Book Review: Bearing It All by Vonnie Davis

Bearing It All is a contemporary romance, and the third installment in the Highlander's Beloved series by Vonnie Davis. In the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, shape-shifter Ronan Matheson is running free when a desperate woman parachutes out of the sky, directly onto his furry, powerful chest. Instead of clawing her to death, Ronan's inner bear longs to keep her safe. Once he's back in human form, Ronan is amused by the mysterious beauty's fearless attitude, and tempted by her expertly toned physique. But what could she possibly be doing in this isolated stretch of the Highlands? French intelligence agent Anisa Brosseau never imagined she'd be on the CIA's bad side, until she's framed for treason and forced to flee in a stolen drone. Hiding out in a remote cabin, Anisa just needs some time to clear her name. What she doesn't need is a brooding, muscle-bound Scot in a skimpy kilt to drive her crazy with lust. But when Anisa's enemies come knocking on his door, Ronan calls on a secret weapon to protect his turf and the bonny lass he's come to love.

Bearing It All is a fun romance. I know I have read one of the other books in this series, but I think that they can all stand well on their own.  Ronan is a strong man, with strong family bonds, lingering pain from his father's early death, and a need to protect any that he consider part of his family. Anisa is an equally strong woman, with a unique skill set and a strong sense of honor. She has been betrayed by people she trusted, and perhaps the government that she worked for, and is doing everything in her power to make it right.  I liked the interactions between Anisa and Ronan, as well as the complications that Brother Bear adds to the mix. There were several scenes that had me laughing out loud, and I really enjoyed some of the ways Ronan tries to hide his other half. I did think the aspect of the story that has them meeting years ago was a little contrived, but it made the jump into intimacy a little less rushed overall. The continued troubles caused by operatives, and the intrusion of real life kept things interesting. I will admit that by the end I was in a little bit of a hurry for the happy ever after, but was satisfied and humored when it was delivered.

Bearing It All is another win for fans of Davis. If you like strong characters, men in kilts, shifters, or high danger romance then you will enjoy this read. 

Book Review: Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is a middle grade novel with a Gothic or horror feel to it. Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate.There's plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is; a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is a story with mystery, adventure, and a little magic. Serafina does not know much about anything outside her daily life of hiding in the shadow and hunting the rats that try to call Biltmore their home. She knows nothing about her mother, or why she and her father secretly live in the basement. When she sees the man in the black cloak take a girl she begins searching for answers, not just about what happen to the girl but also about herself. Serafina and Braeden are characters that see themselves as ‘other’ and some of their friendship finds root in that, but they are both interesting characters on their own. I found myself deeply invested in both children’s lives, and interested in their history. I enjoyed the unfolding of Serafina’s history, though not all of it surprised me. I was disappointed that we did not get more about Braeden and some of the side characters did not get a solid resolution as far as I was concerned. I was enthralled with the read, and enjoyed it. The lack of small bits of resolution just left me hoping that Beatty would revisit the Biltmore, since this story concluded but left plenty of room for more adventure.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is an engaging middle grade read with a good balance of mystical and coming of age themes. I think this will be a popular read for many.

Early Book Review: Bound by Sin by Jacquelyn Frank

Bound by Sin is the third book in the Immortal Brothers series by Jacquelyn Frank. It is currently scheduled foresees on September 29 2015. This is a series I highly recommend to read in order, although the love stories of each book do stand alone, it is the bigger story of the struggles the brothers face that require reading as a series.

After being chained to a star to burn endlessly as punishment for stealing immortality from the gods, Jaykun has been unshackled to wage war alongside his brothers. But each night Jaykun must still suffer, his body burning from the inside out. One early morning, recovering from his torment, he encounters a beautiful stranger on the beach. Naked from her midnight-black hair down to her sandy toes, she approaches him with starry-eyed innocence and the unmistakable full body of a woman. His brothers fear he is blinded by her radiant beauty, that she has been sent by their enemies to seduce and destroy him. Jileana is indeed from another world, one Jaykun cannot begin to imagine. But will their passion burn brightly enough to light their way through the darkness that threatens to consume all in its path?

