Review: Witch Hearts by Liz Long ★★★★

Witch Hearts by Liz Long
Genre: Paranormal mystery
Series: n/a
Publication Date: April 11th 2013
ISBN: 9781482782325
Page Count: 214
Rating: ★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells?

Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend.

If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

Review:

A pleasant surprise

This was a really fun read, which considering the subject matter—a serial killer going around stealing witch hearts—is a slightly weird statement, but I stand by it. It was a great balance of mystery and romance, with a backdrop of witchcraft which was all brought to life through its engaging and likeable characters. I really liked it. And bonus! I believe its a stand alone, which as you probably  know, are rarer than rocking horse poop these days.

The story follows Ruby, a witch, who has just heard the news that her best friend Courtney, also a witch, has been found dead. Murdered. With her heart removed. It instantly raises warning bells for Ruby who knows it might be the work of a dark magick user, and when she finds out Courtney wasn't the first witch to die in this way, and that she might just be next, things get really scary really fast.

Enter Cooper, the older brother of the now dead Courtney. Someone Ruby has known through her BFF for more than 10 years, but only in the capacity of "Courtney's hot older bother who is out of bounds". As often happens, tragedy brings people together and due to Cooper's guilt over his sister's death, he is determined not to let anything happen to the last remaining link to her—Ruby. So he moves in to her apartment for protection and pretty soon, sparks are aflying.

The sexual tension was palpable between these two and I enjoyed reading the great dialogue they had, but my inner smutmonster was slightly aggravated by the fade to black technique. Leaving your readers at the bedroom door like that is just cruel, yo. But I understand that sexy scenes may have taken something away from the grief and companionship Cooper and Ruby shared with each other in the days after Courtney's death, so I guess I can forgive it. Sort of.

On a couple of occasions, Ruby was a little bit impetuous, putting herself in unnecessary danger. I realise sometimes heroines need to do this to move plots forward, but I always wish for a better method that just to have them running headlong into danger, because then they look like a nincompoop. But other than that, I really enjoyed Ruby. She was quietly awesome, if that makes sense. She wasn't an over-the-top smartypants type of heroine, but she was cool anyway. And Cooper sounded delicious!

I've gotta say, the ending surprised me. There was another character—I don't know if he/she was an intentional red herring, or if I was just off my game—but it turned out to be someone else entirely. So kudos for the surprise.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a quick and entertaining witchy read with a sweet romance sprinkled on the top

4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa ★★★★

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Series: The Bood of Eden #2
Publication Date: April 30th 2013
ISBN: 9780373210695
Page Count: 446
Rating: ★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Review:

Great Sequel

I really enjoyed the first instalment of this series, THE IMMORTAL RULES, and found a preference for Kagawa's writing when she's letting her darker, grittier side roam free, rather than her more colourful world of the fey. The dystopian, post viral-apocalyptic elements only add to the stark backwash of this already dangerous vampire-filled world.

Allie spends much of the book trying to further comes to terms with her new undead status. This is only emphasised by the reappearance of Jackal, one of the main antagonists of book one, and her very own blood brother. Jackal is without doubt the black sheep of Allie and her sire, Kanin's, dysfunctional little family, and his disregarding attitude towards humans, or "blood bags" as he likes to call them, is a sharp change from Allie's own softer opinions. Allie hasn't yet let go of her humanness and has to keep reminding herself that she is no longer one of them. She is, quite literally, her own worst enemy now. The thing that as a Fringer, she despised above all others. It's a lot to absorb, to accept, and this book took that concept and ran with it to great effect.

I have to say, I had brief moments with the character of Jackal where I wondered if he was going to end up being not as evil as we once thought. He's snide, condescending, rude, and let's not forget, the guy that staked Allie and chucked her out of a skyscraper window in book one. But he's also realistic, pragmatic, and there were hints that there may be reasons why he's become the vamp he is. Aaaaand then he'd say something repugnant and we'd be back to square one. His character is more than a little confusing, but I'm still hoping there's something in him worth saving. For people who love a good anti-hero, I suspect he may end up being a contender for that role.

