[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Clean

Alex Hughes was born in Savannah, GA and moved to the south Atlanta area when she was eight years old. Shortly thereafter, her grandfather handed her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series, and a lifelong obsession with scifi was born.

Alex is a graduate of the prestigious Odyssey Writing Workshop and a Semi-Finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. Her short pieces are published in several markets including EveryDay Fiction and White Cat Magazine. She blogs about writing craft, revision, and editing at SmallTriumphs.com.

Alex’s work is complex, dark, adventurous, and a little funny, with a emphasis on great characters and interesting worlds. She gets her inspiration from history (she majored with a European history focus in college), family members, and headlines, as well as whatever book she has in her hand. Lately she’s been reading neuroscience books; the brain’s a cool, cool place and the mind even more so.

An avid cook and foodie, Alex loves great food of any stripe – even better if she can figure out how to put it together. Great food is like a great book; it has lots of layers that work together beautifully, and the result is delicious and harmonious. She’s working on figuring out Indian food right now – suggestions welcome!

Alex loves swing dancing, tetris, music of all kinds, and has been known to get into long conversations with total strangers at restaurants about the Food Network, much to the embarrassment of her sister. She can also balance a spoon on her nose while crossing her eyes, and talk for hours about absolutely nothing.

Clean (Mindspace Investigation #1)
by Alex Hughes 

Synopsis:

A RUTHLESS KILLER—OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND 

I used to work for the Telepath’s Guild before they kicked me out for a drug habit that wasn’t entirely my fault. Now I work for the cops, helping Homicide Detective Isabella Cherabino put killers behind bars. My ability to get inside the twisted minds of suspects makes me the best interrogator in the department. But the normals keep me on a short leash. When the Tech Wars ripped the world apart, the Guild stepped up to save it. But they had to get scary to do it—real scary. Now the cops don’t trust the telepaths, the Guild doesn’t trust me, a serial killer is stalking the city—and I’m aching for a fix. But I need to solve this case. Fast. I’ve just had a vision of the future: I’m the next to die.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer - Tanya C:

Clean by Alex Hughes gets off to a good start right away.

I really enjoyed the way the main male character and Cherabino interacted. I also loved that the storyline mainly focused on solving crimes and that there were so many characters with different talents that involved using their minds.

The amount of suspense had me hooked, and I know that I will be reading more books written by Alex Hughes.

There was also tons of action, and the characters were incredibly well developed; each character had plenty of flaws, which is just one thing that makes for a good book.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Clean 4 Skulls and would recommend it.

Clean

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Tristan's Lyceum Wolves

Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. The series currently includes Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1), Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2) and Tristan's Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3).

In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.

Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.

Tristan's Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3)
by Kym Grosso 

Synopsis:

An erotic paranormal romance...

Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves' Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.

Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she's reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who'd kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.

Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?


Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m menage, and is intended for adult readers only.


Our Review by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

Just wow!

Tristan's Lyceum Wolves, book #3 of the IMMORTALS OF NEW ORLEANS series was sexy and smart, with an amazing cast and a great story. I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning.

Where the first 2 books of Kym's series were vampire driven, this one takes a little turn and concentrates on the werewolf pack of Philly, but we do get some insight into how things are going with Kade (the hero of book #1).

If you're looking for a book (and series) that is chock full of action, uber steamy romance, intrigue, and a thoroughly gripping tale, I highly recommend this book and its predecessors.

Oh, and just a side note... That Epilogue! Kym, you dirty, dirty tease... ;-). I want Logan's story NOW!

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Tristan's Lyceum Wolves 5 Skulls!

Tristan's Lyceum Wolves

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Graveyard Shift

Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet is a great big weirdo.

She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. She no longer collects paperback books, because she can’t fit any more in her office, however she does collect ebooks. She has an unhealthy obsession with television shows created by Joss Whedon and fantasizes about him directing television or film versions of her novels. 

Angela’s favorite book/movie is The Wizard of Oz. She likes a little coffee in her cream, and her favorite food is sushi, even though it’s takes her FOREVER to make. Angela is a peace loving, tree hugging hippy who tries to buy organic and local as often as possible. She’s a fan of renewable energy sources, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone, she’s a fan of you, too. Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she’s not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows.