Bound by Sin is a goods continuation of the story, however I will admit that it was long enough since reading the previous book that I did not initially remember the particulars of how Jaykun joined his brothers. Thankfully, the story gets down to the nitty gritty pretty quickly. Jaykun and Jileana meet pretty quickly, and their attraction and agreement comes about with little trouble. Jillian is all wonder and wide eyed innocence, obviously different. Jaykun does not trust easily, and both wants to protect those around him and his own heart. While trying to gather control of the city he and his brothers have just won, the relationship between the two grows. Journeying to Jileana’s home adds a new level of conflict and danger to the mix. The pairing worked well for me, but I will admit that once they got to Jileana’s home the names got confusing, and some things got either too simple or complicated- they just did not work for me as well as I had hoped. I did still enjoy the read, it just did not hold up to me high standards for the author.

Bound by Sin is not my favorite of the series, but the set up at the end gives me high hopes for the forth. Even though I prefer the other books in the series so far, this book still had some really good moments and is worth the read, particularly for Frank fans.  

Book Review: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris

Midnight Crossroad is the first book in the Midnight, Texas series by Charlaine Harris. The audio book version is narrated by Susan Bennet. If you remember, I read the second book in this series, Day Shift, first and promised to go back and read the first. I am very glad I did. 

Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It's a pretty standard dried-up western town. There's a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There's a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there's new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he's found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own). Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. That is far from the truth.

Midnight Crossroad made me happy very quickly. The set up for the tiny town, which appears to be a boring and dried up Texas town is a slow build up. Everyone in the town has some secrets and a past they do not want to share. Bobo is just about the most normal character in the town, and he has his own secrets. His grandfather was a white supremacists whose actions have lead those of similar mindset looking for Bobo in search of weapons. Harris fans will see references to the Shakespeare series in Bobo’s backstory (which made me very, very happy). Manfred is Bobo’s newest tenant- and our connection to the Harper Connelly series (and Sookie for that matter). He is a psychic looking for a quiet town and a place that does not ask questions. He has found that in Midnight, but he has also found many questions he wants to ask, but should not. After Manfred gets settled in a bit the trouble comes to town. Bobo’s missing girlfriend is found dead and the hunt for the murderer is on. Outsiders suspect Bobo, but no one in Midnight believes it. Readers and Manfred discover more about this town and its inhabitants than any of those inhabitants might like but answers are found. This has a closer feel to many of Harris’s mysteries than her Sookie series, so readers that became disenchanted with her writing towards the end of Sookie’s run- and after watching any True Blood- will be released with this new series.

A few caveats here. I am not sure who exactly the main character of this series is, although I think it is the town. Readers that do not handle reading books that switch between several points of view will be frustrated here. While this keeps the reader on their toes, it can be very frustrating. Most of the characters are given equal weight, and sketchy pasts. I think the only exception here Is Madonna and Teacher- I have yet to see much about their history. I think rendering the second first book was actually a good thing in this case, because I had a good grasp on who the main players were before I even started. 

Midnight Crossroad is the opening mystery to a series that could be fantastic. I am going to keep reading this series. I still want to know more about these characters, their town, and why they found themselves in Midnight. The changing points of view can be frustrating, but in a series that depends so much on secrets it just might be necessary.  

Book Review: Wolfguy by Kazumasa Hirai

Wolfguy is a novel by the late Kazumasa Hirai and translated to English by Edward Lipsett.  Akira Inugami is a transfer student who shows up at the troubled school ruled by a son of mobster. Despite the violence from gang boys, Akira Inugami doesn't resist at all. Despite beatings he keeps returning to school unscathed.  He is a wolfguy, a werewolf that heals quickly and is very hard to kill. When things escalate the gang  attacks his the teacher that has shown him respect and care. Their filthy behavior fuels the wolf's anger.

Wolfguy is both more and less than I expected. The story is much more complex than a simple summary can express. the point of view varies between Akira, the teach in question, and occasionally other characters. It is easy to follow, but I expect readers that are not familiar with the culture and folklore of the region would have a little trouble getting into the story. I have spent a significant about of time watching television and reading literature from Japan, so I fell into the world fairly easily. The corruption and politics involved in schools- and the need to save face is important to the set up of how the school got to be in the state readers (and Akira) find it in. The story, and the environment are all well described and the action is very well told. However, while I could picture the action, environment, and characters it all felt a little flat. Part of this could have been the trouble of translating and that I thought this would be a graphic novel (only because of the cover, I admit I did not read much about the book before requesting it).

