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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Vanessa Watts

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From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First things first I learned that djinn meant genie, which I didn’t know when I picked the book up. After that things fall more firmly in place and begin to make a little more sense. This is a pretty fast paced YA book that pulls you in from the start and won’t let go, kind of like the Djinn.

Bax just wants something memorable to happen in his life so when an old man gives him a ring he takes it. This sets Bax on the journey of his life after he starts having dreams about a powerful djinn. As dreams become nightmares when an ifrit is unleashed upon the world and this demon feeds upon his subconscious. Now Bax must solve a puzzle to banish the ifrit forever. With a trail of crimes, destruction, and death that point back to Bax can he solve this puzzle and survive?

This is truly the age old tale of being careful what you wish for because oftentimes dreams can be worse than reality. This was a fantastic coming of age tale. It was fantastic to see the character development in Bax as he works to banish the ifrit. This was a fast paced book that certainly keeps you engaged and coming back to read it every time you have a free moment. Give this one a try even if it seems out of your wheelhouse, because it is definitely worth it.

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading book one in this paranormal series I was ecstatic to finally pick up book two to see what happens next. This book definitely builds off the first book so while it could be read solo you might feel lost with why some things happen in this book and who the characters are.

This book sees Makayla and her classmates return for year two at the academy except they are summoned early and a portal that shouldn’t have taken them through again does just that. Already starting the year off with more mysteries than answers to her family’s history and just why she is at grave digger academy in the first place. This year is the inter-academy games,a competition between all the magical academies, which if won could put GDA back on the map but if lost could have them close their doors forever. Being the only place that took Makayla in, albeit for unknown reasons, she is willing to fight hard to save the one place that made room for her. With competition from those closest to her, namely her brothers at other academies, how deep do family ties go? What about Makayla and her helpers, are they really the game changers? Will Makayla ever solve the mystery of her ancestry and why exactly things are attracted to her?

This was an amazing build off of the first book. I loved the characters and learning more about them but also the world building that the author has carefully crafted. A super quick read, that just has you turning pages to find out what happens next. I personally cannot wait to grab book three just so I can see what comes next for Makayla and the Grave Digger Academy!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So I love all things paranormal, throw in an actual academy setting and I’m in love. I have been looking for a new series and this is it.

So Makayla has applied to multiple paranormal academies, but is turned down by all but one. The one she doesn’t want to attend, but with it being her only choice she must go. As she goes to the academy her abilities develop and she learns more about her past family secrets. While keeping the bodies where they belong, in their graves, Makayla must make a moral decision to either stay on the side of good or switch to the sweet calling of evil. Why was Makayla denied entrance to the other academies? Does it have anything to do with her family secrets? What about when evil calls?

I loved the start to this new series by C.A. King. I have read a few books by this author and so when I saw this one recommended I knew I had to read it. If you like paranormal books that have a magical feel to it then this book is the one for you. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to find out what happens next.

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Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Burn (Elemental Warriors, #1)Burn by Joanna Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So paranormal romances are sort of a guilty pleasure for me. I enjoyed how this was a new take on the paranormal romance trope that intrigues me from the synapse of the book. Add in to that some action and adventure this is the beautiful start to a new series by Ms. Morgan.

I loved Levi as the elemental fire warrior whose main mission is to protect the human realm from supernatural threats. That is until inadvertently meeting Brooke when he saves her life, pulling her from an apartment fire. As they keep running into each other the fire burns hotter in Levi, and something begins to awaken in Brooke that gets her attention from the Chaolt. Will Levi be enough to save Brooke from the Chaolt? Can Brooke figure out this new power awakening within her and discover why she has been thrust into a supernatural war?

This book definitely has a very slow start, but with this being a new series and requiring necessary world building for the reader it is semi expected. If you can get past all the needed details to build up the storyline this is definitely an action filled romance novel that may make you feel unnecessarily heated. Definitely a must read if you want a paranormal romance that is different from the rest. I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series and am excited to follow along.

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are some books that come and go without a second glance and others like this book that keep you coming back for more. I am already a self described fantasy junky, throw in a good mystery and some romance and that’s seriously unforgettable!

