Fall by Jennifer Hurst

Stephanie and I have been asked to participate in an on-line blog tour to support the author in the release of this book. Usually, only Stephanie or I will write a review for a book, even if we both have read it. However, this time we have been asked to provide dueling or co-reviews. As such, I have read the book first and am posting my review of it now. Then, I am sending it to Stephanie who will read it and post her review in September. We hope that this will better help you decide whether or not this book piques your interest so that you choose to read it.

Also, please stay tuned for details regarding an author-sponsored contest in relation to FALL that will be posted later today.




Title: Fall
Author: Jennifer Hurst
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: One swearword, one incident of implied sex
Premise: "Women and construction shouldn't mix. At least, that is what the client, Mr. Blackwell, thinks when Twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to remodel a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan, battle over Julia's very soul." (Book Jacket blurb)
Opinions: I had the pleasure of reading this book almost a year ago, as it was still a work in progress, and to provide my feedback on it for the author. I had a hard time putting it down then, and I must say that I love what Jennifer has done with the finish product. Paranormal romances are usually not my first choice of books to pick up and read, but I was instantly intrigued with Fall's premise. I was fascinated by the idea of JD (Julia), a strong woman trying to make headway in a male dominated field and wondering if she'll ever fall in love, then melding the story with the idea of Angels and Demons playing a major part in what happens in her life. I loved getting to know JD and experiencing with her each twist of the story. And I love that she is personal enough and quirky enough to wear pink leopard spotted construction books to work, and relishes a good chocolate chip milkshake with brownie broken up through out it. I was fascinated by Nathan and Matthew and the choices that they made, but honestly I think my favorite other characters are Liu (the oriental general store clerk) and Meagan (the mother of four precocious and unique boys). I also was entranced by the locale of the story, Torrey, Utah. I loved that it is a little known place and that the construction project that JD worked on is based on a true school building that has been made into a bed-and-breakfast. Plus, the descriptions of the area surrounding Torrey made me want to pack a bag for the weekend and go check it out.

Warning: For those who may be uncomfortable with sex in books there is one instance of sex. It is not described, but you know it happens and that the person is faced with consequences for those actions throughout the rest of the story. I loved that there was a balance between the choice and consequences for all of the characters' actions throughout the story.

Overall, I found this book unique, intriguing, and a fascinating twist on an adult romance that made it hard to put down. Please take a moment to read it yourself and let me know what you think.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)




Title: City of Bones (Mortal Instruments Series - Book One)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Paranormal Fiction
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Some swearing, some violence from fighting monsters, and on a minor note a couple of minor characters are gay (so if that makes your uncomfortable don't read it). Though there are no sex scenes of any kind.
Premise: "Suddenly able to see demons and the Darkhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizzare world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster." (King County Library System)
Opinions: I am not normally into paranormal fiction, but I'm striving to expand my reading base and introduce myself to authors that I've never read before. This is one such book. This book is set in modern day New York and shows a world of vampires, werewolves, demons, witches, mermaids, and much, much more living in the midst of, but unseen by, the normal human world.

It was a bit hard at first to get to know and understand the main character, Clary, but once the story gets going I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I read I read it in less then a day. I was thoroughly intrigued by the premise and the twists of the story. There are fighting scenes where the Darkhunters have to fight and kill demons which may or may not bother some readers. As I said in the warnings, there are a few side characters who happen to be gay, but that isn't the focus of the story so I will leave it up to you if you want to read it. Personally, my favorite characters were Clary's friend Simon and Clary's "Uncle" Luke. There is a surprising twist at the end that left me dumbfounded, but I'm still eager to check out book two in this series.