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Daring

Posted on December 26, 2015December 26, 2015 by Little Bee

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Daring by Elliott James

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

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I want to first start by saying, I LOVE this series. This is the second book in the Pax Arcana series by Elliott James. For a sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal series, it is probably one of the single most entertaining reads I have read in a while. You can check out the review for Charming here: Charmed, I’m Sure

Unlike in Charming, the Knights Templar have a bigger role. You meet more Knights, including the very head honcho who puts John Charming up to an ultimatum: his life, and his friends’ lives be spared, if he infiltrated a wolf pack, and brought a human/knights killer to justice. And by justice…he means death.

Be prepared for just as much wit, fighting, betrayal, and humor as the first book. If you make time for the books, they are pretty quick reads due to their humor and story flow. There is not a lot of stalling in the story, and everything progresses at a normal, expected speed, with not really any filler or bits of information that if removed from the story, would not have altered it. Everything part in this story was necessary for story to progress appropriately.

And like the first book, I still picture that hunk John Charming being played in my head by Joe Manganiello! mmmm mmm mm!

Book Reviews

Ready Player One

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Little Bee

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Narrated by Will Wheaton

Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Narrator: 4 stars

My boyfriend and I listened to this book together on the way to Mississippi from good Ol West Texas during the Thanksgiving holiday. It is not typically a book I would read, or be interested in, (Between what he had said about the book and others who have heard about it, I did ultimately put it on my TBR list for a later date,) but my boyfriend had been wanting to listen to it (he is not big on any books really), so I decided to listen with him.

I want to admit, the entire time I was listening, I kept thinking about Sheldon Cooper and Will Wheaton’s issues on Big Bang Theory.

This book, in case you didn’t already know, is about video games. And not just any video game, but a video game that pretty much took over Real Life. There were actual jobs that people could get in the Oasis video game, and when the work day was over, they simply left the simulation. When the game’s creator died, he left a challenge for the players, a way to inherit EVERYTHING he owned. This story was about the Main Character, Wade Watts’ journey through the game to his ultimate winning of the game (no this is not a spoiler, he even talks about it in the beginning of the book).

Even though I knew Watts would win, I found myself anxious in some parts because it just didn’t seem probable for him to win. Watts had everything going against him. Including multiple near death experiences.

I can’t really compare this book to anything else I have ever read, because I haven’t read anything quite like it. I enjoy Science Fiction/Dystopian novels from time to time, most are usually overplayed, but this one is completely different. I liked that it is a gamer’s dystopian and not just the normal run of the mill rundown country that destroyed itself. Yes, the world in 2045 is not the same we know today, but it is still functioning in some capacity. I am not much into video games, but I probably would have gotten into this hoopla found in Oasis. Sounds like my kind of game!

I don’t want to go much further into a review, one, I really don’t feel like I am capable of giving away much more than what I have due to possible spoilers; two, because I have never read this kind of book before, I am not sure how to address my feelings of the overall book. I enjoyed the book. I feel it deserves the rating provide by myself, but also the overall rating it has on Goodreads as well. I think Wheaton did a great job narrating it, made it worthwhile. I have been on the fence about another book Wheaton narrated, but now that I have heard his skills, I will give other books narrated by him a try.

Ultimately, it comes down to this. I enjoyed listening to this book with my boyfriend while we made the 30 hour round trip drive. It combined both of our loves, my love of reading, and his love of video games. It was something we could do together and talk about.

YA Book Reviews

The Naturals

Posted on December 26, 2015December 26, 2015 by Little Bee

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The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Narrated by Amber Faith

Overall Rating: 3.78 Stars
Goodreads Rating: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars

Rating Breakdown:

Originality: 4 stars
Character Development: 4.5 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars

Genre based ratings:

Young Adult: 3.5 stars
Mystery: 4 stars
Romance: 3 stars

This is a series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes about a group of teens that have special skill sets that are used by the FBI in a special group to help solve closed cases. Cassie is really good at reading people in ways that the average person cannot do. Cassie takes ‘profiling’ to a different level and the FBI are intent on honing her skills and making her stronger. She was offered the opportunity to come aboard this group of misfits, which she accepted (or we would not be having this book or review).

When Cassie was younger her mother was brutally murdered. The FBI never found the body, nor the killer. Cassie accepted this offer for this elite group of teens in hopes that she would be able to see her mother’s file and finally have some closure. Not long after Cassie joins this ragtag bunch of teens, murders start popping up, murders similar to her mother’s. Cassie goes off kilter and trying to solve these murders in hopes that she can ultimately find her mother’s killer. Along the way, she attempts to get a feel for who she can trust, and who she should steer clear of, but, are her intuitions correct? Or is her feelings regarding her mother’s death clouding her ability to read what is going on? Dun dun duuuun!

