Meet Sheep Reviewer: Denise "You Give Love a Bad Name" Belt

Over the next week we are going to officially introduce ewe to four of our most recent survivors reviewers*:

Denise, Jeanie, Bianca, Tammy

They might appear mild-mannered, but they are far from it...

*I Smell Sheep denies subjecting potential staff members to "Hunger Game"-like interview process. That would be baaaad.

Name: Denise Belt

Fav thing to read: Urban fantasy and anything paranormal

Watch: Everything. I have decided it’s okay that I watch a lot of TV because I read just as many books so I feel that I’m not rotting my brain. Some of my favorite shows are The Flash, The Magicians, Grimm, The Originals, and Grey’s Anatomy.

Eat: Favorite food is Mexican! I have to say not my family's however. I would make Mexican food for every meal if they’d let me. They like it but not as much as me.

A power you wish you had: Teleporting! I hate traveling and if I could teleport everywhere I wanted to go that would be awesome!

Something you would do IF you could get away with it: Be a fly on the wall! More like an electronic fly that I could watch from a video screen. Sometimes you just want to know what’s going on.

Fan Crush: I guess it depends if we are talking TV, music or books. If we are talking about TV it would probably have to be Charlie Hunnam. He is just so hot and I loved him on Sons of Anarchy. If we are talking music I’m a long time Bon Jovi fan and think Jon Bon Jovi is still awesome. For books if we are talking author’s I can’t limit it to one. A few of my favorite authors are SM Reine, Donna Augustine, Elizabeth Hunter, JR Ward, and Darynda Jones. My list is really much longer but I figured I should limit it to a few.

Dream date: A quiet dinner with my husband. I know that sounds funny but with kids and work our life is hectic and sometimes we just enjoy the quiet.

If you were a pizza your toppings would be: Mushrooms!

If you could own a boat what would you name it and why: I’ve never put thought into naming a boat. I’m not quite sure what I would name it. My guess is that it would be after a favorite literary character. Not a famous one either!

Embarrassing story: I have a small office at work and it is full of furniture, etc. I was walking around my desk to leave my office and the previous client had moved the visitor chair up just slightly. I tripped and went flying across my office into the open door. Thank goodness or I would have ended flat on my face. There were sound effects to go with the flying as well. We all got a great laugh out of it.
First boyband you rocked out to: I don’t know that I would call them a boyband but I am a diehard Bon Jovi fan since I was a young girl! Love them!

Book Review: The Mist-Torn Witches (The Mist-Torn Witches #1) by Barb Hendee

The Mist-Torn Witches (The Mist-Torn Witches #1)
by Barb Hendee

Paperback, 326 pages
Published May 7th 2013 by Roc

National bestselling author Barb Hendee presents a dark, fascinating new series set in the world of the Noble Dead Saga... the story of two sisters who will discover they have far more power than they ever envisioned...

In a small village in the nation of Droevinka, orphaned sisters Céline and Amelie Fawe scrape out a living selling herbal medicines in their apothecary shop. Céline earns additional money by posing as a seer and pretending to read people’s futures.

But they exist in a land of great noble houses, all vying for power, and when the sisters refuse the orders of a warlord prince, they must flee and are forced to depend on the warlord prince’s brother, Anton, for a temporary haven.

A series of bizarre deaths of pretty young girls are plaguing the village surrounding Prince Anton’s castle. He offers Céline and Amelie permanent protection if they can use their "skills" to find the killer.

With little choice, the sisters enter a world unknown to them — of fine gowns and banquets and advances from powerful men. Their survival depends on catching a murderer who appears to walk through walls and vanish without a trace — and the danger around them seems to grow with each passing night.

"Spell casting Read!"

I have found another favorite author and series in Mist-Torn Witches. From the first page I was attracted to the two main characters of Celine and her sister Amelie, two orphaned sisters with an unmovable loyalty to each other in the hard world of kings, princes and fiefdom. Believing themselves to be ordinary young women without the special powers of their "seer" mother, they survive with their skills of wit, intelligence, and bravery.

Celine, the oldest, learned the art of herbal medicine at the hands of her mother and had watched as her mother gave future predictions to the local residents. Amelie was wise in the ways of combat and was merciless with her sword and dagger. Together they forged a life using their skills until at the age of 15 Celine decided to give a "reading" to a young man inquiring about his upcoming betrothal. Little did she know that the "fake" reading would a few years later have a huge impact on her and Amelie's life.

