Jenn Bennett

How perfect is this book?!! I mean, seriously. I cannot stop gushing over it. While I had requested this because I wanted to read it, I was unsure of whether I would like it and boy, I was in for a surprise because I ended up adoring it! It even made it into my 2015 faves!!

Beatrix wants to draw actual cadavers not only because she's very interested in doing so but because she will have an advantage to win a scholarship. One night, Beatrix meets Jack and her world is about to change. She show more wants to get to know Jack because he is so fun and caring but Jack has scars that go so deep, they cannot be seen.

This book was an adventure, an experience, a journey. I fell head-first into it and I was attached to the story and to the characters right from the start. I haven't read many books when it comes to art so this was a pleasant surprise seeing as I enjoyed it a lot! I loved how the author was so descriptive with the drawings that were talked about and I could vividly imagine them in my head. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart taught me something, a kind of art I had no idea even existed! I knew that people would draw cadavers for images and whatnot but for it to be something like a profession in life? This was new information to me. I love when books teach me something completely new because it expands my knowledge and makes me want to keep on searching for more on this subject.

This story is so different from what I've ever read seeing as the main character is a little bit of complex when it comes to her hobby or what she wants to do in her life, which is to draw cadavers. I was creeped out by this factor but it didn't stop me from reading once I started. Beatrix was a joy to read about. She was so full of life even with everything she had gone through in her life with her family. Beatrix is the kind of character many will look up to. She knew what she wanted out of life and if she had to do it on her own to reach that goal, she would do it and she did.

When Jack gets introduced, I immediately needed to know more about him. He's a mysterious characters with secrets of his own that no one really knows. Aside from that secret, he also hides that he does graffiti and is actually the most wanted one in their area. Jack's life is far from perfect yet he continues to smile and to have fun, to continue enjoying life. And did I like Jack and Beatrix's relationship? YES! It was so much fun! I definitely wanted more of their fun and witty banter and I definitely wanted to read more of their relationship.

Seeing as the relationship wasn't the big aspect, I will tell you the two major aspects I found in this story. The first important aspect is family is extremely important. We have two different families (Bex's and Jack's). Bex's family is very close and united whereas Jack's is kind of drifted. This is very important to the story because of Jack's secret and let me tell you I got tears in my eyes because I was not expecting that at all.

The second important aspect I had mentioned before is actually the want to fight for what you know you want out of life and if along the way you get obstacles, to give it your all and overcome those obstacles and ultimately achieve exactly what you thrived for. With that being said, I think this book is very empowering to teens, especially Senior high school teens. This book shows a new take on various things of life and while it is Young Adult, it does have its complexity but it's what makes this story so real and makes it come to live.

Jenn Bennett is a new author to me even though she has written other genres before. I hope she goes more in-depth with the YA genre because I certainly want more from her. show less

“A fun romp” describes this book best. Lots of sexy times, fast-paced storytelling, the Rip Roaring ‘20s as a backdrop, and a relationship that sizzles make this a book to go for if you’re looking for a light, fun read.

You definitely don’t have to worry about being bored with this tale! Creepy ghosts, revenge, bootlegging turf wars, shoot-ups, and fires make this a story sure to drag in the readers. I liked how the author drew in so many elements of the roaring time period and show more setting to create a suspenseful background story for her romance.

I loved all the supernatural stuff. Vengeful ghosts and a lead that can see them are always going to grab my attention; they’re a special weakness of mine. The added bonus of the Chinese mythology and mysticism only made the underlying paranormal tale of turf wars and revenge all the more intriguing.

Now let’s chat about that romance. To me, this is the best part of the whole book. Winter and Aida play off each other so well, even from the very beginning. They click right away, literally seeming to ooze sexual compatibility and emotional resonance. I mean seriously, if a man matching Winter’s description walked in my front door, I’d be oozing pheromones also.

My only wince-worthy item of consideration on the relationship front is the over-usage of the whole miscommunication/assumption trope. Both leads are prone to assuming the other’s thoughts and acting on those assumptions. More than once I wanted to sit them both down in a room and lock the door, only letting them out after they’ve fully communicated all their thoughts. This romance trope is one that irritates me the most, so big ding for me personally against this relationship.

