Judas: The Last Days by W Maxwell Prince, John Amor (Illustrations)

This is one of those books that you really, really shouldn't read if you don't like a satirical portrayal of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There where scenes in this book that will definitely have a lot of hard core religious people up in arms and still the book was good.

Judas Iscariot (yes, that Judas, the backstabber) is tired of living forever, he just wants to die. It turns out that all the apostles became immortal; they can't die and after spending a couple thousand years waiting for their Messiah to never return, many have descended into madness and hedonism. Apostle Matthew is now a bisexual transvestite, James the Greater is a homeless beggar and James the Lessor is drug addict that can never obtain a true high as it turns out immortals can't get drunk or high.

Well, Judas who has maintained in contact with Matthew, seeks his help to find Jesus; who in this book is portrayed as total douche that just goes around playing with peoples lives. Oh, and here's the kicker, the Messiah everyone has been waiting for, has been here all along designing special drugs for immortals and writing a book about how Judas wasn't really a bad guy. 

Over his many years, Jesus also managed to irrevocably damage Paul and turn him into a total psycho that somehow ends up as President of the United States.

Ultimately, when Judas finally finds Jesus again, Jesus basically impart on him that reality and truth are what you believe them to be. That right there is why I thought the book was great; I felt that that line made the book worth reading. You can ultimately take whatever understanding from the book and hells, it might not even have a message. What do I know?

Rating 5 out of 5

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Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx

This is one hell of an emotional ride. Aidan Polowski loved Elizabeth "Libby" Tucker, but he never had the guts to tell her, always treated her like he was doing her a favor being into her; they spend one drunken night together and Libby ends up pregnant. Rather than stepping up to deal with baby, he tells her to get rid of it. Libby couldn't go through with it and the last time they see each other is at their college graduation, when Libby walks the stage about five months pregnant. Rather than talk to her, Aidan gets into his car with his on-again off-again girlfriend. Aidan doesn't hear from Libby again, until she sends him dissolution of parental rights papers that he immediately signs.

Aidan goes on to become a successful baseball player and Libby a kick ass criminal defense attorney. For all Libby cares Aidan can fall off a cliff, that is until her son Cass develops leukemia.  For her son, Libby would move the sky and rise the dead; and that's exactly what she does when she goes to meet with Aidan.

Aidan is pissed that his greatest failure is staring him in the face, but after he is able to get his head out of his ass, he knows he has to make things right and maybe, just maybe get a second change at true love.

The story is gut wrenching because after all Libby goes through to save her son, fate has a different plan in store. Libby suffers the greatest loss a mother can endure and through her despair she has to decide if love can save her and give her a new life.

The characters are believable and likable; they are able to accept their mistakes and work towards making things right. The book was just great, there are scenes that will literally have you tearing up. I really do hope that Ms. Marx gives us a sequel, although this was Aidan and Libby's story, there was a lot there for Aidan's brother Avery to get his own book.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Doomboy by Tony Sandoval

I loved this book, Mr. Sandoval is an incredible artist. In this book he tells the story of Doomboy a gifted musician plagued by sorrow after the girl he loves dies. As he tries not to be consumed with sorrow and reach his love in the beyond he sends out a series of great doom metal sessions out into the universe that end up unknowingly broadcast over the radio. All those that hear the broadcast find them incredible and inspiring and moving; and soon everyone wants a cassette tape (yes cassette, not cd, awesome) and the identity of the mysterious Doomboy.

By the end of the book Doomboy is finally able to let go of his sorrow and guilt, as he does he releases one final session to the universe as farewell.

The illustrations were amazing, they're are not these high gloss clean illustrations we often see. These illustrations are more raw and elemental; it is why they work incredibly well with the story they convey.

Check out my blog at http://read-a-book-reviews.blogspot.com to see some of my absolute favorite pages from this great book.

Rating 5 out of 5

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The Squidder by Ben Templesmith

There was something that was missing to really bring this post-apocalyptic to completion. The story follows a bio-engineered super soldier, the last of his kind, as he wanders what is left of a parasite invaded earth. 

