Long Live the Suicide King review

I don't generally read YA but when Aaron Ritchey, who I met at RT, contacted me with a fantastic pitch for his new YA novel, Long Live the Suicide King, I couldn't say no. I'm actually really glad I agreed to read the book because it was very different than what I expected.

My problem with YA is that every time I break down and read a YA book, I find the characters whiny and rather unintelligent. Most of their problems are because they are self-absorbed and make stupid choices. While Jim (JD) Dillenger certainly makes a lot of stupid choices, he is definitely not stupid and he is not whiny. Some of the other characters were stupid and whiny, but as it is Jim's head we are in for the duration of the book, that isn't as big of a deal.

If you are expecting a book called Long Live the Suicide King to be depressing, you'd be very wrong. This book is, in fact, hysterically funny. I sincerely hope that Ritchey intended the book to be as funny as it was because I laughed as I read most of it. That's not to say that the topic isn't serious or that there were not very serious moments in the novel - there were - but Jim, for all his suicidal depression, doesn't seem to take anything very seriously and can make fun of himself right along with everything else in his suburban life.

Overall, Long Live the Suicide King is a very solid novel that addresses some serious issues in a not so serious tone that makes it both readable and interesting and I would recommend checking it out.

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Jim “JD” Dillenger knows exactly how his miserable suburban life is going to play out. At least drugs added a little chaos to his life, but after almost losing his soul, JD knows he has to quit. Now clean, he figures he has another sixty years of boring life followed by a meaningless death. JD decides to pre-empt God by killing himself. However, once he decides to die, his life gets better, more interesting, and then downright strange. New friends, a possible romance, and donuts, lots of donuts.

Once the end is in sight, every minute becomes precious.

Indigo Dawn review

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Indigo Dawn by Elle J Rossi which I devoured on my first free day.

Indigo Dawn is the first full length novel in the Josie Hawk Chronicles, a series I've enjoyed from the first novella. Josie is a complex and interesting character and reading about her makes me want to know her. She is smart, honest, dedicated, and has very deep feelings which she hides behind attitude and sarcasm. Josie's past is revealed in bits and pieces as the series progresses and the unfolding picture makes her actions and reactions completely understandable. And if Josie couldn't kick my ass without breaking a sweat, I'd try to take Keller home with me :)

From the first page, Indigo Dawn is pure action. The poor characters just can't catch a break! As soon as they put out one fire, another pops up and they have to race to deal with it. This makes the book flow well and makes it a fairly fast read. The action also allows Rossi to paint a picture of the characters' interactions and personalities organically. Rather than descriptions of Alec, Grant, and the others, you learn who they are by their own voices and by their actions in the middle of all the drama. I have to say I'm very much looking forward to a book for each of the team members!

The Josie Hawk Chronicles are set in Nashville and Rossi does a brilliant job of transporting readers to the city but at the same time she builds a new, supernatural world that makes it a Nashville different from the one we know. It is both familiar and alien in the best possible way.

The ending left me wanting more and wanting to know what will happen with the supernatural world that Josie and the gang inhabit. I highly recommend the Josie Hawk Chronicles and particularly Indigo Dawn to any fan of fantasy and paranormal stories with strong characters and lots of action.

Synopsis

 

Vampire Lust and Pixie Dust.

 

Josie Hawk is a Huntress. A killer devoted to protecting the humans of Nashville from the shadows that lurk in the night. But the shadows are gaining ground.

 

When an infamous pixie tricks Josie into a drug-induced nightmare, Josie envisions the death of her vampire lover, Keller O'Leary. Was the vision a threat ... maybe even a promise? But from whom?

 

Desperate to track down the source of the toxic psychedelic pixie dust, Josie kicks and punches her way toward the truth. But her efforts backfire, provoking a deadly attack at Wolfie’s—the bar Josie co-owns with her sister-in-arms, Sage.

 

Tag. You’re it.

 

Haunted by the threat to Keller, Josie scrambles to outwit her elusive opponent before the deadly game escalates and claims more lives. But in saving Nashville, will Josie lose those she loves?

 

Or will she be too late to stop the deadly game of tag?

Cover Reveal - Indigo Dawn by Elle J Rossi

Last week, I posted a fantastic interview with Elle J Rossi and promised the cover of Indigo Dawn...well, here is the gorgeous cover for the e-book version. The book will be available in both e-book and print formats next week! Additionally, the e-novella Alabaster Nights, the story of the first time Josie and Keller met, is available for free at Amazon this week so check it out and then grab Indigo Dawn on the 25th - you won't be disappointed!

