Books, Authors and those who give Reviews

So, since I've joined GoodReads, I have read quite a bit, started writing reviews (and is it sad that I never realized how important it is for authors to have reviews!?!?) and reading what others wrote, learning the whole writing/publishing process, winning/entering giveaways, reading ARCs, etc. You sorta get the picture right?

I have read an authors 1st attempt at writing something to be published, some have been phenomenal and some, left me wanting to wash my eyes out but I can't un-read something. Damn. On those, I have always tried to give value-added suggestions/critique without being a bitch. Because there is no point in being mean or bitchy when someone is TRYING to get their ideas/story/characters to behave!! And not everyone is lucky to have friends or family or whatever that can assist with editing and proofing shit. And honestly, if I think it's in dire need of some sort of actual plot, I am sure others are and it's painful when you invest so much into something to have someone else arbitrarily smash it to itty bitty dots left scattered across the world. And I'm not the only nice one, not saying I am! Just that I have seen some pretty damn harsh reviews and comments on books. Different opinions and perspectives... doesn't mean you have to be mean about it.

No person is perfect. Period. Some of my favorite authors have had grammar mistakes, typos or just written a bad book or 2. It happens! It's not the end of the fucking world. They have dead lines and I don't really think anyone with a lick of creative energy can exactly say "Sure, I will have this 4th installment of my incredibly complicated series done for you by June 30th" never mind that most authors have real jobs, or are stay at home parents, or have a life on top it (sometimes). And let's not even discuss dealing with the whole publishing/self publishing process. Yikes!! You can't force creativity. You can't force your characters to do what you think you want them to do. And even if an author isn't given a specific deadline per se, I think there is that pressure of "I gotta get this done!" and then comes that long line of frustration, agitation, despair, resignation, and hopefully at some point in the swirly twirly miasma, ideas start flowing and things start moving again.

And yes, of course us readers WANT MORE. Because, you know, we're absolutely bored and must have the next installment of your amazing writing capabilities...while in the meantime we're having that same conversation with 20 other of our favorite authors. I have a LONG ASS LIST of favorite authors. LONG ASS LIST!!! And yes, I love so many of the series I've been reading, but that doesn't mean I won't read 150 books while waiting a year or so for the next to come out either. So if there's a couple (or more) months before I get my greedy little eyes on those awesome words, then well...my greedy little eyes will read some other words in the meantime while I wait. Simple, yes?

I have a point, let me see if I can remember it...Shit...

Oh, so I am re-reading a book from a while back. The author commented to me, since he's emailed me in the past, that some people love it and some people hate it. And I can honestly say I see both points. But I don't look at the 1st book in the series are the sole indicator. I have read really crappy 1st books and yes went on to read the 2nd, and you know what? The 2nd books was a LOT better. The 3rd even more so. People grow. They learn. And, I think, their characters and stories evolve, the author evolves with them. It's kinda like you teaching your kids and at the same time, your kids teaching you. And for me, some characters are just assholes or whiny or annoying (oh wait, just like in real life!) and sometimes it takes a while for a plot(s) to unfold or for something to really get the juices going. Sometimes it's from the first freaking page. And sometimes it's the last 4 chapters (thank the gods I'm patient!). I remember reading Tommyknockers by Stephen King and wish he had cut out 50% of the book because it was either too random or repetitive of what he had already written. The idea still intrigued me, but the damn, did it really have to be THAT long.

I have had few books that I will never ever read again, and few authors I feel the same way. There are only 2 that come to mind, and both of them mixed straight out Christianity with Fantasy that made me want to scream until the windows shattered. I guess that's my line in the sand. I have NO problem with religion in books, nasty or not, mixed in with fantasy/magic/whatever. But when it's screaming obvious it's Christianity and some really fucked up wanna be "God will Save you, but you must repent your sins and be re-born" shit, it's just the biggest fucking turn off for me. That's just, to me at least, has no place whatsoever in a fantasy book. Ugh //vent

Ok, back to this. So, I am only like a 100 pages into the book right now, don't forget, I keep switching between books still for some unknown freaky deaky reason, but I'm not thinking - this sucks - so, at least that's good right :)

And I might reserve judgment until I read the 2nd and 3rd books. I can usually tell once I'm a little bit more into the series.