In his journeys he rescues a cult member to the invading overlord and eventually finds a way to close of the invasion. In the end he repels the invader and becomes a cloned version of himself, basically, cliff hanger ending, where we see him die and then we see clones.

Maybe the reason the  story didn't work for me is that we don't see much of the initial arrival, references are only of post-invasion and losing the resistance. It was a descent story and maybe if there's a sequels that fills in my many unanswered questions, I can get fully behind this story.

Rating 2.5 out of 5

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Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation by Ann Droyd

A modern version of goodnight moon for the generation with a plug. The book is a parody of the classic Goodnight Moon, the book is fun and entertaining. It will put a smile on the little ones faces, the words are simple that children beginning to read can read this book without difficulty.

Parents will love it because it will get their kids reading and children will love it because it uses all the gizmos and gadgets that catch their little eyes

Rating 5 out of 5

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How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? (How Do Dinosaurs...?) by Jane Yolen, Mark Teague

They behave like good little dinosaurs and they get ready for Santa nice and early.

The book is a sweet and engaging and it has dinosaurs, what more would a young reader want. The book is fun and a perfect read for the upcoming holiday season.

The pictures are great they are big and bright and the words are simple that kids will really enjoy reading this book.

Rating 5 out of 5

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Borderlands Volume 2 The Fall of Fyrestone by Mikey Neumann and Agustin Padilla

Bounty hunters Roland, Lilith, Mordecai and Brick are about to find out just how dangerous Pandora is and that a gang lord operated by a man named Nine Toes (we never see his feet, so we don't know if the name is because he has only nine toes) that is out to kill any Vault hunters. No we don't know what is in the Vault as it's an unknown that is to be feared (crazy Nine Toes' rant).

The book was good, it's interesting, as a series, I'm definitely hooked and I will be returning to learn more about this Vault, my guess is an intergalactic treasure or a super powerful weapon, that would be so cool.

This book feels a little short, especially with the cliff hanger ending, but we get a lot of action and fighting, so we can overlook the short part.

Rating 3 out of 5

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I Belong to You by Lisa Renee Jones

If you've followed the series through all the ups and downs and inside outs, we finally get a full length novel for Mark and Crystal. Although for the love of god, can we finally get closure with Rebecca, we know Mark loved her and although she is believed dead things still feel incomplete.

Mark and Crystal are finally making it work and I hope that no more drama reaches their relationship, because we waited forever for this.

I do still hope that by some twist of the writing gods Rebecca is still alive and maybe living happily ever after in some unknown place. I normally hate amnesia twist, but if in the next and hopefully final book we get finality for Rebecca I'll be good. In the meantime read Mark and Crystal's story, this was a long time coming and the ending of the book will have you screaming.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Dover Graphic Novel Classics) by John Green (Adapted by), Arthur Conan Doyle

The great detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson are introduced to a younger generation in theses 46 pages. The story is short and a quick read perfect for kids looking for a different kind of graphic novel.

In this adventure Holmes and Watson investigate a mysterious death and a curse. Unlike the Sherlocks we all know and love from TV (Elementary and Sherlock), this Sherlock is not rude and condescending. 

I did feel the story was a bit rushed and over explained every pane, but I also understand that the target audience is in a much younger demographic than me (wow, that in no way made me sound old), so I definitely say get for your kids, they'll eventually want to read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's book.

Rating 4 out of 5

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Black Bat Omnibus by Brian Buccellato, J. Scott Campbell (Illustrations), Ronan Cliquet (Illustrations)

Tony Quinn has made a lot of mistakes, like becoming the go to lawyer for the mob. After refusing what would be the equivalent of murder Tony's boss gauges out his eyes. Blinded and depressed he attempts suicide only to be saved by a shadow organization that no offers him a deal he can't refuse, they give Tony a shot at redemption.

Now enhanced with cybertronic eyes Tony dons the mask of the Black Bat to right the wrongs of his past and help give his city a better future. 