Graveyard Shift (Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. #1)
by Angela Roquet

Synopsis: 

The Inferno has evolved . . . Lana Harvey is a reaper, and a lousy one at that. But when Grim promotes her to a high risk assignment, all hell breaks loose . . . literally.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

We have an Event planned with Angela in April through Book Monster Promotions, so I decided to give the book a shot so we'd have a review to go along with the post. While I figured I had nothing to lose going in for the read, my immediate reaction upon finishing the book was quite different, all I could say was "Ooh I love it when review books turn into new obsessions! I LOVED this book and cannot wait to read more. Way to go Angela!" :)

Our heroine, Lana, is a reaper employed by an organization owned and run by Grim (yeah that Grim). She's sort of a slacker, doing her job but not much more, and just trying to stay off of the big guys' radar. One of her closest friends, however, Josie, is an incredibly ethical reaper, following all of the rules to the letter. The two own a ship together (the only way to drop their souls off above and below as determined, is to sail across a sea in Limbo), and sometimes their relationship can get a little strained, especially when odd things start happening in Limbo and nobody knows quite why. Add in one of their other closest friends, the hot mess of an archangel Gabriel, and you have a very interesting group. :)

If you're a Urban Fantasy reader like me who loves a variety of supe groups in your books, you will adore this series. It has Reapers, Spirits, creatures from Mythology, Demons, Angels, and more, and all of it is blended seamlessly into an endlessly entertaining (and surprisingly accurate) pastiche. I laughed out loud, I swore under my breath, I cheered on our kick butt heroine, I cringed when things went bad, it was fabulous, and having just done a bunch of online research on the classifications of angels and demons for something else, I was very pleased to see the amount of research that went into the creation of this book, without it taking anything away from the lightheartedness of the story.

There's not a lot of romance in here, but it's a Urban Fantasy Mystery that will keep you turning pages late into the night and wishing you could call in sick to work the next day. Angela Roquet quickly became one of my new favorite UF authors and I am jumping into book two immediately.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Graveyard Shift 5 Skulls and emphatically recommends it!

Graveyard Shift

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Pocket Full of Posises

Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet is a great big weirdo.

She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. She no longer collects paperback books, because she can’t fit any more in her office, however she does collect ebooks. She has an unhealthy obsession with television shows created by Joss Whedon and fantasizes about him directing television or film versions of her novels. 

Angela’s favorite book/movie is The Wizard of Oz. She likes a little coffee in her cream, and her favorite food is sushi, even though it’s takes her FOREVER to make. Angela is a peace loving, tree hugging hippy who tries to buy organic and local as often as possible. She’s a fan of renewable energy sources, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone, she’s a fan of you, too. Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she’s not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows.

Pocket Full of Posies (Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. #2)
by Angela Roquet 

Synoposis:

Not Your Grandma's Afterlife…

The promise of peace in Limbo City is threatened once again, but this time the terrorists have a more specific target in mind: Lana Harvey. The up and coming reaper thought passing her classes at the Reaper Academy was going to be her biggest challenge, but when a rebel demon sends her apartment up in flames, she realizes that her victories from the previous year haven’t gone so unnoticed after all…

To make matters worse, the Afterlife Council has taken notice of Lana too. The Egyptian god Horus is blackmailing her into joining the Posy Unit so she can do an illegal side job for him, and Cindy Morningstar, Lucifer’s daughter, insists that she take a two week training course with the devilishly tempting Beelzebub, much to her angelic boyfriend’s chagrin.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

Even better than the first! I hopped on Pocket Full of Posies immediately after finishing Graveyard Shift, finished it the same day, and my only complaint... that I didn't have more right that very second!

Lana, our Reaper heroine is back with her cast of friends and things just keep getting more and more interesting. Gabriel the archangel is still one of the most important sub-characters of the book, and he's starting to clean himself up a bit. Josie's starting to lighten up a bit and she and Lana have become even closer, even though there are things that Josie resents about Lana, particularly the fact that she keeps getting singled out for promotions when she totally doesn't deserve them. Lana has a boyfriend now, Maalik, a fallen angel, and while they're good together, he sort of has a control problem and Lana is not loving it so much. There are also some new players - Jenni, Kevin, and some additional higher ups we only got hints of in book #1.

