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Wendy B. (gelfling) - Reviews

1 to 16 of 16
Allegiance Sworn (Light Blade, Bk 3)
Allegiance Sworn (Light Blade, Bk 3)
Author: Kylie Griffin
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 6/29/2013
Helpful Score: 1


Wow. I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, but this one took it to a whole new level. It's dark, edgy, and oh so hot. I love this couple. Arek has been a favorite from the beginning. Oddly enough, I had it in my head that Liselle was the lucky girl in this book. I was several chapters in before I realized that couldn't be the case. Had to go look it up. Glad I was wrong. Imhara is hands down my favorite heroine yet in the Light Blade series. I suspect one of my favorites in any series.

This book, being amongst the Na'Reish, was much grittier, darker. I'm not sure I would have seen it as something Griffin could or would write (silly since I'm basing that on 2 books and I don't know her.) Writing Imhara as someone who could bring headstrong Arek to heel was impressive. I pretty much read this book in a day because the dynamic between those 2 was delicious.

I doubt I've said it, but I really like how Griffin writes villains. We aren't forced to sit in their POVs the way many do. If we are with them, it's time well spent. They make you ache to put a Light Blade enhanced dagger in them (by way of Arek's hands will do nicely.)

Overall, our epic plot continues, moving nicely forward with this installment. I care about how the overall plot plays out as much as I care about the individual couples featured. That is certainly not always the case in many series where the overarching plot is clearly secondary to the romantic elements. This series has both.


Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, Bk 5)
Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, Bk 5)
Author: C. L. Wilson
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 53
Review Date: 8/3/2013


Fantastic Fantasy romance series. Epic scale. Beautifully told.


Dance of a Fallen Monk : A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment
Dance of a Fallen Monk : A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment
Author: George Fowler
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 8/28/2009
Helpful Score: 1


Loved this book! I've been the path though I don't have that deep Oneness moment yet (still kinda new to meditation). It was great to read someone else's journey. Very beautifully written. Page 260 there's a few paragraphs about the church's role that really made me sit up. I hadn't seen that worded so well & concisely before. I work in a Unity church & even there, that's a very good point to keep in mind.


Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1)
Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1)
Author: Laini Taylor
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 61
Review Date: 12/6/2012
Helpful Score: 2


I regret there aren't more stars. I've given 5 to other books that didn't rush through me the way this one did. Everyone's different & different stories speak to them. This one seemed written for me, as if to prove that the simplicity of words could be crafted in a certain order to touch something far deeper than just my imagination.
And I feel sorry. Sorry for whatever book I read next (after I read book two of course). It won't be fair.


Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, Bk 5)
Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, Bk 5)
Author: Darynda Jones
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 43
Review Date: 7/11/2013
Helpful Score: 1


Darynda has done it again. God, I love her sense of humor. And, damn, this book was hot.
We've been left with big questions at the end of this book, the kind that makes book six waaaayyyy too far away.


Hopeless
Hopeless
Author: Colleen Hoover
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.8/5 Stars.
 12
Review Date: 1/21/2013
Helpful Score: 1


wow. holy hell. I'm speechless. I couldn't put this down. I love the characters, the plot, the pacing, the twists... and holy smokes, this book had the hottest scene and no one even kissed! I'm in awe of Colleen Hoover. She makes me want to be a better author.
(As a side note, I basically read paranormal. But this had my attention every bit as much. That's not easily done.)


Keeper of the Shadows (The Keepers: L.A., Bk 3)
Keeper of the Shadows (The Keepers: L.A., Bk 3)
Author: Alexandra Sokoloff
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 6/28/2013


Keeper of the Shadows is my 1st Nocturne book, as well as my first win on Goodreads. Read it in 24 hours. Yep, it was that fun. Even with it being the 3rd in L.A. Keepers series, I had no trouble following the story.

Barrie is a journalist, but more importantly a Keeper. She helps keep the peace and the secrets of the Others; those who are vampire, shapeshifter, or elven, among other things. Herein lies the one confusion I had that may have been answered in the previous two stories: How does she do her job exactly? I like the idea that the Keepers have only a shadow of the power that the true Others have, but how do they keep from being offed by the first Other they oppose?

Now, this is a romance genre story, and that is certainly in there, but it reads more like a suspenseful mystery. The focus is on solving the mysterious murder of a movie mogul and a street urchin. You're kept guessing right up to the very end, and I imagine many will find some surprising twists along the way.

Our lead guy, Mick, starts out as a competing journalist. He's another mystery to solve. REST OF PARAGRAPH SPOILER ALERT. SKIP TO NEXT PARAGRAPH IF YOU HAVEN'T READ!!! Who doesn't love the thought of a shape-shifting lover who can become damn near anybody. I mean, it's enough to make you put your book down and ponder...

(clears throat-refocuses)
I enjoyed the way the characters from the other books were involved just enough to interest me in their stories, but not so much that I felt I missed something. Also, there's good setup for a long-running epic-scale storyline if the series decides to go that route. A well-done balancing act.

Overall, it was a dark Hollywood roller coaster ride where you're never sure whether to keep your eyes on the track or the hottie that sits beside you for the entire ride.


