing noises, unidentified dragonfly-like carcasses in the basement, and a hidden cache of absinthe (aka fairy crack).

Kheelan is a human changeling. Raised with the fairies, he's viewed as an inferior species whose only use is to serve his kidnappers. He's been totally screwed by the Fae and his only goal in life is freedom. When he meets Skye, he sees an opportunity to escape. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by feelings for this quirky witch.

Skye stumbles upon the remains of dead fairies at the store and is approached by Kheelan who has been sent to investigate the pixie murders. Skye falls for him--only to discover he's using her to win his freedom. He tells her she is half-fairy and has secret powers, but Skye finds it hard to believe when she can never get a spell to work.

As Samhain, the witch's Halloween, draws near she must make a bold move to claim her heritage and power, restore order in the fairy realm, and try to win Kheelan's freedom and love. Absinthe, autism and augury meld into a paranormal cauldron where fairies are sly tricksters waiting to trap you in their Realm.

Fairies are not always bright shiny things. Even the Seelie can have their darkside. I love that Debbie Herbert kept her fairies a bit sinister. They are tricky and conniving and look down on anything outside of the Fae. This includes the changeling, Kheelan, and the human girl, Skye.

Kheelan was amazing. He was just the right amount of dark and brooding with a bit of wistfullness about him when it came to his human family. He's instantly enthralled with Skye the first time he sees her and isn't surprised to find out that she's something a little special.

Skye on the other hand, wasn't quite as strong a character for me. She was very well-rounded and I loved her reactions to finding out about her true past, and she had a bit of a goofy, humorous side to her personality that Kheelan was definitely missing. They made a great combo and are a pretty good example of opposites attract and all.

The fairy realm was still one of wonder and enchantment - but it was a world at war. The Seelie were looking for a savior and the Unseelie were looking to stop a savior. There's a good dose of excitment and battle of sorts in the pages. My only complaint was the ending. It was, in theory, a very satisfying conclusions. But it lost some of the gritty edge that I had really enjoyed throughout the story and got just a tad bit sticky sweet in comparison.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Noir Anthology - Review

Title: Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Noir Anthology

Author: Anthology
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 560 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Source: Author Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Six award-winning authors bring you this spellbinding collection of stories about dark desires, mysterious worlds, and danger that lurks in the shadows of the night. Where nothing is black and white; where things might not be as they seem; where magic and mayhem rule.

MARION, MISSING by Rachel Caine

Valentine is a detective with two major problems: he's been offered a kidnapping case that will probably get him killed, and his partner won't let him turn it down. He owes her that much … since his partner's a ghost, and he blames himself for her death. A dark, haunting noir mystery of love, hate and loss.

FEMME FATALE by Cynthia Eden

PI Mick Swayne has seen it all—his clients have included liars, thieves, and even killers. He thinks he can handle anything and anyone. Then she walks into his office. Savannah Moreau is beautiful, seductive, and…a vampire? The gorgeous vamp hires Mick to help her track down a killer who is hunting in Chicago, but as Mick slips deeper into Savannah’s paranormal world, he wonders if he can really trust his new client…

DANCE WITH THE DEVIL by Megan Hart

When the devil starts the music, you'd better get ready to dance. Kathleen Murphy has sold her soul to the devil. Fame, fortune, success...everything she's ever dreamed of is hers, and all she has to do is the devil's bidding. When love comes knocking, the last thing in the world she wants to do is involve Jake in her twisted world, but the devil's started up the jukebox and Kathleen has no choice but to learn the steps

THE CONSORT by Suzanne Johnson

Faulkner Hearne, the captain of the ruthless Fae Hunters, finds his duty at odds with his heart when he’s ordered to capture the consort of Faerie’s cruel Prince of Summer when she flees across the veil into modern New Orleans. Can Faulk turn Liandra over to a certain death at the hands of the prince, or will he risk a war with Faerie in order to save her?

An all-new novella set in the Sentinels of New Orleans multiverse.

HEART’S BLOOD by Jeffe Kennedy, a Twelve Kingdoms novella

A dark fairytale retelling of a princess robbed of rank, husband and even her name. Nix is nothing. The Princess Natilde—her former waiting woman—attacked her on the journey to wed Prince Cavan, stripping her of everything and taking her place. With no serving skills, Nix becomes a goose girl. Perhaps if Nix keeps her promise never to reveal who she really is, Natilde won’t carry out her vile threats. Prince Cavan entered his arranged marriage determined to have a congenial, if not loving relationship with his future queen—for the sake of both their kingdoms. But, his wife repels him more each day and he finds himself absurdly drawn to the lovely Nix.

THE DJINN IN THE MIRROR by Mina Khan, a Djinn World novella

A paranormal Cinderella story with a young witch as the heroine and a wicked, sexy djinn instead of a fairy godmother.

Dahlia, the step-daughter of a power hungry wizard, promises to free a djinn trapped in a mirror if he rescues her from impending death. But Ashmael the djinn has his own agenda: to trick & seduce his way to freedom. The only problem is he ends up falling for Dahlia. Can he win his freedom and save the girl?

This was a really great mix of stories. There is a little bit of everything here, and it all has a bit of a dark twist to it. While not all are technically romances (it doesn't claim that either) they all have an element of a love story and a few do have the HEA we all love.

