Review: Second Grave on the Left - Darynda Jones

If you hang around with dead people, life can deliver a whole world of trouble. Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time P.I. and full-time Grim Reaper. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible… When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. 

Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm’s way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

Series: Charley Davidson #2, Genre: Paranormal thriller /urban fantasy romance, Pages: 326, Published: 2011 by St.Martin's Press, Source: Own

My thoughts:

First, honestly, Reyes *wipes away a bit of drool*. He is just hot as hell ;) Is just that sexy cos he is all mysterious and all, or is it cos of his origin? What can I say, he is the ultimate bad boy. 

Right, I was supposed to say something about this book. Well Reyes is missing, his body that is, he still visits Charley in his other form and she wants to find him. The second part of the story is her trying to find a missing woman and that lands her in trouble again. People are gunning for her, but what else is new. She is as kick-ass and smart-mouthed as she was in book 1. 

Romance, eh, not so much, sexual tension? Yes lots of it. Reyes tries to protect her so there aren't really any make-out sessions. More longing in this one. Not that that matter cos it's still awesome. Reyes is a guy that was meant to be lusted after. Not to mention he is freaky too. Darn it, there I went talking about Reyes again. I do try writing a review without mentioned Reyes' name every second but it's pretty hard. I just keep... 

Ok, I had to restrain myself there. Back to business. The book was fun, I like the mix that it is, what it is? Hm, paranormal romance mixed with urban fantasy mixed with thriller and throw in a lot of humour. I really can't put a lable on it. It's amusing, that's what it is. 

Conclusion:

I want book 3! Cos there was a cliffie. Not a OMG I falling of the cliff!!! More a shit, look there, someone is about to fall of that cliff.

Cover:

Cool, but still meh

Review: Timeless - Gail Carriger

Series: The Parasol protectorate #5
Genre: Historical paranormal steampunk light funny romance
Pages: 386
Published: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Bday
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle. 

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

My thoughts:

This is the end then, it has been a fun ride, I loved the manners and the witty mind of our dear Alexia. But all good things must come to and end, and I am happy the series ended. Because too many go on and on, and then only get worse and worse. Stop when you are on top is my motto.

What to say that I haven't said before. Perfect manners, I mean how dreadful would it not be if your hair was out of order? Shameful. Witty speech, the cute nicknames that Lord Akeldama uses, Ivy and her hats, Lyall being his usual beta, Biffy working in the hat shop, sexy Conall taking off his clothes here and there to turn into a wolf. Lovely as always. The book is cute and funny, if you have read it then you know what I mean, if not then start at book 1. This is not a series to read out of order.

What else then, well Alexia goes to Egypt to get to the bottom of things. The usual people are around. There are parasol fights, fainting, and a werewolf cub on the loose. This is a family that creates havoc wherever they go.

Conclusion.

I made it short, I just feel that I have said everything better before. I will miss Alexia and Conall.

Cover:

Ugh, I do not like it. Books 1-3 where soooo much better

Review: Undead and Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson

Series: Undead #1
Genre: Paranormal romance (humour)
Pages: 288 (PB)
Published: 2004
Publisher: Berkley
Source: My own


Waking up in a tacky coffin, and wearing off-brand shoes, Betsy Taylor can't believe the horrible turn her life has taken–then she discovers she's a vampire. Soon, Betsy becomes a participant in a power struggle between the forces of darkness. With only her friend Jessica and the hunky vampire Sinclair to help her, this new "Queen of Vampires" will have a tough time getting her afterlife straight.

My thoughts:

Now this was light humorous paranormal romance and I do like that. Betsy did not take herself seriously and I enjoyed that. But then the cover does give it all away, light and fun.

Betsy is not normal kind of heroine, she loves shoes, loves loves them! And of course is should be designer shoes. She is funny, snarky, sweet and nice. Of course I had to like Betsy, especially when she brings out the snark. She also got sidekicks who are just perfect for her. The hero, well we know it from the first time she sets her eyes on him. Sink Lair, and I got Ethan vibes. Especially from one of the first times she sees him around. Nah, I did not care for him. He is full of himself and even if he changes his ways...ok I can't make a prophecy, I might actually like him then. But the first impression is just the same that she got, jerk.

The story is all about her waking up from the dead, coming to terms with that, meeting vamps, wondering why they call her queen and all in a lighthearted fashion.

Did I fall for it as much as my friend who read it first did? No, but I enjoyed it none the less. And since she liked it so much that she bought more,...yes I will read more then too.

Conclusion:

Fluffy and fun.