Drumroll...the cover of Elle J Rossi’s INDIGO DAWN, coming out 25th March with Moon Rose Publishing! Josie Hawk and Keller O’Leary are back in full force in this continuation of the Josie Hawk Chronicles, kicking the ass of every dark creature that stalks the night in Nashville.

  

Vampire Lust and Pixie Dust.

Josie Hawk is a Huntress. A killer devoted to protecting the humans of Nashville from the shadows that lurk in the night. But the shadows are gaining ground.

When an infamous pixie tricks Josie into a drug-induced nightmare, Josie envisions the death of her vampire lover, Keller O'Leary. Was the vision a threat ... maybe even a promise? But from whom?

Desperate to track down the source of the toxic psychedelic pixie dust, Josie kicks and punches her way toward the truth. But her efforts backfire, provoking a deadly attack at Wolfie’s—the bar Josie co-owns with her sister-in-arms, Sage.

Tag. You’re it.

Haunted by the threat to Keller, Josie scrambles to outwit her elusive opponent before the deadly game escalates and claims more lives. But in saving Nashville, will Josie lose those she loves?

Or will she be too late to stop the deadly game of tag?

Author Interview - Elle J Rossi

As regular readers of this blog know, I adore Elle J Rossi. Not only is she a talented author, designer, and singer but she's an all-around fantastic person and I'm very proud to call her my friend.

Elle has written several books including Broken Flight, the Brennan Coven series and the ongoing Josie Hawke Chronicles. In fact, Indigo Dawn, the third story in the Josie Hawke Chronicles and the first full length novel in the series will be released in e-book and print on March 25th! Look for the review of Indigo Dawn here on Friday and a cover reveal next week.

Q1. You write this kick ass - literally! - character who can and does take on anything thrown at her but there is also a softer and slightly vulnerable side to Josie that makes rare appearances. How do you balance those two sides of the character when you are writing?

Elle: I know this is going to make me sound crazy, but I honestly have nothing to do with it. Josie is one of those characters that basically writes herself. I often speak about her as if she's real. When I'm writing, I find myself holding conversations with her. Perhaps I'm borderline schizophrenic. If so, I'm okay with it. I love when characters come alive for me. Part of me wants to be more like her. She's as fierce as they come in most aspects of her life. But part of her is still that little girl who was severely bullied as a child for being a half-breed. Had her parents coddled and fought her battles for her, I think Josie wouldn't be anything like who she is. They didn't, though. They taught her to be proud and to stand up to anyone and everyone. This is why she fights so hard for those she holds close to her heart.

Q2. You come from a very talented family and have a background in music and performance. I've heard you say that you turned to writing for an artistic outlet for yourself after having kids. Why writing instead of starting a band or doing something else in music?

Elle: I see you want me to spill blood here. For you, I will! That, Melly Mel, is a question I ask myself quite often. The answer is one I've battled with for some time. To be completely honest, I thought I had to give up music in order to be a good wife, a good mother. In my heart I know I was wrong. Music was/is such a huge part of my life. Singing soothes my soul in ways I can't even explain. I very much regret giving it up like I did. I think when you truly want something, need it even, you have to find a way to fit it into your life.

Q3. Between a day job, a husband and kids, and the digital art design that you do with EJR Digital Art, how do you find time to write? Do you just never sleep?

Elle: NEVER!!!!!!! Haha! I love to sleep. If I could get 10 hours a night, I'd be a happy gypsy. I know my husband and children have sacrificed a lot of "me" time so I can do all this. My ultimate goal is to be a full time write and cover artist. I've got to put in a lot of hours to make this happen, and they get that. I've been working on so many covers lately (an awesome thing!), my writing time has suffered. So, I set my alarm for 5 am and write for an hour before the house stirs. Whatever it takes, right?

Q4. When you write, do you start with the character or do you start with the plot? Is there a time or place that makes it easier for you to write?

Elle: Many times I'll start with a character or a group of characters. For instance, I really want to write about a coven of hillbilly witches. But plot wise all I have is a lot of moonshine drinkin' and drunk drivin' on broomsticks. Yeah, I know. Ca-Razy! Then, I have another idea that is total plot and I don't know anything at all about a cast of characters. Somehow I don't think my hillbilly witches will fit in this case. 

I'll write any time I can squeeze it in. I'm most productive in the midst of chaos. If it's too quiet, I sit there and look around a lot.

Q5. Do you have a favorite fan story?

