Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Series: Shatter Me #1.5
109 p.
Publisher: Harper
Published: 10/2/12
Source: Library
$2.99 at Amazon (Affiliate Link)

Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45. 

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of...

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

My thoughts:

I've been wanting to do a little catching up so I decided to get back into this series since my library is carrying the next audiobook. I had heard to also pick up the novellas as well and I was happy to see my library also carried this novella.

This is where we get to know Warner. It had been a while since I read Shatter Me so it took me a bit to remember which one Warner was but it quickly came back. In this one, I must warn you, the guy you hated in the first one becomes human. He becomes human through Juliette's diary and he falls through her emotions which triggers his empathy. This may spell trouble for those that hate love triangles, but nothing has happened yet and this is just a look into Warner and how his motives change.

I do recommend this short to go with the rest of the series since I have a feeling Warner is going to play a bigger part than we thought. I am curious to see where it goes next. I give this novella 4 stars.

📖

Audiobook Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

Novella
Narrated: Zachary Quinto
2 hrs. 19 min.
Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
Published: 10/4/16
Source: tbr pile (free until Nov. 2, 16)

One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know. But it changes everything: war, crime, daily life.

Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher - a licensed, bonded professional whose job is to humanely dispatch those whose circumstances put them in death's crosshairs, so they can have a second chance to avoid the reaper. But when a fellow Dispatcher and former friend is apparently kidnapped, Tony learns that there are some things that are worse than death and that some people are ready to do almost anything to avenge a supposed wrong.

It's a race against time for Valdez to find his friend before it's too late...before not even a Dispatcher can save him.

My thoughts:

This is a quick listen and I was curious since Zachary Quinto narrated it. He did a superb job of voicing the characters and his smooth voice seemed to lend an edge to the telling. It almost felt like a bit of a suspense novel as well.

In this short the world is firmly developed. In fact the world building really seemed to be the main factor in the story. Why are people who are murdered coming back? How? What is the timeline for the reset? Most of these things are answered and others (like why and how) are left to your imagination, but all feels plausible in this world. Plus it makes sense that the first things humans would do with what seems like a miracle... monetize it and make it a job. That is the dispatcher. They make sure people survive in circumstances and are given a second chance to get things right. It also lends itself to exploitation and an underground which has developed within this type of "job".

The characters are interesting but I didn't really connect with them. It is understandable since this, to me, is not a character book but really an exploration of a mystery and the world it inhabits. That part of the story is fully told and I was left satisfied after 2+ hours of this novella. I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to those that enjoy a different kind of world and a good sic-fi story.

Bloggy Freebie Note: This audio novella is free until Nov. 2 so get yours free now! A good way to try this one and see if this sci-fi is for you. :) Go HERE to get the audio (that is not an affiliate link).

Blog Tour Review with Giveaway: Unwanted by Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin #14.5
100 p.
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 7/18/16
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella--from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, the foster brother of Gin Blanco, and a fan favorite of readers of the series. 

The fallout from his disastrous “family reunion” in Bitter Bitehas left Finn feeling hurt, angry, and depressed. He can barely stand to look at himself in the mirror, much less eat any of the delicious barbecue from Gin’s famed Pork Pit restaurant. 

But when the funeral for a slain security guard at his bank turns into a showdown with some nasty underworld giants, Finn knows that he must act in order to protect an innocent family. 

Finnegan Lane might be the most unwanted man in Ashland these days, but he’s determined to try to make amends for his past mistakes...

My thoughts:

Oh if you have been reading these books and are a fan of Finn, you really need to get this novella! The last book was Finn's book as well, but still told in Gin's perspective. This is about the aftermath of what happened in Finn's POV. In this book Finn holds his own and you can see he is capable and deadly in his own right... if you didn't know that before. You also feel for him deeply in this story.

You may not have to read all of them to get to this novella, but I do suggest picking up a few of them first to get the feel for Finn and at least Bitter Bite before diving into this book. The last book is a necessity to know what is going on in this book and all of it is worth it. This is a series I have loved from the beginning and has a great secondary character list. So glad we are getting the perspective of those characters we love. Yes, there are several in this series.

I give this novella 4 1/2 stars. It is the perfect compliment to the series and the last book specifically. If you are a fan of Finn do not hesitate to pick this book up. You will love it.

*****

Author bio:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. Unwanted, e-novella #14.5 in the series, will be released on July 18. Unraveled, book #15, will be released on Aug. 30.

Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series. She is also the author of the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit www.jenniferestep.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

*****

Jennifer has a giveaway for 5 copies of BITTER BITE (5 winners!) and a $25 Amazon gift card! Open to US residents only. One winner per household. Contest ends July 25th at midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
***** Tour stops:

7/11 - Books and Things (review + giveaway)

7/12 - DianaMCKiaradB (review + Q&A)

7/14 - Rantings of a Reading Addict (review + giveaway)

7/15 - Lily Element Book Reviews (review), Urban Fantasy Investigations (giveaway)

7/17 - The Book Crumb Trail (review + giveaway), Diane’s Book Blog (Q&A)

7/18 - A Book Fanatic Obsession (review + Q&A), Bambi Unbridled (review + giveaway)

7/19 - Bookish Things & More (review + giveaway), Slippery Words (review + giveaway)

7/20 - Mary Hughes (Q&A + giveaway), The Book Nympho (review + giveaway)

7/21 - Goldilox and the Three Weres (review + giveaway), The Reading Addict (Q&A + giveaway)

7/22 - Books That Hook (review + giveaway)

Wylde Magic by Erin Kellison

Novella
*Supposed to be published Jan. 2016 but is still only a part of the Mammoth Book of Souther Gothic Romance

*Previously Published in the Mammoth Book of Southern Gothic romance 

Returning home after a decade of study, historian Jack Wylde has to contend with a family curse he’s dedicated his life to breaking and a brother on the edge of madness. The last person he wants involved is Sergeant Evangeline Renard, the only friend he ever had as a kid, now on the Bloomfield police force. When news spreads of a vicious animal attack on the outskirts of town, he knows eventually the bloody tracks will lead to the dilapidated steps of what was once the grand Wylde family estate. And sure enough, look who’s knocking on his door…

My thoughts:

Ah... one of the few reviews that got away from me. I was supposed to review this one in Feb, but I guess April is fine. ;) It was supposed to be published as a novella, but I have not seen it separate from the anthology.

In this book we find Jack who is dealing with a family curse that ends in insanity. Seeing every family member go down this path he knows it will be his time soon. An old flame Evangeline (now part of the police force) comes to see what has been going on with a black panther attacking the residents in the small town. Now we have to figure out if they will solve the puzzle in time or will Jack go the way of the rest of his family?

For me, if you are going to read a novella, read one by Erin Kellison. It feels complete and you are only left wanting more in the world she has created. This book is a bit different. You are left with feeling like you need to know more about this world before we were cut off. However, what we do get, is good. You are captivated wanting to solve the mystery of Jacks family and beyond. I do hope there will be more in this series and I do believe that is the plan. I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those that love shifter romance.

Waylaid by Kim Harrison with Giveaway!

Series: Hollows/Peri Reed mash up
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 4/4/16
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
Addendum: Will be $.99 in ebook

Worlds collide when Rachel Morgan of The Hollows meets Peri Reed of The Drafter in this exciting new short story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison. 

The paranormal and the futuristic meet in this thrilling novella featuring your favorite badass heroines from two of “the amazingly gifted” (RT Book Reviews) Kim Harrison’s most beloved series: the Hollows and the Peri Reed Chronicles. The magic of the Hollows runs full force into the technological sophistication of The Drafter when a device capable of carrying a city’s data stream pulls Rachel, the bounty hunter witch of the Hollows, between realities, marooning her in a world where the supernatural holds no sway. To get Rachel and Jenks home, Peri, the dangerous renegade of 2030, must decide what will chart her future: her blind trust in those who grant her power, or her intuition telling her to believe.

My thoughts:

I had only read the first book in the Hollows series and the first book in the Peri Reed Chronicles series. That was enough to get into the enjoyment in this series. If you have only read one or the other, I think it is a good way to introduce you to the series you haven't read.

In this one it is set in Peri's world and Rachel is thrown into it by a mistake. It does seem to blend the worlds together as if one was set in an alternate universe and timeline from the other. This does make things make more sense and we do have some basic things in common including magic and science. We only have a small adventure with both characters told in Peri's POV. It is complete and not an absolute necessity in either series but just something to enjoy. It is like hoping unlikely characters would come together in a different series and wanting to see what happens. It's just all in fun.

I give this novella 3 stars. It is a great way to introduce yourself into the world and characters of the other. Now I know I need to start catching up in the Hollow's universe.