Angela lets us in on the big mystery that was outstanding in Graveyard Shift in Pocket Full of Posies, and we get to finally find out why Lana is different than other Reapers. While it's cool, it could end up getting her killed and may end up costing her friends and loved ones if she doesn't figure out how to make things settle down. I'd love to tell you more, but I refuse to ruin the awesome goodness.

Like book #1, Pocked Full of Posies had laughs, lots of mystery, tons of action, a surprising bunch of great romance, a cast that you can't help but love, and a story that never lets you rest. I stand by my initial impressions of book #1 - this series has become a new obsession for me and I cannot wait to get more from Angela. She easily insinuated herself into my Favorite UF Author list and I can't see that changing any time soon.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Pocked Full of Posies 5 Skulls and if you enjoy Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance or even Mystery I really think you've love Angela's books. LANA HARVEY, REAPERS INC has instantly become a new 1 Click Auto-PreOrder for me. Check it out!!

Pocket Full of Posies

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of For the Birds

Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet is a great big weirdo.

She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. She no longer collects paperback books, because she can’t fit any more in her office, however she does collect ebooks. She has an unhealthy obsession with television shows created by Joss Whedon and fantasizes about him directing television or film versions of her novels. 

Angela’s favorite book/movie is The Wizard of Oz. She likes a little coffee in her cream, and her favorite food is sushi, even though it’s takes her FOREVER to make. Angela is a peace loving, tree hugging hippy who tries to buy organic and local as often as possible. She’s a fan of renewable energy sources, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone, she’s a fan of you, too. Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she’s not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows.

For the Birds (Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. #3)
by Angela Roquet

Synopsis:

Lana Harvey isn't just any reaper. She's the new captain of the Posy Unit, a specialty group dedicated to harvesting mass quantities of souls from natural disaster sites, battlefields, and the like. The new title didn't come without a price though. Lana made some promises along the way, and now it's time to follow through... even if that means putting herself in the path of the three Fates, a fickle and mighty force to be reckoned with. The Fates run a soul recycling plant in Limbo City, and if Lana isn't careful, they just might recycle her.

Our Review by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*eARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Another knock out hit by Ms Roquet!

As thrilling as the first two installments, For the Birds had me laughing out loud at least 3 times before page 30, cheering on Lana through every action-packed moment, and wishing for more when the last page was turned.

Our special little reaper just can't stay out of trouble, and her IOU's & secrets just keep stacking up; even though she's managing to garner a few boons along the way as well.

Her inner circle just keeps getting more interesting also, and even though some of her new allies are better classified as frenemies at times, Lana can use all the help she can get - especially when her boss decides to display his more 'grim' side, and she has some heavy hitters out to ruin her every step of the way.

I did miss Gabe (Lana's hot mess of an archangel best friend) in his installment, but if the ending is any indicator, we'll have lots more of him in the next book. :)

LITERAL ADDICTION gives For the Birds a well deserved 5 Skulls, and I would recommend it to ALL of my friends and followers. This series is a steady new favorite, and I can't wait for more!

For the Birds

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTIONS's Review of Allusive Aftershock

Susan Griscom was born, Susan Marie Whittaker, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Under the name, Regan Walsh she writes the popular paranormal-urban fantasy, Whisper Cape, series and writes young adult and mainstream under her married name, Susan Griscom.

Enjoy her newly released young adult novel, Allusive Aftershock

Be sure to check out her Whisper Cape Series under the name of Regan Walsh

She enjoys writing about characters living in small quaint towns and tends to lean toward the unusual and spooky.

Her paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday she might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now she likes the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets her blood running hot.

Susan lives in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and humungous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and her children, four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, seven grandchildren. Her greatest love in life is her family and those large and ever growing holiday dinners.

She enjoys traveling. She hates running, but does it once in a while. Reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.

A quote from Susan:

I daydream often and sometimes my daydreams interrupt my daydreams. So I write to remember them. If I didn't write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play--a dreadful disaster, though not from my writing, of course, I must blame it on the acting.

Allusive Aftershock

by Susan Griscom 

Synopsis:

What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because … well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can’t quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max--her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn’t-know-it-yet--hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking. 

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents' wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a “megathrust” earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict. 

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

I will openly admit that while I adore Susan's writing, I was a little bit leery to read this one, but the minute I flipped the last page, all I could say was "Awww".

