Mysterious Saturday Review: Storm Front

Derrick Storm's been given an assignment from the CIA - an assignment chasing a man he believed to be dead for years. When several dead bankers turn up tortured - Storm realizes Volkov's behind everything.

He chases the dead bodies from Paris to London and back to US soil. As he races to uncover the clues behind the bodies, he discovers a financial plot that could ruin everyone.

Can Derrick Storm stop Volkov from killing the last banker and gaining access to his evil plot?

My Thoughts: I love Castle - so of course I wanted to read about the character he wrote. I love the TV ties with these books.  Plus, I was genuinely curious about Derrick Storm. The short chapters, plot twists, and multiple perspectives made it hard to put down. I loved all the action - the car chases (especially the one on the New Jersey turnpike), things being blown up, and the confrontations with the bad guys. It read like a fun action flick with some tender moments and some moments of laughter to ease the tension.  I loved the opening line where the gondolier was described as ruggedly handsome. 

Cover Thoughts: Really like it - especially the dark colors.
Source: My Library
Curious: I'm curious to discover who wrote the book - I feel like I've read the author before, but I can't quite place it.
Fun Fact: I even caught my puppy reading it!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Heat Rises

*3rd in the series*

Nikki Heat arrives at a crime scene to find the body of a priest in a very unlikely place.

She's dealing with a boss who's starting to question her judgement when his own behavior is raising red flags. She's dealing with unhappy co-workers. She's dealing with bureaucracy who want to promote her through the ranks.

Nikki's not sure who to trust these days. When information about the case and her Captain is leaked to the press, Nikki Heat is suspended. The day before she threaten to leak that same information. Now she's stuck on the outside without protection.

Nikki can't stay still for long. Soon she's nosing around the case with Jameson Rook. He gets past her defenses. Together, they battle the cold weather and the loose ends of this case, hoping they can put it all together before something happens to them.

My Thoughts: I really love this TV tie in idea as I LOVE these books. It combines the characters of the show, but also makes the slightly different. I love the action, the suspense, and the romance between Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook. I love Nikki's determination, her toughness, and her strength. I love Roach - her two main co-workers. I hope this series continues for a long time.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Review: The Marked - a Talents novel (2)

Dancia chose Delcroix and now she’s being initiated into the Program. She’s the youngest member invited to join the Program. Now that Dancia has taken her vows, she expects to learn more about the Program.

All she discovers is more secrets and more questions she wants answered.

She hates having to keep her training a secret from Hennie and Esther. She doesn’t get to see them much as she spends most of her free time with her hot boyfriend Cam. She misses them.

Danica still gets snarky remarks from Anna, only now they’ve turned a little more threatening. Anna’s convinced that Dancia is in league with rogue cells – kids who were let go from the Program. They’re causing trouble and the Watchers are trying to put a stop to it. Dancia’s just learning about the rogue cells. But there is one things she’s guilty of…Jack’s been calling her. He planting seeds of doubt into her head. Did she really make the right decision when she pledged herself to the Program?

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love the boarding school atmosphere. I love the questions that pop up in Dancia’s mind. I admit that I’m turning towards liking Cam more than I did in the first book. I’m sorry about Jack because I really was rooting for him in the first book. I loved the parts about Dancia’s training – how they don’t really know what to do, how they don’t know how powerful she might be, and how she’s can manipulate the earth. I love how paranormal powers and boarding school are woven together- it's a winning combination.

Cover Thoughts: I like the new cover look - it's spooky and eerie

Here's the new cover for the first book to match:

Source: From the author – thanks Inara!

Adult Review: Witches of East End

A mother and two daughters have their world changed one summer. As a family of witches, this rarely happens. They've been living amongst the people for so long not using magic that they've become almost normal.

Still, something in the summer air makes them perform magic once again.

Freya becomes engaged, but is drawn to her fiance's brother. She uses her magic at her bar-tending job to help create love matches.

Ingrid, a librarian, uses her magic to help a friend become pregnant. Soon she starts helping women who stop by the library on her lunch hour.

Joanne uses her magic to entertain a delightful young boy. She also can bring people back from the dead and brings back a dear friend's husband.

When one girl disappears from the bar, one woman's husband hangs himself, and one man dies, the Beauchamp women appear to be in trouble both with the supernatural world and with the police. Are their powers causing trouble?

