Biting Cold/ Widows Web reviews

Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires) Book 6

by Chloe Neill

Chloe's Website

My Rating~ 5 Stars

My Review~

I was very impressed with this book.  I was worried about a few things and I felt that Chloe did a very good job.  First off the story begins as Merit and Ethan are headed to Omaha Nebraska (Since I live in Nebraska this was exciting)  and on the way they run into a character we have learned to hate from previous books.  I really enjoyed each 'fight' scene and even though each time I feel like she could have just ran her blade through the bad guy, it of course was better she didn't.

After some very impressive displays of magic, and a couple very hot weres, the story continues back in Chicago.  I was very satisfied with Mallory's 'punishment' and thought the way Merit handled her friend was perfect. I loved hearing more from Gabriel and can't wait to find out what his premonition is from a few books ago...Jonah is my favorite secondary character who we hardly hear from, but I liked his minor role in this book! :)  Thanks Chloe!

Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.  I was half way happy about our lovable reborn vamp and half way wanting to just punch him a couple times so that he can snap out of his whatever it is. He is a centuries old vamp, yet still had no idea how to trust and love freely without all his little hang ups.  I was a bit disappointed in the 'main affection reveal' (I don't want to spoil anything).  I thought more needed to be said, or maybe just made to be more important.  Otherwise it was well done.

I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Feb. 5, 2013

Chloe also has a YA book trilogy called the Dark Elite

Check out her website, link is above :)

Widow's Web (Elemental Assassin) Book 7

by Jennifer Estep

Jennifer's Website

My Rating~ 5 stars

My Review~

I loved this book!  I was very happy when my city library got the book (I work there so there was squealing when I got to work that day)

(Goodall City Library Elemental Assassin Book Display)

Anyway after I covered the book and it was processed, I took it home and couldn't put it down!  It starts with the best first chapter I have ever read! My jaw dropped and I had to get to the next page ASAP!!! I love Jennifer's writing, I am always super excited to read anything she writes!

After the shock of the first chapter, there was so much tension between Gin and Owen, and you just know something is not right.

I love Owen, he is my abso fav and he beats Donovan ten to one. Well except I wanted to punch him a few times in this book.  I mean come on buddy pull you head out of Selina's A** and look around!  Anyway, I was very happy learning more about Kincaid, and he may be one of my fav characters in this series now, I know I have a lot of fav's but he is pretty awesome!  Finn, what can I say about everybody's favorite womanizer?  He is great in this book, his character is just what we need to lighten up things and put them in perspective!

The ending was very sad, and it makes me nervous for the next book(s).  I hate seeing Gin sad, she is such a strong lovable fierce woman, that it just breaks your heart to see her keep getting kicked.  I mean come on for an Assassin she is pretty nice! ;)

The next book is called Deadly Sting.

March 26, 2013

Jennifer also writes a YA Series called Mythos Academy.

The next book is called Crimson Frost

Dec. 24, 2012

Check out Jennifer's website the link is above :)

Reaper Read-Aong Week 4

Don't fear the Reaper Read-a-Long

Week 4 Questions:

1. One of my favorite aspects of this book are the witty snippets at the beginning of every chapter. I especially like the t shirt quotes. What is the funniest t shirt or bumper sticker you have encountered? If you had a t shirt that best described you what would it say?

2. Charley is constantly helping ghosts throughout the book. Would you like to be able to talk to ghosts and bring closure to their loved ones? How would you feel about all the ghosts popping up at all times day or night? Would you like to have a ghost like Mr. Wong in your house?

3. Kim reveals some rather shocking and sad details about Reyes’ past. Do you agree with her decision to adhere to her promise and not intervene? Would you be willing to keep your word and let a loved one die if it was their wish?

4. In Chapter 19 Charley confronts the bad guy and finds herself in yet another situation where she gets her ass kicked. Do you like the fact that Charley consistently ends up getting her butt handed to her? What are your overall thoughts on Charley?

5. Chapter 20 is a big, hot, smoking chapter. We finally get some answers on Reyes. Does the revelation change your opinion of him? Do you think he can overcome his “nature” and be a good person or is Charley in big trouble?

6. Did you enjoy this book? Will you be continuing the series?

My Answers~

1.  Damn it Jim!  My friend and I say this ALL the time, truly all the time.  We have a friend named Jim, he is a lawyer, and we told him about this, it makes it even more fun to say...we blame EVERYthing on him!

2.  I think is would be hard, just like Charley says it would be, the crying the anger...need I say more.  But it would be cool to have a friend like Charley and still be able to see/talk with the ghosts...