The paperback book of The Drafter (Peri Reed Chronicles #1) just came out and I have one to giveaway! It also includes the novella, Sideswiped which most people said helps introduce the world (my Review for both books). To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter form below. US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audiobook Review with Crafts: Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Covenant # 3.5
Narrator: Rob Shapiro
Unabridged
2 hrs. 52 min.
Source: Library/Hoopla

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. Even if it means making war against the gods.

My thoughts:

I had heard that I could not miss this novella and I'm glad I listened. I think it brings a big aspect to light that happens between Covenant #3 and #4. I won't go into that, but I will say this is Aiden's story and you get all that Aiden goodness. :) I was surprised at Rob Shapiro's narration because I wasn't expecting the change (I didn't pay attention to the narrator when I borrowed the audio). I think he did an excellent job and wouldn't mind him narrating another book in this series.

I give this audio 4 1/2 stars. It is a perfect addition to the series and highly recommended within the series.

Crafts!

One of my pups is having a b-day this month. She LOVES scarves and so I made her one. I found the saying on Urban Threads and used this tutorial on Sew4Home as a basis for what I did. I think if I used better fabric for the solid pink (I used scrap and it wasn't great quality... cheap but all I had in that color atm) it wouldn't have puckered as much. Still, I don't think she minds. In fact she asks to get a fresh bandana from time to time so I think this fits the bill. :) My fashion hound.

Want to join us?

On My Wishlist: Brighter than the Sun by Darynda Jones

Brighter than the Sun
by Darynda Jones
Series: Charlie Davidson #8.5
112 p.
Published: 10/06/15
Publisher: St. Martin Press

All his life, Reyes Alexander Farrow has suffered the torments of the damned. Only one thing has given him hope: the woman who radiates a light that no mortals can see; a light that only the departed can see... 

Told from his point of view, BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN chronicles the first time Reyes ever encountered Charley, and how their relationship has been the one thing that can either save him or doom him.

I have yet to get my little hands on this novella and me want! Reyes is mine... ;) Just so you know...  

Sideswiped and The Drafter by Kim Harrison with Giveaway!

Happy Labor Day for those in the states. Happy Monday to everyone else. How about a review and giveaway? :D

Sideswiped
Series: The Peri Reed Chronicles #0.5
80 p.
Publisher: Pocket Star
Source: TBR pile (currently .99¢ at your fave ebook retailer)

Every hero, even the accidental ones, have a beginning. 

Silas’s radical theory that drafters are not replaying time as much as they are temporarily sliding into an alternate universe has never been well-received, but frankly, the darling of Opti’s research has enough clout not to care, until a professor with a grudge tries to put a permanent end to it. Love can’t alter time, and sometimes, even being able to rub out a single mistake isn’t enough…

My thoughts:

A lot of people kept telling me I need to read this one before I read The Drafter. I was going to but just wanted to dive into the other story. When I was reading the main book, I got a sudden urge to know more about what had gone on before so I picked up this book.

It didn't give me everything that I wanted in information, but it did round out the story a bit more for me. This is not a necessary book to read The Drafter, but it is a good compliment.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars and recommend it to those that plan on reading The Drafter.

The Drafter
Series: The Peri Reed Chronicles #1
432 p.
Published: 9/1/15
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Publisher for review

Detroit 2030. Double-crossed by the person she loved and betrayed by the covert government organization that trained her to use her body as a weapon, Peri Reed is a renegade on the run. 

Don’t forgive and never forget has always been Peri’s creed. But her day job makes it difficult: she is a drafter, possessed of a rare, invaluable skill for altering time, yet destined to forget both the history she changed and the history she rewrote. 

When Peri discovers her name on a list of corrupt operatives, she realizes that her own life has been manipulated by the agency. She joins forces with a mysterious rogue soldier in a deadly race to piece together the truth about her final task, unable to trust even herself.

My thoughts:

This is a book where time travel is a central theme. It is an interesting take and reminds me of the work they are doing in quantum physics where they can transfer data from one place to another without a machine. In a way there is a time aspect to it as it goes sideways to this process. Similar qualities happen here during a "draft". Um... not sure I explained that correctly but how time is manipulated frequently brought me back to physics (of which I'm admittedly not proficient). It seems like the author did a good job of researching this idea. While not perfect, time travel was done in a believable way. And no, you don't need to know these concepts to "get it" either. :) I only mention it because it made the drafting feel more real to me.

