HEXMAKER by Jordan L. Hawk

3 Stars

Soul bonds bridging the divide.

Thief. Police investigator.
Guttersnipe orphan. NYC Gilded Age elite.
Expendable. Scion.

Another dive into the magical world of witches and their familiars as Owen, the staid hexmaker from the first book in the series gets waylaid by his own familiar. In a world where witches outnumber familiars, the probability was low--and after meeting his, Malachi, Owen is wishing he never had. 

What is usually a cause for celebration is met with suspicion and veiled hostility by both parties. Each has their allegiances and responsibilities and being on opposite sides is more than disconcerting it is life altering. Sometimes change is what one wants. 

Unfortunately, we don't always get what we want.

The case that brings them together plays into the sociological implications of the witch/familiar relationship and the class structure of late nineteenth century NYC. The relationship between Malachi and Owen is tenuous and the binding point beyond their magic is kinky sex. Anyone who's read a few of my reviews knows that kinky sex is not a problem, but here it felt forced. It went from zero to sixty, and in a couple with trust issues I found that not entirely believable. At the heart of any power exchange that isn't dubious is trust, and this jumped a few steps. The contention between Owen and Malachi reminded me of A Seditious Affair, but with novices. 

The story moves at a brisk pace with danger stalking each chapter. It's a nice addition to the Hexworld series. Definitely entertaining and a diverting Halloween read. 

THE NARRATIVE OF ARTHUR GORDON PYM OF NANTUCKET by Edgar Allan Poe

2 Stars

DNF 65%

Pulling the plug on this. I love Poe, or rather, I love his short stories. He just doesn't translate well into full length novels, too much repetition and descriptive exposition to keep interest. This worked out better for me as a sleep aid than a tale. 

"The body from which it had been taken, resting as it did upon the rope, had been easily swayed to and from by the exertions of the carnivorous bird , and it was this motion which had at first impressed us with the belief of its being alive."

--This was the lure that kept me reading in hopes of uncovering another such gem. *sigh*

___________________________________________________________________
When you think you're going one place, In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex based story, only to find out you were misinformed and it's really more influenced by Address on the Subject of a Surveying and Exploring Expedition to the Pacific Ocean and South Seas.



I guess I'll read it for the cannibalism. There's no way to make that boring, or is there? I mean, it's not a cookbook. Even then, there are exciting ways of presenting it.

ALIEN HOSTAGE by Tracy St. John

2 Stars

Fun kinky sex, and it was great with the triad of double-cocked Kalquorians and their Earther woman. A little spanking, some bondage, D/s and aggressive breast play was entertaining. I even liked the plot which was a kidnap scenario and escape, but the repetitive elements of relaying events or feelings, the same events from 4 different individuals and none of the details change was boring. The story slowed down to a crawl and honestly, I'm not sure why I finished reading it. Some aggressive editing to eliminate the duplicate info dumps and speed up the pace, and this story would have been a 3.5-4 star read. As it is, it squeaks to the finish with a 2. 

O/s by Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow

3.5 Stars

BDSM Group's October Book of the Month 


This book definitely has me leaning towards freewill over government oversight.

I liked the concept of a professional subsitter. Jax is a professional. He is a service Dom. He attends to submissives during their Owners absence, in the manner that has been contracted. Often, these are not Jax's preferences, but the job isn't about what he wants, but what the clients wants and expects.

Not part of the shadows, this arrangement is heavily regulated by government oversight, everything from house checks to monitoring collars. We meet a few of Jax's clients, but it isn't until Layne and his sub Brysen that we see things that ring those uneasy bells. And it's not just the sadism, though this contract that has that focus; it's the whispers and inconsistencies that Brysen exhibits when Layne leaves.

So, Layne is not just your average a$$hole Dom finding a way to abuse a sub and the system. There are dark moments, but the real story is how both Brysen and Jax rehabilitate after the events. The end was a bit controversial for some readers in our group, but I liked it. This is more clinical than I enjoy in my stories, but I really appreciate thinky power plays, constructing and deconstructing power--so rating this 3.5 star rounded up for GR to 4 stars. 

ACCIDENTAL ABDUCTION by Eve Langlais

3 Stars

Playful and amusing. 

Working off of stereotypes, two opposites attract and take on the galaxy in between their own aggressive negotiations which start with taunting and end with sighs.

Monster Hunt Bestiary

It's been one month since I started my Monster Hunt bestiary. I've been reading paranormal romance books that feature ghosts, witches, shapeshifters, vampires, and Frankensteins (aliens or altered humans). Thus far, I'd rate it a success.

