Christine Johnson's "Claire de Lune"

Once in a while, I will throw in a random YA review as well. Despite being 27 (*gasp*), I still read YA books. They’re usually quick, easy reads when I don’t have a lot of time or have a lot on my mind. I happened to pick up Christine Johnson’s "Claire de Lune" a few months back and am just now getting to the review (I will be more prompt now that I am attempting to blog regularly). This particular book drew me in by its amazing cover art. It is an exceptionally pretty book. It was extremely well-written and will appeal to teens and adults alike. The characters are well formed and you immediately relate to Claire as she realizes she is being thrown into the world of the supernatural--on her 16th birthday, she is told she is a werewolf. Claire soon meets Matthew, who she turns to as a string of lycanthropy attacks in the area threatens to cause panic; however, his father only further fuels the fire as he is organizing a hunt of his own. Claire must battle her new identity, her old identity, and a possible new love. Christine Johnson created an exciting new twist on the werewolf tale and I truly hope it becomes a series. The only downside was, as a YA book, it was an extremely fast read, but well worth the hardcover price!!

JK Beck's "When Blood Calls"

I was one of the lucky recipients to win an ARC of “When Blood Calls“, the first in JK Beck’s new series, “The Shadow Keepers“. I was initially intrigued because I have been an avid follower of hers for years as she wrote under the name Julie Kenner. Let me say one thing - this is nothing like the other series she’s done! The others are light and humorous, this is dark and sexy! It is a fabulous blend of mystery and suspense with a good heaping dose of paranormal romance.  I refuse to give spoilers because I don’t want to ruin the excitement for everyone, but the premise is this: Sara Constatine is a young prosecutor on the rise and she is instantly given what she thinks is a dream promotion...until she realizes she is now prosecuting the paranormal, including her lover from the night before. Can she let her duty to the law override her heart??

The characters were refreshing as the heroine, Sara, didn’t have that self-doubt so many of the women have…none of that woe-is-me attitude that gets so old, so fast. And Lucius, while he is the supposed “bad boy”, he sure seems so, so good in this! The storyline was also new and exciting. It didn’t have the feel of so many books, like you’ve read a variation of the story somewhere before. Way to go, JK Beck! This one is a real winner and I will be at bookstores on the release dates of books 2 and 3 - and recommending this series to everyone. For those of you who are unaware, book 2, “When Pleasure Rules” releases on September 28 and book 3, “When Wicked Craves” releases on October 26. In the meantime, get out there and get this one on August 31!!!

WELCOME!!

Greetings! Welcome to my Book Review Blog! I will be regularly posting reviews of books (both ARCs and books I pick up here and there) and will be beginning with a review of an exciting new author, JK Beck's debut, When Blood Calls. That review will be posted this week. Until then, I highly recommend the other books she's written under her other name, Julie Kenner (my favorites are the Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series).

Until then, Happy Reading!!

** I want to make it clear now: my reviews will be purposefully vague. If I give spoilers and all the ins and outs of the book, why would you want to read it? I will give my opinion of a book and a synopsis, but will NOT give play-by-plays and be a "Cliffs Notes" reviewer :) **