What I really loved about the book is the characters. The secondary characters were fabulous and I wished we had more time with a couple of them. I really enjoyed Peri and how she struggled with what was going on and demanding answers that were locked insider her brain. The big mystery has many twists and turns and a few I really didn't expect. I honestly think I would become insane with what Peri has gone through but she perseveres and so I think her character is strong. While a lot of questions were answered, a few weren't and that is to be expected in a series book. I was actually left with some trepidations on characters I was certain of and now don't know if I would trust them. Oh yea, this is the beginning of a good series.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I recommend it to those that love mystery, thriller and sci-fi books. There is a hint of romance from time to time, but don't expect it here... yet. :)

The publisher is allowing me to giveaway one copy of The Drafter to those with a US snail mail addy! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!

Seraphina: The Audition by Rachel Hartman

Series: Seraphina #0.5
17 p.
Published: 6/19/12
Source: TBR Pile

Free HERE

The Audition is a free prequel to Seraphina available online. It takes place a few weeks prior to Seraphina, covering Seraphina Dombegh's audition to become Viridius's assistant and thus Glisselda's music tutor.

My thoughts:
 I'm about to start the first book but thought I'd read the little novella I've had in my possession for a while now. It was an incredibly quick read (very few pages) but it does establish some important characters. It does what it should and make you want to know more. So, I give this short novella 4 stars.

Don't believe me? Then try the book below! :D (You can increase the size of the pic with the icons right below the book). Don't forget to come back Wed for a review and giveaway of the first book!

Seraphina Prequel WEB by Jinhi Baron

Audiobook Review: I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

Series: Half Moon Hollow #2.7

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

3 hrs. 43 min.

Publisher: Audible

Source: TBR pile (still free from Audible)

It's Christmas in Half-Moon Hollow and newly turned vampire Iris Scanlon-Calix wants to make Gigi's first visit home from college as normal and special as possible. It's taken months for Iris to work up the nerve to spend time around her baby sister after her vampire transition, so she enlists help from Jane Jameson and Company to keep her blood-thirst under control and assure Gigi's safety. 

Gigi, on the other hand, has problems of her own, including the demise of her relationship with high school sweetheart, Ben, and a looming job interview with Ophelia Lambert, the scariest potential employer in the Hollow. And then there's the small matter of the handsome, frustrating vampire who keeps appearing in Gigi's peripheral vision, then disappearing before she can talk to him. 

Can the Scanlon sisters negotiate romantic problems, vampire politics, and Christmas cookie disasters and enjoy a relatively normal holiday?

My thoughts:
I haven't read the Half Moon Hollow books yet, but I have read the Jane Jameson series. The Half Moon Hollow series is the offshoot of Jane Jameson so I knew most of the characters going into this audio. I do suggest you at least read/listen to the series in order since it was obvious things happened right before this book. However, since I knew almost everyone there I didn't feel lost at all.

What I loved about this audio and what I love about al Molly Harper books is her humor. LOVED seeing a newly turned vampire who cannot eat solid food try to make the perfect Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings for her sister, Gigi who is still human. The gatherings and the presents they gave each other was a hoot. There is also a hint of what is to come. That is where I was frustrated. Okay, this is a novella, but that tease was just mean! Yea, she got me and I'll have to either listen to them all or read this series. I'm hooked.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed my holiday time here with Gigi and Iris, but the tease was almost too much to take. :) I also enjoyed Amanda Ronconi's narration and will happily listen to them all if she is narrating them. I recommend it to those that love a humorous get together and want to laugh at an unconventional family.

PS... This one is still free at Audible!

Talk This Way (Plumb Orchard #.5) by Dakota Cassidy

Series: Plumb Orchard #0.5
89p.
Publisher: MIRA
Available Now
Source: TBR pile

In her sexy new series, bestselling author Dakota Cassidy introduces the Call Girls, a spirited group of friends ready to take on lust, love and everything in between... Find out where it all began in this delicious novella! 

If life is like a box of chocolates, Cat Butler has tasted them all—and decided on none. It's no wonder she can't keep a job, even though her mother's health depends on it. Just when she finds herself up a creek without a paddle—again—a benevolent friend throws her a lifeline. In the form of a job at, of all places, a phone sex hotline. Not exactly what she had in mind, but if it pays the bills for her mom's expensive nursing home, what's the harm? 

