Welcome to our blog!
Amy and Jennifer ARE Seduced by Books. We’re both in our 30’s, moms, close friends, work together, and share many of the same interests including our love of reading. Amy grew up in Maryland and has been obsessed with Vampires for as long as she can remember. Jenn grew up in Florida and loves the furry, the fey, and the fangs, in that order. Currently we are both in Orlando, FL. When we can be pulled away from books, Amy loves to bake and Jenn loves to take pictures and scrap.
We decided to create a place where we could direct friends, and acquaintances for, book suggestions/recommendations (Jenn’s been known to talk to strangers on the train while traveling in NYC). Once we started out with a simple page, we evolved from there. Now we are sharing our book reviews, fun comments, recipes, and giveaways. We try to give reviews on new releases, pre-releases, and oldies but goodies that we read, or are reading. We’re going to be adding author interviews for established and up and coming authors soon.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver

The Demon Trapper's Daughter: A Demon Trapper Novel (Demon Trapper Novels)Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?(courtesy of Amazon)

HOLY WOW!!! Young Adult books need a better "classification"  because they just keep getting better and better.  

The "Atlanta" Jana Oliver created here is a great twist to the story.  Riley is a passionate young girl.  I was instantly enthralled with her character.  Oliver manages to give you an emotionally read while keeping the action and mystery coming.  She's lumped a few different 'otherworld' traits into one book.  Necromancers, Demons, and hunters oh my!  

Little young adult romance keeps your heart warm as this girl goes through life chaos.  But, she battles it all!  Looking forward to the rest of this series. 

Having a really hard time assigning a rating - I think 3 slices with a couple of extra bites!!! I'm giving it the 4...




Mob Rules by Cameron Haley

Mob Rules (Luna Books)I'm Domino Riley, an enforcer for Shanar Rashan.
Like most mob bosses in L.A., he's a powerful sorcerer, battling for control of the city, gathering up the magic of violent and powerful emotions and storing it for his own use. Back in the day, Rashan saved me from the streets and made me his lieutenant. You could say I'm his go-to girl.
When a fellow gangster is ritually executed, I have to find out which of Rashan's enemies was behind it—and why. The cryptic messages I'm getting from the Beyond tell me it wasn't a simple hit.
With the bodies piling up, I need to win an occult gang war, take out the supernatural traitor within our outfit and, oh yeah, deal with the mixed messages I'm getting from the boss's son….(courtesy of Amazon)

Don't judge a book by it's cover.  I wasn't overly excited by the cover, but the summary had me interested.  Thank goodness I gave it a go.  

Cameron Haley is a new writer and some times the urban fantasy genre needs a new take.  Haley gives us that and more.  Domino Riley is a 'mob' chic, in the world of the paranorm.  What a great concept of taking the "mobsters" and meshing the concept on to the hidden 'otherworld'.  Domino is hot and bad ass.  Haley has done a great job of putting that sexy bad ass to show her smart magical powers.  The mystery unfolds as we try to find out who/what/why the murders are occurring.  Good action keeps the book moving along.  
I see great things as the series moves forward.  Anxiously awaiting a book 2...

3 slices





Shorts on Shorts

The Faeriewalker Series by Jenna Black13 to Life by Shannon Delany, Demon Trapper Novels are three great YA masterpieces.
Reviewed here on our site before, find the Glimmerglass & Shadowspell reviews, as well as 13 to Life.  Coming very soon - The Demon Trappers Daughter and Secrets and Shadows.

So when I happened upon 3 short stories available for free on Kindle I was thrilled.  I thought I'd do a very quick (short) review on the 3 "short" stories...

Remedial MagicRemedial Magic by Jenna Black (Faeriewalker series, backstory)
Having a prodigy for an older brother is not so fun…especially one who is magic wiz-kid. But Kimber has a plan to finally step out of his shadow.(courtesy of Amazon)


A cute short to go with the Faeriewalker series, most of the story isn’t key for the series, but I was glad to get a glimpse into this particular character’s world.  As a semi-outcast, she spends time trying so hard to fit in and giving attitude when necessary! It's got to be hard in the world of Faerie when you don't have the skills you need...If you haven’t tried the series, give it a go and slip this in later.


