Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

Unknown's avatar

Extinction Edge

by

24384184

Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle, #2)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say about this book that I did not say about the first? I love the characters who have pulled me into their world and made me care about them in a big way. The ‘zombies’, still prefer the term infected but I will let that go because the story is good enough to make me not care as much. The introduction of the new characters was done perfectly and allowed me to get a feel for them when they return further down the line. The imagery pulls me in and I can actually visualize and put myself in the narrative as it plays out, even though I have never been to the locations described.

With the threat of infection no longer a part of the equation thanks to Kate, the military is now looking to take back the cities. The infected are still in the cities, roaming and killing any survivors they find. But they are not the simple creatures that the men in charge think they are by any means. They are sending their men into a situation that could further decimate their ranks and put them on a path to complete extinction.

There is tension from the moment this book begins to the time it ends and I loved every minute of it. There is a great deal of violence but you know that it is necessary and it is so well done that you cannot help but cheer them on in its execution. The relationships between the men is solid and what you want to see between guys who have each others back on a daily basis.

I don’t know what more to say other than this is a really great series. When I wasn’t actively reading I found myself thinking about it and what might happen next. I was still in this world long after I finished and all I could think about was what will happen in the next book. I am hooked! Highly recommend to zombie lovers or anyone who has a thing for the military.

Unknown's avatar

Got Your Number

by

14740946

Got Your Number

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a nice story and all but things were a bit slow for a long time as the characters were being introduced and made more real. They were still not fully fleshed out but a couple had made themselves very annoying for most of the book. The plot was really good once we get into the heart of things and the fact that there is more than one thing happening makes it even harder to figure out what is really happening. There are some laugh out loud moments and a few where I just had to stop and go ‘what?’.Roxann Beadleman came from a broken home and it affected everything in her life as she grew up. She attended Notre Dame along with her cousin Angora and something good and bad happened while they were there. Roxann graduates with honors and instead of going on to bigger things she ends up eking out an existence as she works as the middle person in rescuing abused women and children. One rescue is causing her more trouble than usual because a cop is trying to find the woman along with her crazy ex-husband.

When her house is broken into she decides to head home for a while which ends up sending her on a trip down memory lane she could have done without. Going back to school is never a good thing.

I like the writing style and the fact that even though the situations could be serious there is always an element of humor present to lighten things up.

“Roxann, have you ever wanted to kill someone?” At the eerily serious note in her cousin’s voice, warning bells chimed in her head. “Everyone has moments of extreme anger,” she said carefully. “No,” Angora said, her gaze locked on Roxann’s, her pupils dilated. “I mean really kill someone.” In her lap, her hands convulsed. “I think I could kill Trenton and not feel a bit guilty.” A chill tickled the back of Roxann’s neck as she recalled moments in college when she’d questioned Angora’s stability. “Passion is a powerful emotion. Sometimes it can feel like hate instead of love.” But Angora seemed to be somewhere else. “All I know is that I put my life on hold too many times because of promises men made to me.” Her voice had taken on a bitter tone. “What makes the beasts think they can use a woman and then toss her aside when she becomes inconvenient?”
― Stephanie Bond, Got Your Number Stephanie Bond
Unknown's avatar

The Finding

by

17732444

The Finding (Law of the Lycans #5)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this book just engrossing as the first book I read in this series. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning because I was about to get a chance to catch up with some old favorites. The characters are so well written and have managed to make me think of them as real when I open a book and start to read about them. The story here is a little more complicated than what we get normally as it brings to a conclusion several stories which have been ongoing and initiates a new one.

Cassandra Greyson was last seen fleeing the grounds of her Uncles estate after witnessing his death and what she assumed was the murder of his attorney by a large black wolf. Her uncle had informed her only recently that she was a werewolf, something she found hard to believe. After checking into a motel Kansas Cassie takes some of the medication her uncle had been using to contain her during the full moon, only to wake up in Las Vegas with no idea of how she got there. She finds someone who is willing to help her but she must still hide from her past.

Bryan has been searching for Cassandra for the past 3 years with no luck since her encounter with his Alpha, Ryne. Though her home is in Chicago Ryne has evoked the Finding in order to bring Cassie into his pack in Canada as her uncle had wanted. A lucky tip leads Bryan to Las Vegas where he thinks he will have an easy time bringing Cassie in. He has no idea of the craziness he is about to walk into or the things he will have to do in order just to get her to listen to him.

