Review: Scanguards Vampires Series by Tina Folsom

There are only 5 books out so far in this series; I've read them all. You can click each individual cover to get their GR's page; it will open in a new window.

These are adult Urban Fantasy books; real vampires living in our society today inconspicuously. They mind their own business until one day they run into their mates. Then they take us on a journey of getting together, having great sex, running into a problem, breaking up, then realizing they do love each other. Yes, a bit similar to every other UF/Vampire story out there. I do enjoy the series though it's not too original. Reminds me a bit about the Darkyn Series by Lynn Viehl. There are definitely tweaks and twists to it that make it original - how/where/why they mate and all that compared to other books. I think every author puts their own twists on that to make it different. But the overall story can be a been-there/done-that/read-it deal if you read a lot of vampire UF/PNR. Nothing new, but worth reading if you're interested or have the time to.

These vampires run a security company that employes both humans and vampires. They do everything from basic bodyguard/security guard work to securing the most important VIP. The first book, you meet Samson, who is in charge of the whole corporation. It's his company; he employs everyone else. The rest of the books focuses on those who work for him, but are also considered close members of his "family". So it's a PNR as well, moving from one member to another to achieve their HEA.

It does have adult content in it so be aware of that. What I like about this series is that there's always a new problem pertaining to that particular couple. It's not one huge problem that never gets solved or goes anywhere throughout the whole series (ex: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Breeds, etc.). It's a different situation for each couple and they have to work through that situation together. It is a bit refreshing because I like new scenery since it can get tiring once you hit a book #X in the series and this villain is still alive doing the same 'ol shiz. My opinion? Definitely try it, at least a book or two :0)

Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Series: The Pledge #1

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

Yes, another YA/Dystopian book from me. I'm on a roll. I really enjoy them (dystopians) because of the grittiness of the world and the maturity level of the characters in the book. There's no running into immature teen angst here. The story ensures that the character is not a weak character; even if they started out that way, there's a good chance for growth.

I prefer the strong, independent, responsible characters who are will to put themselves into dangerous situations to survive or to provide for others. They don't wallow, mope, or give-up just because there's a huge obstacle (that may extend to life or death situations) in their way. I admire that so I like reading about it. I don't know, I think it just puts things into perspective for me when it's that kind of misery in a totally pathetic atmosphere - a dystopian world.

If you haven't picked this up yet, do it. There were some twists in here and there that I didn't quite get until I got towards the end of the book. Sometimes, it's just so easy to see the way the author is going with a book, but this was entertaining, riveting, and it kept me on my toes guessing what was going to happen next. I loved the story and it didn't have a cliff-hanger at all, which I really appreciate. It just left us off... well, wanting more, which is understandable, but it left us off at a good ending point of book one in the series.

I honestly don't know where it can go from here. I mean, there must be more twists and turns to make this good book into a great series. But so much has been unfolded from this first book already. Where to now? I can take a guess it will be about the war in the book and the current leaders... but yeah, we'll see.

I would recommend this book. It's a good, enjoyable read :0)

Feature & Follow Friday {2}

Feature & Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. The two blogs they are featuring this week: Lauren Gets Literal & Fic Book Reviews.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don’t like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it!

My biggest pet peeve is when the character development and/or plot falls short. I do not like it when I can't relate or understand the character's reasoning. It's different from a well-developed annoying character vs. a shallow character because you just don't like him or her period. If the character has no growth from the beginning to the end of the book, I want to know why. It's the author's world, the author's creation. They should be able to make us envision it through their words. But if their words, their explanations, fall short, well then our visions work up crap. No fun, I tell you.

I also hate the "love at first sight" plots. It causes me seizures from rolling my eyes too many times when they fall in love right away. I can understand it if it's a were-animal situation where it's the mate recognizing one another. Just give me something to work with; preferably something believable.

And there's nothing worse than a novel with no plot at all. I understand that if I pick up a short novel, it will be short. I  just don't prefer short novels to be short because it's missing the whole middle part... and then some. But love triangles, those I love :0)