Book Review: A Shade of Vampire (A Shade of Vampire, #1) by Bella Forrest

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed A Shade of Vampire a lot.  Yes there are the inevitable comparisons, but Twilight wasn’t the first teen vampa romance and I’m sure it won’t be the last.  I liked the idea of Forrest’ hideaway island, which on one hand is all very romantic, but on the other totally helps with the creep factor of Sophia not being able to escape after being kidnapped.

I thought the use of alternating POV chapters was a great idea; I love being let into the thoughts of characters.  Sometimes it’s exactly what you need to get that little extra on them.  I hope we get some more insight to other characters in the next book.

A few other reviews have boo’d the ‘instalove’, but I don’t mind it, sometimes you meet someone and you just click, game over - you get each other.  I don’t think Sophia and Derek loved each other straight away, but there was a connection, which turned to love.  I’m sure that’ll get explored more in the next book – which I’m going to have to get so I can find out what happens.  I hate me some cliffhanger – so it’s a good thing book 2 & 3 are ready to go!!  This was quite fast paced, which I enjoyed, I liked Sophia, Derek and Vivienne as characters, although I’ve got a feeling that when I finally meet Papa Novak, I’m not going to like him much.  I have soft spot for Lucas, I’m hoping he’ll redeem himself as the story unfolds, because even though I did love Derek and his tortured vampire, I do like me some bad boy (although a little less stabby would be nice).




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I haven't bought soap in a 1 1/2 years or how I'm trying to live better.

Yes you read that right, no soap in 1 1/2 years (But I promise I have been showering - and with soap). You might ask why? How does that happen? To be honest I'm not quite sure how I became a soap hoarder, although I'd like to point out some soap has been given as presents and of course there is the obligatory hotel soap. But apparently I can't pass up a soapy bargain!!

When I moved out in Jan '12 I discovered I had a lot of soap, when I was unpacking I found more, then I found some more and sadly after that - I found more. On one hand it was good, I was set for soap for who know how long...the photo below is whats left of my soap after 1 1/2 years.

On the other hand, just how had I managed to buy that much? I can't say 'waste my money', as I'm going to use it all - no matter how long it takes me 😳 but why did I feel the need to spend that much on soap? I've asked myself this a lot since I moved out on my own; those first few months after I moved out I dutifully scanned the supermarket catalogues, looking for specials, comparing prices, making lists of items I needed (or didn't).

Then one night, as I was putting groceries away, I discovered I had that much crap in my pantry, that I had to shove it on top other stuff I bought last week and hadn't used yet. What was the point of buying all of that if I didn't need it right then? Convenience is one answer and I agree to a point. But where does convenience end and food hoarding start? Because that's it basically. I'm sure I don't need 16+ cans of tuna - and I'm not including the half doz that I have at work for lunch. I'll admit that particular slice of craziness is mostly because of my chrisco/castle orders. In an effort to eat better I changed a baking and biscuit order to tuna and Mexican. So now I've got a shelf full of tuna, tortillas, taco shells and more jars of salsa than I care to count. On the bright side - it's not 18 packets of biscuits, 'cause trust me - my arse really can't take that 😏

Where am I going with all this? (I tend to ramble, I know), well my great epiphany was this - I don't need to buy all this, I don't need to scan catalogues each week, they're not really specials because 9 times outta 10, you don't need it - or you don't need the 3 extra you have to buy to get the special. Since then, I've tried to stop buying just for the sake of buying, even if that's what they want you to do. I have a lovely fresh fruit & vegie man that delivers to my work, I try to buy my meat in bulk and if I can, I get all my other stuff (milk, yogurt), in one visit. I don't go each night after work and I try to avoid going when I'm hungry and haven't had dinner yet.

And amazingly it's worked, I don't buy as much as I used to, I'm actually emptying my pantry, (although it doesn't look like it at the moment thanks to last years chrisco/castle order. Which I'm happy to report I've since cancelled - I'm still making my way through sugar from 2011, I really don't need any more - trying to explain that to the consultant was quite funny, his comment of "but you're supposed to use it over Christmas." I told him there's only so much sugar a girl can eat and that's why I need a break from ordering anything. And really, the chrisco/castle has come in handy as I've given some to friends and family or for the soup kitchen I volunteer at, a lot of the pasta and rice has gone into the meals I prepare for that. And that is not a waste.

