REVIEW: "Wanna Get Lucky?" by Deborah Coonts

Why this book?: I received this book to review, but I chose it now because I wanted something different. I've been reading a lot of teen paranormal romance lately, and I needed something new.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a review. I am not being compensated for this review, and all thoughts are my own.

Type: Series, Fiction, Fiction with romantic elements, Mystery, Las Vegas, Girl knows what she's doing, Living The High Life

About the book: A young woman plunges from a Las Vegas sightseeing helicopter, landing in the Pirate's lagoon in front of the Treasure Island Hotel in the middle of the 8:30 Pirate Show.  Almost everyone writes her off as another Vegas victim. 

But Lucky O'Toole smells a rat.  She's head of Customer Relations at The Babylon, the newest, most opulent mega-casino and resort on the Strip, so she's got a lot on her plate: the Adult Film industry's annual awards banquet, a spouse-swapping convention, sex toy purveyors preying on the pocket-protector crowd attending ElectroniCon....  Still, Lucky can't resist turning over a few stones. 

When a former flame is one of the snakes she uncovers, Lucky's certain she's no longer dealing with an anonymous Sin City suicide.  To top it all off, Lucky's best friend Teddie--Las Vegas' finest female impersonator--presses to take their relationship to the next level.  Leave it to Lucky to attract a man who looks better in a dress than she does.

Lucky must manage the Babylon's onslaught of outrageous festivities, solve a murder, and struggle to keep her life and libido from spinning out of control... not to mention keep her balance in six inch heels. 

My Review: "Wanna Get Lucky?" is one of those books that runs across genres - chick-lit, romance, mystery, fiction, etc. And while it is certainly not a shining example of each genre, when you mix them all together you get one heck of a good ride. I received this book to review, and I found it a little daunting at first because of the length.. But after picking it up, I got so sucked into the story that those four hundred plus pages just flew by. 

I've never been to Vegas, though it is on my wish list. But after reading about Lucky O'Toole's Vegas, I might have to find a way to move Vegas up the list. Lucky shows us the other side of Vegas - no, not the dark side. Lucky's story gives readers a chance to see the gears turning in Las Vegas, how the staff at these massive hotels really get things done and make their guests' stay absolutely fabulous. 

There are quite a few characters to keep track of in "Wanna Get Lucky?" so be prepared to meet a lot of people. In the very beginning, it was hard for me to keep up with absolutely everyone, but you see everyone so often, and just about all of them are important to the plot, so by the end of the novel I could identify every character and say exactly how they helped or hindered Lucky's plan. And I do hope to see some of my favorites in the next book! 

I've seen this series compared with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels - quite a lot, actually. They do have a similar tone, but one thing that made me frustrated in the Plum series, was that no matter how long Stephanie had been working as a bounty hunter, she never got better/smarter. Lucky doesn't have that problem - she's smart, independent, and knows how to use the resources at hand to get the job done and the problem solved. I plan to keep reading both the Plum series and Lucky O'Toole, so lucky me, I'll get the best of both worlds!

Cover Lovin': I really like this cover. It's not over the top, but I think it gives a good idea of the tone of the novel.

Recommendations: A fun piece of fiction, Wanna Get Lucky? has a little something for fans of multiple genres - a lighthearted mystery, a romantic subplot, and a strong woman trying to make it out of a tough situation in rather Chick-Lit/Women's Fiction like ways. 

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5) stars. Really enjoyed this, and I can't wait to read the next one. Lucky (haha) for me, I have the next two in the series!

Have you read "Wanna Get Lucky?" or any of Deborah Coonts' Lucky O'Toole series? Share your thoughts in the comments! Wanna pick up a copy? Get it from Amazon.com today!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "Inhuman Heritage" by Sonnet O'Dell

Why this book?: I've reviewed for Sonnet O'Dell before, and when she asked if I would want to review the newest Cassandra Farbanks novel, I jumped at the chance!

Disclaimer: I received this book in an exchange for a review.

Type: Series, Shifters, Vampires, Parallel Worlds, Mythological Beings, Law of Succession

About the book: Two Worlds. One Mystery. "Nothing is stranger than the truth. 

Cassandra has had a lot of questions, but when it comes to the answers, the truth it seems might be too much for her to handle. On top of that, what should have been perfect relationship with the vampire Aram, is falling apart before its really begun. 

To distract herself she takes a job from the werewolves. It's time to pick a new king and a emissary must be safely escorted. Someone is out to kidnap the emissary and steal the crown. Who's behind it is just another question Cassandra must answer before time runs out."

