Book Review: Reap and Repent (The Reaper Series Book 1) by Lisa Medley

Reap and Repent (The Reaper Series Book 1)
by Lisa Medley
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Reapers, Demons, Angels, Sex
Words 84K
326 pages
They see death. Can they share a life?

Ruth Scott can read the energy of every person she meets. Then she meets Deacon Walker. She can see his ice-blue eyes, his black hair, and his gorgeous face. But this beautiful stranger has no aura.

Deacon is just as unsettled by Ruth—and, having spent more than two hundred years ushering souls to Purgatory, Deacon is seldom shocked by anything. As he helps Ruth to understand her true nature, she awakens desires that he decided long ago a Reaper can’t afford.

A demon invasion forces Deacon to confront the darkness in his own past even as he fights to save the human souls he’s charged to protect. When he’s taken captive, his first concern is for Ruth. But Ruth just might be able to save herself—and the Reaper she can’t live without—if she can learn to wield her newfound powers.

Deacon has been a reaper for about 200 years and feeling like he needs a long vacation or retirement (they actually have a retirement plan for these positions?!). In his grumblings about the heat and long hours he bumps into a young lady that attracts his attention...(isn't that always how it goes?). He is obsessed with finding out who she really is since she showed no aura. He discovers her name is Ruth and she is a latent Reaper....and so the story goes.....he of course takes her under his wing and becomes her mentor.

The romance builds quickly as Ruth is now without both her parents and estranged from most of the extended family. I was a little confused about the reason the author had for making her an adoptee who knew nothing of her real parents, that tidbit of information was never expanded on in this story.

Deacon and Ruth have many harrowing experiences while Deacon tries to mentor her in the ways of a reaper. Poor Ruth had to learn most of her skills on her own because every time they went to reap souls, deacon's friend Kylen, a now demon inhabited the reaper, finds a way to almost mortally wound either Deacon or Ruth. They were always having to be brought back from the edge of "never never" land! They were lucky to have Nate, an EMT friend who just happened to be a witch. Nate helped using normal healing practices with a little exorcist abilities thrown in for good measure! Perhaps there is even more to him than even he understands. Although he had known Deacon for a while, I am sure he was thinking "what the hell?!" When he saw the true abilities and dangers that came with being his friend.

For a novice, Ruth quickly learned how to navigate the supernatural pathways around a city and even took a tour of Hell to save her new found mentor/lover. Wow, culture shock! She had spent all of her life avoiding people and social situations because she didn't know how to handle all the "auras". I think one of my favorite perks of being a reaper is the fact that they could eat 10 times the calories of a human and still not gain weight.....sign me up!

If you are looking for a book about "boy finds girl, falls for girl, tries to protect and mentor said girl then that same girl finds her moxie and becomes boy's champion" you will enjoy this ride through life, death, purgatory and Hell with all it's dangers.

I give this book 4 sheep.

Jeanie G.

About the Author:
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Lisa has always enjoyed reading about monsters in love and now she writes about them, because monsters need love too.

She adores beasties of all sorts, fictional as well as real, and has a farm full of them in her Southwest Missouri home, including: one child, one husband, two dogs, two cats, a dozen hens, thousands of Italian bees, and a guinea pig.

She may or may not keep a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag in her trunk at all times, including a machete. Just. In. Case.

Book Review: The Demon Mistress (Eva Prim #1) by Jordan K. Rose

The Demon Mistress (Eva Prim #1)
by Jordan K. Rose

Paperback, 285 pages
Published October 2013

What’s a girl to do when she discovers her husband, who happens to be the Master Vampire for the New England Region, has been lying to her for, oh, say a hundred and eighty years?

Well, it all depends. If she’s accidentally released forty demons from some creepy old book, unintentionally announced the existence of vampires on The Internet, kidnapped a werewolf, enraged a lovesick vampire by stealing his approved mate, and attracted the attention of The High Commander for The Vampire Federation, not to mention gotten stoned and mastered the forbidden art of demon calling, she might be willing to call it even.

Or, she might plead her case at an Inquisition and hope like all hell, she isn’t staked before sunrise. Eh, a slightly busier night than usual, but nothing Eva Prim can’t handle. 

"LUCY!....you're really in trouble now!"

How many of us in the 60's (and beyond) didn't enjoy watching Lucy Ricardo get herself into mess after mess! Now imagine giving her the Internet to play with along with some misguided supernatural powers!

