Truly enjoyed Black Spark by Al K
344627
Truly enjoyed Black Spark by Al K. Line. Found the story well written and the character fun in a introspective, tongue-in-cheek way. Read the next two novels and I am looking forward to the fourth, Guilty Spark.
721656
Mr. Black achieved his goals:  I kept reading way too late.  It is fast paced enough that you can read until it starts to get light out - then you really need go to bed and use lots of caffeine during the day.  ABAP won't write itself!  And it indeed gave a pleasurable respite from the cares of the world!
As Sandy described, realistic people with virtues and faults, not "good" guys versus "bad" guys.  Looking forward to a continuation.  And more Metal Boxes!  Thanks.
3687836
I loved this book, I am already an avid fan of LA Banks & Tananarive Due and read almost everything they write.  I have recently begun reading selections by Brandon Massey.  These three writer epitomize the Black experience in this book with their influences of African American folk beliefs. Plus, they were damn good stories.  I appreciate a good sci fi/fantasy/horror story that doesn't insult my intelligence and makes me want to do research on folk religions & past beliefs.
4347516
*I gave this audiobook a B for the narration and C+ for the story at AudioGals.*

Being a lover of alpha heroes, I took one look at this title, and knew I had to listen to it! Having previously listened to one of Jessica Clares prior titles, The Wrong Billionaires Bed, I also knew that I would enjoy Ms. Clares mix of contemporary romance with a bit of humor and steamy, passionate love scenes. The Care and Feeding of an Alpha Male, generally delivers on all these fronts, and even includes a little suspense and a few crucial plot twists, to add to its allure. But it also unnecessarily overdelivered in one of those aspects.

Knowing that this was a small-town romance, I innocently expected a little heat. But what I got was so much more, that after a few scenes I found myself fast-forwarding through them (some of which were fifteen minutes or longer). These weren't necessarily plain vanilla scenes either. Its not anything I haven't previously read or listened to before, but it was so unexpected, given this books description, and so gratuitous for this kind of story, that I felt it cheapened it for me. Without this issue, I would have given this story a B+.

Beth Ann Williamson, the belle of Bluebonnet, Texas, is finally done with her perfect on-again, off-again fianc, Allen. As the daughter of the small towns mayor, she understands the value of discretion when it comes to her public life, so she doesnt tell others about Allens philandering ways. Of course, this just means that the whole town believes that they are still together or will eventually reconcile.

When she moves out of Allens house, she decides to be self-sufficient for the first time in her life, so Beth Ann opens up her own business  a salon. Things aren't easy, but shes learning to get by, even if everyone assumes that her attempt at playing the businesswoman will only be short-lived.

Ex-marine and survivalist, Colt Waggoner, is the exact opposite of the type of person that anyone in Bluebonnet would associate with Beth Ann. Born on the wrong side of tracks, and having grown-up in a trailer, most of the town considers him to be white trash.

Having gone to high school with Beth Ann, Colt has steered clear of her most of his adult life, assuming her to be a spoiled princess. One day that changes when during a storm, he gets an opportunity to teach her a lesson. What starts out as revenge, quickly leads to passion, and he neglects to tell her that they really aren't stranded. One thing leads to another, and Colt and Beth Ann end up exploring a lot more than just the wild wilderness on their off-road weekend.

Expecting nothing more than a one (or two) night stand, both are extremely surprised when they cant stop thinking of each other, which leads to an attempt to date. But the small town of Bluebonnet is not going to stand idly by and let this great catastrophe take place, never mind that Allen has made it his mission to win Beth Ann back. Can Beth Ann and Colt beat the odds to find a HEA, especially when certain crucial truths are revealed?

See the full review, including the part relating to the narration, at Audiogals at: www dot audiogals dot net/2014/09/the-care-and-feeding-of-an-alpha-male-by-jessica-clare/#.VA77i2NgFqg
4555952
Alec Harbinger is quickly becoming one of my favorite UF detectives. The author does an excellent job transporting the reader into his world. I spent large chunks of the day immersed in this story. It's a quick read. I started and finished it today. Well worth it if you enjoy detective urban fantasy a la Jim Butcher. I highly recommend it!
124942
This is the second book I have read in the last few weeks from this author and I cannot say enough great things about his talent.  Despite this book being billed as a YA novel, as a middle aged adult, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.  The story line was intriguing and entertaining.  I eagerly await the next book in the series as the story and characters have sucked me in.
2321537
Four Seconds to Lose is my first experience with a book by K.A. Tucker, and wow, I wish I would have been smarter and have grabbed them before because this one is amazing. Seriously, I have such a difficult relationship with New Adult books but it's books like this one that make me see why they are so popular.