The sisters became cohersed to aid in a plot by the wicked Prince Damek to wed a rich lord's daughter and gain access to his fortune. When paid to give a "false" reading to the prospective bride, Celine experiences her first authentic "vision" and is unable to follow thru with the heinous plot that would end with the bride's death. (YEA Celine!) That puts them on the run and they are rescued by the evil prince's brother Prince Anton, a sympathetic, caring prince in his own right. They are taken to Prince Anton's castle where they begin their life as the Prince's "seers" and are offered a deal they just couldn't refuse. There they are center stage helping solve the mystery of many young ladies' deaths and the failing health of the benevolent prince. Amelie comes into her own "powers" during this time and the sisters are quite a team as they see both "past and present" visions to help solve the mystery.

I was enthralled with both the lives of the sisters and the mystery unfolding in the story. There was never a lull in which I felt I wanted to put the book down. This story flows easily and you can't help but want to turn the page to uncover what the author has in store for Celine and Amelie.

I will be on this "train" until the end station if the future books are as engaging as this one! Do yourself a favor and buy a ticket to join me on this journey!
Sheep Review of Mist-Torn Witches #1 by Pamela Kinney

I give this 4 1/2 "Misty" sheep!

Jeanie G

About the author:
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Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.

We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.

J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.

In 2008, I sold the idea for the Vampire Memories series to our editor, Susan Allison, at Roc Books. I am so glad our books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.

Book Review: Rising Fire (Stone Circles #1) by Terri Brisbin

Rising Fire (Stone Circles #1)
by Terri Brisbin

Paperback, 352 pages
March 3rd 2015 by Signet

What if the standing stones and stone circles across the old Celtic world had a secret origin and use? What if some opened into another world? What if the goddess of fire was trapped beneath one?

Lovely and innocent, Brienne of Yester has always been able to manipulate fire, but when her powers suddenly surge, the simple life she once knew explodes.

Handsome, fearless, and commanding, William de Brus has been summoned by the king to investigate a nobleman rumored to have powers linked to the fabled fire goddess. When he chances upon Brienne, his desire for her is immediate. But as his mystical quest unfolds, William realizes that she is at the center of it — for Brienne possesses the very power he has been sent to vanquish....

As their attraction deepens, William attempts to free Brienne from the dark force beginning to control her — even when his duty demands that he treat her as an enemy. With emotions flaring, fire rising, and evil threatening at every turn, can the two lovers survive the coming battle and save all of humanity?

Rising Fire is the first book in the Stone Circles series by Terri Brisbin. Set in AD 1286 in Yester, Scotland, Brienne discovers that she can play with fire, literally. She keeps her secret from her adoptive parents but soon finds out that her mystical powers are not something that she alone carries. Always told not to wander away from the village alone she finds herself meeting a mysterious man that instantly sparks a fire between them. 

The story would have had a more genuine feel if the language would have reflected Scotland, the surrounding areas and the time period. I enjoyed reading a story that hasn't been told a thousand times with different names for the main characters. Terri wove a tantalizing story filled with ancient Celtic Gods and bloodlines that possess different powers that kept the imagination going. There was a great chemistry between the two main characters, Brienne and William that was hot and steamy which made me hope for their love. William was filled with honor and loyalty which I’m a sucker for. I look forward to continuing the journey with Brienne and Will in the next book of the series.

Getting 4 sheep

Denise B

About the Author:

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Terri Brisbin, an award-winning author and three-time RWA RITA® finalist, has had her historical and paranormal romances published in more than 20 languages and 25 countries around the world since 1998. She’s written more than 33 novels, novellas and short stories for Berkley/Jove, Harlequin and Kensington Books. Now working on more romances for NAL/Signet, Terri has also self-published her backlist books.

When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a married mom as well as a dental hygienist to hundreds while plotting and planning future stories.

Book Review: To Catch Her Death (A Grim Reality Series–Book 1) by Boone Brux

To Catch Her Death (A Grim Reality Series– Book 1)
by Boone Brux
Paperback, 204 pages
Published October 17th 2013

by Red Hot Publishing

What do you get when you cross a hockey mom with the grim reaper?

Me, Lisa Carron. If being a depressed, frumpy, widowed mother of three wasn't bad enough, I just found out I'm a grim reaper. I know what you're thinking. Wow, that's kind of sexy and full of awesomeness. Hardly. Oh, and my clients? Stupid people. Like I don't get enough of that from the living.