Wolfguy is a solid story with significant action and great ideas. I found the actual writing to fall a little flat, but the ideas and action it convoyed to be interesting. I think this is more because of my personal preferences and translation rather than a reflection on the original work. Readers with some knowledge of Japanese culture might enjoy it more than others. 

Book Review: The Creeps: Book 1: Night of the Frankenfrogs by Chris Schweizer

The Creeps: Book 1: Night of the Frankenfrogs is a children's graphic novel by Chris Schweizer. It was scheduled for release on August 11 2015. In Pumpkins County, weird things happen every day, but nobody ever makes a fuss. Nobody, that is, except the Creeps: Carol, a big-city girl new to Pumpkins County, who finds kindred spirits in Mitchell (monster expert), Jarvis (military brat with logistics know-how), and Rosario (girly girl on the outside, muscle underneath). The Creeps are on the case to figure out the spooky mysteries and still get to class on time. Last week it was a pudding monster. This week, it’s killer frogs—reanimated from the team’s biology class dissection experiment. Who’s behind the Frankenfrog attacks? The Creeps will track down the answers!

Frankenfrogs is a fun and freaky graphic novel about misfits in the school that are the only ones that seem to acknowledge the strange things that happening their school, and the town. The group of friends is ready to take on the challenges that come with facing the less than typical school problems they have to face, but could do without the bullying and punishments they need to serve because of the solutions they find to deal with the odd problems they deal with. When the frogs intended for dissection end up reanimated and attacking the group of friends are on a mission to stop them, and discover who is behind the attack. The story is crazy and more than a little out there- which I liked. It is fun and has characters that I liked because of their strangeness. There is little consequence for the evil doer, and that all adds to the wackiness of the story. It is fast paced, full of witty dialogue, and has artwork that really brings the whole story to life.

The only thing that really bothered me might not really bother others. I felt like there was a book before this one, something I missed. The story starts with the creeps and the school dealing with the aftermath of the evil pudding monster- but there is no explanation of that encounter or whey the group is dubbed "the Creeps". I just shrugged it off and tried to move on, but it still rather irks me.

Frankenfrogs is a graphic novel that is creep and funny. It is full of wacky characters, action and humor that will appeal to many young readers that love monsters, fun, and graphic novels. I think my son would love the book. 

Early Book Review: Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank

Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank is the final chapter in the Nightwalkers saga. It is currently scheduled for release on August 25 2015.  If you have not read the previous books in the series, do not start here. bonus points go to readers that have read other series by Frank, as you will see everything come together!

Kamen is a Bodywalker, an ancient soul reborn in one human host after another. He’s also a prisoner of his own kind and his own guilt because he is the one that released Apep, the deadly god who threatens the existence of their world. He just might have found a way to defeat Apep, but first he needs to convince the other nations of the Nightwalkers to set aside their centuries-old conflicts and band together. If he fails, all will be lost. Kamen makes first contact with a stunning, ghostly pale beauty named Geneviève. Part Wraith and part human, Viève shares the hunger for redemption and for connection. Her scintillating touch holds the kiss of death, and yet it makes Kamen feel more alive than ever. They find comfort, lust, and redemption in each other. However, they cannot lose site of the need to unite all the Nightwalkers and fast because Apep is ready for war.

Nightwalker tells the story I have wanted since first meeting the Bodywalkers, Kamen's story and redemption. he is filled with guilt, and redeems himself with hard work and putting the good of the world above his own safety at every turn. Vieve has always been looked down upon because she is a halfbreed, and finds acceptance and understanding in Kamen, who does not lie or mince words. the combination and quick attraction between them was very well done. As a whole i liked the book and that many questions were answered. Nightwalker brought all the Nightwalker races that we have met via Frank together in a single book. I think every character I have ever read about from her paranormal romances makes an appearance or gets a mention here. However, I was disappointed with the end, because there are still many questions and lives left hanging. I full expect a new, related series, to begin soon to pick up where this left off.

Nightwalker did a good job or wrapping up the Bodywalker story arc, but I think billing it as the conclusion of the larger series is a wee bit misleading. There are many newly discovered characters and stories that now need to be given some kind of closure. If you were hoping for a big splashy end, you do get the battle you are expecting. However, there are still many puzzle pieces not in their place and I am sure there will be a new series in the near future to wrap them up, or at least I hope so.