IIII IIII IIII I

03 - Vampire

01 - Shapeshifter

03 - Frankenstein

06 - Witch

03 - Ghost

Oddly enough, with all the Teen Wolf fanfiction I've read over the past few years I'm stunned that I haven't read more shapeshifter books. As you can see, it is the least populated category in my tally. I guess I save all my shapeshifter loving for wolfy goodness that is Sterek, Steter and Stetopher. 

I've read sixteen books and have rated all of them between 2.5-5 stars. Fortunately for me, nine out of the sixteen books have been 4 stars or above with one book earning the sole FIVE STAR rating: Champion of the Scarlet Wolf, Book One by Ginn Hale. 

The HUNT continues until Halloween. 

HEXBREAKER by Jordan L. Hawk

4 Stars

NYC circa 1895, AU.

This was fun and since I snatched it up on sale for 99 cents, I'm pretty happy. Hawk is a smooth writer and does paranormal and action equally well. The history in Widdershins was so seamless that it almost disappeared, but here it plays a bigger role and shines bright. From the tenements to Tammany Hall to Commissioner Roosevelt to fairy clubs, it weaves the threads of history into a new tapestry of witchcraft.

Hawk excels at expanding characters that on first blush appear simple, one dimensional, into complex individuals. Taking the motif of a brawny, has no trouble using his fists and an effete intellectual and spinning their lives out to illuminate the multitude of facets which actually comprise that singular pane the reader first sees. 

The device of hexes is pretty clever and an interesting take on witchcraft. Throw in the soulmate aspect of the witch and their familiar, and it's rather romantic. Not that all things can't be perverted, and it is all the little twists where Hawk takes something and keeps turning it to show all the aspects that enrich the story. 

Overall, a story of opposites attract on the less glitzy side of The Gilded Age. 

CHANNELING MORPHEUS FOR SCARY MARY by Jordan Castillo Price

3.5 Stars

So, this probably would be better read individually with a bit of time between each section because the story is character oriented with the emphasis on sex as the meeting point between Michael and Wild Bill. It's great, hot, dirty sex, but it's a lot to take in. 

I did my best to play it cool, but the gut-churning jealousy I’d been feeling turned to lust at the idea of my not-boyfriend killing someone just for touching me.

Part 1: Payback
HOT. Gritty hookup ending with a new trail. 

Part 2: Vertigo
Words unsaid, they were said. Another steamy segment of Michael and Wild Bill.
P.S. Sauce for the gander is sauce for the gander. 

Part 3: Manikin
New town, new vampire to kill. This one rated pretty darn creepy. Nothing until this point really gave me the heebie jeebies, but yeah, this pegged the meter--classic horror. NICE. And Wild Bill and Michael are sexy as always. 

Part 4: Tainted
Round and round we go--SURPRISE! This one has an interesting development or two in Bill and Michael's relationship, a sweetness that had been missing.

Part 5: Rebirth
This ends this part of the series in a good place with a sense of acceptance. Sometimes you try for things and they don't work out, but sometimes they do and that's why it's worth it. 

I liked the characters and interested in reading where they go from here, but I need a break from the nookie. 

Favorite passage: 

I flicked the tip of the match with my thumbnail, watched a couple of sparks drop toward the ground and fizzle out before they hit, and took a breath tinged with sulfur. There was a pause where maybe the flame would catch, maybe not, as if Fate needed a second to think about whether she’d give permission for a single lick of flame to come to life. And then the match head flared, bluish white, then bright yellow, and then flame.

Overall, UF vampire sex oriented stories.

THE LONELY SHORE by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen

3 Stars

The continuation of Felix and Zander's story as they travel with the crew of the Chaos.

Zander's health is the prime focus of this book. How his previous military service and physiological alterations to ensure humans survival in the war against the Stin has let him with a slow death sentence. This is emotional and not gonna lie, I cried. The reader gets put through the ringer with Felix and Zander.

My heart is yours, always has been, always will be.

The secondary issue of the the crew's conflict with the Agrius cartel comes to a head and the fallout is catastrophic. Cat and mouse across the galaxy is going to end up with them face to face. How that plays out is a bit of a surprise. 

The development of the secondary characters as we watch Felix and Zander's love story is good. We get a greater understanding of the various species and the Chaos crew members. It will interesting to see where they go from here. I'm up for the third in the series.

CHAMPION OF THE SCARLET WOLF, BOOK TWO by Ginn Hale

4 Stars

Again, a winner.