Also: Writing styles. Sometimes I am not IN THE DAMN MOOD for certain writing styles. I might not want to read books next in a series that I loved reading in the past, because my mood is just...not with it. Doesn't mean the book(s) are bad or anything. It's all me on that part. And other times, I will devour every book for in a series for weeks on end, and then get burnt out on them for a year or 2. Sometimes I am craving a good hot urban fantasy with some serious sexy stuff in it. Other times, I want straight up fantasy with no hint of sex. Or I want shifters. Or I want Sci-Fi. It really can depend on what the mood calls for. I guess, just like authors, the readers have to be a receptive mood for things to work as well!!

Anyway! I am starting yet another book (I think I read my library books first because I feel obligated so that others who are waiting to read them, don't have to wait too long...does that make sense?), and this one I am nervous about reading. The 1st book was a fucking trip. This one, Unwholly by Neal Shusterman, I am just a little freaked out over. The 1st book was not something I would ever have thought of and this author has a fascinatingly dark mind, so I guess that why I have some trepidation in starting this one. But it's a library book and someone else probably wants to it.

Breathe!!! Just read, damn it!

Ok, I have more thoughts on people who comment on books for later on (hope I don't forget) because it somewhat amazes me how nasty people can be. ~TTYL

Book Review: Demon King's Desire by J.L. Sheppard

Demon King's Desire by J.L. Sheppard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review via GoodReads**

I liked all the details, that helps me to a better picture in my head of the story. Though there are couple where it was almost like the same details applied to all the demons (or any male character), it would have been nice if they varied a bit more.

Some of the dialog/reactions came off as choppy, which made it harder for me to wrap their moods/actions and conversations into a smooth flow.

I really liked how the Demons were the on the side of good, though still reviled because others couldn't see past their one aspect. It was nice to see their relationships, as brothers, come out in the story. I am hoping the next book in the series gives us more of the other immortals as well :)

I wish there was a bit more development, earlier on, on how the whole Guardian/Council worked, the Demons place in it and also maybe more on Lucas's brother/warriors. More lead into the whole story. This could have provided more development opportunities with Lucas as well. For a Demon King, he actually could have been a bit cooler (granted he's a Demon) in his abilities to control his emotions, attitudes and reactions. He felt very young to me, not quite mature yet. Clyde, for an Angel, he just fell pretty easily in love with his charge and I sorta wanted to smack him whenever he spoke. Which means (at least to me) that his character was well written enough gather a response.

To be honest, this is a pretty strong start to a series. I am looking forward to reading the next one :)

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Book Review: Imager's Battalion (Imager Portfolio #6) by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Imager's Battalion by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The action was not just military in this installment of the Imager Portfolio series, it was some of the relationship building and internal struggling that this author is well known for.

Though this particular novel isn't mind blowing in revelations or catching you off guard with a huge plot twist, you feel yourself get drawn into it the more you read it. You need to see what happens as the story builds up.

And of course, right where this book ends is what I wanted more of. That build up felt like it had a minor hiccup and now the next novel is the one that blows your socks off. I can't wait to read that one.

Like most of his other novels, this was exciting and enjoyable to read.

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Book Review: Marked (Eternal Guardians #1) by Elisabeth Naughton

Marked by Elisabeth Naughton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This novel was a good step in the right direction. I liked many of the characters, especially Theron because he was just so conflicted. I do wish there was more interaction, more details perhaps, of the secondary characters - but hopefully I get those as I read more in the series.

The world building was good. It was different and interesting than the typical formula that a lot of urban fantasy books have.

I did get frustrated, in a good way, in the sexual tensions between Casey and Theron.

I think that this was just a little bit better written, I would have given it higher stars. For the most part, it was really good story line and I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Book Review Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1) by Jacqueline Carey

Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a truly Urban Fantasy blend of a tale by a very talented writer. I've read most of Jacqueline Carey's other books so I was excited to see this new novel, especially in an Urban Fantasy setting.

The intriguing mystery story merged with Carey's world building skills, with some dark under tones. But this is a really solid world, that while reading it, you can feel like you're part of the story. Always a trade mark for me when I find an author who writes to the readers.

The characters were strong, well defined. The story line was complicated enough that you certainly don't get bored.

The main female character was young, but strong. Smart but realistic. She's a great blend of life flinging you the hard stuff and you keep on going, because that's just what you do.

Really enjoyed reading this!

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Book Review: Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet and lovely book to read. It had intrigue, mystery and just a very little bit of romance. Hopefully that is something that will be delved into more in the next novel.

It was well written and a wonderful story to read. It's good for when you're in the mood for something innocent but interesting.

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Book Review: Magic without Mercy (Allie Beckstom #8) by Devon Monk

Magic Without Mercy by Devon Monk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Like the previous novels in this series, this one was action packed. It was also had a lot more of the character development, which I noticed more because 1. Allie has stopped whining/complaining and 2. You got to know more about the other characters.