3. Well I was just like Charley at first I was annoyed/angry, but then I totally get why Kim is sticking to her guns.  I don't know what I would do, but I guess if it is their wish, I would support them!

4.  I think she is tough, but her clumsy-ness plus her general lack of serious-ness (for lack of better word(s)) makes her redeemable.  I like Charley, she is great, I do think that she could kick more but if she would learn to use her mysterious powers Reyes always talks about...

5.  I loved this revelation, it makes him more human-like even though he is well not human.  I thought it was wonderful how she reacted all freaked out, especially since she talks to ghosts.  Anyway I love Reyes no matter what, just don't want to be on his bad side...

6.  Hell yes, and Hell yes!  I love Darynda Jones, and can't wait for her YA series!

Reaper Read-Along Week 3

Reaper Read-A-Long

I am reading along with other Bloggers, 

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones!

Questions Week 3

Chapters 11-16

1. I do have a soft spot for Charley's Aunt Lilian. She is sweet and soft while somehow also being a little dirty and I find that hilarious in an aunt. Do you have any relatives dead or alive that remind you of Aunt Lillian? If not, tell me about your favorite deceased relative. 

2.  In these chapters, we get a little closer to Reyes and his secrets. Neil, the warden at the prison where Reyes is currently incarcerated - and a high school mate of Charley's - tells a story about how Reyes ended up in the Coma and something he witnessed. What do you think of the story? What does this lead you to think about Reyes?

3.  One of the things I love most about Ubie and Charley's relationship is that Ubie aka Uncle Bob has absolute faith in our Charley. Maybe it's because Charley's been solving murder cases for ages and Ubie knows that Charley knows things. If you could pick a super power, which one would you choose? Seeing the dead? Invisibility?

4.  Okay, in my opinion, there is nothing better than walking into your living room and seeing the god-like creature  of your dreams standing there waiting for you. If you were in Charley's shoes, who would be standing in your living room??

5.  We get a surprise visit from Rosie's husband and we find out some information about Reyes...that he and The Big Bad are the same guy. What are your thoughts? Were you surprised about Rosie's husband or did you feel that one coming? What about Bad Reyes, had you already made the connection?

My Answers  Week 3~

1.  I do sort of have a deceased great aunt like Lillian.  She has been gone for almost 15 years now I think, anyway she was a tough bird!  She went finishing on oxygen up until about the month before she died (lung cancer) then she even complained she couldn't go while she was on her death bed.  In fact the month before she died, she would go and sit in her van at the lake and just sit there because she was too weak to get out to fish.  (We put a memorial bench at the lake in her fav spot for her funeral)  The reason she reminds me of Lilian, is because she was very well endowed, and she refused to wear a bra, and would tell everyone they were too uncomfortable and she liked to feel free.  She even used to comment off hand like that she needed to hoist her girls up...like at a pic-nic table, she set em right there on the table... LOL

2. Well my first thought was Damn, a coma?  Then I was like what the crap, he is like BA and can move like a mo fo, so shouldn't he be fine...anyway I thought he is dangerous, but still smokin' hott!

3. I love Ubie too!  He is so sweet, anyway I go between reading minds, or being capable of being invisible..either would have its pros and cons, so you know.

4.  OH MY GOSH, Alexander Skarsgard, or wait maybe Channing Tatum, oh oh, Vicious from the BDB, no I know Teagan from Midnight breed...Swopes from Charley Davidson, Joe Magienello, Gosh I just can't decide!  Can I have a different one fro each day of the week... ;)

5.  Okay first time through reading it I made the connection between Big Bad and Reyes, but rosie's husband totally threw me and I admit I felt kinda like Charley did, even if I didn't really know the woman character...wait I am getting ahead of myself, the being shot is what we are talking about, YES that was a shocker, Damn Reyes sever a spine just like *snaps fingers* that!!  Plus Charley could have gotten even more hurt!

Darynda's Website

Shadow Falls

Shadow Falls Series

by CC Hunter

Turned at Dusk Book 0.5

Novella Free here: Amazon Free on Kindle

From CC's Website:

Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang hadn't believed in ghosts until she saw her dead cousin darting into the shadows of an alley. She hadn't believed in vampires until in the dark of that same night she is turned into one. Introduced to a strange world of supernaturals, she struggles to accept this new reality. Unfortunately, the boy she loves senses something different about her and can't accept her. Should she follow her vampire cousin's lead-walk away from everything she's knows and loves-and fake her own death? Or should she set her pride aside and ask for help from the camp leader of Shadow Falls-a camp where supernaturals go to learn how to cope with their powers. Either way, her life as she knows it, will never be the same.

