The Hunted One by Meg Collett

  I received Ms Collett's book The Hunted One (book one in the End of Days series) as an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) for review purposes about a month ago, and was incredibly excited to start it. I read the synopsis, checked out her author page and noticed that The Hunted One was talked about, well before it was even released! (And still is, since it officially hasn't come out yet.) Now I know why...

  As I type this, it has been about 20 minutes since I've finished the book and...wow. Just, absolutely and positively wow. Based on how easily I fell in love with the story, I knew I was going to rate it around four to five stars, but now that I've finished it and am one step away from begging Meg for the next book, I HAVE to rate it five stars. The author initiates you into this adventure that Michaela, our main character, is thrown into and once you're in, you won't want to be let go. 

  Michaela has just been betrayed by her Archangel brothers and sisters, and was tricked into letting the Fallen into Heaven. Michaela's life long-partner and confidant Gabriel was tossed into Hell, Michaela has just committed a horrific crime, and Lucifer has just ripped off her wings, banishing her from Heaven. Michaela is done for...or so we think. She is saved by Clark, an angel protector, and must fix and stop what has started. Here starts the beginning of the End of Days series. 

  This book will hook you and addict you from the very first page. I would know, because I am a recent addict of Meg Collett's books. 

  There are many incredible and absolutely mind-blowing things about this book and Meg Collett's writing. Among them are Michaela's strong will and backbone, making her a beyond amazing heroine, a character that provides comic relief when you feel as if there's no hope left in the world, and most of all, and my favorite; how easy it is picture what the author is describing. As Ms Collett (and Michaela) was describing the angels and their array of transformations, I could easily picture what was happening as it was happening, without even closing my eyes. When someone was in trouble, I could feel it. When a beautiful or horrible scene was playing, I could see it and I could feel the emotions emanating from it. 

  These are the signs of a soon-to-be New York Times best selling saga writer. 

  Meg Collett has greatness awaiting her, I just know it.

  I am ecstatic, nervous and immensely excited to read on in the End of Days series, and I can only hope and pray that she has mercy on my favorite characters.

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Something's Come Up by Michelle Pace and Andrea Randall

  ***Warning: This book is suitable for ages 18 and older due to language and sexual content***

  Something's Come Up is a novella about Carrington (or "Pace"), Steph; the girl that got away, and a night that will bring them back together- perhaps forever. 

  Throughout the novella, I was just dying for these two to have their "Happily Ever After." Every time a problem occurred, or something stopped them from being together, or when they fought, I had to bite my knuckle to keep from jumping into the book and knocking their heads together. 

  Something's Come Up is the first novel I've read with a hunky, gorgeous, and totally drool-worthy African-American male. It was such a nice change... and it was so nice to read about this honest to goodness, "in love" couple. 

  This is the first piece of literature I've read by both Andrea Randall and Michelle Pace, and I've got to say that story-wise, it was a nice place for me to start. 

  It probably isn't the best book to start with overall, because it is a prequel to another series, and also a novella. I think perhaps if I had read more of their work before I went into this story, I would have fallen in love with it. I may even possibly go back to it after reading more of their books!

  Boy, was this story steamy! I had flushed cheeks, sweaty palms, and rapid breathing almost throughout the entire story. Pace and Steph have probably the most intimate, sexy, and steamy relationship I've ever read. Sorry Ana and Christian...I think Pace and Steph have you beat. (Also, great Fifty Shades reference, Pace!)

  If you're looking for a short, sensual and hot read, this is the story for you. It may not be my favorite story in the world...but Pace and Steph will always have a special spot reserved in my heart. 

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This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter

  This Same Earth is the second book in the Elementals series written by Elizabeth Hunter. This book continues the story of enigmatic heroine Beatrice De Novo and dashing, charming and blood-sucking hero Giovanni Vecchio. This fast-paced continuation of their story will have your heart fluttering, your pulse racing and your blood pumping (no pun intended).
  I loved This Same Earth just as much as I loved A Hidden Fire, and maybe even more. It may possibly be because I became familiar with Elizabeth Hunter's characters and writing, or it may be because it's just a really, really good book. I'll let you decide. (And don't let my opinion influence you...even though it was really, really good.)
  I finished This Same Earth last night (well, it was technically this morning) and I have such a book hangover it's not even funny. I keep thinking back to the last few occurrences of the book and thinking, "B and Gio NEED me to continue reading, how can I go on without finishing their story?" Well, somehow I've done it and moved on, but in no way is that stopping me from picking up book three and going back to where I left them hanging.
  I don't know what it is, I am hopelessly addicted to these books! I love every single thing about them. Even the "couple banters" that occur between B and Gio warm my heart (unlike some other romance-y stories that I read that make me want to gag).
  Now, admission time. I am a huge fan of vampire fiction, vampire romance and the like. I read everything, but vampire fiction is just so much fun. It does get tiring after a while...but the Elementals series is an exception. I could read twenty of Elizabeth Hunter's books and never get tired of them.

