SAGE Evolution, Book 2 By S A Huchton

Sage is book two in the Evolution series by S.A. Huchton, and this review is for the audible edition.

Summary:
Devastated by her choices, Candace Bristol is on the brink of losing it all: her mind, her hope, everything she thought she was.

But from the ruins rises new purpose. An enemy has emerged and it will take everything to combat this new threat. Broken as she is, picking up the pieces and carrying on might be the hardest battle to win, but it's either fight or lose what little she has left.

Amongst the wreckage, hope still burns. The flicker of a flame kindles something within her she thought was dead.

Love can break you.

So, too, can it bring you back to life.

My Review:
Book two in this series definitely did not disappoint and was every bit as interesting as the previous one. It starts out with Candace deep in depression over having killed the boy she loved. She battles with the realization of how dangerous she really is and seeing people scared of her does not help any. However, Jackson in his rude Jackass ways gets to start living again.


I rate this an Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down
Rated: 5/5 Stars

Audio Version:

ANGEL The Evolution Series, Book 1 By Starla Huchton

Angel is Book One in the Evolution series by S.A. Huchton. This review will be for the audible edition.

Summary:
Candace Bristol has always been obsessed with comic books, but in a world where the nightly news often mirrors these inked stories, her dreams of becoming a real superhero could actually come true. After being rescued by members of the government’s AdvaNced Genetic EvoLution (ANGEL) Project four years ago, getting recruited for this elite team is all she's wanted.

Now 18, she's finally reached her goal after years of study and physical training, but little could have prepared her for life as a genetic experiment. As though coming to terms with her new ability to manipulate water isn't tough enough, she never expected to be swept off her feet by one of her fellow recruits.

With genetic alteration, the threat of physical and mental instability hangs over every superhero like a shadow. When one of their own tumbles over the edge of madness, Candace will have to choose between protecting the world, and saving the one who holds her heart.

My Review:
First, let me start by saying the audio edition of this book is excellent. I love how the beginning and the end all seem like a recording from an archive. There are even parts throughout that have special audio tricks to make it seem like you are actually hearing a P.A. System and this is not even discussing the actual story.

This is one of the best books I have 'listened' to this year. While this story is by no mean a new release as at least three books of this series is already published, it is one of those that was not widely publicized. Which in my opinion is a travesty, the storyline in this series is new and exciting. I enjoyed every minute of it. I would recommend this series to even those that do not normally like science fiction or paranormal stories.

If you have not already read this story, you should!

I rate this story an Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down
I Rate this a 5/5 Stars!

Audio Edition:

Blood Magic (Ariel Kimber #3) by Mary Martel

Blood Magic is book 3 in the Ariel Kimber Series.

Ariel Kimber isn’t your average seventeen-year-old girl. She’s recently discovered she’s a witch with magic and is looking to find her place in a brand-new world. Her place in this new world is in a coven with seven guys.

After all of the horrible things she’s been forced to endure, Ariel was looking forward to building her new life with the family she’s found herself a part of and focusing on healing with Dash after what Chucky did to the both of them. After the blood that had been spilled, they all struggle to put those memories and the incident behind them. It’s easier said than done, though.

Quinton is plagued with guilt and the rest of them struggle with the fact that they almost lost one of their brothers and Ariel is left with a permanent reminder of the incident.

New bonds are forged, and just as things are starting to settle down again for Ariel and her coven, the Council of Elders makes its first appearance in Ariel’s life. And they don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon.

** This is a reverse harem series. **

This series is pretty much about a girl who finds out that she is a witch. Ariel up until recently had to deal with an abusive mother and a lonely life. She never thought that she was anything special, but now that she learns that she is indeed special; she's not sure that she likes it. On top of having to deal with the death of her 'mother', Dash being stabbed, and the seemingly endless guilt of Quinton Ariel also has to deal with the Council of Elders. All Ariel really wants is to find her father and she will do everything within her power to do it.


What I liked about the story: I loved how this installment gave us a more in-depth look at Julian and even introduced us more to Damien.


