Kimberly's Bookshelf

Review: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

2012-09-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Mira - Publication Date: 10/1/10

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can--that will--change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.

But life never waits until you're ready.

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My Thoughts:

I was nervous going into this book because I knew it was the last one in the series and I didn't want it to end badly. Thankfully though, Alpha did not disappoint! I lost many hours of precious sleep, because I just had to know what was going to happen next.

I was so happy (and I bet many other fans of this series were too) that Faythe finally made her choice between Jace and Marc. I don't want to spoil anything, but I'll say I'm very pleased with her decision. Also, I am extremely happy that after all the pain and loss that Faythe and her Pride have been through, justice was finally served.

I fell in love with this series back in 2008 when my mom loaned me her copy of Stray, and I have to say it has been an absolute treat to read. I will really miss Faythe and her fellow werecats.

My Rating:

5/5 Stars

Review: Seeing Shadows by S.H. Kolee

2012-09-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Seeing Shadows by S.H. Kolee

Publication Date: June 2012

Caitlin Kile was living a normal college life full of parties and early morning classes. Living with her best friend and enjoying her senior year, Caitlin's life seemed idyllic. Until her neighbor's cousin, Simon Crewe, transferred to her school, unbalancing her tightly controlled life. Because control was one thing Caitlin desperately needed.

Simon was instantly attracted to Caitlin, but he couldn't seem to get past her guarded walls. Despite Caitlin's refusal to show any interest in him, Simon couldn't seem to shake his attraction to her.

But Simon didn't know everything about Caitlin. He didn't know about the images of death that haunted her while she was awake. Or the gripping terrors that plagued her at night.

And Simon couldn't possibly know that those terrors were determined to destroy him.

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My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading Seeing Shadows! I thought it was a great mixture of romance, paranormal, and suspense.

First off, I have to mention how scary Caitlin's visions were! That poor girl! I would have gone crazy if I were the one having those visions! I thought Caitlin was such a strong character for being able to handle them as well as she did.

Even though I liked Caitlin, she did frustrate me at times. I hated that she kept trying to push Simon away. I know she was just doing it to protect him, but he seemed to really care about her. I don't know why she wouldn't just let him in. I loved Simon, but who doesn’t love a gorgeous guy that can sing?

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the friendship between Caitlin and Sarah. I like how they looked out for one another, especially Sarah. She was so sweet and supportive! I thought Caitlin was lucky to have someone like her as a friend, we could all use someone like Sarah as a friend!

I can honestly say I've never read a book about Vardogers, actually I have never even heard about them until I read this book. I found them to be extremely fascinating and I think the author did a good job explaining what they were.

Overall, I thought Seeing Shadows was a really good read and I can't wait to read book 2 in this series to see what happens next!

My Rating:

4/5 Stars

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye

2012-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye

Publisher: Entangled Publishing - Publication Date: 5/15/12

She's always been off-limits...

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...but now she's all grown up.

When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...

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My Thoughts:

I knew I had to read Her Forbidden Hero the second I heard about it, and I am happy to say it did not disappoint! I stayed up late into the night reading this one, because I couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed reading about Marco and Alyssa, they were both great characters. Marco was a sexy tortured hero and Alyssa was a total sweetheart. I thought they were perfect for one another, and the chemistry between them was sizzling hot!

I think the only complaint I have about this book was that the ending felt a little rushed, but overall I thought it was a great quick read!

My Rating:

4.5/5 Stars

Review: Fire On The Island by J.K. Hogan

2012-09-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Fire on the Island by J.K. Hogan

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing - Publication Date: 8/2/12

“She who wields the mark is the barrier between man and monster. She is the daughter of gods, the mother of man, protector of all. Vigilati Usque Ad Mortem”

All Isla Macallen wanted was a simple existence on her little Scottish island, free from her mother’s insanity and the prying eyes of neighbors. What she got was embroiled in a war for the souls of mankind. A war of good versus evil, of witches versus demons, and Isla learns that she alone can end it.

Dr. Jeremiah Rousseau was a self-proclaimed nomad, traveling the world researching paranormal phenomena. He doesn’t expect his research to lead him to Scotland, and to the woman who will turn his world upside down.

Together with a facetious shapeshifting animal spirit guide, Jeremiah and Isla discover that she is part of an ancient bloodline bred to protect the gateways between the human world and the spirit world, to keep evil demons from destroying them. They must find the key to defeating Alastore, the demon king, and closing the gate before Samhain, when the veil between the worlds is lifted. As the war for their souls wages around them, Isla and Jeremiah will risk it all for love—a love neither had ever thought possible.

~ Purchase from Amazon | Barnes & Noble ~

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My Thoughts:

I loved Fire on the Island! It has been awhile since I read a really good paranormal romance, so I was pretty happy when this one turned out to be so good!

Honestly, I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book. It had a fabulous cast of characters, a beautiful setting, a great storyline, and the pacing of the book was perfect.

My favorite aspect was definitely the setting though. I loved that this book was set on a Scottish Island. All the places the author describes in this book seemed so pretty! Another thing I really liked about this book was that some of the characters talked in a Scottish accent. I may be weird but I love when people talk with an accent. Every time one of the characters said something I could clearly hear it in my mind.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Fire on the Island! If your a fan of witches and demons or just love reading a good paranormal romance, then you should definitely check this book out!

My Rating:

5/5 Stars

Review: Heart of Brass by Kate Cross

2012-09-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

Heart of Brass by Kate Cross

Publisher: Signet Eclipse Publication Date: 5/1/12

Arden is an undercover agent for one of the most powerful organizations of this steam-powered world—the Wardens of the Realm, a group with extraordinary abilities, dedicated to protecting England against evil.

Arden Grey enjoys a life most women in 1898 London can’t even dream of: she has the social status, wealth, and independence of a countess. She also has the ability to witness the final moments of a murder victim’s life. But ever since the disappearance of her husband, Lucas, none of this means anything to her. Until one night, when Arden spies a man watching her—a man she recognizes as her missing husband.

He’s been ordered to assassinate Arden as retribution for her part in the killing of a Company agent. Luke remembers nothing of his life before The Company, a corrupt agency that has erased his memory. Even so, something prevents him from completing his assignment. There is something familiar about his lovely target, something that attracts him and fills him with dread. For he knows that if he doesn’t kill her, someone else will—and kill him as well.

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My Thoughts:

I'm really starting to like steampunk. The more books I read in this genre, the more I like it. It's just so different from the books I normally read, that's probably the reason why I like it so much.

I loved the wonderful steampunk world and all of the fascinating gadgets Kate Cross created in Heart of Brass. One of my favorite gadgets was the helmet that records a person's memories, I thought that one was brilliant!

I adored Arden in this book, she was such a smart and strong heroine. I can't imagine going through
what she went through. Her husband was missing for seven years, then he just appears one day with no memory of her or of their marriage, and if that wasn't bad enough he was also trying to kill her. I'm not sure I would have dealt with it as well as she did.

I really liked Lucas, but I didn't find him nearly as fascinating as I did Alastair. I couldn't make up my mind about his character. I thought for sure he was the bad guy one minute, then the next I thought he was sweet. I can't wait to find out more about him in the next book.

I thought Heart of Brass was an all around great story! There was mystery, there was romance, and it was all set in a fascinating world. If you're a fan of steampunk and/or historical romance, then you should definitely check this one out.

My Rating:

4.5/5 Stars