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A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

  I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I went into it not knowing much; this is actually one of the few books that I read without reading a full synopsis before delving into it, and was intrigued from the very start.
  Once again, I don't want to give away too much of the plot with my review, so I'll just give you a little taste of what's to come in A Hidden Fire...
  Beatrice De Novo has just met possibly one of the most interesting and best looking men in her life when dashing Dr. Giovanni Vecchio waltzes into the university library where Beatrice works. He asks for help in searching for something that's haunted him for centuries...yes, centuries. Did I not mention that he's a vampire?
  The Elementals series takes you on a journey into the world of elemental vampires; vampires who are controlled by the elements. There are vampires who control water, vampires who soar through the air like it's second nature (well, it is second nature), vampires who can sort through the earth around them, and vampires who can get so aggravated, they set their hair on fire. Which brings me to my next topic: the humor in these books. (I say "these books" because I'm currently on the second book in the series, This Same Earth.)
  Giovanni (Gio) is not your typical snooty, moody, and controlling alpha male vampire (which I have no problem with...it just saves me going through some major angst). He's normal. He's funny, he's intelligent, he's charming, and he's imperfect. He's as imperfect as a perfect vampire can get.
  I'm very much enjoying this series. It has enough history to keep a historian satisfied, it has enough romance to make a hopeless romantic swoon in pure ecstasy, and it will keep your every day bookworm happily content and sated.

  

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Ordinary by Lindy Zart

  Words cannot express my infatuation and fondness for this book. Now that I've finished it, I feel as if a piece of my heart is missing, and it cannot be filled until I either reread it, or read the next book in the series. I could easily see Ordinary becoming a New York Times Bestseller, becoming as popular as The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner. I was so emotionally attached to the story and the main characters, that the last section had me breathless. I was so nervous/anxious/excited that I was one paragraph away from hyperventilating.
  I cannot go into detail for you, only because I want you to pick up this book (without knowing anything) and be surprised with this magnificent gift. I so desperately want to meet Lindy and have her sign my copy because it is (and will continue to be) one of my most prized possessions.
  Honor, the main character in Ordinary, is one of the strongest YA heroines I've ever encountered. She's no pushover. She doesn't show a weak side just to please the male main character. She stands up for herself, her family and what she believes in, and that is one of the main reasons why I can see this book becoming so popular and loved. Mothers and fathers will want their sons and daughters to read this book.
  The story takes place in modern times, in our every day world and our every day lives...but there's something we don't know about regarding the dark corners of every street. There are beings lurking there that are alive, that are dead, and those who are alive...but see the undead and know what they are capable of. These are called the UDs, and the UDKs.
  After I finished the book, I talked a bit to Ms Zart and she was incredibly wonderful and charming. She is absolutely amazing! She even had her fans post on my Facebook page, "Lindy says you are Anything But Ordinary!" (Pardon my unprofessionalism for a moment...) I fangirled so hard, I almost cried!
  Read this book. Read it, read it, read it! If you trust me at all, which may be a risky thing to do, take my advice and read this book. It is positively exceptional.

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Revenge by Janel Gradowski

  Revenge is another book of short and flash fiction stories, just like Haunted (see previous blog post), but now instead of ghosts making you fear for your life, it's people seeking revenge on those who've wronged them.
  Revenge has a perfect combination of creepiness, short tales, and endings that will most definitely leave a lasting impression on you. The story at the very beginning, Addendum, had me shivering by the time I was done with it!
  With Janel Gradowski's books I always find it easy to picture what she's describing, as she's describing it. With her writing, it's easy to imagine what's happening, how it's emotionally affecting the characters, and (especially in Revenge) what the resulting repercussions will be.  As I've said before, Janel's books are fantastic if you just need something short and exciting to capture your interest without being tied down to a 300-700 page book. I have heard that some readers claim that Ms Gradowski's books are too short, and yes they are short, but I think that's the point. The author writes this story that you love and want more of, and when it's done you feel as if it was too short. But it wasn't, it was the right length. It was long enough to get you attached to the plots and their outcomes.
  Revenge will hook you from the beginning and keep you anticipating more until the very last story is finished, and then some after that. Even now, after I've finished everything that Janel Gradowski has written, I feel myself wanting more of her work to delve into. More flash fiction, more short stories, and absolutely more romances with recipes!
  I'm positively smitten with the wide range of genres Janel covers, and I can't wait to experience more of her stories.

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Haunted by Janel Gradowski

  Haunted is a collective of spooky and frightening short stories that'll have you hiding under a blanket with a flashlight, questioning every creak and rattle that occurs in your house. Each tale is spookier than the next! I read Haunted during the day, with all of the windows of my house open and I had to get up and put my back to a wall to make sure nothing was sneaking up behind me.
  Yeah...I was a bit spooked.
  Though Haunted is convincingly scary and terrifying, it is beautifully written and just overall an incredible book. Some of the short stories had me breathless...I just had to rate it five stars. Not because it's the best book in the entire world (there's no such thing), but because it will leave a lasting impression on me and because it's so small and easy to read, I do see myself picking it up and reading it again.
  I love Janel Gradowski's books because you can pick them up at any time, read a quick story, and not feel like you're missing out on anything when you have to put your bookmark in. You pick up a copy of The Queen of Bad Decisions or Haunted, you read a short story and you feel satisfied. Then when you're ready again, you can pick it back up and read another story.
  There are two particular stories that had me on the edge of my seat, and those were "Sequestered" and "Strangers." I can't say much, because I don't want to give away anything important, but goodness did these two stories get my heart palpitating.
  Overall, fantastic. Fantastic short stories and fantastic story telling.

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