So why did I only give the plot 3.5 stars? While I feel the book, overall, was a pretty decent story, I feel that it could have been further developed. I believe the relationships between the teens and FBI agents could have been more developed in their relation and how they fit into the story overall. I also feel that the plot twist, though a FANTASTIC one that I did not see coming, could have been further developed to deliver a more meaningful punch to the story to have a more significant WOW factor and impact.

I gave the Character development 4.5 stars and while it may conflict with what I wrote a paragraph ago, I want to point out, that the character sketches for those in this story are spot on. Each character has their own personality, their own issues, that make them fit with the rest of the group and into the story. I feel that some characters needed more interactions in the story’s overall plot development. It felt like some characters were left out, and it primarily focused on Cassie, Michael, and Dean. I am hoping to see more of Lia and Sloanne in the next book as they were funny, lively, and made each scene they were in, unique.

I gave this book 4 stars for originality, 3.5 for its categorization of Young Adult, 4 for mystery, and 3 for romance. Here is why, I do believe this to be an original storyline. I stopped reading mysteries a long time ago because I felt they were all done multiple times over and I could figure most of them out. This story was very unique, and I didn’t see the plot twist coming (which is why it received a 4 star for mystery). I am not sure why the subcategory includes romance. Cassie kissed Michael, secretly crushed on Dean, but there was not much more than that. Maybe in the next installment, Barnes will dive into the relationship a bit more.

Narrated by Amber Faith, this book was elevated to a more enjoyable level. Let me reiterate, though I love reading actual copies of books, every now and then, a narrator brings the book to a higher level of enjoyment. Faith did just that. However, her best narration was Cassie, the main character. I did enjoy the voices for her other characters, but I am sure as the characters develop in the story, the narration will as well.

YA Book Reviews

Red Rising

Posted on December 26, 2015December 26, 2015 by Little Bee

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Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars

Rating Breakdown:

Originality: 4
Character Development: 5
Plot: 4.5

Genre based ratings:

Young Adult: 4.5
Science Fiction: 4.5
Dystopia: 4.5

This book has been on my To Reads list for a long time, so I finally ordered myself a copy from Amazon and gave it a go. This book is a quick read.

Darrow was a young driller in the depths of Mars. He was married young, as is most of the society. Then one day, his wife is killed (not a spoiler). This made him angry and he did something that would also cause him to be hanged, only it didn’t work. He was altered by the Sons of Mars into a member of the Gold Society. He went into a special schooling that determines where a Gold fits into society. He is expected by the Sons of Mars to excel and “weasel” his way into the Gold Society in order for the Sons of Mars to come in and cause mass chaos and destruction.
It will be interesting to see how this manifests through the series…I have some inklings about what will happen based on some instances in the book, but you never know I suppose…

In regards to character and character growth, I gave this book 4.5 stars. Darrow was very annoying for me at first, however, I believe he had significant growth during the book. He was very cocky and arrogant for the better part of the story, up until the last few chapters. I found I enjoyed him more overall after he was knocked down a few pegs. (I wont go into more due to spoilers)

I had hope for a lot of the characters in the story, but some of them really turned into villains, so I am looking forward to reading more about them in the series. My hope is that, there is more character development and less of the arrogant ass behavior exhibited by various characters. I felt that Brown really villanized characters who would be a potential alley and I am hoping for some more growth in that area of story and plot development as the time goes on.

In regards to originality, I give this book 4 stars. I think the concept is great, however, seen before, in different formats. Oppressed sector of Mars, lower levels are abused and kept out of the know of what is really going on, one person chosen as the one to bring the system down…catch my drift? Even if it has been used before, it is still a worthwhile and enjoyable read. There is a lot of blood and death in the book, so keep that in mind in the event that is not your thing.

Spicy Romance

Alien Warrior Romance

Posted on November 20, 2015April 30, 2016 by Little Bee

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Goodreads Rating: 3 stars

Narrator Rating: 2.5 Stars

I received this book from the Narrator/Author through AudiobookBlast dot com in exchange for my honest review.

First, I need to point out that this book has a lot of fowl language and sexual content. If you do not like that kind of stuff, this book is not for you.

