1000 + Books to Read: 5 Stars

Showing posts with label 5 Stars. Show all posts

Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

"Furnace Penitentiary: the world’s most secure prison for young offenders, buried a mile beneath the earth’s surface. Convicted of a murder he didn’t commit, sentenced to life without parole, “new fish” Alex Sawyer knows he has two choices: find a way out, or resign himself to a death behind bars, in the darkness at the bottom of the world. Except in Furnace, death is the least of his worries. Soon Alex discovers that the prison is a place of pure evil, where inhuman creatures in gas masks stalk the corridors at night, where giants in black suits drag screaming inmates into the shadows, where deformed beasts can be heard howling from the blood-drenched tunnels below. And behind everything is the mysterious, all-powerful warden, a man as cruel and dangerous as the devil himself, whose unthinkable acts have consequences that stretch far beyond the walls of the prison.

Together with a bunch of inmates—some innocent kids who have been framed, others cold-blooded killers—Alex plans an escape. But as he starts to uncover the truth about Furnace’s deeper, darker purpose, Alex’s actions grow ever more dangerous, and he must risk everything to expose this nightmare that’s hidden from the eyes of the world."(Description by Author on Amazon)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

Lets Talk About It:

OMG what a book! One of the best first books in a series I've ever read. For those of you who are on our Facebook page you will know that as SOON as I finished up Lockdown I immediately had to purchase the remaining books in this series.

That is how good this book and this series is. Each book was amazing and kept me up all night reading.

For more information please watching our Vlog Review of Lockdown:

Where to Buy:

Amazon: Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble

Disclosure: I received the above book from the Author to facilitate my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions I have expressed in the above post are strictly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's regulation 16 CFR, Part 255; "Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising."

Sexiest Vampire Alive (Love at Stake Series) by Kerrelyn Sparks

"The secret is out . . . Vampires do exist!

When a video reveals to the world that vampires live among us, it’s up to “young” vamp Gregori Holstein, VP of Marketing, to persuade the U.S. government to declare the video a hoax. But first the president wants a favor, one that requires Gregori to spend forty-eight hours in very close contact with the First Daughter.

Abby Tucker would rather spend her nights in a lab than attend her father’s state dinners. She’s dedicated her life to finding a cure that will save her dying mother and needs only two more ingredients. To find them, she’ll have to venture into the most dangerous region of the world—with a vampire. Her Armani-clad escort may be Undead, but he still makes her heart race. And the greatest danger won’t be the predatory hordes lying in wait for them; it will be her undying desire for the Sexiest Vampire Alive." (Description by Author on Amazon)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

Lets Talk About It:

I ADORE the Love at Stakes series so when I found out the Gregori's book was due out ON MY BIRTHDAY I could hardly wait! Once I finally got my hands on it, Sexiest Vampire Alive, I couldn't wait to read and so... I did. All night long!

I was not disappointed at all. Kerrelyn Sparks has created a Vampire World that I want to live in and love reading about. She makes it all seem so real and makes the Vamps so down to earth that you find yourself quite attached to them.

Gregori, the playboy, is a hilarious character and I've been long waiting for his story to be told. All of the usual characters appeared in the book and beyond the love story there was also some pretty interesting new developments. For the sake of not telling spoilers I will leave it at that.

If you haven't already picked up this book... what are you waiting for?!

Where to Buy:

Amazon: Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble

The Door at the Top of the Stairs by Alison Naomi Holt

The Door at the Top of the Stairs

"Undercover officer Jesse Shaunessy is kidnapped and tortured, then thrown away by her department as damaged goods. The mind is a powerful ally, and 26-year-old Jesse has no memory of the abduction or the subsequent torture. Inevitably, the protective walls carefully constructed by her subconscious are beginning to crumble. Insanity, friendship, and redemption are all possibilities dependent upon one choice, one gamble, and two determined women who must risk everything to save one lost soul."(Description by Author on Smashwords)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

Lets Talk About It:

Wowee.

This book was amazing, powerful and I couldn't put it down.

When I read the description of the book I wasn't expecting what was beyond the cover. I felt as if I were Jesse, reliving these terrifying events that stole part of her life. I.. felt.. it. Such an emotional roller coaster and such amazing characters.

There were times I laughed, times I cried, times I wanted to shout to Ryland and tell her to stop it! I haven't had a book capture me like this in a long time. To where I don't just want to read it... I have to read it. Where it's just as important to me to finish as it is to Jesse.