The conclusion to Skellan and Elezar's story does not disappoint. The court wrangling, opinion swaying and magic are all intense and engaging. To be honest, as much as I like this story and Skellan and Elezar's romance, Elezar's love and devotion between him and his steed, Cobre resonated even more strongly. That partnership, care and unwavering service to each other was breathtakingly beautiful. Some parts of the story felt a bit stretched at the end, nonetheless--wonderful, and time well spent.

CHAMPION OF THE SCARLET WOLF, BOOK ONE by Ginn Hale

5 Stars

All endings are beginnings. That said, 

Only an idiot would sacrifice his life for nothing.

Elezar Grunito was a bit of a brute in Lord of the White Hell, Book 1. He comes across as heavy-handed even during his most compassionate moments. But here, the mosaic of his personality is explored and expanded. His temper has always been an issue, but here we see the more cunning side. 

Elezar wiped the blade of his sword clean with the cloth he carried for just that purpose. The fact that he always kept such a cloth at hand struck him as speaking volumes about the life he’d made for himself as opposed to the one this witch led.

Skellan is a street rat witch who has dedicated his life to becoming the grimma of Milmuraille, but the moment comes for his to challenge things go horrifically wrong. The danger let loose is ravaging the populace--some lay dead, some flee, but a few stand to fight. 
The juggling of humor, violence, grim circumstances and heroism make for another mesmerizing Hale read. The witchcraft played with before is spotlighted. Javier and Kiram join up with Elezar, and that sense of camaraderie is established as the battle for Milmuraille begins. 

I think I loved this even more than Lord of the White Hell, Book 1. The setting of a city instead of an academy and the scampering through was more entertaining to me than the negotiating power plays of students and the rules. Again, this is truly a two-part book, but not to scare off readers with 1000 pages it has been broken down into two segments--Off to Book Two!

WITH PRIDE by Megan Derr

3 Stars

Great world building, as usual with Derr.

I really like Tria Noor and the demon princes of Guldbransen. Kristof, Duke of Stehlmore and substitute spouse for Demon Prince Hakon is a paladin and dedicated to serve beyond all other concerns or desire. His engagement to Hakon starts off rocky and never really finds its legs. Their enmity is based on misunderstanding and lack of communication without good reason, probably my least favorite conflict device. Additionally, this story is broken into two sections, one from Kristof's point of view and action-oriented with the two clashing. The second part told from Hakon's viewpoints is both dependent of large sections of exposition via dream sequences and the pair are separated--this doesn't work for me in a romance. It makes the coming together at the end less believable when the two characters spend so much time apart. 

So, I liked it and liked visiting the demon princes again, but this was not my favorite. Still, an entertaining read.

THE COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA--TEN YEARS LATER by Tavis Smiley

4 Stars

I don't think there's a rational person out there who can watch the news or look around them and say, "Everything is okay."

The fact of the matter is if there were a simple solution it would have been done before. That said, what we have presently is unacceptable. There are significant socioeconomic problems in our society that need to be addressed. The focus of this book is about improving Black American lives as a whole, what's wrong, what steps need to be taken, what has been done since the first edition, and where we as a country still need to go.

HEALTHCARE: The issue of health and well being of Black Americans and minorities and disadvantaged persons brings the issue of access to healthcare, disease rates, and nutrition and lack of access to healthy food to the forefront. While there have been inroads with the American Care Act that saw dramatic improvements and the full effects have yet to be seen as more citizens get the medical care and preventative care they need. Especially noteworthy is that First Lady Michelle Obama addressed two of the keys points brought up in this chapter with her "Let's Move" program and focus on home gardens to raise fresh produce. 

EDUCATION: Dr. Gordon's introduction puts forth an ambitious goal. The notable gender gap between females and males is not limited to Black communities, it is prevalent in White communities as well. Early education is key, but as the text points out there is no simple answer and all four of the original bullet list items require complicated efforts. Areas of great need are access to early education, Pre-K and revision of discipline policies in schools. Socioeconomic inequity causes widespread problems that are not quickly solved. And as always, family and community involvement in young members lives is key to success.

JUSTICE: Addressing inequity, I entered this chapter fearing it. I'm not a legal scholar but the three strikes rule was wrong to begin with and the statistics surrounding incarceration skews horribly along socioeconomic lines. Plus side: 2010 Fair Sentencing Act. I was surprised the Supreme Court's ruling on Johnson v. United States was not commented on since it was brought up in the original guidelines. Overall, the ground still needed to be covered in regards to juvenile offenders is enormous, though changes to zero tolerance policies and restricting prosecutorial leeway in determining whether children between the ages of 14-17 should be tried as adults seem an excellent starting point.