Elle: Best fan story EVER! Adam Levine sent me a letter telling me how much he loved Josie and asked if I would sign his book. Um, hellz yeah! My heart was all aflutter for days. When I got to the signing, Adam ANDJared Leto were both dressed as vampires and asked if they could be my Keller. Stop laughing. That could totally happen. Maybe. Eventually. For sure!


Q6. How about a "hater" story?

Elle: You mean other than the turned up noses when I tell some folks that I write paranormal romance? They don't faze me. I know they read Twilight late at night while peeps were sleeping. I know they secretly wish a vampire would seduce them out of their scivvies. I know everyone has a bit of the twisty dark inside them. They're just afraid of what others will think of them. I'm not ashamed. I'm a paranormal junkie. Appreciate, yo!

A huge thank you to Elle for stopping over and answering the interview questions. Look for Indigo Dawn from Moon Rose Publishing on March 25th and check out the two novellas in the Josie Hawke Chronicles, Alabaster Nights and Crimson Beat, both available as standalone e-books.

Read It and Weep review

Read It and Weep by Jenn McKinlay is the fourth book in the Library Lovers series. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review and have posted this review on additional sites. I have been in love with this series since the very first book, Books Can Be Deceiving, and it has not disappointed yet!

I have to admit I was a little worried about Read It and Weep as I was so mad at the ending of Book, Line, and Sinker, the third book in the series. I won't give any spoilers in case people haven't read it but I was afraid McKinlay was setting it up for Lindsey to become a pushover. I should have had more faith in McKinlay! While I am not thrilled at the love triangle that is set up in Read It and Weep - really cozy mystery authors, why must you all do this?!?! - Lindsey remained the strong, independent, smart, and funny character I've loved since the beginning.

The mystery part of Read It and Weep was a solid mystery with multiple suspect possibilities until McKinlay put forward the clue that allows Lindsey to figure it out. However, the "twist" wasn't particularly surprising. I suspected the truth from the beginning though perhaps that is what McKinlay wanted.

The best part of this series, besides Lindsey, is the Crafternoon members! McKinlay writes vivid secondary characters that grow with each book and make the world of Briar Creek feel very real and inviting. If it was a real place, I'd go visit! These are solid characters who are loyal to their friends, tease each other, laugh and cry together, and are just generally very authentic.

I also want to give a shout out to whoever - and I don't know who it is - that does the covers for this series. They are always perfect and evoke the feel of the book beautifully.

If you are looking for a solid cozy mystery series and love books, definitely check out the Library Lovers series by McKinlay - you won't be disappointed!

Synopsis

William Shakespeare is credited with inventing how many words?*

Answering Shakespeare trivia comes with the job description for library director Lindsey Norris. But when the Briar Creek Community Theater mounts their newest production of the Bard, she has no intention of leaving the stacks for the stage. Unfortunately a villain is waiting in the wings…

Former Broadway actress Violet La Rue is holding auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream—and everyone from the sour spinster librarian Ms. Cole to Lindsey’s youthful library pages are trying out for parts. Brought in to play the mischievous Puck is the flirtatious professional actor Robbie Vine, who seems to have eyes for Lindsey. Before her blush has faded, the Bard’s dream turns into a nightmare—when one of the cast is poisoned. Now Lindsey and her crafternooners must take center stage to unmask the culprit before the final curtain call….

*Over 17,000

Archangel's Legion review

Archangel's Legion by Nalini Singh is the sixth book in the Guild Hunter series. After a couple of books focusing on members of the Seven, Archangel's Legion is back to focusing on Elena and Raphael.

It seems like Elena and Raphael just can't catch a break. With each book, there is a new and bigger threat - and that doesn't take into account the fact that Elena is still growing into her immortality and Raphael's powers are changing in unknown and sometimes frightening ways!

Archangel's Legion is a fast paced and wild ride. New York's angels and vampires are under attack in an attempt to weaken Raphael. Our couple and the Seven are trying desperately to figure out where the attack is coming from while at the same time trying to form closer alliances with other members of the Cadre. Elena is also trying to keep her humanity as her immortality grows and the familiar relationship issues between the couple are still clearly present. The issues in their relationship and their completely different backgrounds and power levels make for a page turning tension that practically leaps out of the book.

The unanswered questions left at the end of Archangel's Legion are many though I have no doubt that Singh will answer them all as the series moves forward.

As always, I highly recommend Singh's Guild Hunter series if you aren't reading it!

Synopsis

Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.

Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.

Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.

Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…