My Review: This will be the third book I have reviewed in this series, and I always thought it had such an interesting premise. I mean, who doesn't want to travel to a different version of reality each evening? Sure, Cassandra's night life can be more than a little scary, but think of all the adventures she has! And the plot of "Inhuman Heritage" is another such adventure. Unlike some of the previous novels, the first 1/3 of this book seems very much character driven. We learn more about Cassandra's relationships.. and especially who, or what, she is - which leads to her having an understandable pity party. But Cassandra doesn't get to wallow in her feelings for too long, she has a job to do, and it's not going to be easy.

Cassandra's sense of humor never fails to tickle me. She's quick witted, and her quips come from all genres of pop culture - it's quite fun trying to figure out where everything is from. In this regard, I can definitely find some parallels between Harry Dresden of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and Cassandra. They both have that sense of humor that makes you laugh and groan at the same time. And along these lines, I can definitely see some similarities between this series and the Anita Blake series by Laurel K. Hamilton. Cassandra is, essentially, a younger and less $lutty Anita Blake - which I'm, for one, thankful for.

In closing, I'd definitely say "Inhuman Heritage" by Sonnet O'Dell is great reading choice for fans of Urban Fantasy, especially readers that enjoy a host of fascinating and delicious characters. I'd say this isn't my favorite in the series, but it was still an excellent and entertaining read.

Cover Lovin': Considering how were-wolf centered this novel is, the cover is very fitting. And now that I've read the book and take another look at the cover, it just seems perfect. Loving the image in the eyes!

Recommendation: Fans of both the Anita Blake; Vampire Hunter series by Laurel K. Hamilton and The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher will enjoy the Cassandra Farbanks series. These are definitely good reads, and they keep my eyes glued to my eReader until the very end.
A Note: While author Sonnet O'Dell does very good at getting any new readers up to date, and reminding long-time fans of past events, this is one of those series you really want to follow from the beginning for the full effect.

Final Rating: While reading through the first half of the book, it was definitely feeling like a three.. But by the end, I was full convinced that this book is worth FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). The beginning was a little rocky for me, but once again, this author surprised me with how good the last half of the book was.

The Series in Order:
1. Soul Market
2. Lost Innocents
3. Skin Thief
4. Inhuman Heritage

Have you read "Inhuman Heritage" or any other novel by Sonnet O'Dell? Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to try the series out? Click on the title links above to purchase these items from Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~  

Cover reveal! "INBETWEEN (Kiss of Death #1)" by Tara Fuller!

Hello all! I'm participating in a cover reveal! Today, I bring you the awesome cover and blurb for an upcoming Entangled Publishing release, "Inbetween"!

First up! The blurb:

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s
life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving
“accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so
Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling
in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who
makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate
has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him
hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before,
and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves
from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the
only thing he has left…his soul.

AND NOW for the special event.. THE REVEAL!

Woo! Looks like a great one! I've already added "Inbetween" to my Goodreads "To Read" list - make sure you do too! And the paperback is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "A Dry Creek Bed" by Avery Flynn

Why this book?: I had the chance to review the first book in the series "Up a Dry Creek" and loved it! I jumped at the chance to review the second book as well. =)

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a review.

Type: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series, "You're my little sisters best friend!", Steamy

About the book:  Dry Creek County Sheriff Hank Layton is the stuff of dreams. Nasty, steamy, delicious fantasies that leave Beth Martinez weak-kneed and desperately wanting the man she can never have.

Hank can’t stop thinking about Beth to the point where he’s afraid of becoming permanently bowlegged. And even though the sexual tension between them is thick enough to trip over, she runs every time he chases.

But when a mysterious developer forces her neighbors off their land, Beth becomes the one person standing between the scoundrel and millions of dollars. Only Hank can help her uncover the truth. Together they risk their lives exposing decades-old secrets and learn that everything is not as it seems in their rural Nebraska town.

My Review: "A Dry Creek Bed" is somewhere between a novella and a full novel. My question is - how does Avery Flynn manage to pack so much awesome into such a small(ish) space?! The second book in this series, I felt similar at the end of this one as I did at the end of the first, just wow-ed by how good it was. I really get into the characters, and I desperately hope they get their happy ending. Sure, I know they will.. but the odds just seem stacked so highly against them that for a while there, you believe maybe it isn't possible. And frankly, that's the sign of a truly good romance, especially romantic suspense.

Long-time readers of this blog will know my love of couples that have known each other forever, and that maybe in the past things didn't work out, but they still hold a candle for one another. "A Dry Creek Bed" really delivers a perfect example of this sort of relationship. Hank and Beth are practically like siblings - Hank's sister is Beth's best friend, but they have a spark that is just too hard for them to ignore. The story drew me in almost instantly, and it nearly killed me to put the book down and return to work when my break was over. Truly another excellent novel by author Avery Flynn!

Cover Lovin': Good cover. Not exactly how I pictured Hank.. but uh, this guy is definitely good looking, so I'm not complaining!