In this revival of the classic pulp action comic, we see the Black Bat revamped for a new audience and let me say bravo. The coloring palette on the illustrations is just right that it conveys all the angst and hopes of our vigilante. While not having the ending I would have wanted these 250+ pages tell a riveting and engaging story that will have you flipping pages like there is no tomorrow.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Age of Darkness Volume 3 by Eric Esquivel, Patrick Shan

The Dark Queen is gathering her forces to bring down the realms and with each fallen realm she gets closer and closer to bringing in an age of darkness.

In Volume 3 we see see the Dark Queen strengthening her armies and dealing devastating blow to the Realm Knights. This book focuses primarily on baddies and is full of gore and action.

The illustrations as always are awesome, I will however again say, skimpy outfits in no way provide enough support to fight, just saying. The story brings in many of our favorite characters from other books and gives just enough of a hint as to what is coming.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas in Venice (Christmas Around the World Series Book, #4) by Joanne Walsh

This is a sweet second-chance romance; five years ago Lorenzo di Grechi and his wife Ashlynne parted in the most horrible of ways.

After suffering a miscarriage, a very distant husband and then enduring a jealous woman's claim of an affair with Lorenzo; Ashlynne decides to divorce Lorenzo.

The story starts five years after the divorce when Ashlynne gets stranded in Venice after a snowstorm and to her misfortune/fortune Lorenzo rescues her and gives her a place to stay during the storm.

Stranded in Venice with his ex-wife whom he's never gotten over, Lorenzo decides he is going to make a go at getting a second chance, after all Christmas miracles happen all the time.

The story is sweet and enjoyable and it's full of holiday cheer (granted there will be a few scrooge moments); book four in the "Christmas Around the World Series" is all about second chances and rekindling love.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas Around the World Series
Christmas at Waratah Bay (Christmas Around the World, #1) by Marion Lennox
A Yorkshire Christmas (Christmas Around the World Series, #2) by Kate Hewitt
Christmas with the Laird (Christmas Around the World, #3) by Scarlet Wilson
Christmas in Venice (Christmas Around the World Series Book, #4) by Joanne Walsh

Christmas with the Laird (Christmas Around the World Series, #3) by Scarlet Wilson

What is the worst thing that can happen to you on Christmas: a) being dumped, b) not being able to go on vacation with your family, or c) having to work?

What is the best thing that can happen to you on Christmas: a) being in a history full castle, b) staying with a Laird, or c) staying with your hot coworker (who is secretly also a Laird)?

Juliette Connolly just got dumped, can't go on vacation and has to work during the holidays; the silverlining, she has to spend the holiday working with her good looking coworker Andrew Campbell.

Laird Andrew Campbell owns a castle, like a real castle in Ireland, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, he's up to his eyeballs in depth and his tragic past has made it difficult to keep a relationship. He's always noticed Juliette, but she was taken.

A little holiday magic brings these two together in this wonderful holiday read, that's all about moving on and finding ways to let go off the past and move towards a brighter future.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas Around the World Series
Christmas at Waratah Bay (Christmas Around the World, #1) by Marion Lennox
A Yorkshire Christmas (Christmas Around the World Series, #2) by Kate Hewitt
Christmas with the Laird (Christmas Around the World, #3) by Scarlet Wilson
Christmas in Venice (Christmas Around the World Series Book, #4) by Joanne Walsh

A Yorkshire Christmas (Christmas Around the World Series, #2) by Kate Hewitt

Claire Lindell is coming off a very bad romantic experience, all she wants is a quiet Christmas alone, so she flees New York and goes all the way to a small town in Yorkshire, England. Her arrival is less than stellar, on day one a sudden snow storm causes her to crash her car into an embankment.

Noah Bradford is out looking for a lost sheep stuck in the mud when Claire comes to help, Prada boots be damned.