Cover

Cute

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My flash fiction for this week

Review: Haunted Honeymoon - Marta Acosta

Series: Casa Dracula #4
Genre: Paranormal romance with a twist
Published: 2010
Publisher: Gallery
Source: From Marta

As the only human to survive vampire infection, Milagro de Los Santos has become quite a celebrity among the blood-drinking elite. Too bad the perks of her condition—increased strength, super-fast healing—don’t pay her condo fees. There are other complications too. She’s feeling guilty about her fling with enigmatic Vampire Council member Ian Ducharme, and pining for her ex-fiancé, Dr. Oswald Grant . . . the fabulous man whose kiss changed her life. It’s when Milagro—irked by Ian’s attentions to his neighbor—travels to London and enjoys a sexy flirtation of her own, that the blood really hits the fan. Suddenly, those around her are dying gruesome deaths and Milagro’s being interrogated. Who would kill to set her up as a murder suspect? Milagro just wants to turn back the clock and have another chance to make things right, but no sooner has she escaped to Oswald’s ranch than an accident obliterates her memory. Will the murderer come after her now? And will amnesia spark a romantic do-over with Oswald—or will she make all the same mistakes before she ever gets to say "I do"?

My thoughts:

This is the end and I am sad, but at the same time I am very happy because it was truly the end I wanted. 

Milagros is now with Ian but things are still not great. She can't seem to find her place, and she still thinks about Oswald. Oh yes Oswald, the hot but for me boring wasp vampire. So not for our curvy and lively Milagros. But they will meet again as she gets amnesia and there is a chance to start all over again. What happens? Oh I am not telling you that, but she will get one of these men. 

This book is about a fun trip to London, a crazy scientist, trouble with Ian, murder charges and a happy ever after. 

But let's get back to the men since they are so interesting. Ian, oh that goddamn Ian Ducharme. I said last time that he is like chocolate and that is so true. You look at it on the shelf and crave it, then you get it and eat too much. But if you try to stay away you just long for it again. So what does this tell you? Well you just have to learn that chocolate is awesome, just do not eat too much, and do not try to stay away from it. And that is Ian, lol, Milagros just have to come to terms with her Ian-addiction. Because in the end a bit of chocolate is actually good for you. But will Milagros stay with her chocolate or go back to healthier food that taste funny? Find out! The book throws a few surpries and I liked it. 

Conclusion:

What we have is a fun book and even though I am sad that it is ending it was fun while it lasted. It is a series that I totally would recommend to others.

Rating:
Fun

Cover:
Nice

Review: The Bride of Casa Dracula - Marta Acosta

Series: Casa Dracula #3
Genre: Humour/Paranormal romance with a twist
Pages: 268
Published: 2008
Publisher: Gallery Simon & Schuster
Source: Bought

Milagro De Los Santos is having serious problems planning her wedding to fabulous Oswald Grant, M.D. Her future in-laws loathe her, her dog just died, and Oswald's family has a genetic anomaly that makes them crave blood. Then her extravagant best friend hijacks the role of wedding coordinator, and the secretive Vampire Council assigns conniving Cornelia Ducharme to guide the couple through the ancient vampire marriage rituals.

To top it all off, Milagro's career is on the skids. She's reduced to ghost-writing the memoirs of a loony little man who claims to be a shapeshifter. And why does Cornelia's decadent, way too attractive brother, Ian, always show up whenever Milagro is away from Oswald? When a series of accidents interferes with wedding plans, Oswald worries that Milagro is cracking under the pressure. Is she just paranoid, or is a hidden enemy trying to make sure Milagro doesn't wed the undead?

My thoughts:

First I have to post what Acosta herself called her books: comedies-of-manners, or romantic comedies with lots of chaos, confusion, charming villains, eccentrics, and flirting. Which really fits since this is not the normal kind of paranormal romance. Far from it. I just want to called it a witty romantic comedy involving humans who like blood and as Acosta said lots of flirting. 

Read her books! Lol, honestly they are so funny. I just love Milagros, she is witty, she has curves, she flirts, she has opinions and I think I really would enjoy having her as a friend.

Her men, oh I do like Oswald but, yes there is that but, he is just so nice and normal. Can he truly keep up with this crazy Latina when he is just so waspy. But she does love him and is marrying him and he does do a great job keeping up with her. But then there is goddamn Ian Ducharme as Oswald calls him. He is like fine wine, ok forget since I hate wine. He is like a yummy chocolate that melts in your mouth and makes you crave more and more. He makes you blood pump in your veins and he is just delicious. And he wants her *faints*.

Right the story, well as I said they are getting married and making preparations. She has to deal with the council who does not approve of her since she is the only human who was turned (a little mistake) and lived. And someone is after her. She is also ghost-writing for a freaky guy. All as is should be in Milagros universe.

All in all a highly enjoyable book that makes you want more. The way it ends, well it does end with an ending and you could be happy there. But there is one more after it so yay.

Conclusion:

Just read it, come one you know you want to! Start with book 1, you will not be sorry. You will smile, laugh and hopefully think Ian is as delicious as I find him. The book is witty and so just impossible to put down. I do wonder what happens in book 4, I mean..ohhhhhhhhh.

Rating:
I do think I made it clear. Read it :) I could not put it down.

Cover:
Fun :D