Beasts and BFFsBeasts and BFF's by Shannon Delany (13 to Life Series, short)
Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction.(Courtesy of Amazon)


Part of the 13 to Life series by Delaney, which I have to say was a great first book and I am waiting for the arrival on my door step of the 2nd Secrets and Shadows, this short was just a little window and again, not pivotal to the story or needed.  I can't say I thought much about it.  Give the series a real go before you dive into this one, it could be a little confusing. 





2 slices for them both


Retro DemonologyRetro Demonology by Jana Oliver (Demon Trapper Novels bonus)
Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...(Courtesy of Amazon)
Reading this alone, would have me reaching for Book 1 in the Demon Trappers series.  I love Riley's character and the world Oliver has created for us.  Demons are second favorite for me, next to weres and I was not disappointed.  Look next for the review of The Demon Trapper's Daughter...











































The Taming of the Wolf by Lydia Dare



The Taming of the WolfRegency England has gone to the wolves!
He could never lose control...
Dashiel Thorpe, Earl of Brimsworth, has spent his life fighting the wolf within him. But when the full moon rises, Dash is helpless. A chance encounter with Caitrin Macleod on a moonlit night inadvertently binds the two together irrevocably, and Dash's impulsiveness plunges them both into a nightmare...
She never saw him coming...
Caitrin Macleod is no quiet country lass, but a witch with remarkable abilities. But when it comes to Dashiel, she's as helpless to fight his true nature as he is. Her senses overwhelmed, she runs back to the safety and security of her native Scotland...
But Dashiel is determined to follow her-she's the only woman who can free him from a fate worse than death. And Caitrin will ultimately have to decide whether she's running from danger, or true love...(courtesy of Amazon) 4th book for Lydia Dare in her Westfield Wolves.  

Ever wondered if you could read a book in one day - well try on Lydia Dare - quirky, fun, face-paced, and ultra sexy, I can't put her books down and the next thing I know I'm turning the last page.  It's a good thing she publishes a new one every few months.  

In this installment - rogue wolf has made a huge mistake, or is it?  Bound to Caitrin, Dashiel must finally set himself right or lose himself.  But Cait is not a push over, leading her sisters and visions of everyone's futures has left her hard as nails.  The detailed characters and their determination is just what I love, crossing that with women who are strong willed and independent - well, I've never wanted to be in the 1800's in England/Ireland so bad.  Who knew ankles under a dress could be so sexy?  Dare definitely shows you just how hot they are.  I devour Dare's books.  I love shifters, and she's definitely now on my favorite list.  

I'm ready for her branch in the next series, VAMPS!  Connected to this series, we carry over characters and move to vampires - It Happened One Bite - out this month, can't wait for it to come.
5 slices





The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy

The Accidental Werewolf (The Accidental Series, Book 1)When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie- Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy. 

Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he's a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there's more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one...(courtesy of Amazon)



Book 1 in the “Accidental” series by Dakota Cassidy (Jenn is just now starting the series and Amy is up to date, hence why you see reviews in an odd order)
I am SO excited that Amy has landed a visit soon by Ms Cassidy.  She seems to be just the riot!  I wanted to start the series before she came, it’s been on my TBR pile for months now. 

Diving into The Accidental Werewolf, I was rewarded with good fun humor as the books starts off as our lead HUNK Keegan tries to explain the ‘accident’ to Ms Marty Andrews – Bobbie Sue Cosmetics extraordinaire.  Marty fights believe that should could possibly be a werewolf.  Little does she know her life is just getting interesting.  Cassidy blends the humor with a mystery along with the paranormal.  What a refreshing blend.  Now – we can’t forget the fricking rocking love scenes!!!!!! Keegan is ubersexy and his hotness for Ms Lavender is anxiously awaited! If you don't know Cassidy - she will definitely give it to ya!  RIGHT ON!

All around great read – looking forward to the next one (accidentally dead)! And for her upcoming visit!