These two strike up a quick friendship that eventually turns into a second chance at life and love. The story is sweet and full of Christmas miracles; after all what is more miraculous than putting together Christmas at the last minute. There are a few ups and downs, especially with a father trying to bond with his daughter and trying to get a new outlook on life. Overall, you'll enjoy this nice holiday read.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Christmas Around the World Series
Christmas at Waratah Bay (Christmas Around the World, #1) by Marion Lennox
A Yorkshire Christmas (Christmas Around the World Series, #2) by Kate Hewitt
Christmas with the Laird (Christmas Around the World, #3) by Scarlet Wilson
Christmas in Venice (Christmas Around the World Series Book, #4) by Joanne Walsh

Nailbiter Volume 1: There Will Be Blood by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson

Welcome to Buckaroo, Oregon, the birthplace of serial killers; 16 so far, known as the Buckaroo Butchers these lunatics have been around for some 100 years.

The story starts off with FBI Profiler Eliot Carroll arresting the latest Buckaroo Butcher, #16 Edward "Nailbiter" Charles Warren ("Nailbiter" tells you all about his method); the story then jumps 3 years to Carroll calling on his NSA friend Nicholas Finch telling him he's figured it out. The mystery behind why so many psychos come from Buckaroo is about to be revealed, NOT! Come on if it was that quick there's no series.

Finch arrives in Buckaroo and there he meets Alice a teenager being harassed by some jocks and Sheriff Shannon Crane. Upon his arrival he finds his friend is missing and this town is full of bat shit crazies that all have some relation to one of the past Butchers.

Now Finch must find his friend and who the new psycho trying to put the axe on this investigation is. 

The story is interesting, it's engaging and it's such a page turner. The illustrations are a bit gory, so obviously it's not for youth readers or those with weak stomachs, but other than that, this is a must read. Fans of horror movies will definitely love this series.

Rating 5 out of 5

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Minimum Wage Volume 1: Focus on the Strange by Bob Fingerman

I'm gonna start you off with a warning, this book is for mature audiences only. 

Okay, warning time over, this book written by Bob Fingerman (not sure if that's his real name, because if it is that is hilarious, considering the content of the book) and follows Rob Hoffman and the pitifullness of his life as a recent divorcee. 

His friends are crazy, his rebound love life is depressing, but makes for great fodder and his job as pornagropher, I mean cartoonist just makes it funnier.

Rob is a hilarious character that over analyzes everything, is way too stuck up in his own head and is still very hung up on his ex. 

The way his friends rib him is also funny,  my favorite quote from one of these scenes was "AND I SHOULDN'T MURDER YOU WHY?", which after you read you will vote it your favorite quote in the conversation. 

Anyway, if you buy one comic this week make it this one, the graphics are all drawn in bluish tin and only occasionally are there any scenes in color. Just one more thing, Fingerman, seriously, Fingerman, after the puppet scene that is just so hilariously wrong, right, I don't know but still Fingerman. Still laughing.

Rating 5 out of 5

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Play Me #5: Play Me Right (Play Me #5) by Tracy Wolff

The final book in the series is Aria central, after five books of hint, after hint, after hint, we finally learn what happened fourteen months ago. Which was really shocking; we also see more of Ethan Frost and more is hinted about the next book in the Ethan Frost series.

Ms. Wolff delivers again, so I have no complaints; the whole series is entertaining, so if you're looking for your next book, pick these up.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Play Me Series
Play Me #1: Play Me Wild (Play Me #1) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #2: Play Me Hot (Play Me #2) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #3: Play Me Hard (Play Me #3) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #4: Play Me Real (Play Me #4) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #5: Play Me Right (Play Me #5) by Tracy Wolff

Ethan Frost
Ruined (Ethan Frost #1) by Tracy Wolff
Addicted (Ethan Frost #2) by Tracy Wolff

Play Me #4: Play Me Real (Play Me #4) by Tracy Wolff

This is what we have been waiting for; since the great and shocking ending of book three we finally learn the big bad secret. Book four is Sebastian central, it focuses on his trauma and issues. Ms. Wolff really delivers with this book and has you running to the next and final book.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Play Me Series
Play Me #1: Play Me Wild (Play Me #1) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #2: Play Me Hot (Play Me #2) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #3: Play Me Hard (Play Me #3) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #4: Play Me Real (Play Me #4) by Tracy Wolff

Play Me #3: Play Me Hard (Play Me #3) by Tracy Wolff

More is revealed about what happened to Aria fourteen months ago and we meet someone from Sebastian's past. Someone who holds the clues we crave about Sebastian's past and issues.