The situation just keeps on getting more intense, more potent and harder to fix. Love it!

The one thing that still bothers me is about the Authority. You would think that suck an old organization would have better abilities to make sure everyone and everything is as it should be. Granted, magic was never known thing for the entire civilian population, but I would think they would have ways to track if one of the heads in the organization was losing it or changed dramatically.



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Book Review: Touch of the Demon (Kara Gillian #5) by Diana Rowland

Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This latest and amazing book in the Kara Gillian series was *awesome*. I really enjoyed the trickiness in this installment. Nothing was what Kara though it was, things changed and it was utterly brilliant. Loved how it flowed, the twists and full of painful (poor Kara) action.

There is so much going on in this book, I am still processing the repercussions of what was revealed.

The only thing that bugged me was how Kara so quickly took up the passionate side of things with Rhyzkahl (and never questioned him - I mean, he's a Demon Lord, she always questioned things with him...) and then later on with Mzatal. I think she's (obviously) better off with Mzatal, but wow, way to sleep with whoever your Demon Lord is I guess.

Overall though, loved it. Did not put it down until I was done.

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Why do you read??

During my therapy session last night, we talked in part about my reading and what it means to me. I don't know how it can affects others, at least for the most part.

I know at what age I got truly interested in reading. I was 12 years old, living in San Fernando Valley in Southern California. I was in 6th grade. My sister had just read this book and said I should read it. It was Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings. It was also a revelation.

At this point in my young life, I was happy and miserable at the same time. I was super tall for my age (and then stopped growing for several years) so the start of middle school wasn't as bad as it could have been. School life really wasn't the issue, home was. Both my brothers were in and out, they were drug addicts and gods only knew when/where/what they were working (though then it was mostly construction), my sister starting high school, so world of difference between us there, Jean (aka mother) was working in South Central LA as a teacher on emergency credentials. We were Mormon, which meant church on Sundays, baby sitting and pretending my Dad was "working" somewhere in Arizona while we barely surviving. Don't get me wrong, the church helped us like you could not believe in those years. It was hard because we could never talk about what was really going on and pretend everything was normal, ok, nothing to worry about. Not to mention my mother was not exactly the best at parenting.
We had 3 dogs, 2 females and 1 male, that we breed. This helped keep us afloat, because we would get $400+ per puppy (Bichons). I hated the boy dog, Fred, though. He was too fucking smart and a total ass. We had several cats, which Jean named after her fave actor at the time, Sylvester Stallone - so we had Rocky, Rambo and I think Sylvester. Rocky wasn't quite right in the head (different story, different post)

Ok, so onto why I got so into reading. Back then, and for many years, it was an escape. Not just any escape either, it was safe. Safe to be close to the characters, to live through them, experience what they did and feel what they did. To learn - so many things. My life really wasn't that bad and could have been so much worse. I was lucky to be living during the times that women have value and to know it's ok to fight for that value. To know that they are good people, bad people, and people in between. It was ok to be happy, angry, fight for what you believed in, to protect others and yourself. It was ok to be yourself.

It gave me peace. It helped me figure out who I wanted to be, and not just succumb to same old shit everyone else did.

As I grew up and older, I didn't take those qualities as much because I didn't need them as much. Reading then challenged me, to think more and deeper. It gave me pleasure and stress relief. It gave me reasons to ignore assholes and to not take some things personally. It gave me perspective.

There is nothing quite like reading a novel that ramped you up so much, broke your heart along the way and then ended so satisifying you just wanted to bask for a little while in the thoughts of it. (Melanie Rawn's Sunrunner series comes to mind)

And as I became an adult, working and paying bills, reading became more and less at the same time. I didn't always have the resources to buy books, which meant they became that much more valuable in my mind set. I do wish I was more aware of the library systems back then!! I also didn't have as much time to read. So I would read in chunks of time, mainly on the weekends or later in the evenings. Then came marriage and with marriage you totally forget about everything and everyone else for a time :^D

But reading, it's certainly changed me, helped me grow and just BE as a person.

How I read books now, is much different from how I started out. Now, it's pleasure and me time. Sure, there are sometimes it's a stress relief from work, or a brief glimpse of a different reality (because that violence isn't as close to home as the news on TV) but for the most part, it's because I enjoy the story. Some stories are amazing and I love getting that rush off a good plot/plots. I love getting pulled into something, some amazing world or characters that I wish I knew in real life or even the humor behind the banter going on. Now, I am entering the book, whereas before the good was a gateway to someplace else.

