ARC Review: Blood Stained Tranquility by N. Isabelle Blanco

Blood Stained Tranquility by N. Isabelle Blanco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, I'm going to start out by saying that if you read the first book when it first came out and you have a terrible memory or read a lot of books (like I do), you might want to either skim through the first book or re-read it to re-fresh your memory. I dived in, and I had read the first one early on and found myself sorta lost at first, but while the book gave me a refresher on what had happened, I think it might have helped if I had read the first one closer to the second one.

Review: Ruined by Tracy Wolff (Ethan Frost #1)

Ruined by Tracy Wolff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy Hell. Where to start? I finished this book hours ago (from the time Im writing this) and I'm still reeling. From the beginning I was swept in. Before I knew it I was halfway through the book and I just didn't want to put it down despite the fact that I knew I needed to sleep. Yes, its one of THOSE books.

Lets see... I cried like FIVE freaking times throughout this book. Laughed a whole bunch of times, and had to fan myself. This book was awesome. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Chloe and Ethan grow, and it was even juicer (no, not because of the sex)because they both have so many freaking issues its not funny.

(Mini) Challenge Review:The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance by Delilah S. Dawson

The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance by Delilah S. Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, I'm a big fan of Delilah S. Dawson. I love her steampunk vampire romances, and this one was no different, although it was less steampunk-ish. It was shorter, of course, being a novella, but I wish it could have been longer. I would have loved to see more of Frannie`s and Thom`s romance blossom more, I guess I have to be satisfied with what I got.

I like Frannie. Shes sassy and kind all in one package. Although I was confused throughout most of the book on why shes kinds of skittish and such, but when it all came out, even though I would have appreciated more detail, I kind of get it.

And Thom? Can I have him? Hes such a sexy Scotsman and is very kind and attentive. Seriously, I want him.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. The plot was interesting, the world is, as always, interesting, the characters savory and quirky in their own way, and although I didn't really like the ending, watching the mystery pan out was sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat good.

(ARC) Challenge Review: Bared by Stacey Kennedy (Club Sin #2)

Bared by Stacey Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok, so this book is NOTHING like Claimed! Its dirtier and maybe a bit more... dramatic. But lemme tell you, despite the fact that throughout half of the book I wanted to punch both Cora and Aidan, I did enjoy this book.

It was hot and passionate and so damn confusing with the ups and downs and the "OMG hes breaking my heart but I refuse to leave! Or tell him how I feel!" (not to give away anything), that I just didn't want to put down the book because of it. I wanted to see what was next and it about drove me crazy.

Cora, while I expected her to be slightly tougher, surprised me a bit. She was very... emotional throughout the book. It wasn't until about the end that I saw her as I expected her to be. Aidan kept saying she was strong, but I had my doubts. Although with rational thinking, I can see it. Kind of. But still, I did expect more from her, but I didnt hate her character, which is a very good thing.

Aidan... OMG I just wanted to punch him. Yea, he had his moments where I was all "Awwwww..." because hes really sweet and passionate and just perfect, but hes soooooo.... a guy. And not only that, but hes a guy who had a traumatic thing happen (Again, no spoilers!) that kinda blinded him to everything, well, romantic.

All in all, I did enjoy reading Bared, and I cant wait to get my hands on more books in the series.

I received a digital copy of the book via netgalley, and it in no way swayed my opinion. Stacey Kennedy and her amazing writing did that.

Challenge Review: The Vampire Hunter (In The Company of Vampires #2) by Michele Hauf

The Vampire Hunter by Michele Hauf
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I rate this book more of a 3.5, but goodreads and other sites dont do the whole .5 thing.
I have read one other Michele Hauf book, and I loved it. I belive it was slightly shorter, but it packed a punch. So, when I picked this one up I expected the same thing.

While I cant exactly say I was wrong, I can say I was expecting more emotion and just that... thing in a story that makes me not want to put it down and makes me jump up and down and scream. I cried one -- for like two seconds.

The characters were pretty quirky. I felt that I need to go back and read more of her books because there were a few things that confused me and I felt that I was missing something (Im bad about picking up the second book in a series without having read the first).

Kaz... Hes sexy as hell and fights for what he believes in. But for a vampire hunter who supposedly kicks ass, he sure as hell gets HIS ass kicked a lot. I appreciate that hes just human and isnt one of those macho dude (and yes, there are a few scenes where he does kick butt), so it was kind of appealing. He does make the relationship budding between him and Zoe difficult, but I'm not going into details about that.

Speaking of Zoe, in the description, it says shes quirky. Yea, she is! I couldn't get a pin on her! I did like her, but she might have been a but naive to a flaw. She also has a quirk that will make you laugh and appreciate her all the more!

So, I didn't hate the book, but it wasn't my favorite, and I'm currently not dissuaded from and Michele Hauf books. I will give her another try, but maybe in a different series? I did notice that she had a lot of books...

(Mini ) Challenge Review: Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I get this is a novella of sorts or something, I wish there had been more action or something. Something to get my heart pumping. The romance was nice, and I enjoyed watching two people who totally love each other finally find out about it.

I did like how they used an unselfish reason to start their budding romance. Both characters are unselfish and strong to me. Totally different than what Im used to reading. They bonded well and omg did their romance end up in lovely sparks!

This is the first time I have ever read a book by Mrs. Welfonder. I love my highlander books, and I love how I learned more of Pagan beliefs in this book. Logically I knew that back in that time period and in Scotland and Ireland and such they did believe in the old ways, but I haven't ever come across a book that actually had it in there. Until this one.

I totally enjoyed reading this book and I cant wait to read more in this series. This book makes me miss my highlanders!

I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher on Netgalley. It did not in any way sway my opinion.

Challenge Review: Agent I1: Tristan by Joni Hahn

Agent I1: Tristan by Joni Hahn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is different. Im not sure if its syfy or what. I AM positive that its romance, though! -instert that winky face-.

From the first page its hot and fast paced. Had plenty of action (both types) and I enjoyed reading it. My first time reading a Joni Hahn book, and I like her writing style.

Tristan is unbelievably hot and romantic and just... ugh, I want to squeeze him. And deck him. Yea, hes romantic AND stupid in that department. But I liked watching him evolve.

Im participating in the... Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2014

So, I think this is the perfect challenge for me! I am so behind on my netgalley reviews its not funny. I dont use edelweiss because its difficult and nobody approves me. But looking at my Netgalley, I think thats a good thing.

Im going for the silver goal, which is 25 books, but Im pretty sure that I can beat that. What do you guys think?

Not sure what my books are, Ill list them as I go! Wish me luck!

Want to sign up? You can HERE.

Mini Challenge Review: Blood Drops by Tracy Cooper- Posey

Blood Drops by Tracy Cooper-Posey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read two of three of Tracy Cooper-Posey`s Kiss Across Time series, and while I really like the ideas and concepts of those books, I just wasnt a big fan of them. Of course, I am going to give her another try.

This one I really liked. It had mystery, romance, and of course, my favorite, a vampire! While I didnt like how the unveiling of the vampire went, at least it wasnt awkward.

It was very short, so there isnt very much to say. I wish there had been a touch more passion towards the end, but I am still pleased with how it went and I am just itching to read the rest of the books in the series to see where these guys went.

A warning: this book isnt for the faint of heart.

I received a digital copy of this book off of netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not swayed my opinion at all.