Early Book Review: Wolf Trouble by Paige Tyler

Wolf Trouble is the second book in the SWAT series by Paige Tyler. It is currently scheduled for release on August 4 2015. There's never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way, but only because a woman might through the group of alpha werewolves into a tailspin. Thankfully, Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.  When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn't know what the heck to do. Worse, she's put under his command and Xander's protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it's almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other.

Wolf Trouble is a solid follow up to Hungry Like the Wolf. Xander is a gruff but good hearted guy. He knows woman can do anything guys can, but the instant attraction he feels for Khaki sends him reeling and acting like a chauvinistic pig, Khaki is just trying to fit in and prove her meddle while ignoring her attraction to Xander.  As you might have guessed, this attraction denial does not go well, it never does. Add in some on the job training, tough assignments, and an insane ex and we have a wild ride and some serious action. I liked the characters, and the mythology of this werewolf series. I like that while it holds some familiar ground (serious alpha males and paranormal skills) there is a learning curve for the participants of the story as well as the reader.

If you enjoyed Hungry Like the Wolf then you will like Wolf Trouble. If you have not read the first you could still enjoy this book, but reading in order gives you a better grasp of the pack and secondary characters. A solid, fun read for a weekends enjoyment.

 

Book Review: Love in a Time of Monsters by Teresa Yea

Love in a Time of Monsters is the first book in the Golden Age of Monsters series by Teresa Yea. This new adult novel has romance, adventure, and a is darker than most new adult novels that I have seen since the genre was labeled. It takes place in 1867, one that is different than any you will read about in the history books.

When Rob Stevenson’s brother is killed,and eaten, his world is shattered by a monster infestation. Determined to keep his village safe, Rob's first duty as laird involves hiring a professional hunter. As the sole survivor of a massacre in the Congo, Catriona Mornay is rumored to have lost her mind in the jungle. In Edinburgh’s gas-lit streets, Cat’s skill as a hunter is unmatched. Her reputation as a killer of unnatural creatures, legendary. Faced with a rising body count, Rob takes a chance on Cat, hoping that somewhere inside this tortured yet charismatic girl is the hero he’s been searching for. But in this shadow realm of secrets, lies, and underworld crime, their lives overlap in more ways than one. And in an age where harpies flock the sky and serpents rule the sea, it’s even possible for a boy and his hunter to fall in love. But can their love survive in a time of monsters?

Love in a Time of Monsters was nothing I expected. I picked it up because I loved the cover, it is simply gorgeous. The story is multilayered and darker than I expected from the cover and description, but it was well thought out and executed. Rob has always been sickly, and the loss of his brother puts him in a position he never expected to hold- Lord of the manor. With his young sister and supportive and loving staff he struggles to maintain order and protect his people, which ultimately requires the help of a hunter. Cat has monsters to battle, both in the real world and in her head. she struggles to quiet them all, and ends up causing more damage to herself and those closest to her than she might expect. The story is full of twists, surprises, some gore, and coincidences. I loved some of the secondary characters and literary references that thread there way through the story. even when I struggled with the story, mainly because i was in the mood for lighter fare when I picked up the book, those threads kept me going.

I would recommend Love in a Time of Monsters to readers that like something different, do not mind some gore, and can handle emotionally distant characters. While it did not fit my expectations or desire for the moment- it is still an exciting and unique book that many will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: I'm with Cupid by Anna Staniszewski

I'm with Cupid is the first book in a new middle grade to young adult series, Switched at First Kiss, by Anna Staniszewski. It is currently schedule for release on July 7th 2015. When she's dared to kiss the adorkable Marcus Torelli at a party, Lena thinks it's the perfect opportunity to cross First Kiss off her list of "Things to Accomplish Before I Turn Fourteen." The spark she feels during the kiss is an added bonus, or so she thinks. It's only when she gets sent on an assignment the next day that she realizes something is wrong. That ZING she felt was not just the thrill of her first kiss, she and Marcus have swapped powers! Lena is not your average eighth grader; she's a soul collector with a serious job to do. And Marcus turns out to be a supernatural matchmaker (like Cupid, but without the diaper). Now logical Lena finds herself with the love touch, and sweet, sentimental Marcus has death at his fingertips.