The other character of note in this series is, of course, golden-haired good guy Zeke. He was last seen tucked safely away in Eden, the only vampire-free community left in America (I think, don't quote me on that, but certainly the only one Allie and crew are aware of). Knowing he was safe was all that was keeping Allie going as she followed the call back to her sire, in effect, retracing the steps she took in IMMORTAL RULES. But even with that blood call pulling at her, and her sire's torture invading her dreams, Seth is never far from her thoughts. Her time with him, helping his "family" move across treacherous grounds to reach the haven that is Eden, profoundly affected Allie. It reinforced her desire to stay human and to never become anything like vamps such as Jackal. But her time spent with Jackal in this book, has an almost equal impact, and as much as she tries to block him out, he also affects her. She is a monster. She has killed and she will continue to kill, just as he does. So what is the difference, really?

All these things and more are addressed and somewhat resolved in this book. The Red Lung virus and the possibility of a cure is what drives much of the action as well as Allie's desire - compulsion, even - to rescue her sire from the demented Sarren. There was also a huge game-changing event at the end which has me thinking the next book is going to be something else entirely. Can't wait.

4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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THE FICTIONAL GUY: A Book Boyfriend's POV

Book boyfriends. We all have them. I, myself, have a list at least a few miles long, and I'm sure you do too. But have you ever wondered what it's like to actually be a book boyfriend? To be showered with so much love by so many adoring fans? Well, here's your chance! 

Read on for an interview between our good friend, Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood (with a little help from yours truly) and Micah Condie from Helen Boswell's Mythology

The Fictional Guy

There has been blog after blog listing favorite book boyfriends, talking about what people would do if given a day (or night) with their book boyfriend, obsessing over them, etc. But no one has ever thought to ask how they feel being the focus of all our attention. Which got me thinking. Since I talk to him on Twitter all the time, I figured I would ask Micah Condie from Mythology some questions. And since Janice (@rabidreading on Twitter) joins me in harassing talking to him, I included her.

Laura: So I guess my first question for you is how do you feel about me and other women drooling over you, and do you feel like you are cheating on hope when you chat with us?

Micah: I'm okay with that. For the good of the book, ya know? ;) And Hope knows I'd never cheat on her in real life.

L: So are us fan-girls just fictional characters to you then? I mean, we talk on twitter all the time, yet you say you would never cheat on Hope in "real life" ... are you just using us as promotional tools then? *sobs*

M: No, but I have a book life (what I guess I kinda think of as "real life" because I started out there and spend most of my time there) and my other life where I hang out with people like you and get in discussions with my author about stuff, etc. I'd never cheat on Hope in my book life. But I can love other people and it's not cheating on her because it's a different plane of existence. Oh... this is confusing as hell...

Bottom line: No sobbing!

Janice: LOL. Am I the only one who sees all the holes in demon boy's answer? Micah, honey, you may want to clarify....unless you want readers to think you are faithful to Hope in book life but spreading your love around everywhere else ;)

M: Why did I think that talking over email would be any different than what we do on Twitter? Gah. You're both trying to torture me, aren't you?....

J: We only torture you because we love you ;) *hugs*

M: WAIT. Is this part of the blog discussion already? Omg...

Okay, here is what I mean by all that.

My book life is with Hope, and as far as I'm concerned, that's forever (unless she decides otherwise). Yes, I talk to fans (fangirls AND fanboys, btw - lol) on Twitter, and I love them too, but not in a way that would ever jeopardize my relationship with Hope. It is confusing having two planes of existence, but Hope wants me to reach out to people, and she understands if I have fans and she even understands if I take someone for a flight or ride on my bike. I give as much as I can back.

(Off the record: BETTER, JANICE? AND GIVE ME A BREAK, WILL YA?)

L: Play nice! So why do you think some guys *coughyoucough* get elevated to the book boyfriend status and some don't quite make it there?

M: *looks around* Me, elevated? Aw, that's sweet of you. :)

Hmm...I think a guy needs to have at least one of the "obvious" things going for him - confidence (but not arrogance), looks (but not conceit), a little mystery (or a lot), etc. But I think he also has to show that he has a lot more layered underneath all that: vulnerabilities, imperfections, sensitivities. So you don't just admire from afar in the book but feel like you actually want to get to know the guy, ya know?

It's just like what draws me to a girl. Sure, we notice outside appearances first - we're only human after all. ;) But there has to be something more than that to make me want to have her as my girl.

And are you okay, sweetie? That's some cough you have there. *hands you cough medicine*

L: Ha, thanks. *takes cough medicine* *gets a little loopy* Well, we all know you are certainly all of those things. But the one thing that will seal the deal for me, is a tough guy crying. Not that I EVER want to see you hurt, but what are some things that would make you cry?