 The most outstanding thing about it is that it is hugely entertaining. I never once got bored, and I loved that the story progressed so quickly, you were never left hanging on any of the "mysteries" because they were always almost instantly resolved and yet not really because so many things were yet to be unraveled. I loved the main characters and I loved the dual point of view. Both Charlie and Cain were great characters; it takes talent to make characters likable when they do what these two do. But K.A. Tucker did it.

 Another thing that I really, really loved was that Cain, our hero, was not a jerk. I can't even count how many times I've read a New Adult whose main male character is a "bad boy" (which nowadays seems to be a synonym for "huge jerk"). Cain was a genuinely good guy even if his job and past were edging the bad side. I loved Cain and his caring nature. And I also loved Charlie. She was so strong and brave and my heart ached for the lonely little girl living inside her. She might have been afraid most of the time but I could see her real strength shinning through.

 Some might argue that the story was too over the top drama, and while that might be true what really counts is that it was so engaging and entertaining that it was impossible to put down. There were minor details that kept me from giving it five stars but they mostly have to do with personal pet peeves and not really with the story. I enjoyed the story and eat it up like it was, I don't know, I guess any kind of delicious food. Totally recommended for New Adult fans.
2538559
Darkstorm
The Rhenwars Saga, Book 0
By: M. L. Spencer
Narrated by: Simon Wright
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I have to say that as soon as the book started I was drawn to the smooth and attractive voice coming from my tablet. I had not heard this narrator before and I was enticed right away. Loved his voice! This man could get away with murder!  He delivered a flawless performance and and had me glued to his dreamy voice.
The book was wonderful also but different than what I am accustomed to. My heroes don't die normally! Sob, sob.... Great world building, interactions, characters, and plot. Loved the fantasy aspects too. Fresh and appealing, dark and aluring. I had bought all three books before I had the chance to review this book. Now I can't wait to read the other books. I may just wait and listen to them!
Enjoyed this book tremendously!
4893200
This book was a great pick me up that I read after finishing a darker book.  I became immersed in the story and enjoyed all the comments introducing A. J. Fikry's favorite short stories.  Books that I have read were mentioned through out the book.  When I finished it I wanted to start reading it all over again!
3932866
Clever Black continues his genius writing in the 3rd installment of the Holland series.....

In all honesty, words cannot describe how impressed I am with author Clever Black. His writing style is incredible and very unique. I think the characteristic that I enjoy about him most is his ability to integrate "urban fiction" into real life history. This man tells a story that leaves the reader happy, sad, angry, and craving more. Typically a series can only drag on for so long, but the way this series has been written is an exception. Thus far, every book has stood independent of the other, but each book was necessary to combine everything together. I mean, this is writing at its best and I cannot get enough.

Samantha's story was so captivating and nothing short of excellence. From the beginning I was on pins and needles because I assumed Manhattan was up to his old ways. However, the disgusting old man was up to something different which was a blessing but also a curse for Samantha. But she is a Holland, so surviving in spite of her predicament was inevitable. Surviving is something that is evident in the Holland genes.

I really LOVED Asa and his team. Not the ideal father figure for anyone, but I believe he was heaven sent. Given his profession, things could have been far much worse for Sam, but she was truly blessed to meet him. There were growing pains and to me, that is what made the relationship stronger. Xiang was my girl and I liked how ride or die she was. She was good people and that too was rare to find given what she was into. God bless Trudy. That girl had a good heart concerning Sam but she was troubled. I am sure it had a lot to do with her time in Compton but I was praying she got it together. I was CTFU when the girls went for their first bikini wax. That was hella funny right along with "Dial Wayne For Murder". Wayne was a dude with good intentions and I was pleased with his character. It was obvious that Sam was a little naive to certain things but Wayne never took advantage of her. I will say that no one can fudge you over like family and leave it at that.