Marion, Missing:
Old school noir detective story - but with a ghost. This was a good old fashioned PI that was determined to find his bad guy. Did it help that he was just a little in love with the ghost that asked him to take the case? Maybe. A really great story with very subtle paranormal elements. Even non-paranormal readers will really get into this one.

Femme Fatale:
This one was a lot of fun. A vampiress hires a PI to protect her and find out who is giving vampires a bad name by leaving bodies all over the place. This one gets a little complicated as two of the main characters have different stories to tell. You will be left guessing up until the very end to try and figure out who is really the bad guy in this one. Lots of action and intrigue.

Dance With the Devil:
What does selling your soul to the devil really mean? There's a definite twist on the tale in Dance With the Devil that I absolutely loved!!! Kathleen has been doing the devil's bidding for years - afraid that she will lose everything she has if she stops. But things aren't always what we think and be prepared for quite a surprise ending on this one.

The Consort:
While I loved the world concept in this one, the story fell a little short compared to the rest. There were a lot of dynamics that I don't think I was able to pick up on in the short novella form that I would have liked to be there. The story is definitely romantic, with Faulk willing to put his life and people on the line to save Liandra from becoming, well, basically a sex slave to a seriously creepy guy.

Heart's Blood:
This is definitely the darkest of the stories, but it was also one of my favorites. Not only does it deal in love and romance, but it tackles the concept of individual identity and what it really means to honor a vow. I loved every word - even the ones that had me sitting there with my mouth hanging open in shock at how horrible the pretend Princess is. Nix may seem like a wilting flower at first, but she is one of the most powerful female characters I've read - and she gets there in just a short novella!!! I may be buying this entire series very very soon.

The Djinn in the Mirror:
Djinns - you gotta love the tricky creatures. It helps that they seem to fall in love with human women just when she needs them the most. This was the sweetest of the stories, but still had some definite dark moments (the cellar near the ends still makes me shudder). A really great twist on Cinderella. At times I didn't realize I was in the modern world, the characters were kept so away from everything that they almost existed in a time unto themselves. I loved our little glimpse into the Djinn world and a taste of all the intrigue and politics there as well.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Avion by Eve Langlais - Review

Title: Avion (Cyborgs: More Than Machines #7)

Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: 162 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: April 23, 2015
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Being a cyborg was so much better when all his parts worked. Avion’s nanotechnology stopped functioning after some experimentation done on him by the military. They broke him and now, Avion is no better than a human, even more annoying, he’s dying.

But at least he completed his final mission. He saved, One.

Mysterious and alluring, Avion isn’t the only person who wonders what surprises this woman hides. The human military and their alien allies fear what she’s capable of and will stop at nothing to destroy her. However, the one thing they didn’t take into account is that the cyborgs always protect their own, and they aren’t afraid to use deadly force.

And no one could imagine the depths One will stoop to in order to protect the man she loves.

Avion has been in the story line for the past two or three books now. Injured and near death, the cyborgs return to Earth to try and find the origin of their tech to see if they can jump-start his system with some new nanos. But they run into a lot of bumps along the way - including a strange woman who calls herself One.

One is a very intriguing character, and as I found out more about her, she grew on me even more. She has a strange dual personality that she's contantly wondering which is really her. She brings up tons of interesting dynamics that really throw the Cyborgs for a loop. If what she says is even partially true, then the Cyborg world will be changing drastically.

One and Avion make an odd pair at first, but they are connected in a way that seems to defy logic. Their's isn't a traditional romance, but they aren't very traditional characters either. From the very beginning they just seemed to fit together and it was so much fun watching them teach each other exciting new things.

While many of the earlier books in the series can be read as stand-alone romances, in order to truly enjoy this one, you will want to read the previous books. Otherwise there will be parts you just won't understand.

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Southern Spirits by Angie Fox - Review

Title: Southern Spirits (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #1)

Author: Angie Fox
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Cozy Mystery
Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: April 23, 2015
Source: Author Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 2
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she’s saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick—she gains the ability see spirits. It leads to an offer she can’t refuse from the town’s bad boy, the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with.

Ellis Wyatt is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee’s finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless—and destructive. He hires Verity put an end to the disturbances. But soon Verity learns there’s more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms.

There’s a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn't above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her?

This was such a cute story! It was mix of cozy mystery and paranormal romance - so I'll be interested to see if the romance comes up in the rest of the series as well. The two genres were combined beautifully and readers of both will love this story.

Southern girl Verity Long has found herself on the wrong end of her small town's opinion - even though she isn't really the one at fault. It turns out her next best friend is actually a ghost - well, she's in for a lot more than she ever expected. When she sets off on a ghost hunt - not for her ghostly friend, but with his help, she finds out there might still be a shot at love at there for her as well.

Verity was a great character. I loved how she rolled with the punches and somehow managed to take all things in a stride - just like any southern lady - she invites it in and asks if it would like some tea. Nothing ever seems to completely phase her - at least on the outside. Ellis Wyatt is the last person she expects to be spending time with, but she quickly discovers that he's nothing like she expected.

This was very close to a sweet romance, with just enough heat to really appeal to the romance reader. There's lots of lovey moments that are just enhanced by the spooky elements from the mystery. The mystery is a great one as well with a very unexpected villain.  The down side was that there was really no way for the reader to predict the bad guy. There's no real evidence until the very last second. But the chase was still a lot of fun.

I hope the next books in the series can pull everything together as beautifully as this book - I loved it.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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