Alex makes me want to be a cop. REVIEW of "Credo's Legacy" by Alison Holt

Why this book: Author sent me book one, Credo's Hope (click the title to see my review), for review. And after finishing it, she asked me if I would like to do book two as well. Considering how much I loved Credo's Hope, I jumped at the chance.

Disclaimer: I was given this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Series, Fiction, Mystery, Police Fiction, Procedural Fiction, Long Hours, Fighting the good fight

About the book: Alex Wolfe returns in Book 2 of the Alex Wolfe mysteries. Set in the lush deserts and barrios of Tucson, Az, Credo’s Legacy delivers an intricate, interwoven story of deception, hidden agendas, and the occasional murder, punctuated with episodes of laughter and humanity. A sexy Mafia boss and a brassy eleven year old accused of murdering her foster father help turn Alex’s life upside down.

My Review: Occasionally, the second book in a series doesn't even come close to the first - this is definitely not one of those books. "Credo's Legacy" packs just as much punch as "Credo's Hope," maybe even more so! I'm not much of a suspense junkie, but I decided to give this series a chance because hey, we all need something different now and again, and I have never regretted picking up this book. Alex is still the tough chick, passionate about her work and finding the truth in every situation, no matter how much trouble she gets into because of it. And boy does she get into a lot of trouble.

While it is the story that keeps me reading, it's the characters that draw me in, in the first place. And the Alex Wolfe series boasts a menagerie of excellent characters, and equally wonderful character interaction. There are no extra, useless scenes. Even in the moments when it seems like Alex is just having fun with her friends, she's using them to help sort through a few extra details in the case, or they're helping her solve a problem in her life. Alex's friends and coworkers help with the pacing of the book, as well as add in a light element. Alex Wolfe's life can be dark and gritty, especially working on the cases she does, but time spent with her friends gives the reader a few bright moments in the dark.

This story had me hooked from page one. And even better than that, it had me guessing until the very last page. The mystery played its part, I didn't know why the villain characters did what they did, and I had to keep reading to find out. I cared about Alex, Shelley, Gia, and more. The ending was definitely a good one, I felt like I needed so much more. I had to know Alex and the crew would get their happy endings, that even though some of these characters suffered so badly, things would be all sunshine and puppy dogs. I guess I'll just have to tune in for the next book - I hope there will be a next book!
Cover Loving: Good cover. The fiery-ness of it really suits Alex's personality and drive in this novel. And the vague heart shape is perfect, considering Alex's huge heart. Gruff personality sometimes, but huge heart.

Recommendation: Definitely check out "Credo's Legacy," and it's predecessor, "Credo's Hope." I loved both of these, and they really are excellent mystery/suspense novels. There is just so much I love about these books.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Another excellent Alex Wolfe book by Alison Holt. I really love this series, be sure to pick up your copy of "Credo's Hope" and "Credo's Legacy!"

Have you read "Credo's Hope" or "Credo's Legacy" by Alison Holt? Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to pick up a copy? Try Amazon.com or Smashwords.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Hopping, Skipping, Jumping, etc.

It's Friday (almost) which means it's time for the Blog Hops, Tag Alongs, and Follows! I've not participated in a few weeks, so I'm glad to be back!

A brief intro: My name is Amanda, I'm 23 and I work in a library. I started my blog almost two years ago (Blogoversary next month!), and it's been a wonderful experience. I review here, as well as for Romance Reviews Today, which is why you'll see me receive some ARCs that I will never review here (alas). Let's see... I was recently in a musical, and just last weekend I got to go to the Reader Author Get Together, and it was a blast! I can't wait to go back next year!

Be sure to enter my contest for two copies of "Gotta Love a Cowboy" by Sandy Sullivan! Go here.
Check out the right sidebar to get my button, should you be so inclined.
And check out the left sidebar for links to my Goodreads and Twitter accounts!

Now on to the Hoppyness!



The Magic Book Fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?I'm going to go with the featured blogger this year and say CAT!!! I know her life is really tough sometimes, but she has Bones... and that really evens things out for me. Ha! Really, I love Bones. I don't think anyone can measure up to Bones in my mind... ( The Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost)


Who is one author that you are dying to meet?Definitely Sherrilyn Kenyon. Or Katie MacAlister. I adore their writing styles so much, and following them on blogs/facebook/twitter/etc, that I know meeting them in person would be... magical.