Since Alaska is big and angels of death are few, I've been partnered with reaper extraordinaire, Nate Cramer. He's strong, silent, and way too good looking for my recently widowed state. Oh, and he reaps violent criminals, so that should be interesting.

Forget the danger and the hours of self-analysis it will take for me to find my reaper mojo. My biggest problem? Hiding it all from my overly attentive family and nosy neighbors. Now that's going to take a miracle.

Lisa’s husband died a year ago and she had become a single mother of three. Plagued with depression she let herself go and focused solely on her kids. Finally, deciding after a year of moping around she would have a weekend of me time, she found herself smack dab in the middle of a convenience store robbery, where the robber was shot and killed. Next thing she knew, there was a ghost stuck to her and a hotty telling her not to let go.

Boone Brux and Darynda Jones need to get together and write a book. Both have a great quirky sense of humor that would create a hysterical paranormal story. From a mom perspective I totally related to Lisa, from the way she thought because she had kids, to the way she sometimes felt about her mom. Great humor and an easy, fun read filled with grim reapers and the afterlife. I look forward to exploring other books by Boone Brux and the next story in the Grim Reality series.

Getting 5 sheep

Denise B

About the Author:

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Boone is a bestselling author in both fantasy and series romance genres. She began writing in an attempt to ward off the slow decomposition of her mental state while taking care of her twin toddlers. It soon became clear that storytelling was her true calling.

Her books range from medieval fantasy, filled with demon's and hot heroes, to humorous paranormal and spicy contemporary romance. Though she loves writing romance, Boone much prefers stories where she gets to kill somebody or blow something up.

She lives in the beautiful and rugged state of Alaska with her husband, two kids, their dog Oreo, and her black cat Velma Underfoot. Not to mention the numerous wild creatures that lounge in her backyard.

Book Review :Claiming His Mate (Black Hills Wolves Book 5) by Melissa Limoges

Claiming His Mate
by M. Limoges
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Series: Black Hills Wolves 
Genre: Paranormal/Erotic Romance
February 06, 2015
ISBN: 9781613336656
Length: 63 Pages
Member of the Black Hills Pack in Los Lobos, South Dakota, Jace Matthews is sent to check out the new owner of a piece of land adjoining his packs. Once he steps into her small bookstore in Collins, he’s taken by surprise by the small, prim woman behind the counter. At once, he recognizes his mate. While the wolf inside urges him to complete the bond, Jace knows he must take his time with his human mate. But when danger arises, threatening Michelle’s life, Jace is done waiting. It’s time to claim his mate.

After she inherits her aunt’s property, Michelle Sanders moves to Collins, South Dakota, to escape the monotony of her routine life. Unfortunately, the only person she manages to befriend is not only the hottest guy on the planet, but also gay. However, she never expects a favor for her sexy new friend to result in a series of weird events that will change her life forever.
Purchase Links

Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads

Claiming His Mate is a novella by M. Limoges that explores a werewolf finding his human mate. Jace Matthews is your typical hot and sexy werewolf who only has claiming his new mate on his mind. His pack tells him to take it slow and get to know Michelle, the woman he is destined to be with forever. Slow causes some problems of their own.

The story is steamy and erotic but has no surprises in the plot. It is the typical werewolf story with nothing that makes it unique from other werewolf stories. It was an easy and enjoyable read if you want something that is pretty typical in this genre. If you are looking for mystery and intrigue I would skip this one.

Getting 2 1/2 sheep

DeniseB

About the Author
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Melissa Limoges lives along the Gulf Coast with her OCD cat, Mr. Tibbs. Tax assessor by day, romance writer by night, she enjoys anything coffee related, traveling, and reading happily ever afters.

A Second Opinion Book Review: Burned (Fever Series Book 7) by Karen Marie Moning

Burned
Fever Series Book 7
by Karen Marie Moning
Paranormal Romance Hardcover, 512 pages

Published January 20th 2015

by Delacorte Press

Plot:
It’s easy to walk away from lies. Power is another thing.

MacKayla Lane would do anything to save the home she loves. A gifted sidhe-seer, she’s already fought and defeated the deadly Sinsar Dubh—an ancient book of terrible evil—yet its hold on her has never been stronger.