Maybe it's because I'm on my own for the first time and I had to move into a 3 bedroom house to fit all my crap in, maybe I'm having a pre-midlife crisis, maybe it's that season of Hoarders I watched. I don't exactly know, but I feel the need to downsize, to remove the things I don't need, I've sent plenty of stuff off to goodwill and I still have more that I need to go through. I've got a homemade, homegrown, make do & mend vibe going on. I still slip up occasionally and buy something I don't need, but want, (I'm looking at the new stack of books I got last week as evidence), but I look at them and think it could be worse...I could've bought another can of tuna!!

Book Blogger Hop: May 31st - June 6th

This weeks question thanks to Tanya:

What is your favorite series that you've finished all the books (more than 3 books) to? 

The earliest series I ever remember finishing and loved was the Anne Series (Starting with Anne of Green Gables), by L.M. Montgomery; even now I like to go back and reread it.  I also loved the Gypsy books by Sharon Wagner growing up.  I desperately wish there were more books in the series - (there's only 3), this almost doesn't count, but I love it so much I'm adding it anyway!  Rachel Vincent had her Shifters series, which I loved and I'm still in the refusing to read the last book, because then it's finally over in her YA Soul Screamers series.  I've got quite a few series started that I'm behind on, or that I'm in denial about them being over so I haven't finished the last one.  It's Cathy logic - don't try to understand, just go with it :)

C.

In my mailbox

I've never done a mailbox post before, but since I got three shiny new books in the mail noes the perfect opportunity!

I'm a fan of Jo Davis' Firefighters of Station Five, and the author writes in a few different genres, the ones I got today were paranormal romances under her J.D. Tyler name in the new Alpha Pack series.

Founded by a group of former Navy SEALs, The Alpha Pack is a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price...

This is the excerpt that sealed the deal for me: “Nice puppy,” she crooned again, voice wobbling. Holding out a shaking hand, she tried a command. “Stay!” The beast stopped, cocked his head, an almost bemused expression on his canine face. “Good boy. Sit!”  He did.  Some of her fear began to ease and she wondered how well trained the animal was. Maybe he was someone’s guard dog that got lost? He’d certainly protected her from those bastards. “Roll over.”  At that, the creature’s form began to waver. Sort of reshape. She blinked rapidly, thinking there must be something wrong with her vision. But no, she was simply losing her mind after all, because fur retracted, became skin. Paws became hands and feet with very human limbs attached. Tufted black ears went away, the snout disappeared and was suddenly a regal nose.
And now, a black-haired man crouched where the wolf had been seconds ago. A big, very naked man who unfolded his tall body and gazed down at her, one corner of his mouth quirking upward.
“I’ll do a lot of things on command,” he drawled lazily. “But I don’t roll over for anyone, sweetheart.”

SQUEEEEE...

Primal Law

After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight - and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman no awakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.

On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke has evidence that leads Alpha Pack on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection be feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule - because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk , and they might be the only tools he has to keep his mate alive...

Savage Awakening

After a mission goes terribly wrong, Aric Savage is taken prisoner. Tortured to the brink of despair, he makes a stunning discovery: his pack mate Micah Chase, who was reported dead, is a fellow captive. Equally shocking is that when Alpha team arrives in full rescue mode, they are accompanied by a woman - an absolute stunner with sable hair and a spine of solid steel.

LAPD officer and Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase has one priority: her brother Micah's recovery. Still, she can't help but be drawn to Aric, the ruggedly handsome wolf shifter who pleasures her as no man ever has - however fleeting their affair is destined to be. But when Aric's life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she's willing to sacrifice in the name of love.

Black Moon

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant's life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has bad trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts - and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them - one that for the first time has the notorious loner letting his guard down.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen's mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, so he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen's child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all.

So there you have it, I'm really looking forward to starting this series - but I need to finish a couple other books first. I'm so bad, I keep starting new books cause I just wanna read them all!!!!

C.

Book Blogger Hop: May 17th - 23rd

I'm on the ball this time!!  This weeks question:

What is your guilty pleasure read? 

There are a few :) Vintage Nora Roberts - I love her very early M&B stories.  They're all headstrong girls and overbearing heroes.  I'd have to add Sandra Brown to that list as well, with her 'Classic Love Stories'.  There are also books from my youth I love to revisit - Point Horror and teen romances.

