Vassa in the Night: A Novel by Sarah Porter
Vassa in the Night: A Novel by Sarah Porter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Vassa lives in an enchanted version of modern Brooklyn with her step sisters and step mother and her magical talking doll that her mother had given her when she was a child. One night when Vassa returns home her step sister tells Vassa she needs to head to the local store to pick up some light bulbs. The problem with this is the only store open late at night is the local convenience store that is run by Babs Yagg who has a policy of beheading shoplifters whether they are truly guilty or not.
Vassa in the Night is a modern retelling of the Russian folktale “Vassilissa the Beautiful”. I wasn’t familiar with the original version going into this one so I had no clue of the weirdness this would contain, a store ran by a witch who has trapped night itself and has dismembered hands guarding the store along with a girl with a magical talking doll that likes to cause a bit of mischief of her own.
First starting out this story as weird as it was I found myself completely fascinated and intrigued while loving the uniqueness of the tale. However, somewhere along the line I think it just tended to stall out for me and started to drag a bit when it seemed the story continued to throw in weird things but dare I say not make anymore real progress with the plot.
In the end I’d say this one was just an OK read for me. A lot of weird things going on so I’d warn that this is definitely an out there type of fantasy read that probably won’t be for everyone but somewhat fun if you like that type. Perhaps it might have been a bit better if knowing the story it was based on but I can’t say for sure myself.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Lying Planet by Carol Riggs
The Lying Planet by Carol Riggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jay Lawton lives on the planet Liberty with his parents and younger siblings. When the children on Liberty turn eighteen they are put in a machine that will determine whether their good deeds they’ve done so far in their lives outweigh the bad. Higher scores equal special prizes to start their new adult lives in another colony known as Promise City.
Jay has spent his whole life volunteering and studying to be able to try for the highest score anyone had ever gotten during his testing. But two weeks before Jay is to step in the machine he finds that his colony is not the place he’s always thought it was and there are shocking secrets among the adults. Jay now only has two weeks to tank his test scores to try to save his own life and convince others of the danger.
The Lying Planet was a really fast paced fun young adult read. The official synopsis is a bit vague to what a reader will find themselves getting into with this one so I’ve kept my recap a bit vague too so as not to spoil the surprise but what this reminds me of is sort of the good old fashion campy sci-fi/horror.
This one had me intrigued from the start, you just know something is extremely questionable with the testing coming up for the main character to give a bit of intensity right away. It doesn’t take too long for the big reveal to the deeper part of the plot and it’s definitely action packed from there as things are figured out.
Overall, to me this one is a fun bit of somewhat campy sci-fi/horror, would definitely recommend checking this one out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy in Chains by Sharon Bolton
Daisy in Chains by Sharon Bolton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Defense attorney and writer, Maggie Rose, is famous for her ability to get convictions overturned. Maggie has been contacted repeatedly by Hamish Wolfe, a serial killer that has been imprisoned for a series of murders involving plus-size women, but so far Maggie has ignored his attempts to gain Maggie’s help with his case.
One day while out Maggie hears the cries for help when a dog ends up in danger and can’t help but jump into help rescue the pup. The woman that had the dog turns out to be the mother of Hamish who begs Maggie again for her help. Maggie decides to visit Hamish in prison even though she still believes that the case can’t be won but finds herself being charmed by the charismatic Hamish much like many others.
Daisy in Chains is a psychological thriller that has a lot of the story told through the case files, documents, emails, articles, reports, letters etc. At first I didn’t think I would be a huge fan of this format as it took a bit of getting used to and slowed it down a tad for me but in the end the story won me over and I really enjoyed this one.
Definitely a page turner with interesting characters it didn’t take long to become hooked on the twists and turns held within the pages of this one. Maggie is a strong independent lead that has her own style of doing things and was easy to become interested in as she got involved in the case. Hamish and his story was quite intriguing and had me arguing with myself on whether he was guilty or innocent.
