Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
I am a huge fan of horror stories. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors, and one of the reasons is because he makes the mundane terrifying, whether it is the boogeyman as a carnival clown, or phantoms haunting a secluded hotel. Mr. Hill (who I just recently discovered is Stephen King’s son) treads similar waters by taking on a classic ghost story and attempting to place his own spin on it. As this is the author’s first novel, I have to say I am impressed. As a debut, this book is certainly a strong entry. It is written well, and Mr. Hill certainly has a firm handle on traditional ghost stories...(Read More)
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Let me start off by saying, I’m not much of a romantic, and I would never have purchased this book if it hadn’t been for Ana. Like most cynics, I viewed the genre as trite and silly, with the Fabios and disheveled maidens on the covers and taglines like “If he had to TAME her, he WOULD!” *collapses into giggles* That said, however, I never had given romance novels a try…and I’m glad that I did! While you can bet your ass that there are many romance ‘novels’ (for lack of a better word) out there that involve no plot between bodice ripping and descriptions of throbbing phalluses, there are legitimate romance novels that actually have wonderful characters and decent plots (and of course, the requisite steamy sex). The Duke and I can be included in the latter category, and is a charming, sexy story. It is a whimsical, fun read that I enjoyed immensely…and finished within about 3 hours...(Read More)
Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros
Lord Bannor The Bold is the Pride of the English and the Terror of The French. He has fought many battles in the past 14 years; he has been tortured, scalded in boiling water and carries scars from arrows and sword fights. But as our book starts he is found cowering in the top tower of his fortress, praying to God to save him for he has finally met his match…..his children. All 12 of them...(Read More)
Fried! Fast Food, Slow Deaths edited by Colleen Morris and Joel A. Sutherland
We received a copy of this book from editor and author Joel A. Sutherland, and asked to review it here. Of course I quickly agreed, and was excited to take it on. Fried! is a collection of short horror stories with a brilliant premise--fast food. Having worked in a fast food establishment during my university days, I am well versed in the nastiness and frankly horrific experiences of a fast food joint. What better a place to give birth to ground-chuck monstrosities--what really lurks beneath the grease vats? What lives in the dumpster outside? What secrets does the meat refrigerator hold? I was ready to cozy up on a nice rainy night, zombie movie playing in the background, and got down with this book...(Read More)