Ava is the perfect character, the one you love to cheer for. Throw in some good friends and their banter is hilarious and reminds me of that of my friends and I. The black cauldron agency just pulled themselves out of the black thanks to the case of a family friend. Soon becoming the agency that every magical being needs including her nemesis Tasis. Who reaches out calling in the last favor she owes him and that’s to find the Lauret Grimoire which holds secrets of the magical underworld that could be disastrous if in the wrong hands! The more that’s uncovered the more confusing the case. Will Ava and her squad ever be able to make the pieces fit together to discover the location of the Grimoire? What happens when a kiss with a mysterious man seems to spin Ava’s world on its head?

This is a book I found incredibly difficult to put down. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series and continue to follow what this author puts out!

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have not had the privilege of reading any books by Mark Nolan before this one. I say that because I could not put this book down. The characters are amazing, the chemistry is off the charts, the plot is mesmerizing and all of that just makes for the best kind of book to lose yourself in.

Angie and her three friends plan a vacation trip for spring break but that all turns deadly when they are kidnapped and her three friends wind up dead. Angie barely escapes alive but is so traumatized that she is mute. In comes Brenda, an FBI agent who is part of an elite unit. It is her job to solve this heinous crime with some help from Jake and his dog Cody, unfortunately Brenda and Jake do not have the best relationship. Can they put their past run ins behind them to get to the bottom of this gruesome murder? Is Angie a victim or something more sinister like perpatrator of the murders?

There are more twists and turns to this book than a roller coaster. The characters are brilliantly thought out and leave you wanting to read the whole book in one sitting. If you like murder, mystery, thriller books then this is the book for you but definitely watch out not to read to late or you may find yourself losing out on sleep just to finish.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an action packed trip to paradise. It does take a bit to build up the storyline but once it pulls you in you are hooked.

Nick and his wife decide to continue with their trip to Venice even though Nick was still healing from a serious head injury sustained during a hockey game. They make sure to see the sights of Venice including the Palazzo which contains the largest painting called paradise. This sets upon Nick and his wife a domino effect of past lives and a vicious secret society aimed at keeping the past where it belongs, in the past. Yet, for some reason a voice from the painting is calling out to Nick as a past lover and his current wife thinks he may have just gone off the deep end. Nick works diligently to get to the bottom of this mystery but in doing so is he putting his current marriage in the hot seat? Can Nick free the voice trapped in the painting that is calling out to him? Or is he destined for the same fate from the secret society that wishes to keep the past buried?

This author does a magnificent job of weaving the past Venice with the present in a tale of two time periods. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the storyline, the wonderful characters brought to life, and the chance to take a journey away from everyday life even for a moment or two. If you like mystery novels, with action, and a love triangle than you need to read this book. But be forewarned that once you pick it up you may not want to put it down!

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Vanessa Watts

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when you let your friend’s pick a blind date for you? After all, finding your own dates hasn’t worked well because as soon as people know who you are or see your name they see dollar signs. Jake, a self made billionaire, is simply looking for love. He is tired of every woman he meets to only want him for his money and what his position can do for them. So when a deal turns serious Jake must let each of his friend’s pick a blind date for him. All first dates take place at a blind date restaurant where you cannot see the person you’re on a date with and you only get limited information at introduction.

Likewise, Lauren is just looking for a man who likes to live comfortably. Not the rich guys she is surrounded by working for her billionaire boss. Her friend Catherine pressures her into going on a blind date of Catherine’s choosing. When Lauren relents and allows Catherine her attempt at matchmaker, she is thrust into a blind date where you can’t see who you’re on a date with. What happens when you mix two people who are completely opposite of what they want or their normal type? What happens when the lights come on and you realize your blind date was a closer acquaintance than you realized?

While I did enjoy this book I thought Lauren was a bit whiny about the financial issue. While I understand she doesn’t want to be seen as a gold digger like her mom it got irritating at her questioning everything. Though if you get past that it was a good book that if you like romance novels with sexy billionaires you should definitely read it.

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