Book Review: Noir[ish] by Evan Guilford-Blake

4 stars

Format: Kindle Edition

159 pages

Published by Dutton Guilt Edged Mysteries

Published on September 18th 2012

ISBN13: B0095ZP0ZG

Where to Buy: Amazon

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Synopsis:

It’s Los Angeles. June, 1947. In the wake of mobster Bugsy Siegel’s violent murder, Private Investigator Robert Grahame is confronted with a case unlike anything he’s ever faced before. Lizabeth Duryea, a stunning yet peculiar young woman, hires Grahame to find her brother, Dan Scott, and leaves him with a small, mysterious package for safekeeping. But Grahame’s investigation becomes much more complicated when another mob big shot gets an anonymous tip that Grahame killed Siegel and hid the evidence in his office.

With the help of LAPD’s only female detective, Lauren Stanwyck, Grahame tries to discern the truth behind his mysterious client’s improbable story and find out who really killed Bugsy Siegel—haunted by his lost love at every step. As he stares into the face of his own cloudy past and the face of the fantastic, Grahame--in the classic noir tradition--is tempted by a femme fatale, followed by a shadowy figure, beaten up, accused of murder, and threatened. Ultimately, he uncovers a most unexpected plot, one which jeopardizes his way of life and puts him in mortal danger.

My Review:

This is a fresh and upcoming take on a classic murder novel.  I loved how the characters interacted with each other and the suspense and mystery kept me entertained throughout the whole novel.  The storyline was compelling and interesting especially for someone who didn't grow up in the era of the time.  This was a great read and an enjoyable story.

Note: I received this book via Netgalley.

Book Review: Fractured Soul (Fractured Light #2) by Rachel McClellan

4 stars

Genres: fantasy, romance, young adult

Format: ebook

336 pages

Published by Cedar Fort

Published on February 12th 2013 (first published February 2013)

ISBN: 1462111807

ISBN13: 9781462111800

Where to Buy: Amazon

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Synopsis:

Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!

My Review:

This is the second book in the Fractured Light series. What I found to be most delightful about this book was the fact that the reader did not actually have to read the first book in the series to be able to understand this one. The descriptions of Auras and Furies were enough to be able to affectively follow what was going on. Although I would like to go back and read the first book just for the story, I do not find that to be necessary. This is an extremely enjoyable and fast paced read with interesting characters and action packed events.

The ending was simply amazing and I cannot wait to get my hand on the third book!

Note: I received this book via Netgalley. All thoughts are my honest opinion!

Book Review: How Beauty Met the Beast (Tales of the Underlight #1) by Jax Garren

3 stars

Format: ebook

152 pages

Published by Carina Press

Published on November 19th 2012

ISBN: 1356194360

ISBN13: 9781426894664

Where to Buy: Amazon (audio book)

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Synopsis:

The Beast

Scarred. Damaged. Living with a terrible secret. Agent of the Underlight Wesley "Hauk" Haukon has nothing left but the fight for liberty against the oppressive Order of Ananke. He's starting to lose hope…and then he sees her.

The Beauty

Despite her night job as a burlesque dancer, grad student Jolie Benoit has always played the mostly good girl. That all changes following a scorching sexual encounter with a stranger whose face she doesn't see. After she's kidnapped by thugs and rescued by a man with a very familiar voice, Jolie becomes a pawn in a struggle she never knew existed.

Hauk knows he cannot have her, and resolves to protect his heart and his secrets. But as they work together and grow closer, he finds new reason to keep fighting. Dare he risk hope in a new life, one where Jolie can see past his ravaged face and where their friendship can grow into something more?

My Review:

One of my favorite things to read is a good retelling about a fairytale, this book did not entirely disappoint. The premise of the story was intriguing. I have to say I found the single sex scene seriously lacking, it just did not seem plausible. The book lacks a creative world building that would strive to develop the plot and characters more; it seemed to be presented in the middle instead of acting like the first book in a series.

Note: I received this book from Carina Press via Netgalley.

ARC Review: Covet by Terri Herman-Poncé

Covet by Terri Herman-Poncé
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Note: I received this ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

David's peaceful existence is shattered when a seemingly random encounter sparks memories from a past life that spans 12,000 years. As he grapples with this newfound knowledge, he becomes entangled in a perilous game orchestrated by individuals determined to uncover the truth he has protected for millennia. This puts not only his own life at risk but also jeopardizes the safety of the woman he loves and the life he has painstakingly built. Moreover, David must confront the shocking revelation of a daughter he never knew existed. With everything on the line, he must navigate treacherous waters to protect his secrets and the ones he holds dear.

While I was unaware that this was the second book in the series I enjoyed the general plot and feel of the characters.  Terri Herman-Ponce has a wonderful way of expressing her character’s viewpoints and individual personalities and I absolutely loved how the author mixed in the character’s past lives.  The twists and turns in the plot were excellent and unexpected.  I am excited to go back and read the first book to get a little bit more perspective on this one.

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