POLICING: Issues of bias, racial profiling, and the media. The skewed ratio of stopped or incarcerated Black Americans in proportion to the population is problematic. The media's preference of rating grabbing over journalism perpetuates false "truths". But, fundamentally, a police force needs to be compromised of community members to eliminate that us versus them mentality so recruiting and retention is critical.

AFFORDABLE NEIGHBORHOODS: This a major sociological issue that needs addressing. The ever shifting expansion and contraction of people from urban to suburban neighborhoods is complicated. Compounded by discriminatory practices in lending, sales, and rental, Black Americans struggle to find homes in areas with jobs. There is no easy solution, but holding elected officials accountable for dispersing funds effectively is important for all of us. 

CLAIMING OUR DEMOCRACY: Underrepresentation of Black Americans in Congress leads to lack of voice and unmet needs. Challenges include voter harassment, loss of voting rights due to felony convictions, gerrymandering, and new laws limiting voter participation. Additionally, no representation for the District of Columbia and through not addressed herein, other territorial possessions of the U.S.

STRENGTHENING OUR RURAL ROOTS: Rural poverty is a major challenge, especially for those in the Deep South and Appalachia. The ensuing lack of healthcare, education, and food is a major hurdle. These areas have been left out of the economic cycle of goods and services, and the residents suffer. The concept of incorporating 1/2 million individual Black farms to create a block that would be able to access more money and develop their existing assets as a unit instead of evanescing as so many small farms across the U.S. are doing was a bold proposal ten years ago. Stressing better information and access to available funds and services is critical. 

ACCESSING GOOD JOBS, WEALTH, AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: There are some sobering facts regarding the 2006 Recession and its effects. It points out the importance of home ownership as an investment mechanism and illustrates the barriers to it from predatory lending to the lack of down payments. It offers new mechanisms to tackle the barrier from housing to entrepreneurialism, tax free accounts. The issue of healthcare that is a major issue for Americans and a big expense was pointed out, but the update did not address the Affordable Care Act which I found disappointing. Overall, the divergence in wealth and the diminishing middle class is having a profound effect on our society, and it is critical to address poverty.

ASSURING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOR ALL: the inequity of protection against environmental transgressions is acute and vulnerable populations, minority and poor, are targeted by businesses and not given the same compensation. The main topics addressed are lead paint poisoning and toxic waste dumps, both which disparately affect low income people. 

CLOSING THE RACIAL DIGITAL DIVIDE: access, training, and affordability are key issues. To be competitive in the modern job market requires it. Telecommunication companies versus the Community Broadband Act is an interesting and evolving struggle. 

I've plucked out some key points in the chapters, but obviously all the supporting data and arguments I didn't mention make this an interesting and comprehensive read. The chapters break down into an introduction, the original edition text, status update, and real life tips and programs that are successfully bridging the topic areas. In summary, this isn't meant to be academic, but a tool to understand issues and use to improve lives--NOW .

There is a very conscious and intentional logic and tone to the the book from the topic, to the format, and even the grammatical structure. I whole-heartedly agree with structuring the sentences so that minorities were the subject of active verb sentences; making them the agents of action and not objects passively waiting. This was incredibly successful in advocating power and self-primacy. On the other hand, while I understand the subtextual importance and psychological impact of capitalizing Black and Hispanic and not white within the text, refocusing attention and the highlighting the subject matter, at some point it lost that edge and looked more like a grammatical or proofing error. 

The fact is that in many instances the fabric of Black communities have been shredded and until they can be rewoven, until people belong to a cohesive, multigenerational group the struggle is going to continue. This book provides suggestions and key points to focus on for success. 

We can do better and we will do better. Life is moving forward. Things change, break, or just need to be switched as we and our society evolves. As Americans, we want people to have the right to LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. 

We ALL deserve it. It's our unalienable right. 

This book successfully tackles the issues by providing real action items. 

MOTEL. POOL. by Kim Fielding

4 Stars

Utterly depressing and inspiring, at the same time? It's a strange paradox. 

I found the beginning slow, it started where I didn't expect. It was actually an extended prologue lasting approximately 10% of the book and I felt confused because I kept thinking where's the story I thought. That and Hollywood machine stories that chew and spit out people as a LA local really don't appeal to me, at all. So, that was a depressing backstory.

The road trip aspect really appealed to me. I love the dissolution of barriers in the confined enclosure of an extended car ride. There's a opening up that occurs in hostage situations and the fact that participants often can't look at each other while seated encourages revelations that aren't always possible in a face to face conversation. 

The fact is, we all have our ghosts, ironically, including ghosts. 