In all seriousness though, I don't read non-para, especially not non-para YA (I actually just read my very first romantic suspense 2 weeks ago!) and even with that said, I really enjoyed this book - no teen angst or the traditional love triangles of a traditional YA, just people dealing with real world tragedy and emotions.

The characters are relatable, likeable, and solidly developed, the world is real, extensively built, and shockingly vivid in its telling. I love the way that Susan writes and I am happy that I took a chance on her YA debut.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Allusive Aftershock 4 Skulls and would definitely recommend it for YA fans far and wide. It's a beautiful story!!

Allusive Aftershock

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Blood and Magick

James R. Tuck was born and raised in The South. Brought up on a steady diet of good southern cooking, country music, Jesus, and guns; he has always been a little weird. For over 15 years he has been a professional tattoo artist and owns Family Tradition Tattoo in his hometown of Marietta, Ga. Now he writes yarns about monsters, guns, hard-eyed men, and tough as nails women.

He puts the DARK in Dark Urban Fantasy.
His Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty Hunter series is a thrill ride spilling over with violence and mayhem.

Here there be monsters.

Strap up, arm yourself, and hang on for the ride.

Blood and Magick (Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty-Hunter #3)
by James R. Tuck 

Synopsis:

Taking out hellish creatures—not a problem. Armed with blessed silver hollow-points and the ability to manipulate magick, he’s ready for anything—except betrayal he never saw coming…
Deacon Chalk knows the biggest danger in fighting monsters is becoming one. Just another day at the office for your friendly neighborhood occult bounty hunter. If keeping three helpless were-dog children safe means battling a malevolent trio of witches by any means necessary, so be it. If that means partnering with a ruthless government agent to stay one step ahead of the allies and friends he must now suspect, he’s not going to cry about it. The only way Deacon can save humans and shape-shifters alike is to embrace a power beyond his imagining, putting his team at stake—and his soul on the line…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*ARC received from NetGalley

I've been called 'a guys' girl' on more than one occasion because of my tastes... I'm a sports junkie, the more things that blow up or people that get killed during my movie choices the better, and I am constantly on the prowl for books that disturb me or are dark enough to make me chuckle evilly and mutter a proud "hell yeah!". Well, James's DEACON CHALK series delivers and then some! :)

I have loved this series from book .5, and am a proud James R. Tuck fangirl. Immediately upon finishing this installment my first impression words were: "Wow James! They just keep getting better. This installment was even darker, grittier, more action packed, violent, snarky, & emotional than the 1st two, and dare I say... yes, very SEXY! :). Everything changed in this book, and SO many doors have been opened for the series. If it's even possible, I am even more excited for the next book than I was for this one."

Blood and Magick picks up right after the climactic events of Blood and Silver, wherein Deacon is enjoying some downtime with his crew. Like usual though, it can't last, and all hell breaks loose. There are some psychotic witches and wizards trying to kill them all, and an entire restaurant and movie theater are blown to kingdom come (and that's just in the first couple chapters!)

During the remainder of this adrenaline fueled joyride, Deacon and the gang must battle all kinds of creatures and tons of personal demons besides. There is more action than you know what to do with, betrayal, mystery, romance, heartbreak, and much, much more.

At one point (as I was cackling evilly and muttering my "hell yeahs") I wondered how much more I could take as a reader. Then I shook my head and thought, Bring It! and I'm sure James will do just that. There are hints of bigger and badder things to come, and even though it's hard to imagine how the series could possibly be any more intense than it already is, I personally believe that James is up for the challenge and I cannot wait to see what's next!

This series is a unique, fascinating and captivating thrill ride. The preternaturals are not sexy, they all want to rip your face off, most can turn your stomach with a glimpse, and based on Deacon's convictions, there is no gray area - magick is bad and bad is evil.

The heroes are damaged but lovable, the setting is believable despite the utter fantasy, there are tons of surprises, and despite the bits of closure we receive as the arc progresses, I'm not entirely sure that ANYONE really wins in the end.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Blood and Magick 4 1/2 Skulls and highly recommends this series to readers looking for a dark, gritty, action-packed read with heroes you can't help but love and villains you love to loathe.

NOTE: I do suggest that readers read the eNovellas that accompany the series in the order that they are meant to be read with the full-length novels. While they're not absolutely integral to the comprehension of the series as a whole, they do fill in holes and make the entire experience just that much more enjoyable.

More James, more!! :)

Blood and Magick