To any new friends - thanks for visiting! I can't wait to return the visit and follow, I love finding new blogs!
Have a great weekend everyone! And of course... Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda ~!~

Abandon hope all ye that enter here. REVIEW: "Abandon" by Meg Cabot

Why this book?: Well, I'm definitely riding the Greek Mythology in YA trend, especially when it involves my favorite myth story, Hades and Persephone. Also.. it was due back to the library tomorrow.

Disclaimer: I got this book from my local library. I am reviewing this for my own enjoyment.

Type: Young Adult, Teen, Young Adult Romance, Trilogy, Book One, Series, Greek Mythology, Hades and Persephone

About the book: Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid. Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most. But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.
My Review: I'm conflicted about this book. I enjoyed it over all, but for every good thing I liked about it, there was something about it that just didn't work for me. I'm all for jumping right into a story - but "Abandon" starts when Pierce moves to her new home, which happens to be almost ten years after she first meets John, and a full year and a half after her death and her deal (sorta) about staying with John. The first several chapters were incredibly confusing, because Pierce would make vague references to things that happened in the past, and you'd eventually get told what happens.. but usually not right away. So be prepared to pay a lot of attention while reading.

The author mentions "Abandon" is book one in a trilogy, which is great - because "Abandon" felt like all set up, with little of it's own plot and story. This book might by the type that is hard to judge without reading the rest of the series, because you can't really review it without reviewing the rest (and I will, when they're released). And even then, it's not so much set up in the present, as learning about John and Pierce's past together, and then we'll get the rest in books two and three. And then the word "love" is mentioned (C'mon people, it's a YA romance, you knew the L word was going to be there), and it seems like it came out of left field. It doesn't feel like they have enough history to be tossing around that word, not when we've only been present for a few days worth. Hopefully this will be addressed in the future novels.

That said, yes, there were things I liked about "Abandon." I love this take on the Hades and Persephone myth, and the history behind the gift (a necklace) that John gives Pierce. I cannot wait to see what Cabot will do with the rest of the series, and how she will further blend the mythology in with what she has already started. I also like Pierce's family dynamics. Her parents are actually present in the story, or at least her mother is. But Pierce doesn't just have her mother to rely on, her father is still a presence in her life, as is her Grandmother, uncle and cousin - she has family, and isn't totally alone, something that isn't too prevalent in young adult fiction.

Cover Loving: This cover is very well done. Simple, and elegant. The gold and black tones seem perfect for the story.

Recommendation: It's a good story, and one I would feel confident recommending to younger teens to read, since it doesn't deal with subjects that are too mature. And fans of "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter will want to check out "Abandon."

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE (3/5). I toyed with giving this a lower rating, maybe 2.5 or even 2, but as mentioned above, that might just be because this book is so hard to judge without reading the rest of the trilogy. I'm seeing a lot of things in "Abandon" that show it has the makings of a great series, but there are equal amounts of issues and problems.

Have you read "Abandon" by Meg Cabot? Share your thoughts in the comments! How would you compare this book to other mythology-based YA releases? Would you like to pick up a copy of "Abandon?" Get it at Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Quick question...

Has anyone else had trouble with their Google Friend Connect box not showing up? This has happened to me a couple times. If anyone has any similar stories or suggestions - PLEASE comment.

Blogger has been my friend for years, but in the past few months it seems to be one problem after another.

Thanks, guys!
~ Amanda

Reader and Author Get Together Wrap Up Post!

Well, Saturday night saw the end of the 7th Annual Reader and Author Get Together. And I'll admit, I am so sad to see it end! I had a wonderful time, and I participated a heck of a lot more than I did last year, and talked to tons of authors, I did my best to say hi to all the authors at the signing.

So much happened, I'm not sure I can mention it all in one post! So let's just talk about the books I got, because I am SO excited! First up, each year, The Reader and Author Get Together has raffle baskets donated by authors, reading groups, etc. Any money the Get Together receives from the sale of raffle tickets go to local good causes (And they raised over $8000 this year!). I bought over 20 dollars worth of tickets, mostly just to contribute to the cause, figuring I wouldn't win anything - BUT I DID! I won a basket donated by The Lexy Booktramps Bookclub, donated in memory of their founder.