I'm with Cupid is a great start to a new series. I love Lena's no nonsense approach to the world, an attitude that has been shaped by her family. Marcus is a sweet and adorably awkward tween dealing with a completely different set of family dynamics. I liked the realistic way the pair are tentative around each other as they face their first relationship, changes at home, and dealing with the crisis of their switched powers. I really liked how much each of the characters grew as they came to understand important things about themselves and life because of everything going on around them. I am really looking forward to finding out what lies in store for this pair as their story continues.

I'm with Cupid is a delightfully fun story about two extraordinary kids facing normal, and less than normal, problems. I think most tween and young teen readers will relate to the book in some way, and be entertained, and older readers will also enjoy the book on several levels. A good, fun read that I think will be a hit for this years summer reading. 

Book Review: Day Shift by Charlaine Harris

Day Shift is the second book in the Midnight, Texas series  by Charlaine Harris. Somehow, when I requested this book from Netgalley I missed that it was a sequel.  While I do feel like I missed some background story, I was able to fully enjoy the novel even without having read the first book (which I have downloaded from audible and will be listening to soon).

There is no such thing as bad publicity, except in Midnight, Texas, where the residents like to keep to themselves. Even in a town full of secretive people, Olivia Charity is an enigma. She lives with the vampire Lemuel, but no one knows what she does; they only know that she’s beautiful and dangerous. Psychic Manfred Bernardo finds out just how dangerous when he goes on a working weekend to Dallas and sees Olivia there with a couple who are both found dead the next day. To make matters worse, one of Manfred’s regular, and very wealthy, clients dies during a reading. Manfred returns from Dallas embroiled in scandal and hounded by the press. He turns to Olivia for help; somehow he knows that the mysterious Olivia can get things back to normal. As normal as things get in Midnight.

Day Shift is set in the universe of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, and there are some character crossovers, but it is a tiny Texas town. the cast of characters follows with Harris's tradition of detailed and unusual characters which each carry their own mix of good and bad while deifying most stereotyping. Manfred is the key to this novel, although it does alternate between a few different viewpoints as the story progresses.  He is being accused of stealing a now deceased client's jewelry by her obsessive son. At the same time a new hotel and elderly housing unit opens in a formally empty hotel, and a strangely fast growing boy joins the town's population. This is a town that likes its peace and quiet, and all of this attention and additional people are putting them on edge. Can they solve the mystery of how Manfred's client died as well as where her missing jewelry might be while unraveling the intentions and consequences of recent changes in town.

Day Shift is a book that Harris fans will enjoy.  While Sookie fans will like seeing some of their favorite secondary characters from the series pop up, I liked the more mystery and suspense feel that was more reminiscent of her more mystery heavy series. I was a little put out with the lack of answers to questions raised, but I am hoping that the next book will handle at least some of them. I look forward to listening to the first book in the series, and following the story as it continues on.

Early Book Review: Her Wild Hero by Paige Tyler

Her Wild Hero by Paige Tyler is a paranormal romance with a suspense or military leaning. This is the third book in the X-Ops series, and scheduled for release on May 5 2015. Declan MacBride is a bear shifter that has some trouble accepting the more animalistic side of himself. After a bad romantic experience he has been craving one woman for years, but she does not seem to know he exists. Kendra Carlsen is that woman, and she is sent of with Declan’s crew to the jungles of Costa Rica on her very first field mission. Unfortunately, the mission that is supposed to be boring does not go well. They are ambushed. In the midst of relying on each other to survive, and fighting his explosive attraction to Kendra, this shifter is about to lose control.

While Her Wild Hero is the third book in a series I felt like I caught up to speed with the larger story pretty quickly. However, because I liked the characters so much I am interested in going back to see what happened in the previous books. So, do not let the lack of back story stop you, just dive on in. Declan and Kendra are both complex characters with some history that is covered quite well in this book. I love a multi dimensional character that is willing to notice their own lacking, not just faults in others.  Declan has some serious issues about his own value beyond the field, while Kendra has more field experience and nerves than he was quite ready to deal with. The combination of those issues with the high action and danger level was just about perfect. I was a little disappointed in a few moments of decision making on both their parts, but the story as a whole was fast paced, exciting, and came together very well.