Sam was able to live her dream and I was cheering her on, all the way. I figured that Trudy would join her but I did not see the other situations coming. Clever Black struck again and I was looking for a skillet to hit him with! Every time I have a Kool-Aid smile and I am content with everything that is going on; here he comes with a twist. But that is what makes his writing that darn good. I do not like books that are predictable and Clever has certainly kept me on my toes with guessing and unexpected events.

The reunion was bittersweet and heartfelt. I was crying right along with the family but so happy. Manhattan's justice was welcomed and it could not have happened to a better person. I think Tre is a good match for Sam and overall a good dude. He's was not hood rich but he had a plan and executed well.

I am so anxious to read part IV and see what the connection with the 5 daughters is. I am most certain that the book will deliver as the others have. This series is like a big mac from McDonald's..."I'm Loving It!"

Reviewed by Lizzy Linh K for Urban Grapevine Magazine
4715935
This was my first Aleatha Romig book, and while I understand it's a departure from her normal fare, it will definitely not be my last! I was obsessed with Duncan and Kimbra from the very beginning - even when Duncan's behavior repulsed me, I was intrigued and really wanted to see if and how he would be able to redeem himself. I also really didn't like the way that Kimbra "blackmailed" him, but this is a case of all's well that ends well so I quickly got on board. Their relationship was intense and sexy from the beginning, but since they'd worked together for years, it can't really be classified as instalust and that made it so much more enjoyable. Kimbra's family was HILARIOUS (her grandma is EVERYTHING) and I really LOVED the way that Duncan truly saw Kimbra and wanted her for who she was inside and out. I also really enjoyed the tension provided by the common character in Kimbra and Duncan's personal lives - while it wasn't exactly a surprise, it was plotted out very well and I loved it. I can't wait to read more of the author's "Lighter Ones" books and may even look into reading some of her darker books as well. And Samantha Prescott and Brian Pallino both did a superb job in embodying the characters and I will specifically search for them to listen to more of their narrations! 5 out of 5 wine glasses.
3700949
Immortal Flame I consumed in two days - this was such an enjoyable read.

Peter and Allison simply ignite when together, I have to say when they first kissed I was moved beyond words, I stopped and had to tweet the author, the way it was written and the connection was simply scorching - I have not read a first kiss like that in a long time.  The way these two characters communicated not only through the physical connection but the emotional/paranormal way was just really beautiful, I understood Allison's gift and how Peter could help her.  Her pain I could feel in the pages as each word communicated to me her gift and how it impacted on her - really impressive I thought.

As you know I am not a big paranormal reader but Peter and Allison connected with me and I honestly could continue reading another 200 pages about them.  I searched after finishing this and note that the next book in this series is about Dante (Peter's friend) who is having a romance of his own so I do hope we perhaps hear about characters in this book again.  Dante was actually one character I really found endearing and loyal and I will be looking for this book and have added to my Goodreads list.

Now one part of this story I simply loved was Allison and her dog Ivy, I am a dog lover and the relationship she had with this beautiful creature was wonderful, their companionship and Ivy's characteristics and wagging tail made me laugh and gave some light moments in a sometimes dark and scary tale.

So I can honestly recommend this book, if you are looking for a beautiful romantic story, with paranormal passion, dark characters & usual suspense this will not disappoint. Just a quick warning there is some violence in this novel that is quite graphic but in the context of the story I found exciting and important to the storyline.

I was given a copy to review by the Author.
2622137
As soon as Kiki Hamilton revealed her plans to release a YA contemporary book, The Last Dance, I was thrilled. I love her Faerie Ring series so I was excited to see her try her hand at something different and The Last Dance proves just how talented she is.

The Last Dance is told in alternative points of view, going between Kellen and Ivy. Kellen is a star football player for the school's team and Ivy is a quiet girl who likes to keep her head down and study. Both characters feel a certain amount of pressure from everyone around them to be the best that they can be, so when Kellen gets injured, these two characters come together like no one could have predicted and they find they have more in common than they realise.

I really enjoyed The Last Dance. It's a quick read, one that I managed to read within about 24 hours and it's one that was completely compelling. Once I started reading I just had to finish it and find out how Kellen and Ivy's story would end because their story was so entertaining. It's full of heart-ache and uncertainly but it's a story also about hope and love, so their story really touches your heart. They were also both enjoyable characters - ones I found easy to connect too

In all, Kiki Hamilton is a wonderful writer and I can't wait for more of her work whether it is fantasy, contemporary or if it's something different all together.
2258993
I was fortunate to win a free download of Zoe Sharp's FOX FIVE short story collection on the Murderati blog a few months ago. I really enjoyed all of the stories and added KILLER INSTINCT to my To Be Read list then because I wanted to learn more about Charlie Fox. I admit however to not really loving short stories that much because they are well...short. They don't always give the chance to connect emotionally with a character. So I was lured away from KI by other shiny stories calling to be read.

