Friday, July 7, 2017

Birthday Witch by Billie Dale

Birthday Witch by Billie Dale
My Rating: ★★★

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Shayden is having one hell of a 40th birthday. She hits her head, suddenly has magic powers, her cup of coffee is running away from her, and her crabby cat is talking to her. On top of that, she opens a door that reveals a shape shifter guardian and a goddess who say she's the queen of another world selected because of her power and wisdom that comes with her age. Poor Shay doesn't know what to do with this revelation, but accepts that she must train to use her new abilities and work to save Erigate while navigating her new found love life.

I was drawn to this book because it sounded fun. Shay just hit a big and dreaded milestone when her life suddenly turns upside down. Again. Still healing from her divorce, she's thrown into a magical world that she's the queen of. What in the what?! I knew I was in for a wild ride, and Billie Dale did not disappoint! I loved following Shay as she navigated her new life with sass and humor. We have a collection of sassy, rude, and downright hilarious characters.

Shay stumbles around trying to balance her love life, which is suddenly on fire, single motherhood, and life as a badass queen while stepping on toes every step of the way. She's got a sexy shape shifter who claims to be her soul mate, a vampire on a mission to seduce her, a goddess trying to teach her, people trying to assassinate her, and a cat peeing on the floor while sassing her. We get a glimpse at the characters living throughout Erigate, both good, evil, and everything in between. Plus we have her two daughters who are oblivious to their newly found royal life until they are informed as eve of the war is upon Erigate.. This energetic book is absolutely hilarious. I will definitely be recommending it to my friends because it's such a fun read and it's a perfect book to take on summer travels.

Sadly, we do not get to know many of the characters and different magical races throughout Erigate. I wish there was more world building outside of the human world. We mostly hear about Erigate through others and do not spend too much time there. The book is fast paced and extremely entertaining, but the fleshing out of the lore behind the people of Erigate is a little canoe that flies in and out dropping bits of info throughout the story. Birthday Witch packs a punch and has a lot to give, and this its only rough patch.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Mistress of the Crossroads by Kayci Reid

Mistress of the Crossroads by Kayci Reid
My Rating: ★★★

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Saraphine has been a crossroads demon for a little over 1500 years. She had everything many people would kill for: immortality, good looks, smooth moves, and close friends that she's had for centuries. So what's her problem? She's not actually a demon, she never sold her soul into servitude, she hates her job, and her boss just handed her shady list of wanted souls that's shady even for a high powered demon.

I absolutely love the plot. A crossroads temptress is what drew me to the story; the plot and supporting characters is what kept me there. I've never read a book about a crossroads temptress, so I absolutely had to jump at the chance to read it. I've seen them in movies and on television; most notably in Supernatural. I couldn't wait to read a book from the point of view from what most would perceive as a crossroads demon. However, Sera's not your average crossroads worker, and she's stuck in the middle of a death trap and is pissed that she doesn't have all the info. Not only that, but she still has her soul and she despises having to trap people into being marked for hell. It was fascinating to read about her friends, her life, and the mystery plot she's stuck in. What's with this list, and why is it so important? And who is this mysterious immortal man following her? It's such a page turner.

That said, there are two minor things that disappointed me. I have a minor bone to pick with Sera her about her maturity level. For someone who's been around for 1500 years, you'd think she was a hot headed teenager at times. I can't hate on her for that though. She's got a heart of gold and truly looks out for her friends and anyone she cares about. No one messes with her friends or they'll have to face her, and I've got to say that I think I'd find a pretty good friend in her if she was real. The other thing that disappointed me is the ending. Don't get me wrong; it's a great ending. It was just too short. I personally wish the ending was expanded over an additional chapter or too, but it's nothing serious. Maybe I really just didn't want it to end! All in all, it's a great book and I look forward to future novels from Reid!