Eva Prim is the pen name of a vampire blogger who is married to the "Master" vampire of their region. She does show all the characteristics of a self-centered female vamp, but when reading her story I began to forgive her self obsessions as I saw good intentions underlying all the mayhem she causes! Just like her husband who must keep her secluded from the world because she is a walking, talking disaster waiting to happen! (I say she is just "misunderstood"!)

In the beginning I couldn't decide if I liked the format of 50% of the action taking place on an Web blog but then I became addicted (as the majority of us are) to reading all the posts from the followers of "Eva writes". I felt this was a pretty clever tactic of the author and I think she presented it well. Easy to follow, and you find yourself trying to figure out just "who" the followers of the blog really are. Wouldn't we all like to have an anonymous persona to surf and interact on the Webb?! Surely everyone would like to visit a site that is a "Dear Abby" for vampire wannabes!

Trying to make friends (and influence enemies) on the Webb, "Eva" is drawn in to try and save one of her blog followers who is being "courted" by her neighbor that just might be a vampire! She learns quite a lesson about getting involved in a mating ritual in which she doesn't have ALL the information! We all might take home a little smattering of embarrassment knowing that most of us have made that mistake once (or twice) in our lifetimes.

Try this story on and see if it fits...

I give this story 4 sheep

Jeanie G.

About the Author:

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Jordan loves vampires. But if you know anything about Jordan, you already know that detail. What you didn't know is that it wasn't long ago she began writing about them.

A few years back Jordan received a copy of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight from her husband as part of her anniversary gift. By the end of that week she'd read the entire series and moved onto Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. Eight weeks and eighteen vampire books later the idea for her first book, Perpetual Light came to her followed very quickly by Eva Prim.

Jordan is a member of the national Romance Writers of America organization and several chapters.

When she's not writing about one vampire or another Jordan enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken and their lovable Labrador, Dino on the beautiful beaches of New England.

The Eva Prim Series now includes two full length novels, The Demon Mistress and Prim & Proper, and four short stories. Black Magic Rose, Book One of The Alliance Series is now available.

Double Book Review: Hers to Bear by Tamara Hoffa

Hers to Bear
by Tamara Hoffa

ebook, 165 pages

Published January 6th 2015

by Secret Cravings Publishing
Twenty-five and never been kissed, Jenna Raynes is a beautiful woman with a rubenesque figure often overlooked by men. In the mood for a little honey, the sassy new schoolteacher is stopped in her tracks by one growled word from an alpha bear…“Mine.”

Bern Helms’ inner bear catches the scent of his destined mate. His animal’s desire is drawn to her curves, but Jenna is human, and not lured to him by instinct. Convincing her begins as a sizzling, sweet affair that is soon spoiled by danger. In their small backwater town, nerves are strung taut. Someone is abducting shifter children.

When confronted, Jenna is as protective of her students as a mamma bear. For Bern, all bets are off when the kidnapper’s take Jenna too. Nothing will keep a bear from his mate. The hunters will become the hunted.

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Adria's Review

Adria's Romance Reviews 

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That Jenna Raynes is one lucky gal! Maybe not at first though. She’s a wonderful teacher, a kind human being and attractive to boot, but in a time where a fuller figure isn’t exactly in high demand, Jenna has found herself twenty five and never been kissed. But that’s about to change when she meets Bern Helms, bear shifter extraordinaire.

Jenna was a sweet character if a little vanilla sometimes. She was just so predictable but not in the best way. I would have liked to see her be more adventurous and not depend on Bern so much. I know, I know, he’s a bear and she’s not but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t be dangerous too.

Bern is a grown woman’s teddy bear. Tall, strong and literally a bear to be with, Bern had a surprisingly good sense of humor, a little dry but that’s how I like ‘em, tall, dark and sarcastic. Apparently so does Jenna because these two had some intense and immediate attraction.

Hers to Bear was a quick and easy read, there’s a lot of lovin’ between Bern and Jenna and you don’t have to be acquainted with all the secondary characters to understand the story because it’s all about Bern and Jenna. However, as short as it is, there was still time for more than just a romance; there was a kidnapping, a shifter mystery, bad guys with guns and more than just bear shifters to worry about.