These characters.. were truly outstanding and developed so well. In fact Morgan, I believe, was written after my grandmothers sister Joe. Morgan was that real to me. She's someone I know.

All I can say is when you decided (not if) be prepared to sink yourself into this powerful, emotional, wonderful story of tragedy, hope, inspiration, courage and friendship.

Where to Buy:

Amazon: Paperback and Kindle
Smashwords ( I <3 Smashwords)

Racing Outside the Line by Kimberly Montague

Racing Outside the Line: A Love Story at 190 mph

"Alexis Winston has been obsessed with famous race car driver Seth Keller ever since her older brother became best friends with him. After her parents pass away, Seth’s father becomes her legal guardian, and Seth begins referring to her as “kid sister.” But when she returns home from college a grown woman, she becomes determined to prove to him that she is definitely not a “kid,” and the spark that ignites between them is anything but sisterly. Now they must battle her brother, her guardian, and his fiancé, all under the watchful eyes of the media as they fight to hang onto each other."(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Alexis has been in love with Seth ever since she could remember. Their parents were best friends and Alexis older brother Desmond is Seth's best friend. They've all grown up together. After the death of Alexis and Desmond's parents, Seth's dad becomes legal guardian of Alexis. Alexis falls into a deep depression and Seth is the only one who can reach her.

Seth was her everything her first love. On the night of her Prom it is Seth's arms she falls into and not her dates. As emotions run high they spend the night together. Upon awakening she finds Seth to no longer be there. He's disappeared preparing for his next race and Alexis is heartbroken all over again.

Alexis throws her self into school, moves to California and try's to forget her love and the heartache. Until Seth calls, 4 years later, to tell her he's getting married. She returns from college and the flames between her and Seth are undeniable. Will he really get married or will his love for Alexis change everything?

Lets Talk About It:

This book had everything! A super sad love story, hope, devotion, soul mates, drama, humor.

Lexie, Seth, Desmond, Gene, Wyatt and Chelsea are amazing characters. Some of the most down to earth, real writing and background that I have ever seen come together in a story. I adored each and every one of the main characters and loved the interaction between them all. The realness of the racing industry and other details only added fuel to the already burning fire of reality in this book.

I sat back and rooted for Seth and Lexie and cried during Lexie's heartbreak and laughed during her amazing strength of character and amazingly deep soulful love of Seth.

I'm not usually a big fan of romance books but this one captured my heart. I'd LOVE to see this book be turned into a movie and can hardly wait to read the next addition in the Love Story at 190 mph series. I understand there to be a total of four books and next one is Lexie's brother Desmonds story!!!

Great job, Kimberly Montague. I can't wait to read more from you!

Where to Buy:

The Egyptian by Layton Green

The Egyptian

"At a mausoleum in Cairo’s most notorious cemetery, a mercenary receives a package containing a silver test tube suspended in hydraulic stasis.

An investigative reporter tracking rogue biomedical companies is terrified by the appearance of a mummified man outside her Manhattan apartment.

A Bulgarian scientist who dabbles in the occult makes a startling discovery in his underground laboratory.

These seemingly separate events collide when Dominic Grey and Viktor Radek, private investigators of cults, are hired by the CEO of an Egyptian biomedical firm to locate stolen research integral to the company’s new life extension product. However, after witnessing the slaughter of a team of scientists by the remnants of a dangerous cult thought long abandoned, Grey and Viktor turn from pursuers to pursued.

From the gleaming corridors of visionary laboratories to the cobblestone alleys of Eastern Europe to a lost oasis in the Sahara, Grey and Viktor must sift through science and myth to uncover the truth behind the Egyptian and his sinister biotech – before that truth kills them."(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Dominic Grey is starting his first case under his employ of Viktor Radek, a private investigator specializing in Cults, and can't help but to feel unease as his Client appears to be more than he seems.

His job is to find a test tube that was stolen from an Egyptian Bio-Tech Firm and retrieve it.

As Dominic delves into the case of the missing test tube he finds more than he bargained for and suddenly the hunter is being hunted. Time is running out for Dominic and his crew as the sands of time fall.

Lets Talk About It:

Layton Green does it again! If I could use one word and one word only to describe this book: CAPTIVATING.

I was hooked within the first few pages and thrown into Dominic Grey's world and what a world it is. If you haven't read the first book in this series, The Summoner, I suggest you do so. While both are solid stand alone books you'll understand the background of the characters and some of the references in The Egyptian much better. That and they are just fantastic books.

The Egyptian is another mystery book surround aging, bio-tech firms and the elixir of life. Dominic, of course, finds himself mixed up in between the two warring sides fighting to retrieve a test tube of this anti-aging elixir. Along the way he adds a reporter to his side and befriends the very scientist who stole the test tube from the client who hired Grey. Add to this mystery a heavy dose of betrayal and you've got quite a ride in this book!

Where to Buy:
On Sale for $.99 for The Release Weekend Only! August 27th and August 28th!!

Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Fantasy Lover

"Dear Reader,

Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn't. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior's day.

As a love-slave, I know everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all, how to pleasure them. But when I was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, I found the first woman in history who saw me as a man with a tormented past. She alone bothered to take me out of the bedroom and onto the world. She taught me to love again.

But I was not born to love. I was cursed to walk eternity alone. As a general, I had long ago accepted my sentence. Yet now I have found Grace--the one thing my wounded heart cannot survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two-thousand-year-old curse?

Julian of Macedon" (Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Grace Alexander is a sex therapist with a major sex hangup. But who can blame her? Her ex, Paul, made sure she was damaged goods with the viscous games he played.

Selena, Grace's eccentric friend, has an idea to help Grace. A Birthday gift Grace will never forget. All she has to do is summon Julian, a love slave cursed within a book for centuries, to teach Grace how great sex can be.

Both Grace and Julian are in for a huge suprise, Grace wants love not sex and so does Julian. Grace may very well be his saving Grace and his way out of the curse that has kept him locked up and starving for centuries.

Lets Talk About It:

Wowee! Wowee!

First of Julian and Grace are now one of my top favorite couples EVER.

Grace is this ultra conservative super smart chick. Selena is the eccentric gyspy fortune teller bestfriend. Julian is the Greek God every women lusts after. Together the three make the story jump to life!

The dynamic relationship between Grace and Julian was to die for. I was envious the whole way through of the tender love that develops between the two of them and it was written so beautifully you can't help but get swept up along with it.

I loved the play of the Greek God's, the bit of history/myth that was woven through out the book.

Each of the characters were very well developed and by mid book they took on a life of their own, making them seem almost like living people instead of written characters in a book.

Fantastic, breathtaking, gut wrentching. LOVED THIS BOOK!

Where to Buy:

Vampire Mine (Book 10 of Love at Stake Series) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Vampire Mine

"Nothing on earth can make this vampire fall in love . . .

After 499 years of existence, Connor Buchanan has arrived at an inescapable conclusion: he is a cold-hearted SOB. He's been watching his friends—those poor romantic fools—plummet off the cliff into love like a dazed herd of sheep. But not Connor. He knows that love leads to nothing but heartache.

Until Marielle . . .

She is an angel cast down from heaven for disobedience. Trapped in mortal form, she finds a protector in Connor, a Scottish vampire haunted by a dark past. Marielle hopes to heal his broken heart and earn her way back home, but suddenly she has these . . . feelings. This strange yet pleasant physical yearning—for a vampire! Is this the work of a demon luring her into hell, or has this angel found heavenly bliss?(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Connor's inner turmoil comes to a head as he watches his friends one by one fall in love leaving him no choice but to throw himself into work. As the search for Casimir narrows down Connor is the first on the scene only to discover an impossible scene, an angel.

Marielle, truly an angel fallen from heaven, is exactly what Connor needs. He becomes her protector and as their time together passes they end up falling in love. Only Marielle's love comes with a choice, to remain on earth in her human body with Connor, or to return to her beloved home.

Lets Talk About It:

Let me start of by saying this is one of my must read series. As soon as the book comes out get it now must read type of series. One of two or three that fall into this category.

And it doesn't disappoint. Through out the series I've become very fond of each character introduced and Connor is no exception. So I was happy to see this book would be about him, knowing he would finally find someone to call his own, however, it wasn't just about him and Marielle.

One of the best things about Kerrelyn Sparks books is that it is full of plots. It's never just about the main characters falling in love. It continues on with the story set in previous books, weaves a new thread, introduces new characters and ends a chapter previous set in the series.

I have never been disappointed with any of the books in the series. Each book keeps getting better and better.

If you haven't picked up this book yet what are you waiting for? Trust me this one you don't want to miss!

Where to Buy:

~ 1000 + Books to Read

Socket Greeny Trilogy (Book 2 & 3) by Tony Bertauski

The Training of Socket Greeny The Legend of Socket Greeny

Previous Review of The Discovery of Socket Greeny

"Book 2 in the Socket trilogy. A year has passed since the Paladin Nation was exposed to the public. Their mission is still to protect humanity from whatever may threaten them. Previously, it was the human duplications, but now that they've been extinguished their biggest challenge is dealing with the complications of public image. Socket Greeny, now 17 years old, has been a Paladin cadet for the past year and is nearing the final test. But that's the least of his problems. He's trying to live two lives: one as a superhero while hanging onto his normal life. While fearlessly dealing with his masochistic trainer, he's trying to salvage his deteriorating relationship with his girlfriend back home. But Socket's greatest challenge is to find his true enemy. He discovers that fear has many faces." (Description by Author on Amazon.com)

"Book 3 in the Socket trilogy. The Paladin Nation is rebuilding. Socket Greeny is leading them into a new era of compassion and understanding. But when Pike returns, Socket discovers nothing is what he expected, that his life has been planned from the beginning. He is faced with ultimate betrayal. In the end, he won't be asked to save the world. It'll be the entire universe." (Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Book 2 - The Training of Socket Greeny

Socket Greeny, the most powerful cadet in the Paladin Nation, is set to take his final test. The pressure is on for Socket, trying to live two lives, one in the Paladin Nation and one in the regular world where his Girlfriend and friends exist.

Socket's final test may become his final day in the Paladin Nation and Earth.

Book 3 - The Legend of Socket Greeny

Socket is pulled into another Universe and faces Pike, his friend and hero. Things are not as they seem to be as Socket learns that he may not be who he thought he was.

Trapped in this unknown Universe Socket has to fight his own demons to get back to the Paladin Nation in time to save the world.

Lets Talk About It:

Book 2 - The Training of Socket Greeny

I was really happy to get back into the Paladin Nation and to read more about Socket. I felt really bad for Socket in this book. He had so much on his shoulders. The weight of the final test, the pressure from his trainer, the stress of his girlfriend and of Streeter.

I was proud of him too. He came through it all and ended up being the one, yet again, to save the Paladins from total destruction. I was pretty shocked by the final test and what happens (won't spoil it for you). I'll just say I totally didn't see it coming.

You won't be disappointed if you pick this one up, in fact make sure you pick up all 3!

Book 3 - The Legend of Socket Greeny

I cried. Yes, I cried.

If you've read the first two books then you've gotten pretty attached to these characters, especially Socket. This book from beginning to end, especially end, was an emotional book to read. Socket goes through so much emotionally you can feel it jumping off the pages. You also can't help but to be proud of Socket as he works through everything to come back and save the world. Putting aside his own feelings, his own needs, to save the world and the people he loves in it.

The ending tore me to pieces.

This was an EXCELLENT trilogy. I wish there had been more books just because I enjoyed the characters so much. The way this book ended gave a bittersweet ending to the books and that world which I couldn't have asked for more.

Where to Buy:

Book 2 - The Training of Socket Greeny

Book 3 - The Legend of Socket Greeny

~ 1000 + Books to Read

The Digital Sea by Tom Carpenter

The Digital Sea

"It’s 2052. A new reality is just a download away. Decay is ubiquitious as the world's population shrinks under Sagan's Law. But no one cares as their lives are consumed by the Digital Sea: an immersive augmented reality that’s always on, seen through eye-screens and controlled by the mind. Zel Aurora, a skilled reality-hacker, can change the Digital Sea with a thought, but all that power can't save her daughter from a deadily disease. So Zel makes a deal with the Djed, a powerful crime lord that she's betrayed once before, to stop the new realities threatening his global empire. When the Djed sends along his murderous bodyguard that’s immune to her powers to make sure she completes the job, she’s forced to make a choice that may cost her daughter’s life."

(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Zel Aurora is a highly skilled hacker in a new age world that rides the Digital Sea. Zel's talents are highly sought after, especially by a dangerous crime lord named Djed who Zel once worked for and has been hiding from ever since.

Zel's main job now is her daughter, who is ill, and keeping them both hidden in a Digital world where information is a mere thought away. As Zel's daughter further deteriorates before her eyes she makes a deal with the devil, the very man she has been trying to avoid for years.. the Djed, in hopes that he may be able to save her daughters life.

The cost is high as Zel is sent out on a mission that may end up killing her before she can save her daughter. And if she doesn't succeed many more will lose their lives.

Lets Talk About It:

This book was so good. SO GOOD.

From the storyline to the characters to the sub stories, it all was fantastic.

The world in this book is an advanced technology world where everything and everyone is a part of the Digital Sea. Meaning the computers that we are used to are now a part of you so that you can change your appearance with a thought (and a downloaded app/software), the world you see around you can be cloaked with the scenery of your choice and it's all done via your mind. The Digital Sea is the world. Technology has taken over and very few people choose to live without it.

It doesn't sound that far out there does it? That's one of the things that grasped me most with this book and even had me talking about it with friends was that this book described a world that is not too far off in the future. That it could very well become our reality.

Zel is a bad ass character. Not only is she a highly skilled hacker she is also a high functioning autistic person. Her world is seen in numbers and from those numbers she creates Pandora, her operating system that is able to do more than even the experts have been able to do. She embarks on this journey to save her sick daughter from death and her only way to do is to work for, again, a very dangerous man named the Djed.

Zel isn't the only character in this book, though she is the main one. There's a journalist named Jartelle who is hot on the trail of a huge story that ends up being more than meets the eye and so many other characters who end up being a part of the story and crosses paths with Zel in the end.

I really enjoyed the structure of this book too. With there being so many key players I appreciated the chapters displaying the characters name so I easily knew where we were at in the story. It all blended together very well too as each piece layered into the next to great the whole effect.

I really hope that there is a follow up book. I want more of Zel and the ending seemed to leave an opening for something to come next.

If this sounds like something you might enjoy even just a little bit go pick it up, you won't regret it!

Where to Buy:

~ 1000 + Books to Read

Whom God Would Destroy by Commander Pants

Whom God Would Destroy

"When "God" decides to mess with humanity once more, he runs into some kinks he didn't foresee... WHOM GOD WOULD DESTROY, it's about God, insanity and the search for the Ultimate Orgasm. Luke Rhinehart (author of the cult classic, The Dice Man) calls WHOM GOD WOULD DESTROY, "a wonderful novel with an original comic vision and style that had me laughing aloud. Commander Pants has created a unique cast of characters and tells a story that gets increasingly mad as we proceed, climaxing in a series of scenes, each one topping the previous one."

(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Meet Oliver: Mental Health Outreach Counselor turned Me-ism religious leader.

Meet Jeremy: You may know him better as Jesus, what a jokester!

Meet OOklah: Human harvesters to make Big Macs in their spaceship.

Whom God Would Destroy, well.. who would he?

Lets Talk About It:

This book was FANTASTIC and crazy funny from opening page to the end (love the end).

This book pokes at some serious subjects: religion and mental health being the main two. It was done in such a funny way that you can't help but laugh.

Aliens searching for.. BIG MACS?

Even though the book is meant to be funny there was still a great, well thought out, story in there.

The author did an amazing job capturing every last detail needed for a book that focused so much on unstable 'crazy' people. There was not a flaw anywhere in any part of the book. In fact, crazy enough, it all made sense!

I can't say enough about this book. If you enjoy a creative, well told, funny story this is a MUST READ.

Where to Buy:

~ 1000 + Books to Read

Awakened by Ednah Walters

Awakened (Book One of the Guardian Legacy)

Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, but Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons. Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware that she's a Guardian-a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. When she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers. But Bran has a secret that can ruin their growing relationship, and the truth she discovers may destroy everything she believes in unless she finds the right balance between love and sacrifice.

(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:

My Blurb:

Lil is a normal 16 year old girl. Well, as normal as a Gypsy girl can be. That is until the voices start in her head and one in particular won't leave her be.

His name is Bran, a mysterious boy who looks like an angel but is really a demon. Half a demon that is and Lil has fallen for him.

Lil's life is turned upside when she learns her true nature is not that of a Gypsy but her Grandfathers lineage of Guardians. Guardians who protect the souls of humans while battling the Demons who try to steal them. And she must use her new found powers to save the ones she loves.

Is love strong enough to battle the powers of evil? Lil will find out..

Lets Talk About It:

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Loved, loved, loved it.

I couldn't finish this book fast enough and even then didn't really want it to end.

The relationships between all of the characters, Lil, her Grandfather, Bran and even the other Trainees were so real it felt like I could know these people.

This is a YA book, sort of like Twilight, except its Guardians vs Demons. Lil is in the center of it all. She has no clue about any of this until her powers come into play on her 16th birthday. The whole time she thought she was part of a Gypsy family, traveling with her grandfather.

She uncovers so much about her family's history and even the truth about her parents. She has to face not only life in a new town, new highschool, but new powers, powers that she had no idea even existed.

Such a great book from start to finish.

I can't wait for the next book in this series, Betrayed, to come out!

Where to Buy:

~ 1000 + Books to Read