I am not using the books to escape from an unhappy life, not anymore. I am reading a good story. Some books and characters I get more attached to, which means their authors are the ones I keep watch out for more (and ok, it's like 100 authors at this point...). I just love reading and the joy it brings me.

Why do you read?

Book Review: The Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley

The Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Overall, I like this series, Highland Pleasures. I just didn't feel that book was all that exciting. There was not as much romance, little history on whatever romantic feelings the 2 lead characters felt for each other. And

Elliot, I felt for the poor man but how many times did we need to be reminded of his PTSD charactistics in any given chapter? I felt like I was re-reading the same sections over and over in some cases with that.

I actually enjoyed more of some of the secondary characters than the leads. Elliot's uncle was a hoot.

It was an easy but plain read for me. It's a good book to pass the time but I could have skipped it and been just a happy reading something that caught my imagination more.

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Novellas vs Books

I've been noticing that a lot of authors that I like publishing Novella's. It's harder for me to get into these works because of the cost. If they were priced right, I would probably purchase them.

Case in point, Neferet's Curse: A House of Night Novella by P.C. Cast. P.C. Cast is well known author and published a slew of books.

This Novella is 160 pages and Amazon has it "on sale" for $10.39 as of today. The retail pricing is $12.99

See, if a normal paperback book is $7.99 and is on average 350 pages, that's $.0228 per page. So, a Novella would be $ 3.65 for the 160 pages like the one from P.C. Cast. Of course, I have no idea how they calculate the price, but coming from a logical/data stand point, it seems a little more fair. A great example is Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens (one of my favorite authors) who has also writtens tons of books. Her Novella is 96 pages and is only $2.99 for the Kindle version. That's $.0311 per page. This one I will probably end of getting once I have some of my other books read.

What I'm say is that if authors want more readers, more sales, then their publishers need to be a bit more realistic. The pricing structure needs to be amended to something us readers can afford to pay for these smaller installments that we would like to read. And yes, of course that means that the authors would get less per sale - but maybe it would even out in the end??

Now I'm not saying that authors don't have a lot of stress, it's not easy to be creative and write well. I know that they have dead lines and normal every day life as well. And I would totally love to read many of the novella's that I am seeing published lately.


To me, especially with how fucked up the economy has been for the last several years, I have been very careful (aka frugal) in my book purchases. I use my local (and state wide) library system for most of my reading needs. When I do purchase books, I try to get the most bang for my buck. I will buy used books through Amazon (those priced less than $1.00 and have $3.99 shipping or free shipping) or locally at Wonder Books. For instance, I just book 7 books for $28.86 which is an average of $4.12 per book and that was because there was some tax added in. My other criteria are: Most amount of pages, most recently related books read, favorite authors, something I've been waiting & wanting to read.

Also, it's not very often I buy hard backs anymore, unless I can get them on sale or 2nd hand and a whole lot less in price. Unless it's a book that has a ton of pages and is one of my favorite authors and I've been dying to read it. Though, now that I have a Kindle Fire, I will look at the Kindle price and might get it that way. Or I will wait.

I honestly doubt it's the writer/author that's putting the price on these things. It's the publisher and merchant. They need to be shaken so that their sense or reality can be resettled into their brains. That way we can all win. Less price =  more sales = happy readers = more sales = more $$ for author/publisher/merchant. At least, that's my theory and opinion. I could be wrong...

Books that I ordered through Amazon: All purchased based on the Best Price and Free Shipping from Amazon.

Book Review: My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I did like this book, though I must say this novel frustrated me.

I wasn't as happy with Emily, the lead female character, because she was so - well she was basically a door mat - for a lot of this. Yes, she would do anything and everything for Drake, and I get that she was completely devoted to him. I just wished that she was a stronger person for herself as well.

Drake wasn't whole and so I can see where he would have a hard time dealing with any emotions, but it was almost a little much. Drake was playing a deep game in this novel, some of which it seemed like he wasn't even sure himself which way things would go. I actually liked that part of it.

It was well written, you certainly don't get bored with this novel (or even this series) but this book felt like it was held back a notch. I wanted something more from the couple, a deeper spark that really ignited things.

I think my favorite part was the end, where everything *luckily* worked out. I liked that you weren't sure and it was a little bit touch and go. And there will be consequences for many of the characters.

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Book Review: Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

Cold Days by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Dresden Files has been one of my favorite series for a long while.