This was a promising beginning to the trilogy. I’ve since gotten and bulldozed my way through books 2 and 3. If the author ever chooses to explore more in the series, sign me up! I love the characters, their relationship, and the background storyline and setting. While it has a big ding on the miscommunication/assumption front, I’d still recommend this book to lovers of historical romance. As I said, it’s a great romp!! show less

First of all, make sure you have the fourth book at hand before you finish this one. You are going to really, really want to read it.

Cady Bell is happy with her boyfriend Lon and his son Jupe but there are some challenges ahead. There is a new drug in town that enhances Skills. Cady and Lon first run into it when Dare sends them to question another member of the Hellfire Club and he exhibits way beyond the ordinary range of Skills. Next there seems to be a local crime wave going on. Cady's show more tiki bar is robbed by a couple of Earthbound teenagers who have too much telekinesis.

On the personal front, Cady's own abilities are evolving and becoming much more powerful. She learns that the mother who was taken into the demon world, and who Cady thought was dead, is not only alive but is determined to gain control over Cady and her powers.

And, even more personal, it is Christmas time and Cady has to meet Jupe's grandmother and aunt and she is afraid of making a bad impression. Then Jupe's mother shows up claiming to be drug-free and eager to rebuild her relationship with Jupe. But no one, least of all Cady, is willing to trust her as she wreaks emotional havoc on one and all.

This story is action-packed and Cady has more than her fair share of enemies who are all trying to get control of her. I love her relationships with Lon and Jupe and I love that she is learning to be part of a family. These relationships help balance all the chaos in the rest of her life.

I need to know what happens next! Excuse me while I slink off into my reading cave with BANISHING THE DARK. show less

"Kindling the Moon" was yet another impulse book buy. Sigh. I just can't seem to help myself. This series revolves around a world where some people know about magic and demons but some humans still live in oblivion and have no clue. The demons that walk among the humans, look like humans and are known as Earthbound demons. They have auras around their head of varying colors. Cady can use magic and she has the ability to see these demons for what they really are. She is the co-owner of a bar show more that caters to mostly earthbound demon clientele. Cady (Arcadia) Bell has been living under an assumed name for years. Her parents have been wrongly accused of murdering many of the communities magic leaders and when they took off into hiding, Cady and her parents went separate ways. But then, out of the blue, Cady sees on the news that her parents have resurfaced. An opposing magic faction demands Cady turn over her parents or she will reap the consequences. So Cady does what any good daughter would do and she sets out to find out who really killed those people.

I found Arcadia to be a pretty normal and likeable character. I'd like to see future installments flesh out her personality a little more but I really enjoyed how she is portrayed in this novel. Cady's investigations lead her to meet a man named Lon who is somewhat older than Arcadia. I liked him as well and really enjoyed the way a relationship developed between them. It felt really natural, as natural as any relationship that can move from first meeting through falling in love. Lon is snarky and not over the top friendly which really endeared him to me, honestly. But my favorite character is Jupe, Lon's mixed race son. Jupe is fifteen and Lon has custody of him. Jupe also comes across as somewhat hyper and he may have some bit of ADD. I have a fifteen year old son and I think the author captured this kid perfectly. I also felt like the inclusion of a teenage son really made this book stand out. We see little kids somewhat frequently but this is an age group that tends to get somewhat overlooked in Urban Fantasy. (An exception I recall right off the top of my head is Ilona Andrew's Kate series. I love her teens also). Jupe really brings humor and emotion into this mix and the book is a better one for it.

The conclusion caught me completely off guard. That is so not what I expected. I think that this shows Bennett is not afraid to take risks and is creative enough to keep things surprising. But I do have a complaint. I found some of the magical elements of this story to be too vague and under explained. Sometimes the story became confusing to me and I would like to see more explanations on some the magic theories and details about how things work when Cady does her spells.

To summarize, another reviewer said they couldn't believe she was a first time published author. I have to wholeheartedly agree. She writes like a pro and I am totally on board for future installments. I ordered the follow up book already. I did have minor concerns about some of the magical elements but I think this can easily be tightened up as the story progresses. With such a unique cast of endearing characters and a fun world for them to play in, I don't doubt for a minute that this series is going to be a big hit. show less