While Jack is pondering his situation, Tag is running from his. Both characters have lived with dissatisfaction, but together they find something they never had, never thought they'd get. There's some twists and turns, and some tears. Not gonna lie. I cried. 

The end... well that was worth it. 

Overall, an emotionally fraught tale of finding acceptance. 

THE DEGAN INCIDENT by Rob Colton

3 Stars

Schmoopy gay porn.

Not often you see this particular melange of unvarnished sex and sugary sweet emotions. But, that's the tone of this soulmates' story. Devin is a small, orphaned human working the Space Port on Earth when he meets Bastian, a giant furry Degan. 

He sort of reminds me of this:


Or maybe a bipedal mashup with this:

Though, that could just be the name. Any which way, Degans are an ancient race of large ferocious furry bipeds with limited contact with humans. But for Devin and Bastian the pull is instantaneous, and there's a surprise that happens during their connection.

Suddenly, all the flowers and friskiness is tossed aside as the intrigue ensues. A thriller of galactic proportions begins and every thing from advance interrogation *cough* torture*cough* to spaceship battles occur. True love can't be denied. 

It's imperfect, but for a simple escapist read it works.

THORNS AND FANGS by Gillian St. Kevern

3.5 Stars

Magic and fangs, very dangerous. 

This was entertaining, but it starts off one way and takes a radical turn after 10%. The hot and heavy ménage erotica becomes a suspense with lethal consequences in the paranormal world that is New Camden, an urban, post-industrial, small-big city that seems to act as a beacon for the unusual. 

The jaunt through the dark side of night as Nate's frolic with a vampire colony has repercussions for everyone involved. This was more Nate's story of transformation than a romance, or rather the romance acted as a catalyst for Nate's change.

I liked it, but the pacing felt off, perhaps it was the sense of misdirection at the beginning. 

MANE AND TAIL by Sean Michael

3 Stars

I liked this, but it was essentially the same story as Pony Play written by the same author earlier, except there's a paranormal element added. The pony play and loving care of the groom for his colt is lovely, I personally feel that PONY PLAY was more successful emotionally. If you enjoy pony play, then this is a win for a loving expression and it's filled with the requisite SM loving and sweet talk or grunts. You just don't need to read both, because they're mirrors of each other.

CHAOS STATION by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen

3.5 Stars

Making lemonade.

Post-war is never easy, but when you're struggling to figure out how to play the hand you're stuck with afterwards is a challenge. Felix and Zed: best friends, teammates, lovers--until they're torn apart. Suddenly, that drift is gone, and the truth of what's happened to both of them is standing starkly in front of them, waiting to be acknowledged.

This was pretty good for a science fiction romance. It's a hurt comfort and a bit of a thriller as the crew of the Chaos faces off against opponents while running their cargo. I liked the characters a lot. It is a romance, but the plot is a major component, so it's not all kisses and sighs. 3.5 rounded up because I like that it didn't whimp out at the end. I'm interested in seeing what's slated for the sequel.

PIRATE UTOPIA by Bruce Sterling

4 Stars

Historical farce or farcical history?

I'm a sucker for covers, especially ones that say "Pirate" or "Utopia" and have screaming propagandistic art. Put them altogether and I'm a goner. I can't help it. I'm weak. It actually took me a few moments to catch the flow of the story, the bumbling ridiculousness narration of it. And then, I was amused. 

This story is a clever and critical editorial of events. Yes, there is an assumption of knowledge of the period, but the addendums at the end explain this more thoroughly for those readers who might have been confused, so skip and read the explanation of the alternate timeline and situating Sterling's viewpoint on the Interwar period if one is baffled after the first ten pages. Additionally, there is an extensive interview, Q&A with Sterling regarding the book. 

The Interwar critique of the Italian state of Fiume and the slippery slide and friction between anarchism to communist idealism and its schism to fascism. It's funny and complicated and a knowledge of European geography, relevant political allegiances and the differences between the warring political ideologies of modernism make for a not so subtle farce. 



The artwork throughout is nicely done, and definitely adds flavor to the tale. 

Croatian pirate refusing change for British pound in Kingdom of Yugoslavia dinars. The racket of internal stamps trading in lieu of "money". The laundry list of languages spoken and who is willing to speak which ones and why. The demise of Italian industry greatness brought on by Armistice. 

He was a teenage boy from Turin, so race-cars and airplanes interested him much more than philosophical aspirations.

In case one isn't familiar, this is the rooftop racetrack for Fiat in Turin. So, after all the Nietzsche worship because he spent time studying in Turin and considering him a son of Turin, I found this more than a little amusing. 