Cold Days does not disappoint in any way. It was FULL of the Awesome, it was amazing and I might actually be able to read it a second time (which doesn't typically happen for me). Honestly, it was brilliant. I never quite know how Jim Butcher is going twist things and throw something in from left field that then totally makes the whole situation expand and explode and just get intensly more complicated. Love it.

The humor, the emotional smack downs, and well just everything was absolutely and incredibly divine in this novel. I want MORE. I wish I had the words to really convey how much I loved this book.

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Book Review: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am disappointed that there will not be any more Edge books, because I have really enjoyed this series and the characters within it. Though I am holding out hope that there might be an off shoot of the series.

Ilona Andrew's world building skills are amazing. In this series, the Edge is unique and in a unusual position. It's like a dumping ground and spring board at the same time. The characters you want in your own family and when you read this series/book you *want to know* what happens.

As this is the last book, the author did end it on a positive note, and even though I still want to know what is going to happens to certain characters.

It was full of action, multiple plots and situations (which I love) and you don't always know what is going to come of it, that is until it all comes together and you can breath once more.

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Book Review: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a deliciously good read. Fun, witty & smart, full of romance. And compelling. You feel compelled to read the book from start to finish, as soon as you pick it up.

It's a sweet and easy read and not complicated in the way some novels are. And it's nice to have a lead character, Callie, be utterly perfect in all ways physically. All the characters, lead and secondary, were well written. The story was unique compared to the other novels I've read in this genre.

Totally recommend for those who love (or like or haven't even read it before) romance!

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Book Review: Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison

Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really, really liked this book.

It was fast paced, funny, action packed and full of sexy-ness.

Pia and Dragos are learning, together. Gaining understanding, balance in their relationship which I appreciated. I loved how Pia is assertive and in better control. I really enjoyed Dragos thinking ahead more because of Pia, and how things are changing due to Peanut!!

I do wish there were more scenes with the Sentinel Games. There were, overall, good twists and turns in the story, suspense until the very end. It was well worth reading and waiting for.

I am really looking forward to the next release in the Elder Series.

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Book Review: The First Confessor (The Legend of Magda Searus) by Terry Goodkind

The First Confessor by Terry Goodkind
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is basically the Prequel to his Sword of Truth series. It was also a seriously incredible read.

The story was intriguing, the characters such a good blend that you fell into the book and became part of it along with them. I could not put it down. I didn't want this book to end. I want more!

Terry Goodkind showed he is a master story teller once again in this novel. He draws you in and hooks you on the amazingly entertaining and moving story and you can't but help become wrapped up and woven into it.

This is the type of book that makes you want to read more.

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Book Review: Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I actually read this book first, out of the series, by accident. Even though I could tell that there were some history with the other characters, it certainly didn't take away from this story.

The leading female character, Jesse St. James, strong-independent-smart, but also annoying. The leading male character, Cian, is a 9th century somewhat cave man-ish but hunky male. I liked how he was selfless about what needed to be done, but not how he sometimes treated Jesse.

I did like the fact that Jesse was immune to his and others magical charms. That part of the plot worked for me and I think made the story more interesting.

It was an easy, magical romantic read with some action thrown in. It didn't seem like an amazingly written must be read book, but it was very enjoyable.

Now I just need to read the rest of the series.




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What I'm Currently Reading

Dark Expectations (Soul Sisters, #2) by Janiera Eldridge - here's hoping it's better than the 1st :)

The Never King by George Tyson

Fire (Elements of Power, #1) by Heather James

Lord's Fall (Elder Races, #5) by Thea Harrison



I am excited by all of them really :) The first 3 are part of Goodreads requirements and the last one I have been patiently waiting for.   I also have 4 more library books to read as well.   Good times :)

Book Review: My Scandalous Viscount (Inferno Series) by Gaelen Foley

My Scandalous Viscount by Gaelen Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This historical romance was both good and bad.

The Good: Closure in my many ways in the series (but still more to come!!). Finally get these 2 main characters into the marriage bed. The author writes well - she does get you drawn into the story. The secondary characters are interesting and you want to hear about them.

The Bad: The trust issues between Beau and Carissa really bugged me. This caused their relationship to suffer (as trust issues always will) and it was just so frustrating that I wanted to scream or spank them until they got a clue. Also, it felt like the Inferno Club should have been more protected/protected it's own for what it represents in the series.

The Eh: This particular book felt a little bit predictable. It was great to get some of the characters relationships in order but it felt just like a place holder in the series.

I do like the Inferno Club series, it's intriguing, funny, well written and you have romance and danger. Who could want more.

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