That's What I'm Talking About
I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent.
Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.
A+ Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A- Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+ Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B- Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+ Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C- Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish
updated July 9, 2015
Currently reading
Review Night Shift Anthology
"Secrets at Midnight" by Nalini Singh
Psy/Changeling series #13.5
This enjoyable novella from the world of Psy-Changeling shares the romance of Bastien and Kirby. Readers familiar with the series will recognize Bastien as DarkRiver sentinel Mercy’s brother. Kirby, on the other hand, is a human who seems to have all the markers of a cat shifter.
Overall, Secrets at Midnight is an enjoyable, easy-going Changeling story. I've missed the Changelings a lot, with the past couple of books focusing on Psy romances. Although there are a few minor spoilers to those new to the series, it’s an excellent stand alone look at Ms. Singh’s world. The idea of a potential shifter not knowing she’s one is unique and interesting. And since this is a Changeling story involving the “mating bond” romance, there is a quick “I love you.” However, it fits the flow of the tale. I appreciate how and when the mating bond snapped into place.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
"Magic Steals" by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels #6.5
Told from white tiger shifter Dali’s point-of-view, this wonderful novella takes place during time of Magic Rises, when Kate and Curran are oversees on a diplomatic mission. Although the story is stand alone, it will be more emotionally satisfying for those who have read the series and know both Jim and Dali from earlier books.
Magic Steals is by far my favorite story in the anthology, primarily because the Kate Daniels series is my favorite series, and this novella is a shining example of what makes the series so superb. The story is filled with wit, humor, action, and romance, creating the perfect balance with an engrossing mystery. Plus, I love Jim and Dali together. So awesome! Great teamwork.
Overall, I simply LOVED this novella. Jim and Dali are so incredibly perfect together. The humor is spot on, the case is interesting. I liked learning more about the mysterious Dali. The romance sweet, to include a passionate scene that was hot! Fans of the series will adore this novella. Those new to the series will experience a good taste of the Kate Daniels world and writing style of Ilona Andrews.
A+ Personal Favorite
“Lucky Charms” by Lisa Shearin
SPI #0.5
Makenna Fraser, a seer, is on her first day working for Supernatural Protection and Investigations (SPI). Told from her point-of-view, the reader experiences the crazy, underground world of supernatural beings living among, yet hidden from humans. SPI is like the police for supernaturals.
Lucky Charms is an exciting and crazy adventure, matching silly antics and hilarious banter with a bit of a mystery. To give you an example, the description of the SPI office reminds me of any given scene from the Men In Black movies.
I found Lucky Charms to be an interesting prequel story to an existing series (which I have not read). This novella definitely piqued my interest in reading more of the series. The story had solid humor and a storyline that was different and entertaining. While the novella completed its story involving the capture of some leprechauns, it left a huge unknown dangling, enticing me to continue the series.
A- Enjoyed A Lot
“The Beast of Blackmoor” by Milla Vane
The Barbarians series
The Beast of Blackmoor shares the story of warrior Kavik attempting to win back his homeland of Blackmoor. Unfortunately, he has angered the primary goddess of the land, who in turn has cursed his life. When Kavik recognizes Mala as the woman who will end him, he attempts to keep his distance, only to end up losing his heart to her.
While reading the book, I couldn’t stop mental comparisons with shows like Xena and movies like Conan the Barbarian. The world is dark and cruel, complete with wicked creatures and a tyrannical ruler. There are a couple of potentially shocking and/or gruesome scenes.
Overall, The Beast of Blackmoor was enjoyable and fun. However, it is firmly set in the realm of fantasy rather than PNR or UF, so if you aren’t a fan of fantasy you may struggle with this one a bit. The story has some slower parts, and the characters aren’t as relatable as typical UF/PNR characters. However, I loved that the heroine has a different perspective and ideas of inner strength and faith than those I normally read. I encourage readers not to skip this story, even if it is something different from your norm.
B, Liked It
Overall, Night Shift is a solid anthology with a little bit for everyone. Even if you are picking up this book for one or two of the stories, I highly suggest you read them all!
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher.
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