I totally enjoyed this book as it moved from coast to coast and up to the wilds of Canada. We got to catch up with all our favorite characters and some of the ones we disliked as well for a final accounting. The romance was sweet and hot, but not sizzling. There was a lot of suspense,betrayal, and double-dealing. This is one that will be loved by any fan of the series. It is not a stand alone however and must be read in order. Totally recommend it!

Unknown's avatar

A Demon and His Witch

by

22394767

A Demon and His Witch (Welcome to Hell #1)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I totally enjoyed this, especially since it is the first time I have read this author and found such a great series that now I must continue it. The humor is marvelous and had me laughing out loud in places, while the heat level made me feel all gooey in others. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning because they were so well drawn from the time you met them to the end. The way the characters interact with each other is great as well as the story they are telling along the way. The way Hell is described here does not make it seem like such a bad place to be and Lucifer seems like just another annoying boss and dictator who has his own issues.

Ysabel was burned as a witch by her boyfriends mother 500 years ago. She was a witch and everyone in the village knew it but turned on her when it suited them. She got her revenge however by making a deal that made the deaths of those who had wronged her not their final agony. Remy is a hunky half demon who is a soldier in Lucifer’s army and a serious lady’s man who goes through women like tissue. These two would seem like the most unlikely pair of any.

When souls escape and imperil Ysabel’s retirement as Lucifer’s assistant things get serious. Ysabel is teamed with Remy to hunt the souls and is tempted to break her own rule of no physical contact with men. Hopefully they will not kill each other before they can get the souls returned to their prison.

This is just one great read that I want to share with anyone who has not tried it. I think you would be hooked.

“Lucifer snapped his fingers and froze them. He didn’t really care what they did to each other, but he’d spent several months in the wild capturing the beast he’d turned into a desk. “Children, children,” he said tucking his hands behind his back and adopting his father figure mode. It usually made his daughter, Muriel, laugh. “Must I remind you that I tasked you with a mission. One that I might add, Ysabel, you should be most eager to complete. What I do not need, is for you to FUCK IT UP!” He let his voice increase in treble until it boomed. “I’ve been more than tolerant, but enough is enough. You will cease bringing me your petty squabbles. You will do the job I assigned. And if you don’t want his tongue in your mouth, Ysabel, then bite it off. Although, really, if you enjoyed it so much, I don’t see what the problem is. Maybe he can help you remove the stick up your ass if you let him kiss the other end. Now, if we’re done here, and since I’m boss, and I say we are, leave and don’t come back until you’re done, because if you do, I’m duct taping the pair of you together and throwing you in a dark room until you learn to get along. Or fuck. I don’t really care which, but I prefer the latter so I can watch.”
― Eve Langlais, A Demon and His Witch Eve Langlais
Unknown's avatar

Engaged off Bourbon Street

by

23850515

Engaged off Bourbon Street (Jade Calhoun Short Story, Book 3.5)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a perfect entry in the Jade Calhoun saga as she moves forward with her new life in New Orleans. This was an intimate look at all the mains as they come together to help Jade and Kane celebrate. Everyone is feeling the holiday spirit and Jade is just happy to be able to share her happiness with those she loves. Even though it is a short story it has the impact of a full length novel in both plot and character development. These characters are true to who they are and even though there are background people, who are never heard from, things move quickly from start to finish.

Jade and Kane are having their engagement/Christmas party at the house in the bayou that he did not really go to until he met Jade. Jade made a promise to Pyper that she would string mistletoe all around the house to make sure she had a chance to kiss Ian, and she has misplaced it. In order to locate it Jade decides to use magic, and we know how that can go for her. The spell is cast, the guests arrive, and the mishaps ensue.

This was a nice quick read that made me smile and shake my head. You would think Jade would learn, but then if she did we would not be so entertained. I would say fans should definitely read this!

Unknown's avatar

Gabriel

by

20889359

Gabriel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had gotten this on the recommendation of a friend and they were completely right that I would enjoy it. I liked the characters because even though this was a short story they were given enough personality to make them worth caring about. The story was definitely unique and caught my attention right at the beginning.I did not want to stop until I got to the end.