I was a little disappointed in this story. It is based around this young college, Southern, virgin who finds a study for medical “research” and when she gets there, after a battle with her inner self, she discovers the researcher is an Alien with multiple appendages and all kinds of ways to please a woman.

I feel this book could have been good, and I was looking forward to listening to it. Here is how and where it fell short:

Majority of the story was her describing how she could have lost her virginity before but it just never happened
90% of the story was her describing her upbringing, the lack of sex in the tension of her high school relationship, how she perceives her own body and only 10% was in the research lab/sex scene.
All first person.
The inner dialogue took away from the story
The narrator. I am sure she is a good narrator, but the accent threw me for a loop. Like she was trying a bit too hard. I found myself getting distracted.
I can’t even remember the sex scene. She set up the story to tell about how she lost her virginity, and I can’t remember it.

Why 3 stars? Because 2.5 on goodreads isn’t an option and I felt it was closer to 3 stars, than 2.

I had a lot of hope for this book and was really looking forward to it. I felt it had a lot of potential, but just didn’t go the direction it’s made to be heading.

Spicy Romance

Keeper of the Wolves

Posted on November 20, 2015April 30, 2016 by Little Bee

I received these books from the author in exchange for my honest review 🙂

Red Phoenix is one of my favorite authors…She pushes the envelope. I recommend her Brie Learns the Art of Submission to everyone…I loved meeting Red Phoenix at the RT Book Lovers Convention!!! She is so wonderful, and I love that she gifted me with this box set to review for her. I am happy to read and review anything and everything she writes.

As a warning, this is erotica. This series is described as edgy and boundary pushing. I do not advise it to anyone who has delicate sensibilities and cannot stomach or handle anything outside of a vanilla sexual encounter.

The following reviews are really snippet reviews. Each of these books are not really more than 100 pages. I read all three in one sitting.

Goodreads rating: 4 stars

I had a hard time “swallowing” Valen. I didn’t like him from the start, it honestly didn’t matter what his intentions were…I didn’t like him. I also felt the Bonding Ritual could have been a bit longer and more detailed 😉 This story is a fairly quick read and introduces the series/story line/plot as a whole. It introduces you to the main characters you see often in the following stories. It explains the components of the Bonding Ritual after the previous “Keeper” was killed by a snake. Layla, the new Keeper, must come to terms that she is a virgin going into the Bonding Ritual, not knowing any components as it is supposed to be kept secret from everyone in the clan for safety purposes. Her father, who was one of the four alphas, had to step down and appoint an alpha in his place. This book takes Layla from a child and shows the beginning of true strength as a leader. Compared to the other two books, this one is my least favorite.

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

In this installment, Layla is offered a choice…she can marry a wolf from another clan and leave her role as a Keeper (which her father wants her to) or she can accept her role as the Keeper and marry her archenemy Valen.

I started softening up to Valen in this story, though to be honest I was rooting for her rescue suitor, but that would be the end of the series….

I enjoyed the sex scenes in this installment more than the first installment. I felt like there was more connection between Layla and the 4 Alphas during the Bonding Rituals.

Finally, I liked that there was a build up of tension. In the first book, it was center entirely around the first Keeper’s death and Layla ascending to the role for her pack. In this installment, the reader starts to see tension in outside packs and real conflict between Layla beyond losing her virginity. Layla really started coming into herself in this installment.

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

In this installment, the conflict occurs. Reader beware, there is a cliffhanger.

I don’t want to give too much away, anything would be spoilers. I liked that Layla really got to show how strong she was in this installment. She became a woman, not just an 18 year old girl. I thought the characters each really got to show their growth and their strengths.

I need book 4 immediately!!!!!!! Which sucks, because I can’t give it away with out spoiling :((((

I really loved Valen in this book. I think him and Layla have grown the strongest character-wise. I think their relationship really sparked, compared to the first book when she hated him with every ounce of her being.

I also like how the other 3 Alphas were concerned (small spoiler) about the disappearance of their Keeper and that they searched for her and not find a new Keeper, especially with her disappearance right at a full moon and the 4 Alphas’ Bonding Ritual.

Book Reviews

Appetizers of the Gods

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Little Bee

Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Narrator/Performance Rating: 5 stars

I was given this book by the author through AudiobookBlast dot com in exchange for my honest review.

This book went kind of slow at the beginning and I found myself questioning where it was even going. After the four leprechaun brothers arrived at Colin’s home, the story picked up pace and I found myself laughing and enjoying the book.

This book is uniquely original and can get through it pretty quick. I found each of the 4 brothers to be enjoyable and I loved when they were interacting in the story. I liked how each character brought something to the overall plot.