What I thought could have been better: There was a lot of inner dialogue but none of it helped us to understand Ariel's state of mind. She seemed to have glossed over a lot of issues that normally a person would have dwelt upon. For a 200+ book, it did not give us a lot of information, and I did not like how the installment ended where it did. No warning, no idea on how she even knew what she was doing, she went straight to blood magic.

I would give this an Attraction Rating – A promising story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out.Rated: 3/5 Stars

Audio Version:

Ristéard’s Unwilling Empress Lords of Kassis, Book 4 By S.E. Smith

Ristéard’s Unwilling Empress is book 4 in the Lord of Kassis series by S.E. Smith. This novel has adult concepts so be warned.

This story begins 24 years before River's Run with the abandonment of baby Ricky-Rose Bailey by her biological father. It is shown that he abandons her for her own safety. Fast forward 24 years, she and her parents decide to leave Earth for the planet Kassis. Soon Ricky comes to the attention of Risteard Roald, a powerful and deadly ruler of the Elpidios, a planet that is slowly dying without the bloodstones needed to absorb the radiation gradually destroying its stratosphere.

I enjoyed the thought that went into this book, it is very hard to find a story in the Alien/Human Woman genre that is more than just sex, sex, and more sex. This series actually has a story! One I actually understood and enjoyed. Ms. Smith is excellent at bringing us a world filled with suspense, some mystery, action, romance, and sometimes even comedy.

Cudos to you S.E. Smith!

I rate this Light Reading - you can finish this book in one sitting.
Rated 4/5

Jo's Journey Lords of Kassis, Book 3 By S.E. Smith

Jo's Journey is book 3 in the Lord of Kassis series by S.E. Smith. This story also has adult content. This is also the last story of the three sisters. Jo's well-ordered life changes when she and her sisters are kidnapped. Now her life is filled with Aliens, warships, and dangerous battles.

Manota Ja Kel Coradon is the second son of the ruling House of Kassis. He is known as the dark brother, who likes to be in control of all aspects of his life. However, once he meets Jo his well-ordered life is thrown into chaos and now it feels like nothing is in his command. 

Ms. Smith did it again and brought us another exciting adventure filled with Alien intrigue, dangerous battles, HOTT Alpha Males, (yes that's right, two T's), drama, suspense, comedy, and romance.

Another well thought out addition to the Kassis series that put me in the shoes of Jo.  This story was just as wonderful as the last two and I am in no way disappointed. 

Well Done S.E. Smith!

I rate this story Light Reading - You can finish this story in one sitting.

Rated 4/5 Stars

Star’s Storm Lords of Kassis, Book 2 By S.E. Smith

Star's Storm is book 2 in the Lord of Kassis series written by the lovely S.E. Smith. This book does include Adult content, so be warned. This book starts us off with the arrival of Storm and her sister's to the Kassis planet.

Jazin Ja Kel Coradon is the third son of the ruling House of Kassis and the story's love interest. I found him as a character to be less annoying then the first books love interest. The plot was well well thought out and well written I enjoyed this book greatly.

Alien abduction + Love and circus performers + Sex = A great story!

I rate this Light Reading - Can be finished in one sitting.

Rated: 4/5 Stars

Trickery Curse of the Gods, Book 1 By Jaymin Eve, Jane Washington

Trickery (Curse of the Gods #1) is an Alternate Reality about a young woman named Willa Knight. Willa is considered a dirt dweller, a non-magical being. In Minatsol, being a dweller means that you are literally no better than dirt. The other type of person in Minatsol is a Sol, as descendants of the creator, they have magical abilities. They also have the chance to one day become gods themselves. 

The only thing a dirt dweller can hope for is to be chosen to work for Sols at Blesswood Academy. Willa and her best friend are chosen to work at Blesswood, where Willa meets the Abcurse brothers.

By circumstances far beyond her control, Willa is targeted by the Gods. Together she and the Abcurses have to work together for survival. 