Recommendation: If you love your romance with a little (or a lot) of suspense, definitely check out the Dry Creek series by Avery Flynn. Reading book one, "Up A Dry Creek," is not required.. but it's so good you'll want to pick that one up too. Definitely an author to watch!

Final Rating: FOUR POINT FIVE out of FIVE (4.5/5). Another excellent book in the "Dry Creek" series by Avery Flynn. Desperately hoping for more.

Have you read "A Dry Creek Bed" or "Up A Dry Creek" by Avery Flynn? If so, tell me your thoughts in the comments! Want to get a copy? Get it from Amazon.com!

 

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda~!~

REVIEW: "Covet" by Felicity Heaton

Why this book?: I'm a fan of Felicity Heaton on Facebook, and she started talking about this one.. I knew it was going to be a scorcher! So I jumped at the chance to review it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Type: Erotic, Vampires, Series, Forbidden Love

About the Book: They've burned for each other for two years, the forbidden attraction between them growing each night. Now resisting the sinful desires of their hearts is becoming impossible.

Javier knows better than to succumb to his hunger for Lilah. The mortal female belongs to a powerful aristocrat patron of Vampirerotique, the theatre he runs with three other vampires. A single touch is all it would take to break the sacred law of his kind, sentencing himself to death, but his passion for her has become too fierce to ignore and he will risk everything to make Lilah his.

Lilah has fought her desire for Javier since arriving at his theatre as a servant but each glance he has stolen, his eyes promising pleasure that will satisfy her longing for him, has chipped away at her defences and she can no longer deny her need and her forbidden feelings for the powerful vampire male.

When they find themselves alone in a private box during one of the erotic performances, will they surrender to their passion and live out their wildest fantasies in a night of wicked pleasure or will the threat of Lilah's master keep them apart forever?

Adults only--highly erotic vampire romance novella, contains light bondage

Review: I decided to read on my lunch break, which isn't uncommon, and I just picked one of my review books at random. I'm not sure this was the best choice, for two reasons. One, I didn't want to put it down when it was time to return, and two.. it made going back to work pretty awkward. I knew this author wrote some steamy scenes, but I never guessed they would be so hot. Javier and Lilah got me worked up more than a time or two, that's for sure. I've read a fair amount of erotica in my day, and Felicity is definitely one of the better ones - excellent description, never over the top, and it certainly hits the spot.

There is something so sweet about the forbidden fruit - and Lilah is just that. "Covet" is a truly alluring example of the forbidden love story between a vampire and a human owned by another. The characters are very well written, and the story moves with a good pace. Having met the other owners of the Vampire Erotic Theatre, I absolutely cannot wait to read their stories. "Covet" is the start of an excellent new series for this author, and I eagerly anticipate being able to read more from her.

Cover Lovin': Oh my yes. Excellent cover. And it shows up so well on my Kindle, too!

Recommendation: This books is *very* erotic, so definitely for readers 18+! If you love your vampires on the steamy side, this is definitely for you!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Very good, erotic read. There was more than a few times I had to fan myself while reading about Javier and Lilah's uh.. activities.

Coming up in the series:
"Crave" - coming March 10, 2012
"Seduce" - coming June 23rd, 2012
"Enslave" - coming August 4th, 2012

Have you read "Covet" or any other book by Felicity Heaton? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! If not, pick up your copy from Amazon.com today!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

WINNER of "A Dry Creek Bed" by Avery Flynn! (And a FREE book announcement!)

It's Friday, which means it's time to announce the winner of my "A Dry Creek Bed" giveaway! Thanks to everyone that entered, and I'm sad I couldn't give you all a copy. But without further ado.. the winner is.. (drumroll, please!)

CONGRATULATIONS GO TO....

****** JUNE M ******

Congrats June! I'll be sending your contact info off to the publishing reps, so be on the lookout. :)

Since I couldn't give everyone a copy of "A Dry Creek Bed" by Avery Flynn, I am lucky enough to announce that Lori Brighton's "Mind Readers" (YA/Teen paranormal fiction) is FREE today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), only on Amazon Kindle! I read and reviewed this book, and it's definitely worth a read. Fire up your Kindles or Kindle for PCs, and go get yourself a copy today! Below I've linked to both "A Dry Creek Bed" and "The Mind Readers" - so click away to your hearts content. =)



Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

CONTEST Reminder!!

Hello everyone! Today is the last day to enter in my contest to win an eBook copy of "A Dry Creek Bed" by Avery Flynn! This is a great author, and an equally great series, so I hope you jump on the chance to win a copy.

Odds are good to get your very own copy. =) Here's how to win.. Go to THIS POST and fill out the entry form. Winners will be posted tomorrow morning!

Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor ;)

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~