Book Reviews

Bull Sharks vs The City of Chicago

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Little Bee

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

I received a copy of this Audiobook through Audiobook blast dot com from the author in exchange for my honest review.

I really like sonicmovies now. I think this is my third reviewing for the author and I have found that it is entertaining and his short stories are packed with excitement.

I like the humor he puts into each of his stories. I found myself laughing in Bull Sharks vs. The City of Chicago. I am really starting to feel sorry for Chicago….they seem to get hit a lot…Zombies….bull sharks…they can’t win 🙂

I look forward to listening to more of Yancy’s work!

Book Reviews

Misunderstanding

Posted on November 3, 2015November 3, 2015 by Little Bee

Misunderstanding by K Anderson Yancy

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

Narrator rating: 5 stars

I received this book from the author/narrator through audiobook blast dot com in exchange for my honest review.

The music is loud with audible but it’s supposed to be clear in the original format. It is still enjoyable to listen too, there is just some playback noise.

In this story there is what is called a proxy father and a proxy father is sent to married couples by the government when after 5 years the couple does not or cannot conceive a child. This couple is waiting for their proxy father to arrive when a knock at the door produces a baby photographer. You can see where this is going? The photographer and the wife have a conversation but the whole time are on two different topics. The baby photographer talks about his success rates for his photo sessions while the woman assumes he is talking about all the ways he has helped women conceive.

I laughed the whole time I listened. I have quite a few of this author’s audio productions and I have enjoyed them immensely. They are short, sweet and to the point.

Book Reviews

Daughters of Men Blog Tour

Posted on November 3, 2015November 5, 2015 by Little Bee

Daughters of Men

by A.R. Draeger

published April 5, 2015

Goodreads | Amazon

Devastated by the loss of her son, Rebecca is struggling to salvage her marriage to Jacob, a cold and detached pastor. When he goes on a men’s hunting retreat and does not return on time, Rebecca fears the worst. Jacob arrives three days late, citing bad weather and poor cell service as the reasons none of the men called home. Jacob appears healthy, but Rebecca is concerned with the deep gashes on his arms and is even more alarmed when he tells her that he stitched them himself. As the weeks pass, Rebecca begins to wonder what happened in the mountains. Jacob is not the same man he was before. While she is relieved he is no longer detached, she cannot comprehend why he’s become so flirtatious, so sexually aggressive. So obsessive. Jacob’s odd behavior mounts, and the actions of the men who joined Jacob on the retreat grow more and more strange, convincing Rebecca that the men who came home are not the men who left. Who are these pretenders… and what have they done with her husband?

Daughters of Men is the second book published by A.R. Draeger. I received this book for my honest review and to participate in this blog tour. My overall rating for this book is 4 stars.

A.R. Draeger’s writing style is hauntingly beautiful. I fell in love with her flow in Of Ocean and Ash a while back, and Daughters of Men is no different. The writing is very fluid, and smooth like creamy milk chocolate (seriously). It just works. You don’t get that very often from big named authors, and to find it in an independent author is something very special and I am very glad to have that chance to experience it.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this story. From the synopsis, it is known that a group of church men go off on a camping trip and come back different, but there is nothing explaining how they are different really. What makes them different? I was pleasantly surprised at what that difference was (and for spoilers sake, I won’t give it away). It was not how other stories in the same subject are usually projected at being. These men came back very creepy, and I believe I would respond the same as Rebecca had my Eric came back the same way…that or I would have just left the moment I saw that change in the bathroom. I would have just rand out the door and fled until my gas ran out and then filled up the tank and kept on going.

Daughters of Men is a fairly quick read. It starts out a little slow, but picks up pace once the men go off on their trip. There is definitely a lot of death in this book, so don’t get too attached to any of the characters.

My one major flaw with the book was that I got really confused at the end, I am still not really sure what the heck was going on to be entirely honest. I finished this book on Monday, November 2nd, so I have taken a few days to really think and process the information, but I still am not entirely sure what I was reading. I can’t and won’t say it was because it was unclear, it may just be because I am really exhausted, and there is a lot going on in my life, but I just didn’t follow the last chapter.

All in all, it is worth the read. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this blog tour for Amber. I can’t wait to read other books of hers. If you are interested in other books of hers, check out my posting for the blog tour Of Ocean and Ash.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.R. (Amber) Draeger resides in rural Texas with her husband, Josh, and son, Logan. When not writing or reading, she is watching reality TV shows or tromping through the nearby woods.

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