King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul)
King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul)
Author: C. L. Wilson
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.6/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 8/3/2013


Fantastic Fantasy romance series. Epic scale. Beautifully told.


King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, Bk 3)
King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, Bk 3)
Author: C. L. Wilson
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 148
Review Date: 8/3/2013


Fantastic Fantasy romance series. Epic scale. Beautifully told.


Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul, Bk 2)
Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul, Bk 2)
Author: C. L. Wilson
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 211
Review Date: 8/3/2013


Fantastic Fantasy romance series. Epic scale. Beautifully told.


Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles, Bk 1)
Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles, Bk 1)
Author: Kresley Cole
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 11/29/2012
Helpful Score: 1


Green Goddess on a Tarot spread, I haven't been this hyped for a book two in quite some time. (well, since reading First Grave on my Right)
Kresley has earned herself a fan. Her writing sucked me in and left me jealous. It's obvious she had me b/c I can't necessarily relate to her characters and couldn't imagine myself staying attracted to Jack and I still loved this story.


Queen of Song and Souls (Tairen Soul, Bk 4)
Queen of Song and Souls (Tairen Soul, Bk 4)
Author: C. L. Wilson
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 81
Review Date: 8/3/2013


Fantastic Fantasy romance series. Epic scale. Beautifully told.


Siren's Secret (Harlequin Nocturne)
Siren's Secret (Harlequin Nocturne)
Author: Debbie Herbert
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 2/8/2014


Mermaids and serial killers! What more could you ask for? I was fascinated from the beginning. Shelley, half human and half mermaid, is spotted by a madman as hes disposing of his latest kill. Unfortunately, shes not quite human when he does. Now the race is on to see who can put the other away first. Shelly wants him locked up. He wants her six feet under. And just to complicate things, the local sheriff is no fool. Too bad Shelley cant get him out of her thoughts. And what thoughts they are.

Sirens Secret is so much more than a romantic tale, or tail for that matter. The mermaid world is just starting to be fleshed out in this first mermaid story from Debbie Herbert. Shelley has two mermaid cousins, and the three couldnt be more different. Their own stories will be something to look out for. But its not just the mermaid world we discover. Herbert has wrapped us up in the town and the people who live there. You get a real sense of the characters daily lives and what drives them. Herberts writing takes the reader there, all five senses bringing the details to life.

And the suspense! This is a romance, but the villain in this story almost stole the show. Im often tempted to skim over the bad guys point of view, but not here. The details and darkness Herbert paints him with is chilling, right down to his insect collection. Hes the horrifying accident you cant look away from. The attention to detail is why we fear for Shelley. Not just fiction-fear but something that churns in your gut. You, the reader, fear him.

Tillman is our lead man, the local Sheriff. If you find yourself used to the usual fictional heroyou know the one; hes kind, alpha, obsessed with the girl, and oh so well, fictionalthen this is a breath of fresh air. Tillman doesnt lack for these things, but he is real. This is how you know most people, real people, would be. Hes a cop first, a protector of the people first. Its the brain up top that drives him, always. The rest must follow what is the right thing to do. Hes true to himself, and you respect him for it. Our couple doesnt change for each other. They learn to love what they are. Even if what they are is impossible to believe.


Strange Sweet Song
Strange Sweet Song
Author: Adi Rule
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 7/19/2015


I just finished the book and I'm torn. There was so much to love about this story and the writing. I loved the premise, the Felix and Nathan. I didn't like Sing's personality though. I think I just wanted more from the finale or perhaps more from the Nathan /Sing arc. I think I wanted this simpler Gothic to be more... Epic. Still, it's lovely in so many ways and a unique tale amongst many paranormal YAs that start reading the same. I'll be tuned into Adi Rule


Trapped (Iron Druid Chronicles, Bk 5)
Trapped (Iron Druid Chronicles, Bk 5)
Author: Kevin Hearne
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 49
Review Date: 12/30/2012
Helpful Score: 1


Predictably, Hearne rocks. His villains are proper asshats; his druids hardly heroes. But we relate. They're real, doing the best they can with the shit-storm they're handed.
I found the dark elves a fun and frightening addition to the list of those-that-want-Atticus-eviscerated list. But given our ancient celtic hottie has more tricks up his sleeve than a Weasley twin, they're likely to come off looking like clowns. Oh wait...
(You had to play the clown card, Kevin. shudder)
If I had to list a wish, I wish we'd seen the druid romance fleshed out (literally & figuratively). Been waiting for those two to figure their feelings out for twelve years.


Wicked as She Wants (Blud, Bk 2)
Wicked as She Wants (Blud, Bk 2)
Author: Delilah S Dawson
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 9/14/2013


Dawson has once again penned us an exciting steampunkian romp through an alternate world not quite like our own but close enough to add to the fun. Take one musician, possessing talent and a fierce beauty, and subtract a healthy will to live. Add to his world an icy blud princess more than happy to grant him an early demise. Finally, frame them in a daring journey that reveals that neither is what they seem, either to each other or themselves.
Oh yeah, and add an unholy arrangement between peacock and unicorn. (After all, we are discussing the imagination of a one Delilah S. Dawson)
This is Wicked as She Wants, though I've a suspicion Casper could take wicked up to 11.


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