Successful entrepreneur Flynn McGrady knows a thing or two about responsibility. So when his mother has a stroke, he knows the right thing to do is relocate to Atlanta to be near her while she recovers. He's got a plan for everything—except for feisty Cat, who finally gets his mama to talk again. Talk dirty, that is, and he's not pleased. Cat is gorgeous and sassy to boot... too bad she's not the type to settle down. 

Cat and Flynn may have bigger fish to fry, but the sparks between them are hotter than hell. And when they finally give in to temptation, the results are explosive. Can a girl who follows her heart and a guy who follows his head find their way to forever?

My thoughts:
I recently read Talk Dirty To Me and really enjoyed myself. I was curious and was told that more Landon was in the prequel so I snatched it up and finally had some time to devour the book. Only 89 pages so it was extremely easy to devour this quickly.

Even though it is a novella Dakota Cassidy packs all the punches of a novel. Although the romance is hot and quick, there is enough time to slow it down in a few places so it didn't feel like insta-love even though in all intents and purposes... it was. :) You did get more Landon than in the first book, but it still isn't enough for me. Even though he doesn't get his romantic HEA, you still wish that there was a way for him to have it... *sigh* He is still my favorite character.

I give this novella 4 1/2 stars. It feels complete and satisfying... and I warn you... keep a couple of tissues nearby. I recommend it to those that enjoy adult contemporary romance.

Bloggy note: This novella is free where you get your ebooks. So snatch it up now! :)

Witch Rising (Witch Song #2.5) by Amber Argyle

Series: Witch Song #2.5
28p.
ebook only
Publisher: Starling
Available Now
Source: From the author for review

A ship burns, sinking into the dark sea. There is only one survivor—a child hunted for the power of her song. Hidden away on an isolated island, Lilette buries her power deep, convinced it caused the deaths of those she loves. 

But she can’t run from who she is. And when her secret is revealed, the only thing that can save her is her song. It’s time to rise up and become what she was always meant to be: the most powerful witch ever born.

My thoughts:
I have read the other 2 books in this series, Witch Song and Witch Born. I was surprised that this series went on as the other 2 books were complete. This novella is really a prequel to the upcoming Witch Fall and this really stars a whole new main character. Therefore you can start with this book if you wish and not be lost. Those that have read the other 2 books will find themselves in the same world.

Although this is very short, it really does introduce the new character, Lilette well. We understand what happened to her and how she was in the situation we find her in the upcoming Witch Fall. You don't need to read this one to fall into the new book, but I really recommend it as it does seem to really set the stage for the new book. These are the kind of novellas I do enjoy. The kind that give us insight to the story we are engaged.

I give this book 4 stars. I recommend the novella for those that are fans of this series and I recommend the series to those that enjoy a good witchy tale. :)

Dragonsoul: A Shifted World Story by Philippa Ballantine

Part of the Shifted World series
20p.
Published: Tor
Source: For FREE HERE (epub format)

On the back of the dragon Wahirangi, Finn the Fox flees the world he has known. As he sets out to find the brother he never knew of, he still holds in his heart the memory of the Hunter. He has denied his love for her, but he cannot deny it forever.

In the halls of the Last Believers, Talyn begins to uncover her own mysteries, but her lust for the death of the Caisah is still strong and clouds her vision. She must choose her path, as the Seer of her people or as the assassin of the overlord. Meanwhile, Byre, Talyn's brother, must venture into the fiery world of the Kindred, to rebuild the pact that his ancestors made. He will risk everything he is as he forms a new pact that will change his people forever.

Dragons and myths will be reborn, as the Hunter and her Fox face each other once more.

This is a quick novella in the well-imagined tale of the Shifted World series. The first book is Hunter and Fox which I reviewed and loved. I do suggest you read that first book before picking up this novella only because the world is then established and you can slip into the world of the novella easily. This novella is also not exactly in order, but is a part of the world, part of the history so it can be picked up at any time in the series reading. It is an interesting addition to the world and brings a tiny bit of history into the characters you get to know within the series. I give it 4 stars and do suggest that if you read and enjoy this series, pick up this little book. Plus, it's free! :)

Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy #4.5) by Jennifer Estep

Series: Mythos Academy #4.5
60p.
Publisher: Kensington-Teen
Available Now
Source: Author and netgalley for review

I’m Logan Quinn, the deadliest Spartan warrior at Mythos Academy. At least I was — until the day I almost killed Gwen Frost. 

Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I’m fine, that Loki and the Reapers don’t have a hold on me anymore, but I can’t risk it. I can’t risk hurting Gwen again. So I’m leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away. 