M: Whoa, take it easy with that cough medicine, k? *takes it away from you before you do yourself harm*

Easy. If the love of my life ever crushed my heart. Other things... if anything bad ever happened to my family, especially my brother and sisters.

J: Awww, isn't he the sweetest? I have a question. A lot of readers have "bad boy" book boyfriends. As one of the good guys, how do you feel about that? Do you ever want to be a bit of a bad boy yourself?

M: Oh, the evil queen has a question about bad boys. Why am I not surprised? *wink*.

I'll fully admit that when my demon comes out, it feels pretty good. (Sorry, Laura.) Yeah, I have those moments when I wonder what it'd be like to give in. I think it comes out at times in my need to blow off steam/escape on my bike, or in my temper when I can't. Do I wish I was more of a bad boy? Sometimes, but I know the price would be too high.

L: Don't apologize to me, it's your nature. Speaking of nature, your whole story is a discussion of nature vs. nurture. Do you credit your parents & siblings for keeping you tied to your humanity? And when the demon tries to make an appearance, how do you reign it in? (So I know this is off topic, but now I am curious LOL)

M: I largely credit my upbringing (by the Condies, NOT my biological dad) to my family, yes. My mom especially is a stabilizing force for everyone in the family. You can imagine what it did to me when I accidentally hurt her, and when my dad kicked me out.

My demon is always there, lurking just below the surface. When I feel it coming out, I have to think about something good, happy. Picture every detail of it. And it's usually Hope. No pun intended. ;)

J: So back to the book boyfriend thing. As you know, readers become very attached to characters and especially to their book boyfriends. We see you guys so clearly in our minds, and we sort of expect you to conform to whatever mental image we have of you. Sometimes we even get mad when characters we love behave in ways we don't like, lol. Is it hard dealing with the weight of so many readers' expectations?

M: Nah, I don't care what people think. Haha - totally just kidding....

Yeah, it can be a little bit hard sometimes. On Twitter, I have had people try to convince me that I don't actually have this dark side to me. That's because of exactly what you said - they have this impression of me and want to view me a certain way. (And then I'm like, "Sorry dude, I'm still a demon.") Bottom line is that I know who I am and I have to act true to myself, whether people prefer me to be a different way or not.

Also, I think it may get a little bit worse after people read book two. While my author has a soft spot for me, she also likes to put me -- all of us -- to the test (gross understatement). Plus, with my POV being highlighted in the book, you'll get to see me like you never have before. That's all I'm allowed to say ;)

L: Along with the whole attached things, some readers get ... shall we say ... possessive of what they come to think of as their characters. Has that become an issue with you yet, and if not, when it does how will you handle it? Some examples - people getting mad at other people that don't like you (you can't please everyone!) or people fighting over you, that kind of thing.

M: Jonathan definitely has more of this problem than I do, maybe because he's *currently* unattached and my readers know how committed I am to Hope. (Or maybe because he's got that whole immortal French guy thing going for him.) People call "dibs" on him, get very possessive of him, get in Twitter fights over whose guy he is. He's always very gracious about it. He's also a pretty private person so he does tend keep a bit of distance from the mortals. I gotta hand it to him for keeping so cool about it. I'd like to think that I'd do the same.

Umm, and I did once piss someone off by saying I'd go to the Mythology movie premiere with someone else, but it was all a big misunderstanding. I said I'd go with BOTH of them. (I *think* I smoothed everything over since then, but it was a touchy situation.) Honestly, I'd probably go with my author anyhow. *hides*

L: If Mythology went to the big screen, do you think you would play yourself? If not, who would you want to play you, Hope, and Jonathan? And how would you deal with all the new rapid fan-people (girls & guys) that a movie deal would bring you?

J: What is the best part of being a book boyfriend? And when your series is over someday, what are your plans, and will you stay in touch with your fans? (You'd better!!!)

L: Seriously ... *glares at Micah* You wouldn't forget US now, would you?

J: How could he? We are amazeballs :). BUT that doesn't mean we won't hurt him if he even *thinks* about bailing on us. You've been warned, demon boy!

M: Okay, so that first question made me feel like I was in that Inception movie. You're asking the dream cast who our dream cast would be... We are it. ;)

Left to right: Micah, Hope, Jonathan

Although... if it winds up being a few years more before Mythology hits the big screen, you may have to ask me again because then we'd have to find younger versions of ourselves.