Born at Midnight  Book 1 

From CC's Website:

Born At Midnight

Kylie Galen has had a lot of crap tossed in her lap lately. Her parents are getting a divorce for who the heck knows why. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she wouldn't put out. And her grandmother died because . . . well, older people do that. But now, Kylie's acquired a stalker and she hasn't a clue what he wants or how to get rid of him . . . and she really wants to get rid of him because apparently she's the only one who sees him. Thinking she may be losing it, her parents send her off to see a psychologist who gets Kylie sent to Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie and her parents think it's a camp for troubled teens.

They thought wrong.

Kylie's surrounded by vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and shapeshifters. And if she believes what they tell her, she's one of them. They're just not sure exactly how she fits in. As Kylie struggles to cope with the realization that these creatures even exist, and the fact that she might not be human, she's got two hot guys, a werewolf and a half-fairy vying for her attention. And they can just keep vying. Kylie's determined that before she lets her heart loose on love, she needs to unearth the truth. What does the ghost want? Who can and can't she trust? And most of all . . . What is she?

Awake at Dawn Book 2

From CC's Website:

Kylie Galen thought her life was a mess before she went to Shadow Falls Camp. However, now that she's discovered she's not human, the problems presenting themselves are anything but normal.

She's determined to uncover the answer to her supernatural heritage, but with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about to die, her newly developed sixth sense telling her someone is watching her and a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, Kylie's quest for answers is on hold. As if her life isn't difficult enough, just when she's about to give her heart to Derek, he starts pulling away. When Lucas comes back, Kylie feels more conflicted than ever. Kylie's weekend with her mom should have been just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point. Discovering her heritage may not ever matter if she doesn't survive.

Taken at Midnight Book 3

From CC's Website:

Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she's meant to be with-and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she's about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it's not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different-and more astonishing-than she ever could have imagined.

Whispers at Moonrise  Book 4

To be released Oct 2, 2012

From Goodreads:

A breathtaking new installment of the bestselling Shadow Falls series for young adults by rising star C. C. Hunter!

At a camp filled with vampires, werewolves, and fairies, Kylie Galen has always struggled to figure out what she is. Now she finally knows the truth—but she's left with more questions than answers. She doesn’t have a clue what her heritage means or how to harness her newfound powers. All she knows is that she needs to sort out her feelings for Derek, the sexy half-Fae who just confessed his love, and Lucas, her werewolf boyfriend who seems more committed to his pack than to their relationship. All the while, Kylie's dealing with a group of underground rogues who want her dead and a mysterious grandfather who makes it clear he doesn’t trust the FRU . . . or Shadow Falls. Soon Kylie will have to choose: Will she stay with the new family she’s formed at Shadow Falls, or will she leave with her grandfather and embrace her destiny?

My Review~

I have read Born at Midnight and Awake at Dawn, I LOVED both books.  I am waiting on the third book, it is on hold for me at my library, and I have downloaded Della's story Turned at Dusk.  I really enjoy CC's writing, I have loved learning about each character, and I can't wait to read more about them.  I also love how CC adds in REAL-LIFE issues, like a teen pregnancy scare, cancer, family members passing away, teen pressure's of sex and safe sex.  I love how she keeps all the issues I know teens don't like to hear about and talk about easy to read about and get you thinking.  I am not a teen anymore, but if I had read this series when I was a teen there would have been many things I would have at least thought about doing different, even if I wouldn't have actually done them different.

I love reading paranormal stories, but I think that the way this one is written it is one of the best.  Having serious issues in stories can come across as cheesy or like a children's book lecturing, this one doesn't do that.  Kylie is very mature for a 16 year old, but doesn't sound annoying, she is wise.  I recommend this book to all teenagers in high school!  (Adults also, I enjoy it!)  Read it, you'll love it!

CC Hunter's Website

CC's Website has tons of cool things on it, and she is a very nice person (I have chatted with her over email a bit) and she also has little extras like questions with Lucas and Derek, which are great.  Check her out!

Glitch

Glitch (Glitch) Book 1

by Heather Anasatsiu

From Goodreads:

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

My Review~

This YA book was fantastic. It was definitely futuristic, and really well thought out. Zoe has been glitching, so she has an internal monologue of whether or not to turn herself in. The community where she was born and raised, has made her believe that anyone who is glitching is dangerous to the rest of the community, so as she is ready to turn herself in, she meet Adrien. i don't want to ruin anything, so just have to say that the twists in this book are fantastic, I was thinking that I knew where it was going, then all of a sudden another twist. I do have to say that at times I was annoyed...don't get me wrong I really like the book so go read it! But it is hard to sympathize with feelings when of course I understand them and the character doesn't. The character isn't supposed to because on the v-chip that forces them to not have feelings. The author did a wonderfully fantastic job of writing this. I was impressed, and will read the next book(Override Feb. 2013) in the series when it comes out!