Overall, great psychological thriller that had me guessing until the last pages.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Going the Distance by Mila Rossi blitz with giveaway
Going the Distance
Mila Rossi
(No Excuses, #1)
Publication date: September 9th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Sports
Once you slap the hell out of the light heavyweight champion of the world on the night of his first loss, how do you convince him to give you an interview? That’s the dilemma Samantha Wellington finds herself in after turning down the most desirable yet foul-mouthed athlete she’s come across. Unfortunately for her, her job depends on getting his interview and this boxer’s not talking.
When Trent “The Punisher” Page is humiliated by the spunky reporter, then cornered for an interview, he does what he does best: he plays dirty. He didn’t earn his nickname for being nice, after all. If the little minx wants to know more about him, she’ll have to pay with the one thing she’s not willing to give – herself.
Her elements of surprise meet their match in his determination to succeed. With vastly different motivations, can they break down the enemy without jeopardizing themselves?
—
EXCERPT:
As she stopped to unlock the car, he came up behind her, standing so close he could smell her shampoo.
“Dinner was good and all, but what else you got in store for me, babe?” he whispered in her ear.
She turned slowly, teasing him with those lips that were inches away from his. “You mean this wasn’t enough?”
He chuckled. “Not nearly.”
Her eyes twinkled up at him. “I figured as much, which is why part two is coming in a week.”
“Part two?”
She nodded, giving him a mysterious smile.
“I don’t think I like the sound of that. If you’ll throw chicken-fried steak at me next week, that’s not gonna get you any closer to the interview.”
She threw back her head and laughed. It was one of the most satisfying sounds he’d heard in a long time.
“I’m not arranging for another meal, Punisher. But my end of the bargain comes in several parts, so you’ll just have to be patient.”
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face and grazed her cheek with his thumb. “I hate being patient.”
“What a surprise,” she said, staring up at him.
He lowered his thumb and ran it over her bottom lip, relishing the fact that he’d been right about how soft it would feel. Jesus, he was getting a fucking hard-on from running a finger over her lips.
“Will part two be worth my time, then?”
Her lips parted, and for a second, he thought she’d lick his finger, but instead she pulled her head away and nodded. “Every second of it.”
He inhaled deeply and let his disappointment flow out of him with a loud sigh. “I hope so. This is dragging on for far too long.”
She walked around the car and opened her door. “All good things come to those who wait, Page.”
“Those good things better include crotchless panties and high heels,” he grunted, getting in.
She laughed again, dashing his hopes.
Author Bio:
Mila Rossi is a contemporary romance author who writes feel-good stories – no angst here. She creates heroines who don’t back down, stand up for themselves and insist on freedom and independence until the right man comes along, then all rules are thrown out the window. The heroes must be clever, generous, and able to throw a girl over their shoulder.
Mila has seen the world and loves to write about it. She also loves to paint vintage anime characters, belly dance, try new foods, and perfect her archery skills. She wishes she could partake in extreme sports, but only allows her characters to tempt fate. Her own chances of causing disasters are just too high.
Mila also writes historical romance under the name Alice Lake.
When not typing away furiously, she goofs around with her husband and daughter.
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cover Reveal: Match Fit by Amélie S. Duncan
Match Fit
Amélie S. Duncan
Publication date: October 11th 2016
Genres: Erotica, Romance, Sports
He’s cocky, dirty, and demanding. He’s a walking wet dream.
He’s also mine. Or at least he’s pretending to be…
Brooke
Notorious British bad boy footballer Dylan Pierce is scorching hot…
and he knows it.
With a mouth as filthy as his reputation, linking myself with him could ruin my public image.
But showbusiness is all about risk, and as a down-on-my-luck actress,
this could be the break my career needs.
Dylan
Brooke Sullivan is my most difficult opponent yet.
Being seen with a good girl like her may give me a chance at Hollywood stardom,
but I never expected to crave this feisty redhead.
I can’t lose my focus—I always keep my eye on the ball,
I’m always match-fit.
And winning her is the most important game I’ve ever played.
Author Bio:
Amélie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances with a dark edge. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.
Find out more about her books by going to her website at http://www.ameliesduncan.com/
Want to be notified about new releases? Sign up for the mailing list and get giveaways, pre-release chapters, and bonus stories
http://tinyurl.com/ol3kytc
Carries Book Reviews 
Recent Comments