The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Aleksia, Queen of the Northern Lights, is mysterious, beautiful and widely known to have a heart of ice. No one would seek her wisdom except as a last resort. But when she's falsely accused of unleashing evil on nearby villages, she realizes there's an impostor out there far more heartless than she could ever be.

And when a young warrior following the Tradition disappears, leaving his sweetheart and mother to fear the worst, Aleksia's powers are needed as never before.

Now, on a journey through a realm of perpetual winter, it will take all her skills, a mother's faith and a little magic to face down an enemy more formidable than any she has ever known.…

This is book 4 of Mercedes Lackey's Tales of Five Hundred Kingdoms. Like all her other tales of Five Hundred Kingdoms books this was top notch. However while there was romance in the previous books, this one did not have that angle. It focused more on the story and the life and growth of The Snow Queen and her struggle against the evil self-styled Snow Queen importer.

This is a solid book and expands the vast world and lore of Five Hundred Kingdoms, however, I can't say that its my favorite. I would have liked to see a more epic conflict resolution. But regardless, a great read even if it was released in hard cover (ie. more expensive)

I give this book 4/5 stars.

Fortune's Fool

Fortune's Fool by Mercedes Lackey

The seventh daughter of the Sea King, Ekaterina is more than a pampered princess—she's also the family spy. Which makes her the perfect emissary to check out interesting happenings in the neighboring kingdom…and nothing interests her more than Sasha, the seventh son of the king of Belrus. Ekaterina suspects he's far from the fool people think him. But before she can find out what lies beneath his facade, she is kidnapped!

Trapped in a castle at the mercy of a possessive Jinn, Ekaterina knows her chances of being found are slim. Now fortune, a fool and a paper bird are the only things she can count on—along with her own clever mind and intrepid heart.…

Ahhh another book in the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms. I'm in love with this fantasy series. There might be romance aspects but honestly the reason to read it is to see how Mercedes twists well known fairy tales into her world of Five Hundred Kingdoms where the ever present Tradition tries to force ever one into one of the usual paths.

Another must read.

Overall Rating : 5/5

The Cat

The Cat by Jean Johnson

Amara is wary of mages––they chased her out of her homeland. Yet there is something about the mage Trevan of Nightfall that Amara can’t resist. But can he be trusted with her most fiercely guarded secret? Courting such a pretty yet prickly outlander won’t be easy, but Trevan is determined to try. She may be fierce, proud, and from a different culture, but after all, he is the Cat, and none but the most fascinating and challenging of women could satisfy him…

Like all the other books in "the Sons of Destiny" series, this is another winner. I don't know how Ms. Johnson does it, you'd think that after 4 books, this one, the fifth would be more of the same. But here's the best part, there is an over arching storyline and plot for the whole series and each book and each brother's bride we see more and more of this storyline. Even better is the way she brings the older characters into the fold. They are not merely background flavor but active participants of the story.

If you're just jumping on the wagon, start with book 1, The Sword, its the best way to enjoy the series.

I'm hooked on this series and have already pre-ordered the remaining 3 books. Now if they could just be released sooner.

Overall Rating : 5/5

Dark Needs at Night's Edge

A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK...

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers -- until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS...

To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER?

Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

I've steered clear of Ms. Cole's books because there'ss a huge glut of Vampire novels on the market. And most are not that good. The main reason for reading this one is because the cover was very enticing, and the sypnosis was interesting. A ghost and a mad vampire? Hmmm...

I'm glad to report that the world that Ms. Cole created is very interesting and this book in particular was excellent. I loved the premise and was root for both Neomi and Conrad. The plot line was a little shaky towards the end but its perked my interest enough to want to read more about this world with its myriad of immortals.

Overall Rating : 4/5
Sizzle Factor: 4/5

Making Over Mr. Right

What is it about a computer geek trapped inside the body of a tall, dark, and handsome man that makes a woman's knees go weak?