Calista has a mission and that is to rid the world of as many vampires as she can. Gabriel is the master vampire that she thinks will be her next target, but things are not as they seem. Sometimes you have to work with an enemy to get the real prize.

This was pretty hot and I do like my vampires steamy. The story made the hot parts even better by giving me something to think about before and after. I will definitely be reading more.

Unknown's avatar

Risk: A Billionaire Love Story

by

23793513

Risk: A Billionaire Love Story

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really nice read for me. Each time I read something from this author it seems that she has found a way to make me happy with a straight romance. The development of the characters is nice because it is gradual and not thrown at you in a lump. The character of Deborah is a little less clear than some of the others but that may be because I was trying to figure out why she would be the way she was. The book is well organized and flows perfectly because of the fact that the chapters are broken up into the voices of the mains as it goes forward. The language can seem a bit awkward sometimes but it still works to keep you interested in who these people are and where they come from.

Deborah Klein grew up in the foster care system and has finally formed a family of the kids she met within it. Aidan Price was born with everything a person could desire but has never been content or found happiness. Both have been damaged emotionally by their experiences growing up and cannot connect fully with those around them.

Deborah pulled herself up and is now a financial adviser in a prestigious firm and on track to be made a partner. Aidan is a playboy who has more money than sense and is being pushed by a sister who loves him to think about the future.These two come together at a time that is stressful for Deborah and gives Aidan a reason to care about something other than pleasure and oblivion. Can two so different people really find happiness?

I found that I liked that the sex they had here was ‘safe sex’, it is not often that you have a mention of a condom being used in any book. This was a good thing to have pop up and can remind you what should be done. I enjoyed this because there was a little danger, hurt feelings, remorse, and greed to stand between them all. I really wanted this to go on a bit more so I could see what would happen. Romance lovers will be happy with this!

Unknown's avatar

His for Christmas

by

23921997

His for Christmas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I can only say ‘WOW’, I cannot wait to read more. This was one very hot read that kept me reading from page one to the very end. Even though it was short it did not take anything away from the development of the characters who I really felt for. I felt sorry for both of them for the things that had happened to make them the wounded people they were. Even if one was a billionaire, his life was no picnic with the inner scars he carried.

Angel Cole gets out of prison after two years and wants to make something of her life. She has gotten an Associate degree and hopes to get a place to live and work in New York. The only problem is that putting her criminal record on applications keeps getting her turned down for jobs, so she finally leaves it off.

Gage Thompson, also known as the Big Bad, owns Thompson Industries and is not considered a very nice man. His life is his work and he only indulges in sex play rarely, and then only with pros. Though he is rich he has a darkness in his past that keeps him from living life-like the rest of the world. Then she comes into his life and all bets are off.

It caught me off guard how much I liked this story. It had me tearing up for the hurt both had lived with, but then it gave me some seriously hot scenes that made me just wish I could have Gage for an hour or two. Short but so worth the time to read it. I say go for it!

Unknown's avatar

2014 in review

by

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 580 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 10 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Unknown's avatar

Kiss of Midnight

by

19877899

Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (Midnight Breed #1)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have found another series that I can read and enjoy that has gorgeous men, courageous women, and villains that actually deserve the name. The characters are full of depth and real life concerns as well as otherworldly ones. The explanations of who they are and where they came from has a ring of truth while at the same time seems farfetched enough to give something to consider. The language and everything else is perfect for both the characters and the situations they are in. This did get my attention from the start and made me want to keep reading because I thought I had figured out some things and wanted to be vindicated. It entertained me and made me think a little, the perfect balance.

Gabrielle Maxwell, artistic photographer who takes pictures of abandoned locations and makes it look good. Lucan Thorne, leader of a cadre of Breed warriors in Boston who patrol and take care of rogue vampires. Their meeting may seem accidental and only meant to save her from an enemy she never knew existed, but fate has something else in mind for these two independent and self-contained individuals.

A great introduction to a dark world that holds mystery, intrigue, love, betrayal, and death for all those concerned. There is a sweet love story woven through the chaos of trying to protect the world from a darkness it would not believe existed. Definitely will be reading more. I enjoyed this a great deal and cannot wait to find out what happens next.