I know Gwen wonders what’s happening to me, whether I’m safe. I can’t tell her, but this is my story…

My thoughts:
Although I was disappointed the cover wasn't a vision of Logan, this is his POV of what had recently transpired in the last book, Crimson Frost. I admit I have a love/hate/love relationship with this spartan, but it's been all love lately, so I was excited to get to this novella.

What I enjoyed in this short book was how you really get a glimpse of his feelings for Gwen and the havoc the last adventure played on his confidence. Not many questions are answered for the series, but this isn't a book for that... we just get a glimpse of Logan and his life.

However...

What I needed more of is... LOGAN! I would love to know more from his POV. Granted that would take a full novel and not a novella, so I'm hoping for more POVs. I will take more novellas. I would love to see something more romantic from him as well.

My only complaint is that parts of the book were a bit repetitive. Not so much that it pulled me out of the book, but enough to notice. My other complaint was that it was too short and ended abruptly. However, this is to be expected since it is a filler novella and not a novel.

I give the novella 3 1/2 stars. I can't wait to dive into Midnight Frost and I'm looking forward to more novellas (crosses fingers) from Logan's POV. :)

Leashing the Tempest (Arcadia Bell #2.5) by Jenn Bennett

Dating a demon, defeating evil, running a tiki bar: Arcadia Bell is a great occult mage in many respects. But then there’s the challenge of her boyfriend’s precocious teenage son… 

Arcadia "Cady" Bell may have saved the Hellfire Club’s children from a local bogeyman, but she and her Earthbound demon boyfriend, Lon Butler, now face a more disturbing problem: his teenage son’s new demonic abilities. Jupe Butler can persuade you to do anything—or so he thinks. To test the limits of his newfound power, Cady invites the co-owner of Tambuku Tiki Lounge to be the teen’s guinea pig during an afternoon boat cruise. But when an angry storm whips the Pacific into a frenzy and Jupe puts them all in serious danger, will Cady's magick trump a teenager’s excess confidence?

This is a novella that goes along with the series. I honestly think it should be read in order because you are in full awareness of the characters leading this adventure and you are already invested in them. Plus, this follows the series chronologically.

My fave UF dad, Lon, his son Jupe and Cady are all back in this novella where they are just looking for a small get away for some fun. However, the captain of the ship has a few secrets he's keeping. The secrets plus a precocious Jupe all add up to some trouble for the group. Nothing is ever easy in Cady's life.

This short adventure is fun and keeps with the same feel as the other books in this series. If you have read the other 2 books, you will love this short installment. It complements it perfectly. I love the characters in this book and it helps with the time waiting for the next book due in May. Just a little, because May is a long time away. *sigh*

I give this novella 4 1/2 stars. It's a perfect little short that brings back some of my fave characters. I recommend it to those that love this series already! It's currently only $.99 at your fave ebook retailer. Those that haven't read it... the series is...

Kindling the Moon

Summoning the Night

Leashing the Tempest (novella)

Binding the Shadows (tbp: May 28 ~ Me want now!)

Night's Darkest Embrace by Jeaniene Frost

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s redhot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance. 

Note: Originally appeared in the Haunted By Your Touch anthology.

 Hm.. what can I say? When I was asked to review this I jumped at the chance. I just saw the title and the author and didn't even try to find the blurb of what it is about. So, instead of reading a new short by Jeaniene Frost, I re-read this short. However, since I enjoyed it the first time so much... I didn't mind that at all.

This is what I said when I reviewed the anthology, Haunted by Your Touch:

Oh what can I say. I LOVED the short story from Jeaniene Frost. If she develops it into another series I will be there drooling for Raphael. In a way he does remind me a little bit of Bones. He's a bit arrogant with reason, he's strong, smart and sexy as hell. Plus he is in love with one woman only. He's a bit more willing to allow Mara to do her own thing and is less chauvinistic than Bones can be around Cat. AND with Jeaniene Frost you know you are going to get some sexy time in the book. Oh yes you do! Even the carriage ride sexy time was pretty good. ;) Yes, this short story is one I believe everyone who loves the stories by Ms. Frost will enjoy.

*looks it over* Yep, I stand by what I said. I enjoyed it even the second time around. I still am hoping she will pick up this novella and make it into a series. I wouldn't mind more Raphael. *nods head* Not at all...

