Review: Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Genre: New Adult | Mythology

Synopsis:

What do Greek gods do when they're bored? Because they're always bored, so humans are the perfect

players in their games. 

Aphrodite owns love; she hasn't lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia. Apollo is on a mission to win. He's counting on it to finally get the one woman he's never been able to have. The two gods will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can't get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will her his way. And Aphrodite couldn't have that. 

Lew and Dean are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet. Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a brooding, beautiful rock star. Lex is always with a man, but she'll never fully give herself up. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can't make it work, no one can. 

The gods have their own drama. Apollo killed Aphrodite's mortal love--they've got beef that's been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to pick a fight, and trying to get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, Aphrodite's best friend, is the one person who Aphrodite shares everything with. 

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, gain power, and make a mess with humans. 

Review:

This book is hot, steamy, and just a tad bit sexy.

I have mentioned this before in other posts, but I am a huge fan of Greek mythology. Staci Hart sticks very close to the classic lore while still managing to make the characters her own.

The banter and competitive nature was perfect. While I love books that portray the gods in their infinite wisdom, it was refreshing to see them keeping up with the times and the change in lingo.

Staci managed her transitions very smoothly, though I felt a few of the flashbacks were unnecessary--but I know the lore so it could just be me. Still, they were beautifully written and Staci has a great style. Overall, I stepped away from Deer in Headlights feeling like "I just read a good book."

There are some steamy scenes. Just letting you know.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Savor by Megan Duncan

Genre: Supernatural | Vampires

Synopsis:

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. in a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past she never knew existed. 

Review:

This is a page turner for sure. Megan Duncan has created a world run by warring vampires. Claire has her world and everything she has ever known turned upside down overnight. Talk about a happy birthday.

Robin, who reminds me of that spunky optimistic friend that every girl has, acts as Claire's rock in this new environment. Ana and Luka are clearly the antagonists--I mean, c'mon, Claire takes the throne from them. I'd be angry too. Dmitry and Arrick are wonderful. Sexy hunks of man flesh. I love a drool-worthy love interest and she gave me two.

I was a little disappointed that Claire's new 'parents' did not put forth more effort to get to know her before acting like they just had nothing but unconditional love for her. I didn't buy it. Claire kept having the feeling that she was being used, but her longing for parents who loved her clouded her judgment. In the end she was right. 

What I loved: Claire gets the (second) shock of her life when she realizes that she doesn't actually know who she is. The ending really is terrific. Congrats to Megan for keeping her audience on their toes. The big ending made all the fake cliches make sense and it added a whole new dimension to the drama. Loved it.

Oh, and the cover is gorgeous. Enough said.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Review: A Diamond In My Pocket by Lorena Angell

Genre: Fantasy | Heroic

Synopsis:

When Calli Courtnae breaks the World Record for the 100m, she is invited to Montana to prepare for

National tryouts. However, upon arrival using her lip reading ability she realizes she's been lied to, or at least not told the whole truth. She's a superhuman, a Runner, and her new world includes transporting packages for other supernatural groups. 

She's paired up with an overly anxious Gothic roommate, is continuously glared down by the gorgeous top-dog, Chris, who feels she doesn't belong, and is placed on a delivery team to transport a valuable magical diamond to a clan of terrorists who can kill with their thoughts. 

Chris, the team leader, is given the diamond, but Calli secretly received the real stone along with a vision of the future and an explanation of why she was hand selected to carry out the mission. Almost immediately the hidden diamond oozes unprecedented additional powers and abilities in Calli, making her more sought after than the diamond itself. 

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a quick read and is full of adventure, drama, and angst. Lorena took great care in creating this world--rules, social caste and all. Even though it is obvious from the start that the characters are superhuman, their lack of empathy makes them a bit unrealistic. 

While I like mature characters--not all teenagers are controlled by hormones--Calli seemed too old for a junior in high school. However, she started to grow on me when she didn't pine away after all the cute boys and remained level headed in her difficult situations. Even without the powers that the diamond gave her Calli was able to base her decisions on the possible consequences. 

Lorena's explanation for the reason as to why humans manifest certain abilities was very scientific and believable. I liked that her explanation warranted that almost all humans are affected, not just a select group. I feel that her plot was original and a very interesting twist on the typical superhero theme. 

I will definitely read the next book in the series, A Diamond in My Heart.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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