I would recommend Her Wild Hero to readers that like high action romance, especially is you like a little paranormal twist. I have read other books by Tyler, and if you have enjoyed anything by her you will like this as well. Her quality seems to be very consistent thus far. 

Book Review: Changeless (Parasol Protectorate, #2) by Gail Carriger

Changeless is the second book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. Alexia Maccon, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears; leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria. But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. So even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

I enjoyed Changeless both more and less than the first book, Soulless. While I was glad to see some serious character growth and a few more familiar names from the Finishing School series, I felt a little disappointed in that I saw the big surprise at the end of the book coming, although Alexia’s surprise at the reveal was priceless. The mystery of what the supernatural plague of “humanity” is and how it works is solid, and the introduction of new characters intriguing, I felt like there was a bit too much left unresolved at the end. The of course simply had my overeager for the next installment rather than really angry.

The Parasol Protectorate series is my favorite kind of literary candy. The story is fun, exciting, and often unexpected. I love that Alexia and her varied friends and companions offer highly entertaining dialogue (both shared and internal) that often has my chuckling or rolling my eyes at the less intelligent characters. I have already started listening to the audiobook of the third book, Blameless, and love the reader’s talent. I almost wish I had listened from the beginning, because the voices and inflections she uses adds a special quality to the story. I love it!

I highly recommend Changeless and the entire Parasol Protectorate series to everyone that enjoys a fun and unique read. The combination of wit, paranormal characters, steampunk, and suspense is very well done. 

Book Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless is the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger.  Alexia Tarabotti is not your average girl. She has no soul, she is also a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. When she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette, she triggers an investigation with the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf). With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart? 

Soulless  is a fun blend of paranormal romance with mystery and steampunk. The character development of Alexia and the world building done are both perfectly paced. Alexia is practical and smart, with little fear and much curiosity. While she does lack some important desire for self preservation, her willingness to investigate is what gets the reader so personally invested in the adventure. Lord Maccon and the rest of the other characters made me laugh and had me grinding my teeth in turn. I liked that even the most seemingly stereotypical character was anything but. While I did expect one of the little twists, the execution and following drama was oh so worth it.  It was just such an engaging, fun read that I already have the next book ready to go and waiting for my attention.

Okay, I am officially now a fan girl for Gail Carriger. I adored the world of the Finishing School series, and just had to go back and read this series, which started it all. I have to say, that the Parasol Protectorate series promises to be even better. Go, read, now.

Book Review: Of Shadow and Stone by Michelle Muto

Of Shadow and Stone by Michelle Muto is a gothic or paranormal fantasy. Gargoyles were created centuries ago to protect mankind but something went horribly wrong. Now only the sentinel, a mortal chosen to control the stone beasts, stands between them and their human prey. Kate Mercer is destined to be the next sentinel. But she has a skyrocketing film career, a delusional ex-boyfriend, and a crazed stalker who will stop at nothing to get to her. However, Kate is transported to Shadow Wood, a mysterious castle that serves as a sanctuary for the supernatural. Shadow Wood is beautiful but no safe place for a mere mortal. Yet Kate is drawn not only to the gargoyles but also to Ian McGuire, a charming novelist who might be in the greatest danger of all.

Of Shadow and Stone is a novel with a little bit of everything. There is a gothic feel to the whole story, with mysterious people and creatures that have even more mysterious intentions. Readers first meet Declan, the Lord of the Netherworld looking fore a replacement sentential. He thought his friends and author Ian might be the perfect candidate- but he has a different fate in store for him. Kate is the chosen sentinel, if she will accept the responsibility. Throw in some supernatural creatures running around Shadow Wood, a stalker, and a delusional ex boyfriend and you have a good idea of what this book holds in its pages. Despite the number of intense things happening, and the variety of viewpoints the story is told from, you still get characters that are multidimensional and some serious suspense. It was an intriguing read, and one I was afraid to look away from because I might miss something. I still feel a bit like if I go back and read it again I will get more from the book, and perhaps a completely different story.

I would highly recommend Of Shadow and Stone to readers that enjoy paranormal fiction and gothic stories. While there is a romance tied up in the story, it does not over shadow the suspense and supernatural aspects of the story. A great read for those that feel like they are trapped in a rut, or keep reading the same basic story over and over. This is something different and unique.