Thursday, March 10, 2011

Accidentally Demonic by Dakota Cassidy

Accidentally Demonic (The Accidental Series, Book 4)Once a good girl goes bad…

When mild-mannered Casey Schwartz wakes up in jail with no memory of how she got there, she realizes two things: Something weird is going on, and orange is definitely not her color. After her sister, Wanda, bails her out, Casey has more to deal with than a foggy memory - like abrupt mood swings and fireballs shooting from her fingertips. But things really head south when a vampire shows up on her doorstep…

 
She’s impossible to resist.

 
Vampire Clayton Gunnersson is a seriously hot vampire. And seriously taken - by a demon. In a ritual gone wrong, Clayton tried to free himself from his unwanted bond but spilled some demonic blood on Casey. So now Clayton’s spurned mate is sharing her demonic powers with Casey – and she’s not happy about it. Neither is Casey, who can’t escape this bizarre love triangle. It’s hard enough being possessed by a demon. Falling for that demon's boyfriend just might get Casey killed - from the inside out… (summary on back cover)



I absolutely adore the Accidental series by Dakota Cassidy!  Accidentally Demonic is the fourth book in this series and, no surprise, I couldn’t put it down.

Casey Schwartz is Wanda’s sister. Like all the other “accidental” friends that we’ve met so far in the series, Casey is a great character. She has a fun personality and some major issues! She has to deal with a thankless, rather crappy job and now, on top of that, she’s possessed by a demon and is developing demon qualities herself.

Then Casey meets Clayton, the vampire who accidentally got her into this mess. He, along with Marty, Nina and Wanda, try to help Casey with the situation she’s found herself in. The girls figure they’ll be lots of help since they’ve all had their own paranormal problems. But what Casey is dealing with is even a bit more than they’ve come across before.

I love the development of all of the relationships between the characters - even the ones we’ve already known for three books. Seeing the sparks fly between Clayton and Casey, even though they try to fight it since he’s in a bit of a mess himself, definitely adds to what makes Accidentally Demonic a very entertaining read!

I really can’t say enough good things about this series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. They’re quick and easy reads, both because of Cassidy’s writing style, which just flows so well and is full of humor, and because you’re enjoying the book so much  it’s over before you know it and you’re left waiting for the next book!!


5 slices

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe

Kiss at Your Own RiskHe needed a killer woman...

 Blaine Underhill is one lucky man after having recently escaped a century and a half of imprisonment at the hands of an evil witch. Now he's determined to save his still-enslaved friend, but in order to do so, he'll need the help of one of the world's most lethal women.

 
She was drop dead gorgeous, literally...

 Trinity Harpswell is sick and tired of being a Black Widow. Having managed to go three years without accidentally killing anyone she loves, she's one short week away from freeing herself from this killer curse forever.

 When Blaine tracks her down and convinces her to help him, little does Trinity know that the next seven days are going to be murder! (summary on back cover)



Kiss at Your Own Risk is the first book in Stephanie Rowe’s Soulfire series. Having thoroughly enjoyed her Immortally Sexy series, I was excited to give this one a try. I’m definitely glad I did. This book never has a dull moment. The characters and the world Rowe has created really grab your attention and keep it. There are some great twists with characters, which always makes things interesting.

This is actually the first book I’ve read with a black widow character in it, and boy do I feel bad for poor Trinity. As if finding love isn’t hard enough, if she does manage to meet a special someone, she ends up killing them. Luckily she has family and friends that understand her situation and try to help her through it. Especially her best friend Reina, who is an interesting character herself!   They’re all hoping she makes it this last week so she'll break her curse. 

Then there’s Blaine. He has been held captive and tortured for 150 years by a witch with a crazy plan for him and all her other male prisoners. He and his three friends, other men that have been held prisoner, have planned an escape. When one of them ends up left behind, they have to figure out a way to get him back. Their best hope is the help of a black widow – so they search out Trinity.

Watching them all try to work together with their respective issues makes for some dramatic and humorous situations. Kiss at Your Own Risk was definitely was a good read. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!

4 slices