I'm not all about popularity and fame -- that's more of Troy's deal. But If I ever reached superstar status (you talking like Ian Somerhalder status here?), I would do my best to reach out to fans. And I would never, ever lose touch with the people who helped us get off the ground, which brings me to the last question...

When the series is over, I'll still be around. I guess I'm like that first favorite child of my author's that'll never go away. And don't worry, Janice and Laura -- I'll always be your demon boy. xo

J: Darn right you will! Well, that about covers it for me. What do you think, Laura, have we grilled him enough? ;)

L: I suppose that's all ... for now ... Thanks for being so open and cooperative!

M: Good times - it was fun. Thanks for having me, and if either of you ever want to visit my world, just say the word! ;) xo

That's all, folks! We hope you enjoyed this inside look inside the mind of a book boyfriend! 

To connect with Laura & Micah, go here: 

Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood
Blog: http://littlereadridinghood.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/littleread1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleReadRidingHood
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7229032-laura-little-read-riding-hood

Micah Condie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mythologyseries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/micahcondie
Website: http://www.helenboswell.com/
Mythology on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840611-mythology

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Review: Golden by Jessi Kirby ★★★★★

Golden by Jessi Kirby
Genre: YA Contemporary
Series: n/a
Publication Date: May 14th 2013
ISBN: 9781442452169
Page Count: 288
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Janice



Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.

Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High—perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna’s journal tells a different story—one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane’s jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.

Reading Julianna’s journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live—and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker places that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference.

Review:

A moving, romantic & beautifully written story

I've read books that have rocked my socks off. Books that pull out all the emotional stops, and books that have me hanging breathless on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what happens next. And then there are those books that strike such a deep and personal chord within me, that when it's all over and I've turned the last page, I don't know whether to applaud because it was so damn good, or cry because I can't process all the feels. And just to be clear, I am not a crier by nature. Sure, my eyes have been known to well up when I'm reading, and I've had to swallow past the lump in my throat quite a few times. I've even felt that painful ache in my chest like someone just used my heart for a punching bag. But actual tears? No, those are a very rare occurrence.

GOLDEN got to me, though. It knocked down all my tough-girl walls and stirred up a whole hornet's nest of memories and feelings inside of me.

Parker Frost is a good girl who has spent her whole life staying on the right side of the line. She studies hard, gets excellent grades, and is in the running for a highly competitive scholarship which, if she wins it, will allow her to attend the college of her dreams. A scholarship, incidentally, that is offered by the families of the town's golden children who attended Parker's school and whom both died in a tragic car accident ten years ago. Everyone knows the story of Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz; their smiling faces are forever immortalized on a billboard in town. But when Parker stumbles across Julianna's journal, she discovers there is more to Julianna and Shane's story than anyone realizes, and it's a mystery she is determined to unravel. This is not a characteristic choice for her. As her (amazing) friend Kat points out, Parker doesn't do crazy or unexpected things.

Until now.

I connected with Parker right away, because I've been her. I was a good girl too, once upon a time, and like her, I spent years playing it safe, following the rules, and carrying the weight of parental expectations on my shoulders. My entire life was mapped out for me by the time I was thirteen, and it never even occurred to me to question it. Sure, I had my doubts, but I was young, not entirely sure of what I wanted, and I didn't have the confidence I do now to speak my mind. Plus, there was that ever-present specter of failure looming over me. It's easy for people to throw around sayings like "Seize the day!" but actually doing it is scary as hell. It has to be done though. We all have to take the leap at some point, and really, I think that's what GOLDEN is all about. It's more than a book about a girl named Parker discovering the truth about another girl's life and death. It's a reminder, to all of us, that we only have one life and by damn, we need to claim it and make it OURS.

There are two stories in GOLDEN - Parker's and Julianna's - and both wove a spell around my heart. The romantic in me sighed many a time, and while the book doesn't contain any hot and heavy scenes, there is a steady-burning fire between the main characters that provides more than enough heat. I particularly loved the dance between Trevor and Parker, and I loved Trevor, period. He more than earned a spot on my book boyfriend list.

Jessi Kirby is a magician with words, and I wish I had her gift so I could convey how truly beautiful her book is. All I can really say is that it inspired and moved me, and I didn't want it to end. Don't take my word for it, though. Get your hands on a copy of GOLDEN and experience it for yourselves.

5 Stars ★★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Quickie Review: Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield ★★★

Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Series: Chantress #1
Publication Date: May 7th 2013
ISBN: 9781442457034
Page Count: 139
Rating: ★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis:
Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful—and most hunted—girl in England.

