Reviews and more Reviews!

This morning I picked up Lia Slater's Off Limits. It had probably been in the The Wild Rose Press's Wilder Roses store for all of ten minutes before I loaded it onto my virtual TBR. I've been waiting for this one for a while, because I love Lia's work and because Off Limits has one smokin' hot cover! And I'm pleased to say the book did NOT disappoint - that's why I'm up at 6AM, after reading it as soon as I loaded it onto my computer. It's sexy and fun and sweet....a perfect short read for a snowy winter's day!

Next up on my review list is J.A. Saare's amazing Urban Fantasy Dead, Undead or Somewhere In Between. I finished this book a couple weeks ago and wrote a review, hoping it did the story justice. I'm not sure it does, but suffice it to say, I loved this book. And that cover! J.A. Saare is definitely an author to keep your eye on!

Why do I love Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between? Let me count the reasons.

First of all, there's Rhiannon. She's a smart, kick ass chick who doesn't take any guff from anyone. She can take care of herself, and that's really saying a lot since she sees dead people. She's capable and smart and the kind of girl you'd want to stand back to back with in a fight. Her loyalty, once earned, is to the death. She fights a lot of enemies in Dead, both internal and external, but she always goes down swinging. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

Next, there's Disco, a badass vampire who could take you out with nary more than the narrowing of his gorgeous eyes and some well-placed thoughts. Strong and powerful, but never cliched, he's the kind of hero every story needs. He's sexy and protective and deadly. Need I say more?

Then there's the twists of Ms. Saare's paranormal world. I love vampires, but let's face it, they've been done to undeath. Ms. Saare manages to make her world fresh and new and completely unlike any story I've read before. Her characters leap off the page - fangs bared, in some cases, but in a striking, vibrant way that will leave you clamoring for more. Her level of detail is unsurpassed. One of the things I love about this author's work is her ability to craft scenes that linger in a reader's mind long after they reach "The End." That's especially true here. Her writing sweeps you away. You ache with her characters, you fear for them, you rejoice with them - and in so doing, sometimes you forget to do essential things like eat and sleep. ;)

Finally, there's the action! It never stops, and you never get a chance to relax. There is romance here, but make no mistake, this is gritty urban fantasy at its finest. Dead is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish, and around every turn comes the unexpected. I can honestly say this book took me places I did not expect to go, and I loved every minute of the trip.

Since this is book one of a series, I know there's more to come. And luckily, I can always read - and reread - while I wait.  

5/5 stars