Book Review: Wrong Side of Hell (DeathSpeaker Codex) by Sonya Bateman

Wrong Side of Hell is the first book in the DeathSpeaker Codex by Sonya Bateman. Hauling dead people around Manhattan is all in a day's work for body mover Gideon Black. He lives in his van, talks to corpses, and occasionally helps the police solve murders. His life may not be normal, but it's simple enough. Until the corpses start talking back. When Gideon accidentally rescues a werewolf in Central Park, he's drawn into the secret world of the Others. Fae, were-shifters, dark magic users and more, all playing a deadly cat-and-mouse game with Milus Dei, a massive and powerful cult dedicated to hunting down and eradicating them all. Then a dead man speaks to him, saying that Milus Dei wants him more than any Other. They'll stop at nothing to capture him and control the abilities he never knew he had. He is the DeathSpeaker. He is the key. And he's not as human as he thought. Life was a whole lot easier when the dead stayed dead.

Wrong Side of Hell is a urban fantasy that strays towards the darker side, but still with flashes or humor and fun. Gideon has had a hard life, and when his normal gig of shuttling dead bodies from crime scenes to the morgue gets stranger thanks to a werewolf and dead bodies talking to him his life spirals out of control. He discovers that the things that go bump in the night are real, and he is at least partially one of those things. He is smart, resourceful, and able to make due without much. I really liked his personal ethics and desire to protect those in need, even werewolves.I enjoyed the character development for Gedeon and a couple of the biggest players- and thought the big bad and conflict were extremely well done.


Wrong Side of Hell is a nice introduction to the series, but I felt like there must have been something that came before this book even though it is a series starter. I wanted more background on the fae players- or at least their species, particularly when things got really interesting. I also feel like Gideon's human companions had more to them than we saw here- and I want more background and active participation from them. I am hoping that this book handles the set up for the larger story arch, and that the later volumes include this more detailed information. In fact, I fully expect that it does and plan on testing the theory. I will let you know when I get there. I am interested to see where this goes.

Book Review: Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of Our Feline Friends by Adrian Searle, Oliver Ninis

Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of our Feline Friends by Adrian Searle and Oliver Ninis is a collection of over eighty cartoons that give readers a glimpse into the minds of their feline companions. Just what is your cat thinking? As it gazes up at you, are those eyes filled with love and admiration or spite and scorn? From the author of the award-winning 101 Uses of a Dead Kindle and If Dogs Could Swear comes a hilarious insight into the twisted, venal, self-serving psychology of our cutest four-legged sociopaths. Catology is a psychiatrist's view of your moggy; a brilliant, unforgettable and twisted look at the many bizarre, ridiculous and instantly recognizable scenarios in which cat owners find their beloved pets every day.

Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of our Feline Friends is a fun and cute collection of cartoons. Some were funnier than others, and some will speak to particular readers more than others. The artwork is done in black and white line drawings, and like the humor some are more appealing than others. I enjoyed the read, some of the cartoons made me chuckle, but others had me shaking my head and moving on to the next page. Occasionally I found the artwork to be less skillful or complete than on other pages. This might be a good gift for some cat lovers, but this cat fan was only mildly amused rather than laughing out loud, which is what I was hoping for.

Book Review: Damned if He Does by Marcella Burnard

Damned if He Does by Marcella Burnard is an urban fantasy romance. Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its perks: an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath. Fiona Renee has the life she’d always wanted: a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. When a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name, the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can answer: What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?

Damned if He Does is an urban fantasy with a strong theme of redemption. Darsonin is an incubus that is fairly content with his lot, until he sees Fiona. Her personality and his inability to seduce her have him obsessed. I love the slow development of friendship between the pair, and how connected they are. Particularly since Dar is all about sex- literally- and Fiona is asexual with no desire to partake. Add in a nosy landlady,  interfering sister, Old Scratch and the hellish contract binding Dar, and so many issues about the past and present that the odds were not in our couple's favor. I really like the conversation and deeper connection between our couple, and while I am not a prude when it comes to love scenes in romance, I love that they actually build a solid connection and sex was not the focus. I really liked that Fiona's sexuality is presented as real, not a gimmick or something to be cured. Dar respects her feelings and desires (or lack there of) even though he craves sex. He appreciates her and the things that bring her joy, rather than seeking his own. This made me very happy.

