Vampires are the "In" Thing

We all know about the Twillight craze, and how hot vampires are in pop culture currently. So it shouldn't surprise anyone that there are a large number of romance novels being written with vampires being the hunk du jour.

It should come as no surprise that some best selling authors are getting that title by writing about beings with fangs.

Sex and the Single Vampire
by Katie MacAlister
326 pages

I have never read a Katie MacAlister book before I read this one. I will gladly say that I would be more than willing to read more of her other books in the future. (and she has more books out than I would have imagined).

This particular book is classified as a Paranormal Romance on its spine. A classification 'm not all that familiar with honestly. Why? Well, most of the books I've been reading lately are in digital format, and I classify them however their title implies them to be.

Anyway, this book is about a woman named Allie, and her trip to London. Her job sent her to London to collect proof that ghosts exist. A task that should be manageable since she's a Summoner. Technically she should be able to walk into the haunted location and summon a spirit.

But it doesn't matter what she does, the best she can d at the beginning is just a cat's ghost. The scene is very amusing, and I enjoyed most of the book's informative tone as to how things should work.

The vampire, was a bit...different than I am used to. But he at least conformed to most of the traditional standards.(Not to mention the fact that he's a writer himself.) In any case he definitely fills the main male role in well. uhm...

The plot moves quickly enough, so this book would be a decent one as a pocket read or to carry on while traveling. Especially for people who enjoy glimpses at distant locations, ghosts, and romance all in one book.

This book is more appropriate for Adults than for kids, but older teens might enjoy it as well. (I have an odd sense at times for what is considered to be adult content...but i suppose since it's labeled romance, it's safe to say it's more adult in nature than some of my other reading.)

In any case, whether you like ghosts or vampires, or adventure stories in general, this book is appealing.

You'll likely be able to find it as an eBook if you look, though mine is hard copy this time. So I can't make a recommendation this time around about how to find it ~_~

Out of Sync

Ok So today I'm going to share a comic link with you. Why? Because I enjoy it. (and honestly I feel a little lazy when it comes to writing today)

http://www.goblinscomic.com/
The comic is about Goblins and the adventures that they have. It's super cute, and if you or anyone you know games, they may get a kick out of it.

Share it!!

Not for the General Audience

Now I know my reading habits seem to be rather, sporadic. I don't read just one genre, and I don't stick to certain lengths or story types. That would make reading boring.

Anyway, todays recommended stories are more for adults than for younger readers. I do apologize if you were looking forward to hearing about something for kids today, but we'll do a post just for them soon.
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Cinderella's Wedding Night
by Tony Murfin
16 pages

This story looks at something that is normally left out of the old fairytale of Cinderella. It goes over a lot in it's short number of pages, and makes the story feel that much more grown up.

You get a glimpse at aristocracy, not necessarily in a good light. The author reveals odd desires from the Prince. And just what did happen to that glass slipper in the end? This is the story that explains one possible outcome.

Not intended for young readers at all. High School age readers, might be ok, but I strongly recommend that if you do let youth read this you read it as well.
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The Pause Ghost
by Joshua Scribner
30 pages

This is the only story in todays post that isn't sexual in nature. I know that means I should have saved it for a different day all together, but It's nice to have something here for readers that don't like smut. (no the other stories aren't THAT bad, but I'm rationalizing the inclusion of this story.)

This story takes you into a home, where there are 2 boys. We get to see their family christmas, as well as their favorite present, a casette playing stereo. But there's a problem with it, it pauses itself while they sleep.

This story is interesting because it gives a quick glimpse at family dynamics, as well as how family members deal with tragedies. Can be read by young adult readers without fear of them being traumatized. Not sure about younger readers though.
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A Twisted Bard's Tale
by Selena Kitt
36 pages

This story is a fresh look at the story of Romeo and Juliet. The author reveals her impression of what may have started the families to feuding together. And rather than spoil the reason, I will simply say that it had nothing to do with death.

This story is not for young readers, and a knowledge of the basic plotline of Romeo and Juliet is recommended as it will give some depth to the story that on it's own it would likely lack.

I classify it as adult because of it's content. I would also classify it as alternative lifestyle literature because of the type of sexual content included. This is not a bad thing, but just a heads up for those that prefer the writings of Shakespeare.
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Toe Tag
by Jr. Pau Bens Paul G.
40 pages

I don't remember this story actually being 40 pages long when I read it, but that's what it's telling me it is now. This story isn't intended for people with weaker stomachs. Not because it is gory, but because there are a few moments that might not be suitable for all readers.

The story itself is about a man that works at a shoe store, and his view on other peoples feet. Mind you as the story progresses we learn just how far he'll go to find the perfect pair of feet.

I would classify this as adult. There are hints at a fetish(ok strong hints). I dislike that it makes the fetish out to be 'bad' but, it's the Authors Story, not mine.
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Now remember if you read any of these, that some of them have a different feel than the fluffy stories i read frequently. But don't consider that a bad thing.

Did The Good Old Boy Do It?

When you look at a books title, sometimes you get an image in your head that is impossible to shake. That's what happened when I read the title of this piece. It didn't matter how the Author kept describing "Bubba" to look, I kept seeing him as one of my little brothers.

Now isn't that a scary thought?

Bubba and the Dead Woman
by C.L. Bevill
526 pages

Bubba and The Dead Woman, doesn't seem to be a serious story as you start to read it. The writing is stylistic, and light in nature. But that light nature, doesn't change the fact that it is very descriptive. It is both descriptive, effective, and a hell of a lot of fun.