Override (Glitch) Book 2

Feb. 19, 2013

From Goodreads:

Zoe is free. She has escaped the enslavement of the Community, disconnected from the hardware that had controlled her every thought and emotion, and evaded capture by the Chancellor intent on killing her. She is finally free, but she is far from safe.

Zoe and Adrien hide themselves from detection at the Foundation, an academy that trains teen glitchers to fight in the Resistance movement. Together, Zoe and her new team of superhuman fighters must risk their lives to rescue other glitchers and humans from the Chancellor's control. Challenges abound at every turn, and Adrien, who has become silent, distant, and tormented by his visions of the future, only adds to the growing certainty of defeat. But worst of all, as Zoe's team fights against impossible odds, distrust and betrayal leads to the terrible discovery that their greatest threat could already be lurking behind the safe walls of the Foundation.

Heather Anastasiu's Website

Shadow Bound

Shadow Bound (Unbound) Book 2

by Rachel Vincent

From Rachel Vincent's Website

If you live in the dark long enough, you begin to forget the light…

KORI DANIELS is a shadow-walker, able to travel instantly from one shadow to another. After weeks of confinement for betraying her boss, she’s ready to break free of the Tower syndicate for good. But Jake Tower has one final job for Kori, one chance to secure freedom for herself and her sister, Kenley, even if that means taking it from someone else…

The job? Recruit Ian Holt—or kill him.

Ian’s ability to manipulate the dark has drawn interest from every syndicate in the world, most notably an invitation from Jake Tower. Though he has no interest in organized crime, Ian accepts the invite, because he’s on a mission of his own.

Ian has come to kill Tower’s top Binder: Kori’s little sister.
Amid the tangle of lies, an unexpected thread of truth connecting Ian and Kori comes to light. But with opposing goals, they’ll have to choose between love and liberty….

My Review~

I really enjoyed this book!  I was very impressed with how much went on.  In the first book Blood Bound, it was hard to get as into the story because of all the background, don't get me wrong I loved both books and was very excited to read the second.  I was more into Ian than Cam, I don't really know why except maybe because Ian was such a badass!  I mean every time you turned around her was doing something or saying something unexpected, though totally awesome!

There are of course some secrets, and a couple big fights between Kori and Ian, which I thought made the entire story more believable.  Some times it is like oh man come on really that was so avoidable, but the way this was written it was fantastic!  I was completely behind Kori and how she went about hating and trying to get back at Tower. You absolutely have to read Blood bound to really understand this book, but otherwise I loved it!  Yay for Rachel Vincent!

Oath Bound is the next book up in this series!!

Oath Bound (Unbound) Book 3

To be released: February 19, 2013

From Rachel Vincent's Blog

The Tower Syndicate will fall… 

The secret daughter of the head of an infamous Skilled crime family, Sera Brandt has hidden her past, her potential and especially her powers. But when a tragedy strikes her other family, Sera needs justice. And the only way to get it is to reveal her heritage– including a rare Skill– and take the reins of the Tower Syndicate from her cunning and malicious aunt.

If he can figure out how… 

Kristopher Daniels might have the answer. He’s fought the syndicate to protect his sisters, but he’d never realized just how close to the new heir he needed to get….

And if they can survive 

Neither is used to trusting. But there’s something between them that can’t be ignored. And now Sera is on the run with a man she can’t figure out, a target on her back, and the new knowledge of just how powerful she really is….

Blood Bound (Unbound) Book 1

Just so you can see what the first book looks like and is about...

From Rachel Vincent's Website

By blood, by word, by magic…

Most can’t touch the power. But Liv Warren is special—a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.
Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.
But when her friend’s daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can’t rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.
Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma, and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.
And more blood will be spilled before it’s over….

Reaper Read-Along Week 2

I am reading along with other Bloggers, First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones!