“Sing, and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted fifteen-year-old Lucy ever since she was eight and shipwrecked on a lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. Now it is 1667, Lucy is fifteen, and on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on the wind. She can’t help but sing—and she is swept into darkness.

When she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses—women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is the last one in England.

Lucy struggles to master the song-spells and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion...

Time is running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and romantic.

Review:

Chantress

I have to confess, I was initially drawn to CHANTRESS by its pretty cover, followed swiftly by the blurb which made it sound like a Maria V. Snyder or Juliet Marillier style historical fantasy with a slow-forming romance in. Which as you may or may not know, is my own personal brand of book crack.

To that end, however, it was slightly underwhelming. I found the writing engaging enough and the concept interesting (although I have read of Spell Singers before, it's certainly not something that's overdone at all), and the characters were likeable with good back stories. But the plot itself was a little too slow with too many pages dedicated to Lucy's endless training sessions and only a flurry of excitement towards the end. Also, the romance was a bit too minuscule for my liking. I like them subtle, because I like to concentrate on story and world-building, but this was blink and you'll miss it.

At this point I'd like to say that despite this book being slow and full of set-up, I see quite a lot of potential for future books, but due to the game-changing events at the end, I actually have no clue where the author plans to take the trilogy from here.

I think I'll likely check out some reviews for book two before I make my decision as to whether to carry on with this one or not.

3 Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Wicked As She Wants by Delilah S. Dawson ★★★★1/2

Wicked As She Wants by Delilah S. Dawson
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Blud #2
Publication Date: April 30th 2013
ISBN: 9781451657906
Page Count: 384
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Janice



Synopsis: The second book in the darkly tempting Blud series, featuring a vampire princess who embarks upon a dangerous journey to claim what is rightfully hers.

When Blud princess Ahnastasia wakes up, drained and starving in a suitcase, she’s not sure which calls to her more: the sound of music or the scent of blood. The source of both sensations is a handsome and mysterious man named Casper Sterling. Once the most celebrated musician in London, Sangland, he’s fallen on hard times. Now, much to Ahna’s frustration, the debauched and reckless human is her only ticket back home to the snow-rimmed and magical land of Freesia.

Together with Casper’s prickly charge, a scrappy orphan named Keen, they seek passage to Ahna’s homeland, where a power-hungry sorceress named Ravenna holds the royal family in thrall. Traveling from the back alleys of London to the sparkling minarets of Muscovy, Ahna discovers that Freesia holds new perils and dangerous foes. Back in her country, she is forced to choose between the heart she never knew she had and the land that she was born to rule. But with Casper’s help, Ahna may find a way to have it all….

Review:

Sang For The Win!

My love affair with the Blud series began last year when I read Wicked As They Come and was introduced to the incomparable Criminy Stain and his clockwork caravan. Two novellas and a much-anticipated sequel later, the affair is still going strong. I adore the world of Sang. It's one of my favorite places to visit as a reader, so when I received my ARC for book two, WICKED AS SHE WANTS, I was a very happy bludbunny.

Before I dive into my review, I must first say this: WICKED AS SHE WANTS is not the continuing adventures of Criminy Stain and his lady-love, Tish. Yes I know, we all want more Criminy, and maybe someday Delilah S. Dawson will grant our wish, but for now, we must content ourselves with Criminy/Tish guest appearances. Not to worry, though. You'll still get a kickass story without them.

Okay, now that we've cleared up who the book isn't about....

WICKED AS SHE WANTS is the tale of Blud princess Ahnastasia and washed-up musician-slash-Stranger, Casper Sterling (whom we first met in book one). Their paths cross purely by chance, and after some initial death threats and much arguing back and forth, Ahna convinces Casper to escort her home to Freesia so she can reclaim the throne that is rightfully hers. Casper reluctantly agrees, and with Casper's young friend Keen in tow, they set off on a life-altering journey through Sangland and beyond.

I enjoyed the heck out of Ahna. She starts out as the typical spoiled, arrogant royal, with people skills that leave much to be desired and a view of the world that is limited at best. And so ruthless, too! She's a Bludwoman with a predator's killer instincts, and I got a hugest kick out of all the violent thoughts that swirled through her head. I also loved that she didn't lose that side of herself over the course of the story. She softened up in other areas and yes, her horizons broadened considerably, but that aspect of her personality remained.