Really. It's funny:

Tarzan was the American version of the Nietzschean Overman. He was a Superman anarchist, but since he lived in a jungle, he did not have to smash the State.

His immediate superior in piracy was the Ace of Hearts.

The subversion of the premise of piracy is freaking hysterical. As is all the political ideals that are subverted throughout the book. Sad, but funny. 

The grenade failed to detonate. It was a factory second.

It's a time capsule. It is bald-faced, so any readers who go into this expecting political correctness instead of the scathing representations in a myriad of manifestations is going to be offended. All the little mentions that typify the era are present from boys adventure stories (propaganda masquerading as entertainment), League of Nations, lingering occultism, and the idealist belief of a better future. The funny thing is, reading this I became even more aware how relevant Chaos Theory is to human societies. It constantly has to be cultivated and rebuilt because it is degrading into violence and separation. And, the shelf life for heroes is very short. 

So laugh. If you don't, it's just sad how much what seems to be a farce is actually reality. Don't worry, "It's All Been Done Before" (Barenaked Ladies) 

Fellow cynical idealists, this is a story for YOU.

ELEMENTAL LOVE by L.M. Somerton

3 Stars

A mage comes into his powers and all the responsibility and sacrifice that comes with it, along with a a grudge match that's been waiting. The sacrifice is given by a willing supplicant, the warlock's submissive. It was sugar kink, a bit awkward in places, but since they both were figuring it out as they went along it worked for the most part. I only wanted to hit Evrain over the head twice.

LIME GELATIN AND OTHER MONSTERS by Angel Martinez

4 Stars

The Precinct of Misfit Cops.

If B grade monster movies are your thing, then this will be entertaining. The tone was amusing as the title alludes; no one takes themselves too seriously, and neither should the reader. Vikash is Kyle's newly assigned partner in the odd Philadelphia precinct comprised entirely of officers with unusual powers. 

I'm a huge fan of monster movies; the odder the better--The Monster that Challenged the World is an awesome one about a prehistoric mollusk rampaging through the Imperial Valley in California. So, having a misfit police unit is a win because they managed to make the officers questionable powers work together. 

Then there's all the references to things I love that made this better and what's pushing the rating up from 3.5 stars to 4 because it's more entertaining than 3 stars. Besides the geeking out about monster movies, there's LOTR and FIRE LIZARDS!!!



Seriously... Kash's tattoo is sexy. I'd do a guy with this tattoo just because he had it, if I weren't married.

Anyway... the story. There's solid Philly references, from cheesesteaks (Jim's, yeah, suck it--I went outside the Gino/Pat binary) to Boat House Row to the Surekill (Schuylkill). So, the sense of place is fairly developed to give it enough flavor. The characters are a hoot and the interplay between the individuals and the partner pairings is good. The mystery itself is basically finding the perp for some gruesome attacks. It was not complicated, but it was well thought out and executed nicely in small increments interleaving the developing personal and professional relationship between Kyle and Kash. I'm definitely interested in reading the next in the series. 

Overall, quirky, paranormal, cop procedural.

ORION'S CIRCLE by Victoria Sue

3 Stars

This was surprisingly violent with a great deal of torture for one of the main characters, some stupid decisions and pouting, but overall, a steamy menage a quatre. The backstory and the set were an interesting mix of contemporary and mythology as these destined mates come together.

HUNTED by Claire Thompson

1 Star

Yeah... what do I say. This book is rapey, non-con, fantasy abduction. The content wasn't the problem for me, I have a diverse reading habit, it was the idiotic characterization of the female in the story which besides being TSTL just never managed to engender any empathy since she seemed incapable of thinking on her feet. Add in the unrealistic ending, she managed to come out of it being lauded as brave and sexy with an HEA, and I'm numb.

The D/s and S&M elements were presented in the most uninvolved way that relayed little eroticism for a reader looking for a taboo read. Plus, it had the crudest brain-washing techniques which anyone halfway put together would not have been influenced by. 

(\_/)
(O.o) - Another challenge read fail. I think I need to stop doing challenges.

COTILLION by Georgette Heyer

5 Stars

This was me finishing my first Heyer novel. Yeah, yeah, yeah... where have I been. 



Kitty is the duckling ready to assume her swan plumage, and does she ever in this escape from Cranky Manor where her guardian has kept her in the severest of conditions. Needless to say, as soon as the opportunity presents itself, Kitty is on the first coach out of there. 

And thus begins the shenanigans. 