In the Lexy Booktramps Bookclub Raffle Basket:
Tote Bag
Eye Candy (Merlot wine)
Girl's Night body cream
Cookie Cutters
THE BOOKS:
"Eternal Rider" - Larissa Ione (Met her last year!)
"Demon's Prefer Blondes" - Sidney Ayers (I believe she was here!)
"Whisper Falls" - Toni Blake
"Explosive" - Beth Kery
"Three to Tango" anthology
"Behind Closed Doors" - Shannon McKenna
"The Princess in His Bed" - Lila DiPasqua (heard excellent things)
"Revenge Wears Rubies" - Renee Bernard
and a Gourmet Cookie Cookbook!

Also pictured: I won a pretty little bracelet in a heart shaped velvet box, from an author's mini raffle. She was so nice! She called me, and before I left after claiming my prize, she hugged me  and said she hoped I had a great time. =)

Next are the books I bought/was given during the signing or at the Barnes and Noble mini-store they had set up in the hotel. I am seriously super-de-duper excited about all of these books, yay!

Received (either given or got in my goody bag):
"Slave to Sensation - Nalini Singh - excited to start this series, AND it's signed now!
"My One and Only" - Kristan Higgins - I've heard amazing things!
"Sinful Sensations" - anthology - snippets of recent releases, signed!
"The Maverick Prince" - Catherine Mann - signed!
"What A Goddess Wants" [ARC] - Stephanie Julian - signed, this looks sooo good.
"Having Hope" - Sherry Burkett - signed, I will be reviewing this, so look for it!

Bought:
"Rafe's Redemption" - Jennifer Jakes - we sat at the table with this author, and she is SO nice. After chatting with her through dinner and more, I had to find her book. I can't wait to read it!
"Raeliksen" by Renee Vincent - I met this author last year, and wanted to read her book, but didn't manage to find it. Then I saw her again at B&N a couple months ago, and alas, they didn't have her book then either! I told her I would find her at the RAGT, and I kept my promise. She was soo sweet.
"Caribbean Scot" - Kimberly Killion - I saw this book on Kimberly's newsletter, and I said "I NEED that!" Thankfully I found her and her book, and she signed it for me.
"Unbridled" by Beth Williamson - COWBOYS! Also signed, says "Read a book, ride a cowboy" - yes ma'am!
"The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess" - Leanna Renee Hieber - Of course I had to buy this! I love the Percy Parker books, and Leanna is a wonderful person. She grew up around here, and I've actually known her for years, but somehow managed to forget. But we sat down and chatted before dinner on Saturday, and it was a great time. I chose "The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Percy Parker" as my next book for the paranormal book club at work, and she gave me her contact information so she can answer any questions the patrons might have about her book.
"Angels and Demons" anthology - THAT COVER! My goodness. Had to buy it, you know I love Angels!
"Three to Tango" anthology - Yes, I know I have two of these.. I bought it, then won it.
"Demonfire" - Kate Douglas - I won a book by her recently, the third in the series.. so I figured I'd get the first one, too! Met her at the event!

Well, that's it for today. I also got a bunch of swag I'll show you tomorrow, as well as actually talk about what happened while there, lol.

Did you go to the Reader/ Author Get Together? Share your stories!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

GIVEAWAY: "Gotta Love A Cowboy" by Sandy Sullivan [BLB]

************** CONTEST CLOSED, THANK YOU! *******************

Please welcome author Sandy Sullivan as she breezes through via her Book Lovin' Bitches ebook tour! Sandy has graciously offered up TWO ecopies of her book "Gotta Love a Cowboy!"

You know how we feel about cowboys here! *Fans self* Well, let's learn a little more about the book, shall we?

About the book: Ann Marie needs a horse trainer to ready her prized stallion to run for the money. When hunky horseman Travis Brooks answers her ad, she knows he’s the man for the job. But is she willing to let go of her husband’s memory and open up her heart to Travis?


Travis Brooks knows horses. But women? He can take ‘em or leave ‘em—mostly leave ‘em—especially since his divorce. Ann Marie pushes all his buttons and he’s not quite sure what to do with her.


Can a stubborn horseman and one feisty rancher find love in the heat of the Texas Plains?Be sure to check out the rest of Sandy's books. Plenty of hunky cowboys to go around! And on that note, here's some helpful links for finding Sandy on the web!
Website: Romance Story Time
Blog: Sandy Sullivan, Romance Author
Facebook: Sandy Sullivan

RULES and GUIDELINES
~ Fill out the form below to enter. Comments are lovely, but will not count as an entry.
~ Contest ENDS Thursday 6/16 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be announced Friday morning, 6/17.
~ Open internationally.
~ You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
~ Novel Addiction is not responsible for any items lost in the mail, or authors failing to deliver prizes.



Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~