Damned if He Does is a nice story about love and redemption, with a paranormal twist. I like that Fiona's sexuality was handled candidly and seriously rather than as a gimmick.

Early Book Review: The Duke (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne

The Duke is the forth book in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne and is currently scheduled for release on February 7 2017. The previous books are (in order) The Highwayman, The Hunter, and The Highlander. You do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but the books are all great fun and give series readers a little extra insight on the secondary characters of this story and the missing time of Collin's life. I some how missed reading book two, which I do plan on remedying as soon as possible.


They say that now His Grace, Collin Talmage, Duke of Trenwyth has only one hand, he might finally be a mere mortal, but no one seems willing to test the theory. Rich as Midas, big as a Viking, beautiful as Adonis, and lethal as a feral wolf, he is the English Empire’s golden son. But now he’s lost everything. Most of his family died in a terrible accident, his protégé and closest friend betrayed him on the battlefield, and his left hand was cut off while he was a prisoner of war. The only thing that’s kept him going until now is the memory of a night spent in the arms of a mysterious raven-haired woman almost a year ago. Imogen Pritchard is a nurse by day, but a fallen woman by night. Seduced on the job years ago by a Duke who mourned for the loss of his family, Imogen has never shaken the memory of the man’s despair or the pleasure he brought to her. But as the threat of betrayals, blackmail, and secrets abound, Imogen and Collin are thrown back together in a dizzying swirl of dangerous games.

The Duke covers a good chunk of time, and like the previous Victorian Rebels books features a strong broody male and a woman that has seen some of the worst ills of society and the treatment of women and the poor of their time.  Imogen's struggles to pay off her father's gambling debt lead her to working to jobs to protect what is left of her family. When fate turns against her she takes steps to hide the things she has been forced to do, and to secure her younger sister's future. The fact that she cannot forget the man that took her virtue and than her job despite saving his life makes things even harder. Collin has faced loss and betrayal. He hunts for the woman that granted him peace before a disastrous mission does nothing but offer disappointment. Little does he know that she saved his life and is right next door. The secrets and danger color every exchange and keep things very interesting. I liked the level of intrigue and think that the understanding of both sides of the story make it very compelling. Stubbornness and fear are at the heart of the conflicts between Collin and Imogen- and seeing them find their way to each other was highly entertaining, though very emotional at times. I will admit to not knowing the full extent of who the serial killer was, and that aspect of the story was full of twists and turns. I am interested to see what might be next for one secondary character in particular, and fully expect more in this series.


The Duke is another solid historical romance from Byrne. Readers that are already fans will not want to miss it, and new readers who enjoy romance with secrets and strong characters will become new fans.

Book Review: A Sure Thing (Donnigans) by Marie Harte

A Sure Thing is the first book in the Donnigans series by Marie Harte. It is set in the same area as the McCauley Brothers and Bad Boys Body Shop series. Those that have read all the series will get a little bit more from the read, but it is not necessary to have that background to fully enjoy the read.

The Marine Corps was everything Landon Donnigan ever wanted in life, until a bullet sent him home with a medical discharge. Teaching a self-defense class at the gym is old-hat for a marine, but when he meets sexy Ava Rosenthal, his combat skills are useless for protecting his heart. Ava can take care of herself and likes quiet, bookish men-not muscular warriors who think women need to be coddled. But Landon is more than he seems, and when they come together, the results are explosive.

A Sure Thing is another read from Harte that offers characters with realistic problems and traumas, and the family issues that are just as varied as we find in the real world. Ava is not looking to date anyone that she cannot defend herself against, emotionally or physically. Landon is one of those men, and his arrogant yet sweet pursuit is unexpected for both of them. I like that both characters go into everything with their eyes open, and despite the bumps alone the way tend to talk things out rather than letting misconceptions lie. I really like that they push each other to overcome their issues and take steps in the right direction- but not necessarily pushing each other in ways to benefit themselves. I enjoy the community, and the realistic nature of the relationships- and problems involved. While some of the harder, more traumatic moments, were not fun to read the story and characters were so real and the resolution so satisfying that it just left me eager to see what was in store for the other characters in future books.