However, the other day, bored by my current in-progress reads, I was thrilled to see Ms. Sharp offering a free download of Killer Instinct. I started reading and was instantly hooked. Finished it last night at 2:30 AM and had a hard time not immediately starting on book 2 in the series. (But I can't wait for bedtime tonight!)

Charlie Fox is a true kick-ass heroine. Not the sugar-coated kick-ass chicks you often find in hybrid romance/suspense books who still end up needing their man to help rescue them at some point. Charlie doesn't need anyone's help. She teaches self dense after being kicked out of the British army for reasons that play a key role in both the development of her character and the plot events.

I was thrilled the longer format allowed me to connect more with her. Sharp is great at doling out Charlie's backstory in small snippets that keep the action moving along at a fast pace, but letting you know this is a character with serious depths to plumb.

I look forward to learning more about her as the series progresses and seeing if she will eventually find love with Sean Meyer, a figure from her dark past, who is only mentioned but never seen in this book. (That's the romance fan in me talking).

Sharp keeps you guessing about the bad guys and how the plot will unfold, and the tension builds to a heart-thumping conclusion.

Now on to RIOT ACT!
1004766
There are those moments in life that you see someone and feel that spark with them, yet you let the moment pass you by. This story brings to front the one time that spark was actually explored and how deeply you can fall in love with someone that you had that spark with.

While I am not a big fan of fishing, I found myself very interested in the in's and out's of what they were doing. The description of what was happening and the ability to view it through the author's words was easy to see.

The reason for Kelly to venture into this place hit close to home as I never knew my biological father until I was much older. It made the story more real for me.

This book was a quick and easy read. Well written and kept me interested. It was also the first novel I have read by author Alan Nayes, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
3058999
Carter Quinn has written Avery's story with such insight that I sincerely hope he hasn't personally gone through the trauma and abuse.  It was a personal journey for me reading Out of the Blackness as someone very close to me experienced a similar childhood.  Don't for one minute think that Avery's panic attacks, lack of control in certain situations and constant tears was over the top or an exaggeration because I can guarantee that it isn't.  No insta love here or a miracle cure for everything ailing Avery but a realistic journey he and Noah embarked on to find their HEA and healing.  Wouldn't life be more beautiful if we had more Noah's around?  A hero in every sense of the word in my book.  Plot, character development, angst done well throughout this story.  Dialogue flowed naturally between all characters.  Strong secondary characters who contributed to the story effectively.  Sam, what a wonderful friend and brother he was. I am very impressed with the writing style of this author and look forward to reading more from him.  Well done Mr Quinn!
3711784
Lia Black takes established fantasy tropes and crafts them into a smart, highly readable, sexy tale, with plenty of action and surprising touches along the way. Veyl especially is a new favorite character: Im a city gal myself, so Ive a soft spot for pampered creatures of civilization who are forced into situations requiring something called camping or, heaven help us, roughing it in that woefully misnamed entity, the great outdoors. (The scene where Kaidos orders Veyl to skin a dead animal was priceless.)

Black takes her time bringing these two together, with plenty of gay for you/out for you angst and lively love/hate banter. Both Kaidos and Veyl are more than they appear, and the book is full of unexpected moments of pathos and sweetness to offset the conflict and violence of the story. Those who have read Worthy know that Black writes wonderfully sensual, sizzling erotic scenes and Kings Ransom definitely does not disappoint.

That being said, its a long book at 150,000 words, and it would not have hurt the story to sacrifice some pages during the journey section, though in truth I was always engrossed reading it. With the arrival of Captain Engel at 40% with its kidnapping within a kidnapping and hints of a love triangle, the story becomes action-packed, with a small host of new characters (the wizard and his apprentice were particularly effective and moving), all racing towards a highly suspenseful and satisfying denouement.

Bottom Line: Lia Black writes a fun, sexy story that will satisfy fans of high fantasy and M/M. Highly Recommend.