This book is a murder mystery, revolving around an old plantation. There are gold diggers, and liars, and to be plain honest, the murderer was the last person that I expected it to be. There are shotguns, hunting dogs, and cowboy hats. As well as simple diner food.

They mention things that are plausible. Magazine articles that may have been written, as well as the kind of reactions that some stories can have on people. (Let's say they think there's gold buried in the back yard, of course they'll start digging holes in it when you're not looking.)

yes this story would be a good read for a male or female audience, even though there are some slightly romantic moments. I'm sure that given the way that the story is written, the male audience would easily overlook the fluffy lovey notes.

I got my copy from the B & N Nook bookstore for free. But what is even better, it has a lend me option, so if one of my friends wanted to read it, I can loan it to them. The LendMe option is available on a lot more eBooks than I realized, which is nice for those times when a book is difficult to find, or the price has changed, or maybe a friend isn't sure they want to commit to the book yet or not.

Candied Killers On The Shelf

Okay, so it's time for the first actual entry about a hard copy book. (*gasp* I know! Hard to think anyone really reads hard copy anymore). I'm sure you've probably come to the conclusion that I generally read for amusement, not for knowledge. But that doesn't mean what I read is always fluffy.

But in this case, it is.

Peppermint Twisted
by Sammi Carter
249 pages

Peppermint Twisted is part of Sammi Carters Candy Shop Mystery series. I personally have not read any of the other books in the series, but that did not hinder my ability to follow the content of this book.

When the Mayor swoops in and randomly changes the Head of a local Art festical, the towns artisians are fit to be tied. They threaten to leave the festival, and pull their money. The next thing anyone in town knows, there are 2 people dead, and still no clue as to who's done it.

The main character in the series, Abby, is left trying to put the pieces together as the local police try to place her as their main suspect. With many twists and turns, the story is a fun trip to small town life.

What Is also interesting, and I'm going to mention this because it has no real literary value to the book at all, is that the Author actually includes recipes for some of the candy that she describes in the book. I'm not shy at all, I've got plans on making the Peppermint Fondant she describes. It doesn't sound that hard.

This book is recommended for teens and adults. The recipes in the back, can be shared with general audiences. (The fondant can likely be done with young kids without worry of harm coming to anyone or anything).

Got a favorite Candy recipe that's simple and fun(as well as delicious?) feel free to share it with me in the comments below. I'd appreciate it ^_~.

Good Example of Why Djinn are to be Avoided. (but still enjoyed)

It's now November, and I hate to admit this but most of the books I have in my digital queue involve Vampires, Djinn, Zombies, Werewolves, and who knows what else. Why? Because I enjoy them. Though I will admit that there is a possibility that soon I will mention some books that I own hard copy versions of. Just for a chance from the realm of digital.

Anyway, let's move on to looking at this entries read.

Tamar Black - Djinnx'd
by Nicola Rhodes
542 pages

When people think of Djinn or Genies, they generally picture Jeannie from the I Dream of Jeannie tv show, or of the large comical blue Genie from Disney's Aladdin. Or those barely there female Halloween costumes. Why is that? Well to what I have seen, Djinn don't really have a cult following or a active pop culture niche currently. Which is part of why the title of this book intrigued me.

What was it going to be about, what exactly would djinnx'd be described as through the story?

From what I can tell you without spoiling the book is that Djinnx'd can be defined as : being tricked into releasing a Djinn.

The story itself has a fast pace that rivals the pacing of the Aisling Grey, Guardian novels by Katie MacAlister. It also is similar in it's usage and detailed descriptions of different mythological beings that are used in the story. Most of the descriptions are given in a first person view, which means there are many amusing notes throughout.

For those that may be worried that the book will turn out to be nothing more than a smut story, or a trashy romance novel, get those thoughts out of your head. Why? The story stays away from romance on the most part, instead focusing more on the adventure on hand.

The story starts in the past, but most of it is written to be in modern times, so there is no need to worry about not knowing what something is. The main characters are vibrant and relatable, though some of their actions are questionable.

I would recommend this as a book for older teens and adults, not because it is overly adult in nature, but because it's voice might be difficult for younger readers to relate to. (although... the Twilight series is supposedly an adult one... but people still let kids read that, blah)

Till next time, happy reading! Oh... and feel free to leave me recommendations.

Gossip Gets You Nowhere

Ok. So the title honestly made me think about the commercials that I saw for Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. And at the beginning it really was a smidgen irritating. But I'm going to tell you about it , because I did enjoy it once I got into the swing of it.

The Gossip Ghouls by Z
424 page read

This is a fun and interesting read, most likely meant for teens. It looks at a different dynamic and use of Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies. Not only that it throws all three of them into the High School Setting that many of the intended audience would be familiar with.

I enjoyed it's catty and very girly characters that seemed to be fairly web savvy. The way the author used technology to make the story seem relevant was fun.

Honestly, it is a bit much at times. Some of the authors decisions about her characters actions seem a bit harsh. Teenagers getting married for instance. That sent shudders down my spine. But marriage in general is an institution that I am not entirely on friendly terms with at this point in my life.

Some books that are similar in content are the Monster High books. If your reader is a bit younger (say starting between 10 and 13) I would recommend letting them read those mainstream novels first. Gossip Ghouls is good, but it's messages aren't always clear. Not only that it doesn't display the lines between right and wrong clearly. There doesn't seem to be any negative consequences for any-ones actions. The writer even makes it seem as though death is not permanent.

A fun read though, definitely something to add to your eBook stash if you're hording for a rainy day. Just don't expect Anne Rice, think of it as more of a ....fluffy read.