A Sure Thing is a quick but emotional read. It fits into the larger picture of the world and families Harte has built in her books. Emotional connections, dealing with traumas, and facing our own anxieties make for heartfelt and realistic stories that stick with the reader long after the book is over. 

Early Book Review: Dan the Biggest Dump Truck by Chris Adams, James Donahower

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck is a picture book written by Chris Adams and illustrated by James Donahower. It is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2017. Dan is the biggest dump truck in the whole wide world. He can fit one hundred elephants in his tipper, and his horn is louder than thunder! Dan wants more than anything to be helpful and work on a construction site, but he’s far too big to help build houses, and he’s even too big to build a bridge. Come ride with Dan in search of new friends and his perfect job. 

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck is a picture book with a story about finding your place and your strengths. Dan is a giant dump trunk, too big for most construction jobs that he finds. However, his persistence pays off and he saves the day wen a big project goes wrong. I think most children, and adults, know what it is like not to fit in, or to be too something to be accepted. Dan feels bad about it, but he does not give up the search for the perfect job. I do not like that he really cannot work at any of the jobs he is turned down for, rather than trying and just not being good at it. I think this gives the idea that it might be okay to exclude someone because they are too something, rather than letting them try, but we are talking construction rather than playground games so hopefully that will not carry over. 

  Dan the Biggest Dump Truck did a good job getting its story across, and the illustrations are nicely matched to the story. However, it did not blow me it. It was good, and will definitely appeal to many young readers, it just did not stand out as spectacular in a market that has been increasingly populated with great picture books.

Book Review: Race the Darkness (Fatal Dreams) by Abbie Roads

Race the Darkness is the first book in the Fatal Dreams series by Abbie Roads. Criminal investigator Xander Stone doesn't have to question you—he can hear your thoughts. Scarred by lightning, burdened with a power that gives him no peace, Xander struggles to maintain his sanity against the voice that haunts him day and night—the voice of a woman begging him to save her. Isleen Walker has long since given up hope of escape from the nightmare of captivity and torture that is draining her life, her mind, and her soul. Except...there is the man in her feverish dreams, the strangely beautiful man who beckons her to freedom and wholeness. And when he comes, if he comes, it will take all their combined fury and faith to overcome a madman bent on fulfilling a deadly prophecy.

Race the Darkness is the start of a new series, but many parts of the world building and even character set up felt like there was much more going on, and that readers are not aware of. I often felt like perhaps there was a prequel of related series that I missed. Xander is a complicated character- serious family issue that I feel like I never got a full understanding of- are a major part of the story, as is the fact that getting struck with lightning at some point gave him the ability to hear other's thoughts.  Using the ability hurts, but he tries to use it for good more than for selfish uses. Isleen has been held captive for a long time, along with her grandmother she has faced torture and pain and has to deal with the psychological damage that has done, along with the implications of who and why. When Xander rescues Isleen and brings her home the story gets more complicated, and family life more bizarre. Conflicts abound, as does confusion. Xander is the only character that I really felt like I knew by the end of the story, and so much back ground still feels out of reach to me. I found the read interesting, but a little to esoteric for my tastes.




Race the Darkness is an interesting read, and there were parts that I really enjoyed. However, I never really connected with the characters or felt fully invested in the story. I know there are people that will love this, it just was not for me.

Book Review: Jarek (Dragons of Preor) by Celia Kyle as Erin Tate

Jarek (Dragons of Preor) by Celia Kyle as Erin Tate is the first book in a romance series. I am not sure if I should dub this or the previous related series science fiction or paranormal romance. The males in this series are dragon shifters from space and it tales place in the future... so call it what ever you want.

At 457 Preor years old, Jarek sen Claron is a dragon ready for his final flight into the skies. This voyage to Earth as the War Master of the third fleet will be his final assignment. Once he has helped his fellow Preors secure human mates, he will return to Preor before the madness of loneliness overtakes his mind. That all changes when he meets Melissa. Human Melissa with her sparkling eyes, bright smile, and body that would make any hot-blooded male drool. Unfortunately, she never registered as a Preor mate hopeful. No matter, the Knowing stretches between them and there is no way she can resist him. Until she does. Jarek wishes to give her the choice to mate him, while everything inside him screams to take Melissa beneath his wing, now. No choosing necessary.  But should he draw her to his side when his enemies are circling? Many males do not believe the son of a Preor mass murderer deserves to have a mate. Can he survive the coming battles? Or will he die without tasting sweet Melissa’s lips?