As for Casper, what a surprise he turned out to be! He gets kind of a slow start in the beginning of the book (not in every scene) and then WHAM, suddenly there he is, front and center. Is he as awesomesauce as Criminy Stain? Frankly, no, but he's a damn close second. There's a lot more to Casper than we saw in Wicked As They Come, and I loved discovering all the different sides of him. He is, by turns, brooding, gentle, loyal, daring, and totally messed up. And when he gets his sexy alpha male on, whoa mama! SWOON ALERT! Ahna is a very lucky woman :P

Keen is also fantastic (honestly, I don't think Delilah knows how to write bad characters) and I hope she gets her own story someday, because she would totally rock it.

As always, the world-building is excellent. I really like the mix of paranormal and steampunk elements this series provides, and I think in this book, even more than the last one, I felt just how big, exciting and dangerous Sang really is. The descriptive passages were great, too. I could picture every person and place in my mind's eye in vivid, Technicolor detail.

Needless to say, WICKED AS SHE WANTS was a hit for me. If you haven't already discovered this incredible series, now is the time to start - and be sure to read the novellas too! Anything Blud is good :)

4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Down London Road by Samantha Young ★★★★★

Down London Road by Samantha Young
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: On Dublin Street #2
Publication Date: May 7th 2013
ISBN: 9780451419712
Page Count: 384
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis:

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

Review:

Down London Road was right up my street!

Oh, I'm so happy right now. I absolutely adored ON DUBLIN STREET when I read it last year - it was one of my very first CRs, actually. I loved its intensity paired with its relaxed down-to-earthness. I loved the fact that it was set in my own country for a change. I loved the characters, the dialogue, the steamy scenes, how it gave me so many feels. Just everything, really... So I was naturally a bit nervous to start the sequel thinking it couldn't possibly live up to its predecessor. Well, as you can see from my high rating, I needn't have worried! DOWN LONDON ROAD was every bit as good as book one. Young somehow, miraculously managed to create that same magic once again and stirred many of the same feelings within me as ODS, despite the characters and situations being entirely different.

(Well, not all the characters were different - Joss and Braden (the MCs from ODS) were in it a fair bit, and main character Jo was barmaid-Jo-who-likes-rich-older-guys from ODS as well.)

Now, I know what you're thinking... Jo didn't come across that well in ODS. She was just the shameless, shallow pouty chick that was after anyone with a pulse and a fat wallet. Well, yes that is kind of still true. But let me assure you there is so much more to her than that, and we may have been given a rather skewed and unfair impression of her.

Sadly, it's an impression that a lot of people share, including other main character, Cameron. He's really not very nice to Jo at the start of this book. In fact, he's extremely unpleasant, hurtful and judgemental. I found Cameron's misconceptions very confusing, actually, because part of me thought he was being a total asshat, and yet another part of me kinda agreed with him. Jo is a golddigger. She's one of those women who, in the real world, I would probably really dislike and give the stink-eye to when she wasn't looking. Because on the surface, she's got it all - she's tall, attractive and has a multi-millionaire boyfriend. But sadly for Jo, that's really not a true reflection of her life at all. Jo is a survivor, a fighter, and a character I grew to deeply admire. I can't tell you all about why, obviously, but when you read it you will see - as Cameron eventually did-  that first impressions can be very misleading.

Now I know some people didn't like the fact that both Cam and Jo had other partners as the story began, but personally I think it was absolutely necessary to have that in there as it's all part of Jo's emotional baggage. The fact that she thinks she needs to choose her lovers based on what they can provide for her and Cole (her teenaged brother whom she parents because their own mother is a non-functioning alcoholic waste of space), instead of basing it just on her own feelings. And as for Cam, well... anyone who looks like Cam would likely have a girlfriend at all times. So I didn't mind that aspect of the story at all and thought it was realistic, if not very romantic.

The plot itself, much like ODS, was a character-driven tale with lots of lovely romantic scenes, some super hot sexy scenes, and some ball-like-a-baby scenes. I just love, love, LOVE all the feels you get from a Samantha Young book. I can't even pinpoint exactly what it is that causes them to be so effective in that way, because the writing style is really very straightforward. I guess some writers just have a better insight into what situations would create the best tension and drama and know how to pull that from their readers. But whatever it is, so far, she has gotten me good twice. In fact, with this one, I was crying by around the 20% mark. Like, serious crying. I may not know how she does it, but I'm sure glad she does!

Looking forward to the next one.

5 Stars ★★★★★

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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