Question for Second week:

Questions from Lila@ Babbling about Books and Stuff

1 - Shiny objects and old family stories are told in this chapter, including an old nickname for our dear Charley. What was the nickname her uncle Bob gave her when she was little? Do you have an old nickname from when you were a kid? You can share it, and if it's really embarrassing we won't mind. *wink*

2 - In this chapter we met someone. A really special guy named Rocket. Now, my memory is not what it used to be, and I just can't remember what makes him so special. Can you tell me what makes this particular ghost unique among all the others? And how about you? What can you do that makes you special? Anything? Jump on one foot for a really long time counts. *giggle*

3 - Charley is really *cough* not your ordinary girl. She does something that, well, there's no way around it. She named parts of her body and the names are... oh crap, I forgot. Just my luck. *sigh* But I'm sure you guys can say what part of her body she named and what the names were. And, since we are on the matter, have you ever named a part of your body? If so, what was it and what was the name? Come on, don't

be shy. *wink+crooked smile*

4 - We all have our little secrets. Things we don't tell anyone, not even our bff. Char (we became close :P ) is no different, but in this chapter she shared her little (big) secret (S) with her bff. What did you think about her reaction? What would be yours?

5 - In this chapter, Char continues her heart-to-heart with her BFF and comes up with some theories about our fave badboy/possibly ghost. What do you think of it? Can it be? What do you think about him? Hot? Double chocolate hot? Super duper caramel chocolate cake with a cherry on top hot?

Answers for Second week:

1. Charley's nickname was Calamity, like Calamity Jane.  Her father named his bar Calamity after her...  I did have a nickname growing up it was Chelsea Meggie...(my middle name is Megan, so Meggie rhymes with Chelsea)

2.  Rocket has a fantastic memory...he knows every name of every one ever born, plus if they are still alive.  I on the other hand have a seriously horrible memory!  I can remember pretty much everything about books I have read, but everything else not so much!  I guess my special-ness is that I truly can remember most everything about a book I have read (if I liked it).  I could tell you names, what they looked like, what they were wearing in a certain part of the book, what they said, who is related or not, relationships, other random facts that no one really needs to or should know... Weird huh?

3.  LOL you didn't forget, nice try! :)  She has named her breasts Danger (right) Will Robinson (Left).  She also named her ovaries, but hasn't told us yet what the names are...they don't get out much :)  I haven't ever named any of my body parts...but maybe I will :)

4.  Cookie is hilarious.  I don't know what my reaction would be, I mean if someone told be I see dead people, they walk through me cuz I'm The Grim Reaper...oh and I know every language in the whole world...I would probably seize too!

5.  The first time I read this book, I was like oh my gosh who is it, who could it be...but this time around it is almost a duh...probably cuz I already know who it is...lol. I would say that I think he is super double dipped fudge extra whip, extra cherries, with sprinkles served over melting ice cream next to cheesecake drizzled with chocolate syrup...yummy!!

Reaper Read-Along

I am reading along with other Bloggers, First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones!

Question for first week:

1.  Ch 1 – We meet some of Charley’s ghostly “buddies,” do you believe you have ever had a ghostly encounter?

2.  Ch 2 – Charley named her jeep Misery.  Have  you ever named your vehicles?  What did you name them?

3.  Ch 3 – Charley says her name “…brooks no opposition. It takes shit from no one.”  What do you think your name says about you to strangers?  Is there a different name that you think would suit you better?

4.  Ch 4 – Charley says her best friend Cookie is “like Kramer from Seinfeld, only not so nervous, like Kramer might have been on Prozac.”  Give us your best description of your best friend.  How would they would describe you?

5.  Ch 5 – Garrett is reluctant to believe in Charley’s abilities, how would you react if a friend divulged to you that they can see and speak with the dead?

Answers for first week:

1.  Yes, I believe I have.  When I lived in Colorado a few years ago my ex and I were watching a show and all of a sudden the room went dark (the lights were already off but the tv went off) then plain as day both him and I saw a ghostly female figure float from our laundry room to our kitchen.  It was crazy weird! Then that night I woke in the middle of the night and I thought there was a guy standing over me with a knife, it was super scary, my ex woke me up and I was totally freaked!!  They quit after that, so who knows!

2. I have never named a vehicle, but I did name my old iPhone Bob, my new iPhone Charles, and my laptop Mac (not very original considering it is a Mac, but it fits)

3.  I love my name!  I think it tells people that I am a great listener and I am there for them...which tends to be what happens when people meet me, they automatically want to talk!

4.  My best friend is a lot like me.  We are both pretty chill.  The main difference is she has all the crazy ideas and like a crazy person, I go along with all of them...sometimes not so good!

5.  Hmmm this is a hard one, maybe I would be a little skeptical, but then I would at least play along.  Once I realize they are dead (hee hee) serious, I would shrug and say alright lets talk with come ghosts!