The entire story is amusing and set at a breakneck pace. Imagine if you will, Austen pairing up with Gilbert and Sullivan to do a revamped version of Midsummer's Night Dream. It's the Ton, it's topsy-turvy, and there's love swaps all around until things finally settle into a most satisfactory conclusion. 

Without a doubt Freddy was my favorite character. From the onset he was charming, loyal, and conscientious enough keeping his eye on things, but not a wet blanket. Underestimated and stalwart, he stole my heart away one little action at a time. 

Plus, a line like this can never go wrong: 

He found the strings, tugged ruthlessly at them, and cast the offending bonnet aside. ‘That’s better! Been wanting to kiss you for weeks!’

Overall, it's a classic for a reason, nonpareil.

SANCTUARY by DiscontentedWinter

4 Stars

Imagine if it offered him a life of excruciating pain, of heartbreak, of depression, of anxiety, of panic attacks, of fear. But imagine it said he could ...

Stiles’s answer is yes.

Every fucking time, yes.

Pain is a constant companion, but nothing's worse than the guilt that envelopes their lives. The unrelenting specter of the past that replays unforgivable events, over and over and over. There's no end, just an endless loop.

Change.

New places and people mean new chances. Good and bad. No place is untouched by evil and ill will, even the idyllic Beacon Hills. Everything's a give and take, as the Sheriff knows well.

And Stiles.

And the Hales.



Acceptance and forgiveness go hand in hand, or hand in paw. As Stiles navigates his limitations and previously unimagined dreams, he finds peace and love. For something as dark as this was, the humor and generosity of spirit displayed alleviated it. Peter and Stiles are per character, snarky and hysterical with Peter's skulking particularly amusing. But, I have to give kudos to Cora, for she has some great lines that lack that dark undertone. And this is a lovely reimagining of Derek, still damaged, but unbroken.



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PLAY ME, I'M YOURS by Madison Parker

3 Stars

Self acceptance and valuing oneself--It's important!

This is the cute version of high school with it's rampant apathetic to viciously hostile treatment of "other". Lucas Tate is a smart guy and brilliant pianist. There's two strikes against him. Oh yeah, and he's beautiful. Not like catalogue beautiful, but beautiful... bordering on ethereal or effeminate. 

Of course, this attracts attention. Usually, when some idiot's deciding to be an epic ass for performance points. Ahhh... the inane cruelty of adolescence. 

Anyway, this runs the young adult gamut of decisions about voice, body ownership, bullying, friendship, misconceptions, and assumptions. Lucas is a nice guy, and honestly deserves better than he gets. Watching him struggle and negotiate high school and his family while seeking emotional connection with others is both cringe-worthy and uplifting. 

I enjoyed this story. I didn't love it like Sock it to Me, Santa!which is amazing, but it's a lovely story of staying true to oneself, regardless. 

Random acts of kindness--they might be the one thing that makes someone's day, week, month or year. Try them.

HUNTING SEASON: A LOVE STORY by Blake Crouch and Selena Kitt

3 Stars

Here's a little story about Ray and Ariana, two American kids done...

“I was eighteen, Ray,” she said softly. “I was a kid.”

“So was I.”

Well, boy is this something. Lordy. I laughed really hard. Nothing turns out like anyone expects, including the reader. Entertaining short story.

TITAN IN CHAINS by Zoe Perdita

3 Stars

College superheroes, a corrupt city, and sworn enemies battle it out in the streets and on the rooftops. 

Uncomplicated with the technology versus mutant tension along with family grudges for two freshman roommates. There's some sexual awakening, a bit of frisky kinky times, and comic book violence. Stir in the corruption and ambiance of Gotham for some environmental flavor and an unidentified opponent. Welcome to Darkvale. 

It's the beginning of a series so the overall conflict is unresolved though the protagonists work through their primary conflict. There are still a few mystery to unravel though at least one of them isn't too hard to figure out. Mindless fun, but not running off to read book #2.

DOM OF LAS VEGAS by Tricia Owens

1 Star

Even free, my time was worth more than reading this book.

Superficial characterization, plays BDSM buzzword bingo, uninspiring sex scenes, and professional incompetence all pushed this to a two star rating. Unfortunately, the ending and some ridiculous quotes pushed this to one star.

"What happened [...] can't be reversed. I've pulled all the strings at my disposal. But I want you to know that once you are with me, nothing similar will ever befall you. I will protect you with every resource available to me, which is considerable."

Seeing as the glitterkink "Dom" is 100% responsible for the sub's plight, this was the last straw of my patience.

ADULTING 101 by Lisa Henry

4 Stars

I'm never going back and you can't make me.