** This series is a Reverse Harem ** This series also has adult content, but not erotica. **

The Curse of the God series is one of my favorites and is now one of my top 5 favorites. It is a tale unlike any I have ever read. I could not stop laughing. it is rare that a book has equal drama, humor, and sexual intrigue throughout and be completely balanced. As of now, there are only 3 books released with the 4th coming soon. This series is expected to have 5 books in total. 

I would recommend this to everyone that likes Supernatural romances, and even to those that usually don't. - it was that enjoyable!

I rate this book: Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down.

Rated: 5/5 Stars

River’s Run - Lords of Kassis, Book 1 By S.E. Smith

**Warning: I do not write reviews based on grammar or spelling issues, only on plot and overall story points and progression. I will only mention grammar if it is so bad that it distracts me from the story. **

River's run is book one in an adult Alien series called Lords of Kassis. This book is about 3 sisters, River, Jo, and Star, two of which was kidnapped by Alien's, while the last saw this and sneaked her way on board their shuttlecraft then the main spacecraft by using the air ducts as a way to travel unseen.

** Slight Spoiler Alert** 

While on the craft, still free, River witnesses the capture of large human-like men and decides that if she and her sisters were ever going to get home than they need to rescue them before any more of them were killed. Each of the girls was trained in a weapon as part of their circus act, River - throwing knives, Star - small handheld crossbow, Jo - a staff, using those skills the girls free the men then flee back to the air ducts to sabotage the craft.

**End Spoiler Alert **

I like how the heroine is strong and able to take care of herself, even in that situation. However, I disliked how the male lead kept on insisting that River needs to be protected because she was female. It's like he forgets he was the one who was rescued, and even when she points this out to him he conveniently forgets it or ignores the fact.

One thing about this story I did not understand was the almost instant "pull" they felt towards each other. His people do not find their mates by some kind of magical bond and neither does humans. So, without the soulmate twist why the hell would she put up with his shenanigans? Do you know? Because I don't.

I rate this Attraction – A promising Story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out.
Rated: 3/5 Stars

Love Potion - Ariel Kimber Book 2 by Mary Martel

Love Potion is book 2 in the Ariel Kimber series by Mary Martel. This series is about a girl who just finds out that she is special, that she has magic. This fact makes her extremely important as the race of witches only currently have 3 other known females.

Her coven Tyson and his Uncle Quinton, Abel and Addison, the twins, Julian, Dash, and Damien all have to decide if Ariel is who they want.

Love Potion starts off with the aftermath of the accidental death of Ariel's mother, Vivian.  You would think that after that event Ariel's life could literally begin, but that is sadly not the case. Instead, she now has to avoid emotional-mines in the form of guilt. Not guilt for a mother she loved, because she didn't, but guilt for lying to the only person in her life to have shown her parental care and concern. Ariel hates lying to Mr. Cole about her mother's disappearance, but she knew, for his own peace of mind, she shouldn't tell him.

Now with her life uprooted once again Ariel has to decide what to do next, but this time she is not alone. She has people who care about her and want to take care of her. Something she also had never had before, but one thing held her back. - They intended to share her.

What I liked about this story:
First I have to say that this story was so exciting that if the editing mistakes from the first book made it into this one, I did not notice. Ms. Martel continues to keep the pace of the storyline excellently. I especially liked the way that Ariel is blossoming as a character, I like who she is becoming. My favorite male character has to be crazy Quinton with Tyson a close second.

What could have made the story better:
I kind of wished that we got to learn more about Julian. We got a brief look at his personality in this story and I find him intriguing.

I rate this story as Light reading/Infatuation – You would read this story every chance you could.
Rated 4/5 Stars


Below you can find the audio version of this review:

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Brothers of the Flame - Ariel Kimber Book 1 by Mary Martel

Brothers of the Flame is book one in the Ariel Kimber series, and it's about a young girl whose life has been filled with abuse, thanks to her mother. Ariel's mother, who was described as a gold-digger, met a man online and decided to move in with him. Mr. Cole luckily was unlike any of her mother's past boyfriends.

Use to being invisible Ariel has to deal with the fact that now she no longer is. Life in a small town, where everyone knows each other, makes Ariel's "new girl" status all the more evident, something she greatly detests.