My Thoughts: I really liked the cross-over with the Blue Bloods series. I enjoyed watching favorite characters come into the novel. I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I loved it. On the other hand, while I really wanted to like Frey, I hated her actions. It's just my personal taste, but I don't like characters who cheat on their partners. It made me put the book down for a bit. Upon picking it up again, I found myself turning the pages quickly engrossed in the novel. I adored seeing Ingrid at work - loved that she was a librarian. The book moved right along. I loved uncovering the relationships and the pasts of the Beauchamp women. I loved the mysterious happenings in town and how the three witches worked together to solve them. I'm quite looking forward to the next book in the series, which according to GoodReads - the title is The Serpent's Kiss.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting

Source: Hyperion

Review: Royal Treatment

*Second book in the Princess for Hire series - some spoilers*

Desi has a unique ability of magic, which lead her to a job at Facade.

After her jobs at the first level, Desi must become complete her BEST (Betterment of Elite Sub Training). She must become competent in classical music, courtly dances from the 18th and 19th century, history of French royalty, 18th century art and architecture, and public speaking. After she masters these skills before she can become a level 2 substitute.

Her first assignment after her promotion relieves a 13 year-old Princess of a social obligation. Millie has no desire to attend any function where Lord Gavin also in attendance. Things don't go according to plan and Desi's forced not only in talking with Gavin, but also dancing with him. Desi hopes the Princess won't be to unhappy with her.

As Desi performs more BEST, she learns more about Facade. She's not sure agrees with Facade's stand. Desi can't argue with the perks of the job. As the company's rumored to go through a massive transition, she can't help but wonder what direction the company will take and who will be left standing.

My Thoughts: I LOVE this series, which starts with Princess for Hire. I Love the magic. I love the Princesses and how Desi has to insert herself into their lives. I love Facade and learning more about this awesome company. (Do they have any openings?). I love Desi and how she changes her world (and often gets into trouble). I love the romance. I wish the ending hadn't just ended - because I want more!

Cover Thoughts: Cute! I really like it! It looks older and I'm a sucker for girls in pretty dresses

Source: My Library

Review: Demonglass

*** Spoilers from Hex Hall - don't read unless you're read Hex Hall! *****
After last year's crazy semester year Sophie's father is coming to Hex Hall. Sophie's nervous. She's never met her father, plus he's the head of the magical council. He arrives just in time to see her survive yet another catastrophe - one that put her life in danger, again.

After witnessing what demon's can do, Sophie's determined to have her powers removed. However as head of the Council, her father must agree to the procedure. He's not giving her permission - instead he's taking her to England for the summer.

This time together will be a chance for father/daughter bonding time as well as a chance for Sophie to learn more about herself. Sophie prepares for an easy summer with her BFF Jenna (a vampire) by her side. She's blindsided by the knowledge that someone's raising demons for weapons and that her ex-crush Archer can't stay away from her, even if it means putting his life in danger.

My Thoughts: An entertaining and engrossing read that kept me on the edge of me seat for most of the book. I loved the plot twists, the romance triangle, the layers of magic and knowledge, and Sophie's snark and wit. I loved watching the relationship develop between Sophie and her father. Warning: Holy Cliffhanger ending - this book ends at a very interesting point. I'm dying for book 3 already!

Cover Thoughts: I love these cover - but they really don't match the book AT ALL - still beautiful

Source: My Library

Review: Darlings Are Forever

Jane, Victoria, and Natalya have all gone to the same school together their whole lives. High school is starting and they will each be on their own. Each is not sure how she'll survive without her other BFFs.

Jane's attending The Academy for Performing Arts where she'll concentrate on her acting.

Victoria is attending the same school where her almost perfect sister just barely graduated.

Natalya is attending Gainsford Academy for uber smart students like herself.

Separately they must navigate the halls of high school on their own. Their motto, May you always do what you're afraid of doing, might get them into hot water. Jane auditions for a production on the main stage, where almost no freshman gain admittance. Victoria tries to deal with her father's new career choice in politics and how it changes her life, especially her love life. Natalya struggles to fit into a crowd, maybe even the popular crowd if they will have her. As these girls

My Thoughts: I devoured this book. I loved the relationship between the three BFFs. I liked watching them branch out and bloom at their various high schools. Their growth from their struggles apart impacted their friendship as they changed. They dealt with love, new friends, loyalty, finding yourself, staying true to yourself, betrayal, and no fear. I'm already looking forward to The Darlings in Love

Cover Thoughts: I really like it!
Read the Cover Story from Melissa Walker's awesome blog series. She talks about YA book covers and their story about once a week. I highly recommend them!

Source: my library

Similar Read: The Daughters

Review Bloody Valentine

Three short stories:

Oliver finds himself longing for Schuyler. He knows that she's gone possibly forever and yet...he's in so much pain. He can't get her out of his head. Then he meets Freya. She might have the power to break the bond between Oliver and Schuyler.

Allegra doesn't feel right after what happened in Florence. At the moment, Charles is her twin brother. In this world, a twin brother with a crush on you doesn't fit in. Allegra cares for Charles, but she feels no longer worthy of his love. Instead, out of guilt and anger she pushes him away. Matters don't improve when she starts spending time with Ben.

Schuyler and Jack have been waiting for their bonding - waiting for the time when they will truly belong to each other. Schuyler wants everything to be perfect. She searches for the right dress to make the occasion perfect. There's one thing missing from her big day: her friends. Jack goes to great lengths to reach out to her friends in hopes they will join the couple. But Schuyler's great wish could also be her downfall.

My Thoughts: I love this series and seeing more from my favorite characters made me happy. I enjoy the merging of the past and present which leads to understand more of the present. The three stories made this for a very quick, but satisfying read.

Cover Thoughts: Very bright and intriguing

Source: my library

Next Up: A adult novel with some Blue Bloods cross over characters: Very creepy eyes on the cover. Actually both covers look a bit similar to me. I wonder if Freya will be one of the witch characters... Looking forward to this read.

Review: Red Pyramid

Kane has a strange family life. His mother died in an accident that ripped apart his family. Now he travels around the world with his father, an Egyptian archaeologist, while his sister lives in London with their grandparents. Kane and his father only see Sadie twice a year.

This year, something strange occurs moments into their visit. Their father visits the British Museum. First he makes excuses to the curator and then he instructs his children to stay in another room, no matter what happens. However, they investigate when they hear the noise and witness their father blowing up the Rosetta Stone.

When the stone blows up, he disappears but unleashes five powerful Egyptian Gods. Kane and Sadie discover their unique heritage includes blood of the past pharaohs. Only they have the power to stop the gods from creating chaos all over the world. However, not everyone wants the gods to remain dormant thus Kane and Sadie find peril at every turn. Can they gather the knowledge needed to stop these powerful beings or will the world be doomed?

My Thoughts: I really liked this start to a new series by Rick Riordan. The only part I didn't like was the set-up. I'm not a fan of narrators talking directly to readers and I know this form set the book up like finding a recording, but it did annoy me. I loved the mythology and learning more about Egypt. I loved the visual descriptions of this book; I could see everything pictured in my mind. I'm already looking forward to the next installment.

The Cover: I like it.

Source: My Library

Similar Read: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott for the mythological creatures and magical battle

Review: Princess for Hire

Desi hates her current job, especially when her ex-best friend stops by with the boy she's liked forever and humiliates her. She breaks down in the break room after the experience. Her boss invites her to make a wish with his lucky blue fish. Desi wishes to make a difference. She drags herself home that night and into a bubble bath where she reads the wanted ads looking for another job.

She spots a unique ad - that sparkles. As she's reading it, one bubble grows larger and larger until a woman steps out of it. Desi appears to have magical abilities and she might be of service to Princesses around the world.

With a touch of rouge (blush) she looks just like the princesses she's impersonating - princesses who need a little time off. No one knows Desi isn't the real deal. Her first assignment comes quickly to a mousy princess. Desi steps in and makes some decisions that could change both their lives. In making key choices does she over step her bounds? Will her unique way in helping her charges become the new thing or strikes against her?

My Thoughts: The first book in a new series - sweet, fun and entertaining. As a character - Desi grows with each new task set before her. I fully admit that I LOVE princess books - so I was super excited to read this one and I wasn't disappointed - Very much looking forward to the next books in the series.

The Cover: Reading the book makes me understand it better, but I have to admit I don't love it.

Source: My Library