Whoever started that ridiculous idea that late adolescence is the best years of your life needs to be flagellated. Severely. Needless to say, this is a time machine special so that the reader can recall the crappy anxiety about themselves, their life, and EVERYTHING else. 

Nick Stahlnecker, recent graduate is enjoying the last summer before college--or trying to. His dad has ideas about how he needs to straighten up and fly right. Get a job. In fact, he manages to get one for him. Nick's not invested in this job, but it does have one perk. 

Jai Hazenbrook.

He's the eye candy of Grover Construction, and he's got a fanbase. Okay, might only be a couple people, but whatever. Needless to say, Nick is spellbound. Nick is also an extremely determined young man when something's in his target range.

Sometimes things are a bad idea and you do them anyway. 
Even after advice to the contrary.
Even knowing it, you do it.
*facepalm*

Nick's Score: 10 for Effort, 3 for Execution. 

Nick is brazen and unrepentant. Half the time I was embarrassed for him. And at others, yeah... no. Porta potty--no fucking way! EEEEEWWWW!

And then there's things I have fundamental ideological differences with... pineapple does NOT belong on a pizza. And “Meatlovers with anchovies and pineapple.”

This is not a pizza.

Thing is, Nick has ideological differences with his parents, but being mellow he's been herded by his parents into a series of decisions that don't suit him. He's gotta figure a way to sort that out while working out exactly what's happening with Jai.

The characters are disturbingly realistic, and the situations while veering towards absurdity skate the edge and highlight the hyperbolic ridiculousness of being eighteen, a kid and adult at the same time. I laughed and groaned and totally got my utils ($$$) from the purchase. 

Favorite quote:

Jai’s not sure what worries him most: the fact he’s already noticing the things Nick would love, or that he’s apparently hooking up with the teenage-boy version of his mom.

Overall:

WITCHES OF LONDON - LARS by Aleksandr Voinov

3 Stars

This story is more pagan exploration than romance. That said, there were some lovely erotic scenes. I have a familiarity with most of the concepts discussed, albeit at a lower level. Trust me, you've been around long enough and you've heard a variant of this at least once, usually satanists. 

He’s the type that tells a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses he can’t talk right now, he has a virgin sacrifice on the altar.”

I wouldn't categorize it as proselytizing, but the focus of the story is Lars as a practitioner and how his life fits into it. The dream walking/astral traveling sequences were great, and the details are vivid. 

I was expecting more romance and action--this is a very self-restrained plot. Additionally, I was caught off guard by the emotionally darker tone; it wasn't alluded to in the blurb and I had hoped for something lighter. Prior to reading the book I had shelved this as paranormal, it isn't. This is witchcraft as faith, not Harry Potter.

COME BACK TO ME by Edmond Manning

3 Stars

Dedicated to Vin Vanbly: F**kin' Perfect by P!nk 
And anyone else who's seen themselves in his mirror. 

“I wanted you to see me like this. My worst. See if you’d still like me.”

Here's the thing; I love this series, but I did not love this book. Might be that I had high expectations: wishing, hoping, and waiting for Vin's story. His kinging.

The secrets are finally revealed and the truth behind many things alluded to during the series is laid out. There's ugly here, there's cruelty, and I had a hard time watching how hard earned Vin's compassion was. 

I have no future because every string is wrapped so tightly around the past.

As much as I enjoyed this story, I had some issues with it. The disjointed structure was problematic. Three separate stories instead of a cohesive whole was not kinging that I was expecting. One story completely disrupted the timeline and served little purpose in advancing the story and could have been a short separate novella. 

The covenant of being the insider with Vin during these stories is broken, and it's hard being on the outside wondering what's happening. If Manning was testing the reader to trust him, then I failed twice during this story. That fundamental change to the storytelling was disconcerting. Enough that I walked away from the book for a period of time. 

This is the story of a nobody. Someone who probably shouldn’t even be alive.

There is a graphic quality to the erotic scenes that was not present in previous books, and if I'd never read another book in the series I wouldn't have blinked twice, but this was radically different. It is still that celebration for the human form and ability to feel in all its manifestations, but more explicit. Since Vin uses sexual congress as a form of connection, communication, and validation it shouldn't have been a surprise that his story would explore these themes more. 

He said, “Not knowing someone’s king name doesn’t prevent them from being a king. A name doesn’t define you or make you something you’re not. Your king name is true, but not the truth.”

I love Vin; I just wish the story had been constructed differently. My recommendation for readers unfamiliar with Vin, do NOT start with this book because I don't think it will give one a sense of the series. 

Overall, a MUST READ for Vin fans.