When the wall that protected humans from the seductive, insatiable Fae was destroyed on Halloween, long-imprisoned immortals ravaged the planet. Now Dublin is a war zone with factions battling for control. As the city heats up and the ice left by the Hoar Frost King melts, tempers flare, passions run red-hot, and dangerous lines get crossed. Seelie and Unseelie vie for power against nine ancient immortals who have governed Dublin for millennia; a rival band of sidhe-seers invades the city, determined to claim it for their own; Mac’s former protégé and best friend, Dani “Mega” O’Malley, is now her fierce enemy; and even more urgent, Highland druid Christian MacKeltar has been captured by the Crimson Hag and is being driven deeper into Unseelie madness with each passing day. The only one Mac can depend on is the powerful, dangerous immortal Jericho Barrons, but even their fiery bond is tested by betrayal.

It’s a world where staying alive is a constant struggle, the line between good and evil is blurred, and every alliance comes at a price. In an epic battle against dark forces, Mac must decide who she can trust, and what her survival is ultimately worth.

Karen Marie Moning is the best-selling author of the Highlander and Fever series. Burned is book 7 of the Fever series, which features MacKayla Lane who is a sidhe-seer with immeasurable power and a witty and quick temper personality. Moning delivers again with some in-depth looks at other characters in the series such as Ryodan and Dani O’Malley. Throughout the Fever series there are so many questions that have been left unanswered Burned finally addressed some of those long awaited mysteries.

This is a must read! If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series you really need to first or you will be lost and won’t enjoy the book. Loved the way the story line continued on from the previous books but still included lots of new twists, turns and explosive surprises. Was equally happy to see this wasn’t the end of the Fever series but there should be many more books to come.

Giving this 5 sheep

DeniseB

Read Katie's 2 1/2 Sheep rating here

Book Review: Cruxim: You Are Never Alone (DARK GUARDIANS book 1) by Karin Cox

Cruxim: You Are Never Alone (DARK GUARDIANS book 1)
by Karin Cox

Romance/Gothic

Paperback, 226 pages
Published April 5th 2013

by Indelible Ink Press

Free on amazon
Amedeo is Cruxim, a mysterious, immortal fallen angel. Destined to seek redemption as a vampire hunter, he quenches his insatiable hunger on vampire blood. But when the object of his passion, the novice nun Joslyn, is turned into a vampire and enters a vampire coven, Amedeo's worlds collide. Shattered by the loss of his beloved, he vows to rid the world of vampires once and for all, even if it means destroying Josyln in the process.

A Paranormal Game of Cat and Mouse
Joining Amedeo on his quest to rid the world of the undead is Sabine. Half-woman, half-lioness, she is a Sphinx, a Guardian who has protected humans from vampires since the dawn of time. Yet Sabine comes to this fight pursued by her own enemies. An evil scientist, Dr. Claus Gandler, knows the secret of Sabine's mythological past, vowing to torment her for eternity or destroy her forever.

Immortal Ever After
Captured by the evil doctor, Amedeo and Sabine are paraded as sideshow freaks in the Circus of Curiosities. Only vampire Joslyn has the power to intercede. Will she prove Amedeo's redemption, or his destruction?

One thing that I like to take advantage of is when an author offers a book for free. This gives me a chance to try a new author without fear of wasting my hard earned money. This was one of those great finds! The first few pages had my wheels spinning with questions. Why are we starting here? How did the character get there? Why!! I am one of those readers whose brains are spinning ahead and wondering about the magic of the story! Can’t wait to read it all as fast as I can because I love the story and then sad when it is over. I’m sure some of you know what I mean.

I enjoy an underdog when I read a story and I found myself cheering for multiple underdogs throughout the book. Amedeo is a character you fall in love with and hope that he wins every battle he comes across. But never fear if you are the person who always cheers for the villain you have numerous opportunities to do so. If you like a fight for good and evil this is the book for you. Filled with vampires, angels and sphinx there was a good mix of different lore’s that really open up the imagination. The author does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the time and area. I always feel that if I can imagine it in my mind than the author did their job of pulling me into the story. Can’t wait to read the next two books in the series.

 Getting 4 sheep

DLB

About the Author:

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Karin Cox is an Australian author who edits and writes in her "spare time" while being a fulltime mum to a toddler and to a black cat with the improbable name of "Ping Pong."

She is the author of more than 35 trade-published natural history books, biographies, Australian social history books, children's picture storybooks, and travel guides, several of which have won awards. Karin has had poems and short stories published in anthologies worldwide and her ebooks CRUXIM, CRECHE, CREED, GROWTH, CAGE LIFE, CROWS AND OTHER BEASTS, HEY LITTLE SISTER and PANCAKES ON SUNDAY are available on Amazon. Her bestselling CRUXIM trilogy has topped Amazon's best-seller charts for gothic romance and dark fantasy.