I give this novella 4 stars! I want more! Oh and right now this story is $1.99 at your fave ebook store.

I received this ebook from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Where to get the novella:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Iron's Prophecy (The Iron Fae #4.5) by Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase is finally getting used to being the Iron Queen, ruler of the Iron Fey. Her life may be strange, but with former Winter prince Ash by her side at last, she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

But when they travel to the Summer and Winter courts’ gathering for Elysium, the oracle from Meghan’s past returns with a dire prophecy: “What you carry will either unite the courts, or it will destroy them.” Now Meghan faces a devastating choice that may determine the future of all fey—and her and Ash’s unborn child…

A novella from the bestselling Iron Fey series

 Yea, yea... I know... I reviewed Ethan's book before this one. Please... like you are shocked that I read out of order... ;)

I got this book when it was free and so I needed to know what else I had missed. We find out that Meghan is pregnant and there is a prophecy about her child. A child of winter, summer and iron. Very powerful.

To me this was more a journey on trusting yourself with the unknown. Although I'm not a parent, I can see that this is also likened to the fear they may have when first learning they are going to add to their family. Will I be a good enough parent? What I do influences the child, so what can I do to make sure they turn out well? And like real life this book does not provide the answers to those questions. It's about trusting yourself and doing the best you can. I also think it sets up what is to come in the books about Ethan. This child is going to play a personal role in his adventures.

I give this novella 4 stars. It works as a in-between book. One that you know will provide you with more questions and answers, but also sets you up for Ethan's book, The Lost Prince. And despite what I do, I DO recommend reading them in order. :D

Thread of Death by Jennifer Estep: Elemental Assassin #5.5

 (mini review for a mini book!)

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn't mean that it's smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab's funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland's most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.

(Minor spoilage in first paragraph if you haven't read Spider's Revenge #4)

This is a short novella that fits right after Spider's Revenge and right before her upcoming book, By a Thread. It deals with her feelings about Mab's death and her role in it. It also deals with her recuperation and the aftermath of several of the city's underworld rulers. There is non-stop action and an opening that you know leads you right up to the next book. Seriously, this is a great in between novella. One that gets you a little more information as to what is going on in our heroine's head as well as... surprise surprise... Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. I really enjoyed that.

Only complaint? Not enough Owen. But then again, it isn't his book... I'm just a greedy wench and want more Owen. :D Seriously, if you love this series, you need to pick up this novella to go with it. It's currently $1.99 where you buy your ebooks. 

PS... If you are curious about the next book By a Thread, I'll have the review coming up in March and a blog post by Jennifer Estep on March 5th. There will also be a giveaway involved. Just sayin'... ;D

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep (Bigtime #3.5)

It's Christmas time in Bigtime, New York, but society reporter Carmen Cole isn't in the mood to celebrate since her husband, Sam, has to go on a business trip and might not make it home for the holiday. But Carmen has plenty to keep her busy, since she moonlights as Karma Girl, a member of the Fearless Five superhero team.

On Christmas Eve, Carmen, as Karma Girl, is assigned to guard toys, clothes, food, and more that are intended for needy children and their families. But an ubervillain also has his eye on the toys and plans to steal and then sell them to the highest bidder. Carmen will have to use all her empathic powers just to stay alive, not to mention make sure Christmas is a happy one for all the kids who are counting on her. It's all in a night's work for a superhero ... 

Note: This is a 14,000-word story that takes place after the events of Jinx, the third book in the Bigtime series. It can also be read as a stand-alone holiday story.

This is a cute short novella within the Bigtime hero series. It takes place after Jinx but can be read as a stand-alone. I must say though I enjoyed it more after reading the series since I was already acquainted with the superhero/ubervillan people.

Karma girl takes center stage in this book. It's her job to protect the presents from any ubervillan looking to make a name for themselves as the most evil of all. I mean stealing from underprivileged kids is pretty evil. Hijinks ensue, ubervillians expound on their evil plan, and situations arise for our heroine. Does she get out? Does she win the day... er... night? Well, it is a feel good Christmas story, so of course! No surprise there (and no evil laugh... don't faint) but it is just another fun ride within this campy group of stories. I give this book 5 stars. It delivers within a short story exactly what it promises.... fun.

I was given this ebook by the author for my review and no compensation was given.

Before you go... letting you know that this cute story is only $.99 at Amazon, and B&N.

Of course this isn't Karma girl and friends, but I thought it was a fun pic to add... ;)