C.

Book Blogger Hop: May 10th - 16th

I haven't participated in the blog hop for a little while, and there's a new owner, hello and welcome :)  Same rules apply, lets get hopping.

(This week's question submitted by Tanya)

What was the last book you re-read? Or name a book you would like to re-read.

There are two: Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl 

Lead me on is a lot of fun, laugh out loud characters, crazy antics and a hero that makes me go squee!

&  

The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs

Technically I never finished this, but I wanted to; and since it was a couple of years ago, I started from the beginning again...which I guess is where all good stories about the bible start...Interesting reading to say the least, not quite sure how I'd cope, in fact I don't think I would - I like bacon too much.

Since this week is nearly over, it'll be even less of a wait for next week, looking forward to visiting a few blogs, new and old.

C.

Reading Roundup

Cherished by Maya Banks

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I've found a second book by Maya Banks that I don't particularly like, not that it's a good thing.  She's one of my fave authors, so 'Exiled' was disappointing for me to read.  Personally, I didn't feel that connection with Talia, I thought she was being used / treated like a hooar - a very nicely treated hooar, but a hooar all the same.  I don't care how much the Prince loves her my status update from pg 8 says it all: "Medical Exam?! O.o Ruh Roh."  I think that may've been where Banks lost me.  If you love someone - you don't have a doctor stick their fingers in your intendeds junk.

What I did love was 'Sway' and if I'm being honest that's where the 3 stars have come from.  I loved Daisy & Levi together, they meshed well, I liked the little bit of kink in the bedroom, yes it's tame compared to lots of other stories out there, but I liked it anyway.  I was eye rolling around page 240: "I know this is a BDSM story, but she said "no thanks" to a man who offered to do the dishes - something wrong with that!!"

And again at page 262: "Now Daisy is mixing his wasabi n soy sauce AND pouring his beer. If that was me he'd be lucky if I passed him a sauce bowl, let alone poured his beer!! Did I mention I'd make a terrible Sub. :)" 

But neither of those points are the fault of Dane, it's just my snark coming out. I've since read the second in this story (loved that too) and I'm looking forward to #3.  I've not read a lot of Dane before, so I'm going to try a few on her back list as well.


Marital Bitch by JC  Emery

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I like realism in my books, it makes them believable, no matter what everyone says about why ladies read romance novels.  Reality vs Fantasy can work both ways - but that's for another conversation.

I did enjoy this, did I love it - not necessarily.  I got frustrated by Coleen.  She kinda reminds me of overly attached girlfriend, plus she's mean to Brad, who I really liked, even though sometimes he was an idiot - (I could've done without the farting/burping etc) - TMI!  The realism I did like was the smexytimes.  It was real sex, not the flick of the wrist, deep voiced "come for me" so she does, culminating in a whimpering lovesplosion! * Boys - generally if she's coming that quick for you - its because she was already halfway there when you got home :)*

Probably the thing that bugged me the most was the Harvard Law degree storyline - all that debt & working her ass off & nothing came of it. For all the realism in it, that didn't ring true; I don't care if you discover that law isn't the thing you want, surely you'd stick it out for a while, at least to pay the bills.

All up, I'd be interested to see where this series went; and I definitely give this author another read.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I had so much fun with this book, I loved Lady Calpurnia and her Rake, Gabriel. This is a new author for me and I adored her writing.  There were laugh out funny parts, great smexytimes and some that were rip your heart out, smash it up and hand it back to you moments.  And lets not forget - 9 things that ladies should never do - even if they are confirmed spinsters!  I've got book 2 & 3 in this series waiting for me at home and I am thoroughly looking forward to getting stuck into them.

I don't often read regency, I have been more lately, the last ARRC has encouraged me to try more, so in all honesty I don't know how accurate it is in a 'regency' sense, but really when I'm enjoying a book this much, I just don't care :)

Not only did I enjoy the two main characters, I like the supporting cast, I'm hoping St John & Benedict, Gabriel/Callie's brothers, both get their own books.  And even moreso I would absolutely LOVE IT if Anne, Callie's maid/helper lady got her own book.  Callie's mother, although you didn't see her much, reminded me of Mrs. Bennett, with her almost volcanic excitement about upcoming marriages.

All in all this was a fantastic romp through the regency era, and a place that I'd love to return to.

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Have a great weekend guys.

C.