Though Ariel's detestable life starts to change when she meets the Rude Tyson. From the moment he bumped into her and commented rudely her life changed.

*This is a reverse harem story, though it does not have any explicit scenes it does have swearing. *

** Normally I do not make reviews based on grammar issues unless it is so bad that it distracts from the story and I am sad to say this one did. More than a couple times within the book I had to reread sentences because my mind picked up a word that did not belong. However, if you could get past those type of mistakes this storyline was awesome. **

What I liked about the story:
I like how the storyline progressed at a good rate. There really wasn't very much filler information that I found boring.

What could have made the story better: (beside the editing issues I mentioned above.)
I actually really enjoyed the story, so no complaints on that.

This series has great promise and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the reverse harem genre, but I would warn them about the editing issues.


I rate this Attraction – A promising Story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out. It could also be classified as Light Reading as I did finish this story in one sitting. 
Rated: 3/5 Stars

Below you can find an audio version of this review:

Runes By Ednah Walters

Runes is about a Seventeen-year-old girl named Raine Cooper who is still recovering from losing her father in a plane crash. Raine is your average high school swim team teenager that likes to hang out with friends and have fun. Raine is also in-love with her childhood friend Erik who quietly feels the same. 

Raine's normal life comes to end when she meets Torin St. James - the mysterious new neighbor with a wickedly handsome smile and arrogant manner that makes her want to slap him.

Runes is a perfect blend of Norse Mythology, Magic, High School Drama, Death, and Possibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves paranormal romances. 

Runes is the first book in a series of 7 full length novels. This series is completem so no waiting between books. 

I rate this book: Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down

Rated: 5/5 Stars

Existence By Abbi Glines

Existence is about a young girl named Pagan Moore who can see ghosts. Pagan could see ghost's for as far back as she could remember, and she learned quickly to never let on that she could see them. Normal people would think that she was crazy and the ghost would never leave her alone if they knew she could see them.

Seeing ghosts was Pagan's normal, however that changes when meets a ghost unlike any she had ever seen before. This ghost was special, he was as handsome as he was different. 

Pagan soon learns that the world she lives in is not as black and white as she had once believed, especially since he seems to be more than just a ghost.

This was an extremely easy world to get "pulled" into and stay in. I have read this one and book 2 and 3 in 3 days; one book a day. For me, this story held a nice blend of high school drama and supernatural intrigue. 

I fully enjoyed this series and I have re-read it multiple times, both in print and audio versions. This series has found itself on my top ten list!

I rated this book: Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down

Rated: 5/5 Stars

Introductions The Academy: The Ghost Bird, Book 1 By: C. L. Stone

Introductions (The Ghost Bird #1) is a short novel about a girl named Sang Sorenson, a young woman with an abusive domestic situation. Sang's life was filled with strange and unusual punishments and because she was forced - by her parents, into a life of isolation, she had no friends. Until one night she meets a boy from the neighborhood she and her family just moved to. From there she meets his friends whom then become important parts of her life.

Introductions is a perfect intro to the series as it gives the reader enough information to get you hooked. I was particularly intrigued with the elusive Academy that the boys were a part of.

** This series is a Reverse Harem - Sang has 9 love interests. ** It is also a Young Adult Series with no sexual content. **

I found this series to be completely addictive, even though it has no real "adult" elements that usually draw me towards the RH genre. I feel like I know Sang and her boys, which makes me feel invested in their story. I would totally recommend this series to anyone and everyone I speak with! This series as of now has 11 full-length novels with one on the way soon.

I rate this book: Light Reading - A Short story easy to finish in an hour or two.

Rated: 5/5 Stars

Thief The Academy: The Scarab Beetle Book 1 By C. L. Stone

Thief is the first book in C.L Stone's new spin-off The Academy series, The Scarab Beetle. The story is about a girl named Kayli Winchester. Like with Ms. Stone's other series, this one is also about a girl with an abusive home life. Unlike with Sang, Kayli is an adult, an older sister to a classmate of the original series heroine. Kayli is not your average everyday girl, she is an expert pickpocket and she uses her skill to help support herself and her little brother Will.