While there was a bit of vanilla going on with Jenna, I did enjoy her kind heart and willingness to protect the innocent. Her journey from ordinary school teacher to member of a shifter clan was a definite trip. If you’re looking for something quick, paranormal and love those hunky bear shifters then Hers to Bear is something you want to read.

Sheep Rating: 3 ½ sheep

Jeanie G's Review

"Harlequin meets Goldilocks...and she LOVES it!"

Whew! Bring some snack food and cold water because you may be in for the long haul with this story. (If you can recover through all the steamy love scenes!)

The author tells a story about a young woman who moved from her family home to become a grade school teacher in a town highly populated with "shifter" families. Although thinking she is somewhat familiar with their customs (from reading her paranormal fantasy books) she is headed for a whirlwind initiation into their world when a hunky powerful "were-bear" marks her as his mate!

For someone who has very little experience (or none as she recounts) with love and romance, she is somewhat overwhelmed with the feelings of erotica this man brings out in her.....(and in the readers I'm sure!). From the first page this story kept me entranced in the easily flowing storyline and passionate scenes that portrayed not just erotica but also romance. Nothing better than some hunk that not only knows his way around the female anatomy but also employs romance and passion! Drool!

The story gives a little tug on the heartstrings while incorporating a little suspense and a peek into the inner workings of the society of "weres" and their dealings with the "human" population.

I enjoyed this book more than I was prepared to since I generally am not a fan of constant graphic sexual narrations. But saying that, I was still interested enough to look for the next book in this series hoping the characters of Bern, Jenna and their friends are carried through.

I give this book 4 sheep.

Excerpt

Bern had come into the store for his daily honey fix. He admitted it, he was addicted to the stuff. He had just bought two dozen biscuits at the bakery and he was going to drown them in honey, along with a nice piece of salmon for dinner.

When he stepped through the door he stopped in his tracks. His nostrils flared and his heart began to race. What was that fabulous scent? Like honey and vanilla, but something else too. Something that was making his cock stand up and do a happy dance in his pants.

Mate. Oh my God and goddess, his mate was in this store. He couldn't think. Instinct took over and his legs carried him to the source of the tantalizing scent that had his libido raging and his bear roaring.

He was beside her before his brain had caught up with his body. He had to touch her. She was his. His hand covered hers as she reached for a jar of honey on the shelf. “Mine,” he growled. When she looked up at him with crystal blue eyes he thought he’d fallen into them and drowned.

Flawless porcelain skin covered a face that could have been painted by Botticelli. Pale blonde lashes framed her startled eyes and her cheeks were flushed an enticing pink. She bit her bottom lip and he wanted to kiss away the sting her torment caused the luscious flesh.

“There’s more than one jar,” she said, and her voice was husky and sweet.

She took a step back and a low growl escaped his throat. His bear didn’t like their mate backing away from them.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You are mine. You are my mate.”

About the Author:

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Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three dogs and two cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since.

She has three grown children and two adorable Grandsons.

At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader, an editor and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Book Review: Casually Cursed (Southern Witch #5) by Kimberly Frost

Casually Cursed (Southern Witch #5)
by Kimberly Frost
Mass Market 352 pages
February 3rd 2015 by Berkley

From the national bestselling author of Slightly Spellboundcomes the latest Southern Witch novel featuring Tammy Jo Trask.

Tammy Jo rarely sets a toe outside Texas, but when she learns her mother is in trouble, Tammy is determined to save her—even if it means going to hell and back…

Fresh off her engagement to wizard Bryn Lyons, Tammy Jo is surprised to make another new family connection when she meets the twin sister she never knew she had. After being spirited away to the fae kingdom of Never as an infant, Kismet has finally escaped, and arrived in Duvall, Texas, with some terrible news: their mother, Marlee, is a prisoner of the Seelie fae.

Crossing the ocean to battle the fae isn’t Tammy Jo’s idea of a romantic getaway, but Bryn refuses to let her go alone—as do her aunt Edie and her ex-husband Zach. Unfortunately, their plot to free Marlee is foiled when they are caught by the fae queen. And the only chance the queen gives them to save Marlee’s life may be an impossible quest

"The Doublemint Twins on Steroids!"

It took a couple chapters for my interest in this book to emerge- possibly because I have not read the other four books in this series- but then WHAM! I felt be-spelled to continue reading as if I were eating a chocolate glazed donut, I just couldn't imagine putting it down halfway through!