Jarek was a fast, fun read. I liked that Jarek and Melissa work through their issues in their own time. They have several cultural and personal issues to work through- especially personal doubts and worries about worthiness. I really like that they do work things out, and actually discuss those issues rather than just throwing their hands in the air and blindly following the Knowing. I hate when the "mate" factor comes into play and magically all other problems magically disappear. I also liked that in this series opener the couple does not hop into bed until those issues are discussed and resolved. It made everything a little more real.

Jarek was not great literature, but it was a fun read and kept me warm on a winter holiday weekend. I will admit to having quickly binge read the next three books in the series in the same long weekend. All of the books offer a variety of emotional issues and a different time frame for the physical and emotional attachment between the main couple. They each offer just enough of a hint about the couple that will appear in the next book that curiosity kept me reading the series long after I should have moved on to something else.

Book Review: Deadly Dog Days (Dog Days Mystery) by Jamie M. Blair

Deadly Dog Days is the first book in the Dog Days Mystery series by  Jamie M. Blair.

New to the historic town of Metamora, Indiana, Cameron Cripps-Hayman is looking to make friends with her neighbors. What she isn’t looking for is one of their bodies floating in the canal. When she and her estranged husband, the town sheriff, are both named suspects for the murder, Cameron takes solving the crime into her own hands, teaming up with her eccentric co-workers who dub themselves The Metamora Action Agency. As if hunting for a murderer with two high school geniuses, the town drunk, and an elderly kleptomaniac isn’t hard enough, Cameron adopts the five mangy guard dogs of her deceased neighbor. But maybe a stint at playing gatekeeper is just what she needs to come face-to-face with the killer and save another neighbor from being the next victim.

Deadly Dog Days is a cozy mystery with all the expected elements. There is a small town with plenty of eccentric characters, a main character with relationship troubles and a penchant for getting into trouble, and of course a dead body. Cameron is our amateur sleuth, who stumbles across the dead body or a younger lady- who is rumored to be dating her estranged husband. I like that Cameron is around my age- approaching 40 aware of her limitations and her skill set. she is not in the stage of trying to figure out who she is, but is still working on where she fits into a town that is still fairly new to her. Her not quite ex-husband Ben does not get much play in the story- even though he is important to it. Readers get glimpses at the backstory of Cam and Ben, but there is plenty of missing information to be filled in later. I did like that the relationship issues had there role to play in the story but did not overwhelm the murder mystery and character information readers get about the secondary characters. The author did a good job of balancing priorities in a reasonably realistic way. I thought the personalities of the animals- both dogs and mysterious cat, were fun and well done. It added an extra layer of fun to the story that I appreciated. I think the Mother in law being crazy aspect was fairly well done, though a little trite. It worked, but could have been a little less expected.

Deadly Dog Days is the start of an intriguing cozy mystery series. I am interested to see where is goes, and to watching the characters in the small town interact more in future books. There is no information on when this might happen on Goodreads or Amazon yet.

Book Review: Miles McHale, Tattletale by Christine C. Jones, Elina Ellis

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a picturebook written by Christine C. Jones and illustrated by Elina Ellis.Miles McHale is a tattletale. And everybody knows it. But he's not the only one who needs help, so his teacher decides: it's time to fight the Tattle Battle! But will Miles figure out the right time to tell a grown-up about another person's behavior, or is he doomed to be a tattletale forever?

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a good look at tattling for young children. Miles tattles about everything- but he is not the only one. If you have a child that tattle- at home or in the classroom, you know how quickly this can become an issue. I thought the teacher's attempt to curtail the problem and teach when telling an adult about another's activities is well done. The book shows the struggles even the smartest children can have in drawing the line between being helpful and being a tattle tale, it is a process breaking the habit and learning when to cross that line. In fact, there are some adults out in the world that have not seemed to grasp the concept yet. The teacher's rule, the patience shown, and the lesson learned are very well done and the art work is well matched to the story. i liked the bright and somehow sweet illustrations

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a cute picturebook that could be helpful in school and home environments to help teach this lesson. It would read well in a preschool or kindergarten storytime.