Theo Maragos is actually an incredibly successful businessman who is to be featured in a major magazine. And it's Zoë's job as the Muse of Beauty to transform him from nerd to hunk. First to go are those wire-framed glasses . . . revealing a devilish twinkle in his blue eyes. Next is a close shave . . . showing off that sexy grin, not to mention dimples that can charm the clothes off this muse. It would be so easy to fall for Theo, but the number-one rule during Zoë's exile from Mount Olympus is don't fall in love, especially with a mortal. Will Zoë succeed in keeping her heart safe, or will she risk all for a lifetime with her very own Mr. Right?

Making Over Mr. Right by Judi Mccoy

After my success with "One Night With a Goddess" I could not wait to read the other 2 books in the series, sadly however I could not find the 2nd book on sale and instead bought "Making Over Mr. Right", the final book in the series. Some series start out strong but fizzle out by the final book, this however was not the case with "Making Over Mr. Right". I won't give away the secret ending, but let's just say that there's a reason nerdy Theo Maragos was able to become a 1st rate hunk. I'm not saying there aren't loose ends but this is after all a light hearted fantasy romance so put the logic stick aside and enjoy this wonderful ride.

Overall Rating : 5/5

One Night With a Goddess

Chloe, the Muse of Happiness, did not pass her hundred—year performance review with flying colors. But she's not worried about Zeus' punishment. Spend a year on earth making mortals happy, then retire to Mount Olympus in luxury? No problem. Isabelle Castleberry's wedding planning business is the perfect spot for Chloe's talents, and the year is certain to fly by. That is, until Miss Belle's nosy grandson comes back to town.

Dr. Matthew Castleberry has spent almost two years at Doctors Without Borders and it's definitely left him with some trust issues. His grandmother's new assistant may be a whiz at planning weddings, and very easy on the eyes, but he's not about to let that fool him. There's something about Chloe that he can't quite put his finger on and Matt's determined to figure it out. Now, if he can just keep the rest of his hands off her in the meantime...

One Night With a Goddess by Judi Mccoy

I borrowed this book from the library because the premise was interesting, minor greek goddess is punished by Zeus to spend a year on earth making mortals happy. Hmmm.... either it a fun read or a great concept that totally bombs as we've seen happen so many times. I'm very happy to say that this book does not take itself too seriously, there's a lot of humor and heart. I started this book at about 7am and had 30mins to read it before work, what ended up happening was that I was slightly late for work and also spent my whole lunch hour devouring this book, rushed home and finished it up. Its fun, its sweet and its an easy read.

Overall Rating : 5/5

Atlantis Rising

This is book 1 of "The Warriors of Poseidon" series by Alyssa Day.

Sypnosis

Eleven thousand years ago, before the seas swallowed the Atlantaens, Poseidon assigned a few chosen warriors to act as sentinels for humans in the new world. There was only one rule-desiring them was forbidden. But rules were made to be broken…

When she calls…
Riley Dawson is more than a dedicated Virginia Beach social worker. She's blessed with a mind link that only Atlantaens have been able to access for thousands of years. Being an "empath" may explain her wistful connection to the roiling waves of the ocean, the sanctuary it provides, and the sexual urges that seem to emanate from fathoms below…

He will come.
Conlan, the High Prince of Atlantis, has surfaced on a mission to retrieve Poseidon's stolen Trident. Yet something else has possessed Conlan: the intimate emotions-and desires-of a human. Irresistibly drawn to the uncanny beauty, Conlan soon shares more than his mind. But in the midst of a battle to reclaim Poseidon's power, how long can a forbidden love last between two different souls from two different worlds?

I must say that the thing that grabbed me most about this book was the storyline/plot. Warriors from Atlantis who have lived hundreds of years, Vampires, shapeshifters, an evil goddess and even several appearances by Poseidon. In terms of the world Ms. Day created I have to give her high marks.

Sadly where this book fails is the chemistry and romance between the 2 main characters. In fact I was more interested in the supporting cast and plot than I was the romance. Still its book 1 of what appears to be a very interesting world. I'll definitely be giving the next book try.

Story/Plot: 4/5
Sensuality: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Overall: 3/5