Tammy Jo and Kismet (twin heroines) sparked my secret desire to have a sibling of my own to share thoughts, danger, adventures and affection. Being an only child may have fed into my enjoyment of their story but I found it very engaging. I also enjoyed the other cast of characters that accompanied Tammy on this mission...who wouldn't want an ocelot for a "pet", a layer wizard for a fiancé and a "ghostly" aunt from the roaring 20's to share in your adventure!

Even without a lot of background information I quickly became engrossed in the pattern of the "yin and yang" personalities of the twins. Their ability to call upon the strengths of each other to combat the evil "Fae" queen, rescue friends and family from not only the "Fae" underworld but the controlling witch Conclave promoted faith that there just may be a lot of good in the supernatural community, mixed heritage or not.

I found myself rooting for the relationship Tammy Jo had with her wizard fiancé. Even though Tammy was portrayed as a strong and strong willed character, I didn't see her as an overbearing female lead with annoying characteristics. I thought that very refreshing after reading many books that make you want to "throttle" the impudent lead character.

Danger, love, humanity and perseverance were the continuing theme throughout this book as Tammy Jo and Kismet take you on a wild ride to "Hell" and back!
Review ARC: Slightly Spellbound (Southern Witch #4) 

I give this book 4 sheep!

Jeanie G

About the Author:
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Kimberly Frost is the national bestselling author of the humorous Southern Witch series, which includes Would-Be Witch, Barely Bewitched, and Halfway Hexed. She was the 2010 PEARL award winner for best new paranormal author, and her paranormal romantic suspense "Etherlin" series launched in November 2011 in the multi-author Christmas anthology, Tied With a Bow, followed by the January 2012 release of All That Bleeds (Etherlin Series, Book 1)

Book Review: The Fire Seer (Coalition Of Mages #1) by Amy Raby

The Fire Seer (Coalition Of Mages #1)
by Amy Raby

266 pages
Published August 25th 2014
Taya has risen from humble roots to become a fire seer in the Coalition of Mages. Eager to prove herself, she arrives in the town of Hrappa to locate a “jackal” - a mage operating outside the Coalition’s authority - who has murdered three people.

But in Hrappa, she discovers that the man assigned to be her bodyguard is Mandir, her nemesis from years ago. When she and Mandir were students, he bullied her so severely he was sentenced to a year of penance and moved to another temple.

When Mandir sees that he’s been partnered with Taya, all his old torment comes rushing back. He’s had a crush on Taya since the day they began their training, but he pushed her away, ashamed of his attraction to someone so far beneath his social class. He regrets that now and intends to make an honest attempt to win her heart - if she can forgive him for his past sins.

But first they must find the murderous jackal, before the jackal finds them.

"Magical Henchmen or Empowered Saviors?"

Two magically empowered leading characters enter a mission to find a "jackal" (outlaw) in what seems to be a caste system society. The setting of this book lends the reader their own interpretation of time and place of the story. Imagine a far past time of ruling classes and serving classes or a future society that has embraced a similar caste system.

The book combines mystery, intrigue and moral issues with a smattering of romance thrown in for good measure. In the beginning our leading characters seem to be called in by the city magistrate to help solve the problem of a dangerous magical outlaw that has committed 3 murders (hence the "empowered Saviors), but somewhere in the middle I began to wonder if these Saviors are really not just "henchmen" for a higher power coalition. They seem to be bound by laws that prevent them from helping citizens that are truly being taken advantage of by a higher "caste" of the population.

There was a romantic undertone that developed throughout the story. Enemies at first, the characters develop a strong bond in the end because of shared core moral values. The story left you with the knowledge that there would be future escapades for this couple.

I felt a little disappointed and would like to have seen more background information on how the characters obtained their powers and exactly how their powers worked. Perhaps that will come in future series. All in all an easy ready but I did not feel particularly "drawn in" to the story.

I give this book 2 1/2 sheep

JeanieG

About the Author:

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Amy Raby is literally a product of the U.S. space program, since her parents met working for NASA on the Apollo missions. After earning her Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Washington, Amy settled in the Pacific Northwest with her family, where she’s always looking for life’s next adventure, whether it’s capsizing tiny sailboats in Lake Washington or riding dressage horses. Assassin’s Gambit is her debut novel.