While she was out, looking for her next mark, Kayli is picked up by an Academy team that needed her special talent.

** This series is a Reverse Harem - Kayli has 5 love interests. ** This series is an adult series, but it does not contain erotica. **

It did take me a while to get into this series, but once I had I found it just as interesting as the original series. I liked the more adult themes that the spin-off offers because frankly, you can only passionately kiss someone so many times before (naturally) the boy will try for more.

Thief gave off more of a "spy" feel then the original series had and for me that made this story more interesting for me. Even though I was not crazy over Kayli, I continued to read because I liked the storyline - and the boys didn't hurt either!

I would recommend this series to anyone, but I would tell them to give it a few chapters first.

I rate this: Infatuation – You would read this story every chance you could.
Rated 4/5

Loyalty and Lies (Chastity Falls #1) by LA Cotton

Loyalty and lies is a story about an Eighteen-year-old girl Savanah Parry (aka ana) who just started college. Savanah is the only surviving person from a car crash that killed her parents and boyfriend, the loss scarred her. Knowing that she needed to move on with her life, but still not comfortable in large crowded areas Ana decided to go to a small college.

Ana expects to have a boring slow college career, but that is the last thing that happened. Soon, Ana had found herself dragged into the drastically dangerous life of Jackson Peirce the adopted brother of a crime lord and Chastity Falls version of a Mob Boss.

Loyalty and Lies is book one in the series Chasity Falls, which consists of 4 books total - as of now.

Forewarning, my review will be heavily based on storyline and plot, I will not ever mention grammar or spelling issues unless it is so bad that it distracts me from the overall tale.

The story was well written and I had found myself pulled into the world LA Cotton depicted quickly. Cotton did a wonderful job portraying a depressed young woman struggling to move forward. I realized right away that the male lead Jackson had an Edward Cullen complex, the old "stay away, but I can't". I had often found myself frustrated by the female lead, she was too excepting of being treated like poop, she clearly had Bella Swan syndrome. I kept waiting for her to smarten up and say screw this, but by the end, I was still waiting.

I realize that they both "love" each other, but because Jackson is divided because of his loyalties to his adopted family and his love for Savanah that he doesn't know what to do. Since this book did not solve any of their relationship issues I will go one to read the next book just to see what's going to happen.

Attraction – A promising Story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out.
Rated 3/5 Stars

Insatiable Darkness (Vigilant) by L.M. Preston

Insatiable Darkness is a short novel and can be read easily in a single sitting. The story is about Emvee a teenage girl who was forced to move to a new town because of her parents work. She soon learns -by eavesdropping on a conversation between her parents, that the reason for their move was not as clear-cut as she had first believed. This knowledge has led to a "need" in Emvee to know what is truly going on. It didn't take her long to realize that she may have bitten off more than she could chew.

*** Insatiable Darkness is the prequel to a new series that has yet to be published. ***

Forewarning, my review will be heavily based on storyline and plot, I will not ever mention grammar or spelling issues unless it is so bad that it distracts me from the overall tale.


What I liked about the story:
This is an interesting start to a promising series. I can't wait to learn more about Emvee and her coming trials. I have personally read many stories that take mythology and bend it to be used in many different ways, but I can honestly say that Insatiable Darkness bends mythology in a way I have not yet read. She had perfectly blended the idea of science and magic together so well that the idea was believable (if magic ever existed I could totally believe this could happen!) Emvee is a strong kiss-ass heroine that does not fall apart in the face of danger, she kicks it in the gonads!


Things that I believe could have made the story better:
The beginning of the story did not seamlessly bring me into it, it took the first chapter and some of the second before I could comfortably say I was all in. Once I was able to connect with the story I was sufficiently 'pulled in'. Though I do wish Ms. Preston could have expounded more on what a Soul Trainer is and what its purpose was.


The book did its job as a prequel and has left me wanting to know more about Emvee, her friends, and the dangers she will no doubt come to face.


I rate this light reading... You can finish this part within a few hours.
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Below you can find an audio version of this review: