Death Rejoices (Marnie Baranuik Files, #2)

Death Rejoices by A.J. Aalto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5

I'm glad I found this series. I'm just so enamored of Harry, Marnie just tires me the hell out with her raging libido and makes me burst into laughter like a crazy person-thankfully where people don't look at me funny-with her crude mouth and accident prone ways. I love that even the minor characters are layered with personality, that this world that Marnie inhabits makes me more curious to explore it and learn more of it. The biology and the magical aspects of both the beings and their talents in this series are giving me a new and fresh perspective that reminds me why I loved this genre a few years ago.

In this addition to the series Marnie meets new faces-of preternaturals and people, as well as more complications. Now that she's part of Gary's team in the FBI's Preternatural Crimes Unit, Marnie has to keep her hands-as well as other parts-away from Mark Batten, keep control of her mouth (not a chance in hell that's happening.), and stop being a walking disaster. Like having a new assistant that's hiding more than just 'what' he is, fighting her attraction to Batten, releasing Gary from his role as dhaugir, trying not to jump Batten, healing her severely injured brother (who later turns into a bat), and keeping her clothes on in front of Batten is not enough, Marnie's to do list keeps getting longer. Dealing with a necrophiliac ogre, a Prior gone bad, creepy zombies, and the King of Demons wanting his hands on a deadly hybrid is all in a day's work...especially when she's suffering through defensive tactics training and a severe case of corpsepox.

Mark Batten is a little more open and approachable in this one and I liked it, but the idea of him and Marnie just doesn't get me excited. I don't know if it's because this 'potential' love triangle reminds me of another one that imploded with disastrous consequences all around and I simply don't want to see it with this three. Harry shone for me because there's a bit more of his past that's revealed and his actions in regards to the bond are laid out in the open. He was also a little paternal, taking Wes (Marnie's brother) protectively under his wing and caring for Wes when he got hurt. I admit I'm curious at his connection with Gary but it's a mystery that's piquing my interest without frustrating me.

All in all I found this book as enjoyable as the first one, this series is definitely going on my auto buy list.

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Touched (Marnie Baranuik Files, #1)

Touched by A.J. Aalto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5

I had such fun reading this book! (Thanks to Heather K it caught my interest and it was also free. ^_^)

Okay, overall all it was a great read for me. Marnie is a dual talented, potty mouth (such colorful and inventive curse words), with a fondness for frogs and cookies. While she feels like a failure over the things gone wrong in her professional life, I was of the opinion that she does have skill, but she's just plain green when working in the field. That, and she's a total klutz...or maybe a jinx. She has a sharp tongue-and she's not afraid to use it-which hides her insecurity regarding her Talent and her looks. The only thing that really irked me was her sex soaked brain, which is when the story dragged for me. But it was sort of fun when they actually called her on it, though to be fair there's sort of an explanation to her constant horniness right at the end.

Mark Batten, one of the potential loves just didn't click with me too much. He drew a blank b/c aside from Marnie's continuous exalting on his raw and primal sexual attributes/appeal, I got little to no feeling or substance to him. There were a few times when I felt there would finally be some opening up, at least a peek; but just as soon as he seemed on the verge he would clam up and revert to being an annoying Jerkface (doth so nicknamed by Marnie). At the end it seems his finally taken a step towards softening those prickly and hard edges but we'll see if it sticks.

Now my most favorite character is Harry, Marnie's Bonded revenant. Him as a lover I could accept more easily. He was a well rounded character, with a lot more sense to who he was; and his feelings for Marnie, while a little complex b/c of their bond felt more deep than just the intense sexual chemistry she harbors for Batten. I need more to Batten before I can actually think of this a love triangle.

Gary, Marnie's boss, actually surprised me-they say it's always the quiet ones. His a good guy and at times feels like the only one that believes in Marnie, but he-or more like his actions-gave a sweet and naughty little twist to the story; for m/m fans like me there's some REAL NICE ship material in here. *hehe*

I loved the detail that went into creating this world. The different level of psi, the scientific detail, and the difference between vampires and revenants. The hierarchy that the revenants are a part of, their own levels of Talent and power, and how this ties them to their Bonded-or DaySitters was just so interesting. It felt so real like this place actually existed. Like I said before, overall it was a great and fun read; but I won't lie there was a moment or two where I was reminded of the Anita Blake novels but they faded quickly (and I'm not talking about sex here). There's only one actual sex scene in this book and one that has already occurred when the story begins,the rest like I said is just Marnie's engine revving. ;)


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White Buffalo Calf Warriors

White Buffalo Calf Warriors by Rose Christo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"I know I look square, but I'm like my father's tractor. I take a while to warm up, but once I get going I can turn your topsoil till the cows come home." -Betty White (Rose-The Golden Girls)

I bet you're wondering what the quote is all about, heck if I know-it came out of the blue (obviously my brain works in mysterious ways). I started reading this novel and that scene from the show popped in my head, because unlike other Christo's stories this one took me awhile to get into-even though the opening is actually a funny incident that actually marks the beginning of Tommy's infinite blunders. But then suddenly I couldn't read it fast enough and just wanted the night to be over so that I could get to the end.

Tommy's biggest wish is to become an oskapi, which is Cree for a Worthy Man. Prone to fainting in the most unlikely situations, his self confidence is at an all time low when he makes the decision to go after the first white buffalo born in several years and which has escaped from the reservation of Milk River where he lives. His mission is off to a rocky start when his vehicle breaks down close to an Amish community, and grows steadily worse when he faints at the sight of Micah and his hunting rifle. Trying to give up, thinking that maybe he's not the right man for the job, Tommy's surprised when Micah announces he'll go along. Tommy's journey is not without obstacles, yet he gains his courage and self confidence along the way; discovering that even an ages old prophecy might have a grain a truth.

Micah is a discontent young man; he finds himself conflicted and confused by what the bible teaches and his dull and plain way of life. Tommy's surprising entrance into his life gives him the opportunity for his Rumspringa. The farther he travels from home the more he learns about himself and others, it tests his beliefs but opens his eyes and his heart to other faiths and cultures as he meets people from all walks of life.

This story while it made me laugh, it also made me feel thankful and gave me a sense of wonder. With everything that seems to be going on in the world, it's difficult and sometimes I overlook the wonderful things out there. It really was a wonderful read for me.

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Unborn: Three Short Stories (Unborn, #2)

Unborn: Three Short Stories by Rose Christo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this follow up shorts to Unborn we get to revisit these wonderful characters. Although I felt that there were no secondary characters in Unborn, it was great to see through their point of view.

In Unseen, Tim's life is colored in shades of gray. Completely color blind, there's nothing that brightens his world, until Ram. In my head as I read his and Ram's developing relationship and his growing friendships with the rest of the group, his voice and personality where precise and to the point. Much like a soldier, he sounded disciplined and self contained. It was beautiful to see his stoicism and rough edges softened by Ram. Ram is just a great kid-always the optimist or the pacifist in the group-for me his kindness felt warm. He is generous and bright and in perfect symmetry with Tim; I like how they fit together. Once again, the beauty of each of their cultures-whether it was the food, the traditions, their religions, etc. was an added enjoyment in this story.

Unsaid: Daniel has carried an undeserved pain for several years. His zealot and cowardly father and the rest of his family blame him for his mother's death at his premature birth and then dishonoring it by being gay. He suffers panic attacks and writes letters to his dead mother to alleviate the guilt. The bright spots in his life are Sahara and Kerry; but even then he feels insecure when Kerry closes up about intimacy and his scars, and a gnawing fear that Sahara might actually hate him and is only living with him because of Kerry's presence. Then he gets a call from his sister that his father's health is failing and Daniel has to decide whether to go see him and finally try to come to terms with his family. After so many years he comes face to face with his father who finally reveals the events that happened prior to his mother's death. The harsh truth stuns him, makes him question the choices he has made because of it, but also makes him open his eyes and realize where his real family lies. This story is beautiful, the depth of Daniel's love for Kerry just makes me teary eyed and the three of them just make me feel protective. It hurt so much when his father revealed his involvement in his mother's death. That the cowardly and supposedly religious beast could actually do that to his own child is just so beyond heartless I can't even find the words to describe how much I hated this character in that moment.

Unsung: Mackenzie is an opera singer, due to two subsequent tragic events in their lives her mother decides to leave their hometown to move to San Cuomo where her mother's sister lives. Along with coping with the loss of her father in the Sept. 11 tragedy, she has to deal with filling her sister Karen's shoes. She is a mezzo soprano and she is happy with it, but her mother starts driving and pushing for her to widen her range and become a soprano. Finding a friend in Walter and Sahara-a girl who plays soccer at her school eases some of the pain. After a year of not seeing her sister Karen, Mackenzie visits her at the hospital and realizes to what extent her mother has broken her sister and will break her if her mother's teaching lessons continue. Her feelings for Sahara give her the courage to finally speak up.

If you've read Unborn, you know it's not a 'pretty' story. It's painful and heartbreaking, but it's also uplifting and hopeful and so many other things-but that's life isn't it? Life is hard and brutal and filled with moments that tear you apart, but it's also bright and warm that it fills your heart to overflowing. These trio of stories are a little more brighter but there where moments where I really wanted to cry and others where I just got so mad I wanted to reach in and throttle a character or two. A great addition to the series.




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Rose Christo's Unborn, #1 GLBTQ YA

Unborn by Rose Christo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Started reading this when I was halfway through Blind Faith and it was sort of a balancing act going between the two stories. Blind Faith was a total comfort read, it made me snuggle up in my sofa or my bed and just enjoy it-the slow progress of Carter and Isaac's relationship was sweet, Isaac's acceptance of Brady was heartwarming (though Isaac's short temper deserved a noogie or two), and the whole awesomeness that was Brady himself-he deserves an unlimited supply of treats. Definitely a good time to be had reading this one.

On the other hand, Unborn is just heartrending. This story is painful and raw, and at times just filled me with sorrow, for kids like Kerry and Sahara. But it also made me hope and smile for the people that surrounded them, protected them, and taught them that they were worthy of being loved.

Kerry is so full of anger that is almost palpable each time you 'hear' his voice as this story unfolds. At 19yrs. old, he is living with the physical and emotional scars of being an unwanted child. Burdened with a long list of maladies brought on by a botched abortion, he spends his days isolated from people until out on an errand he collapses and wakes up in the hospital.

It's there where Kerry finally learns the meaning of home and family. The first to reach out is Ram-a 16yr. old teen that lives in Kerry's apartment complex-and suddenly shows up to visit him. He offers kindness, company, and brings him home cooked meals.

Then it's Matty, his doctor's son, for whom Kerry is his idea of Indestructo Man-his favorite superhero. Matty-an 8yr. old who spends his time in the hospital because his dad is always busy, and his mother left him; whose a total troublemaker and has plans to marry Agatha Flannery, a sick little girl who shares a room with Sahara.

There's Tim, his roommate-a university student who has carcinoid tumors. Who is serious, spends most of his time reading, and takes none of Kerry's attitude-but shows his solidarity and loyalty when it counts (totally unrelated, but he reminded me of Legal Drug's Rikuo. >.<).

Another is Daniel the 24yr. old hospital nurse, who is so utterly devoted to his job that he spends almost all of his free time in the hospital as a volunteer. Who has an infinite collection of earrings and in Kerry's eyes, has a smile that resembles the sun.

And finally Sahara, a 13yr. old who lost her innocence at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect her. Who knew just by looking at Kerry that he would protect her; a little girl who stole Kerry's heart and who just had an abortion.

This group of kids amazed me with their strength and their resilience. How they banded together and where there for each other as they went through surgeries and complications, losses and heartbreak. It was beautiful for me how Kerry just opened up and flourished with all his growing ties with his friends but particularly his love for Sahara and Daniel. Completely and thoroughly fell in love with all these characters.



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In These Words, #1

In These Words, Volume 1 by GuiltPleasure
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An intense psychological thriller, with a serial killer playing mind games with a psychiatrist. The illustrations are beautiful as the story is dark. These kinds of stories aren't really my thing, but I got caught up in Katsuya's confusion over his reactions to the killer. Is he having nightmares because he's empathizing with the victims? Are they portending future events to come, or are they manifestations of a previous connection with the killer? I hope these answers are revealed soon as the story ends in a major cliffie. Poor Katsuya I wonder what's going to happen. Definitely looking forward to reading the next volume.

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After Ben (Seattle Stories, #1)

After Ben by Con Riley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love chocolate, always have, and you might wonder what that has to do with this story. Well, for me this story was just as warm and rich as sitting down and savoring that sharp sweetness of chocolate that lingers on my tongue even after it has melted. The characters, every single one, counted and gave a wholesome feeling to and for each other. The strong sense of friendship and support made me feel part of this growing family surrounding Theo and Morgan. I read this novel through the course of a difficult time in my life and it left me with a strong attachment to the whole cast of characters. It pleases me that this is the first in a series; and though I'm looking forward to reading Peter's story, I would love if maybe Marco would get his story as well.

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