Furthermore, and this is the real kicker, there is a surprise guest appearance by, drum roll please. Lets add a random sentence hear to build suspense. Okay enough of that, Ethan Frost makes a surprise appearance and more importantly we get a hit at a third book in the series.

Book three has more revelations, more hooks and more wants. Fan's of the Ethan Frost series will love this, there will be cross overs and new books. This is where you start to scream again, it will be a while before we see this book.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Play Me Series
Play Me #1: Play Me Wild (Play Me #1) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #2: Play Me Hot (Play Me #2) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #3: Play Me Hard (Play Me #3) by Tracy Wolff

Ethan Frost
Ruined (Ethan Frost #1) by Tracy Wolff
Addicted (Ethan Frost #2) by Tracy Wolff

Play Me #2: Play Me Hot (Play Me #2) by Tracy Wolff

The story starts to pick up here, we learn a bit more about both Aria and Sebastian. What really gets the reader hooked is that there is a lot of hinting of something big happening to Aria a few months ago. Sebastian begins to intervene in Aria's jobs and their relationship begins.

Book two has Sebastian and Aria starting a relationship and the hook being revealed. As always Ms. Wolff delivers and leaves us wanting more, and book two will have you running to the next book. 

Rating 4 out of 5
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Play Me Series
Play Me #1: Play Me Wild (Play Me #1) by Tracy Wolff
Play Me #2: Play Me Hot (Play Me #2) by Tracy Wolff

Play Me #1: Play Me Wild (Play Me #1) by Tracy Wolff

Aria Winston has fled her former life and now works as a cocktail waitress at the Atlantis. When Aria hits a rich guy in the family jewels for harassment she get fired. Now living paycheck to paycheck, losing her job sucks.

Sebastian Caine is back in town to fix his father's mistakes and manage the Atlantis. When he is informed that the rich client Aria whacked is demanding restitution. 

After learning the full details of the incident Sebastian wants to meet Aria and this is where the story really begins.

Book one has Sebastian and Aria meeting,and the story beginning. As always Ms. Wolff delivers and leaves us wanting more, the series will play out in five books that will all be published together and must be obtained together. If you're a fan of the Ethan Frost series you will love this new series.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Dresden War Cry by Jim Butcher, Mark Powers, Carlos Gómez, Stjepan Sejic

The loose cannon wizard Dresden has been recruited by the White Court to help combat the Vampires of the Red Court hell bent on taking over the world.

Dresden and a few new recruits are sent on a secret mission that starts to look more and more like a setup and a double cross than an actual mission.

The story is good, it's engaging and it has everything that makes magical wars must reads; that being someone on the good side being secretly evil. There is a lot of killing and mayhem as Dresden and his crew try to hold of like 100+ vamps; talk about being the underdogs Dresden and three new wizards against all those vamps, damn. Don't sweat it though, the book is named after Dresden so he obviously has a plan or two to win.

This is a definitely a series worth following up on and hopefully we'll get a better idea of who the traitor is; and the Red Court who is the Leader.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Rocked by the Billionaire (Billionaire's Club #3) by Mandy Baxter

This is book three in the series and was not only my least favorite book in the series, but Luke is the worst Blackwell brother, by far my least favorite. Luke "Lucifer" Blackwell and Kayleigh Taylor were high school sweethearts, as soon as Luke graduated he high tailed it out of his small town to try and make it big as musician. Kayleigh was left behind broken hearted and eventually moved on and made a life for herself as a school teacher.

Ten years later Luke is back into town and the moment he sees Kayleigh he's all "hey, lets hook up" (not the exact words, but basically what he says); Kayleigh sees Luke and she gets all ga-ga for him. Seriously, she has a boyfriend and one run in with Luke and she ends up breaking it off with her boyfriend.

I disliked her because the moment Luke comes back trying to act all "hey, lets pick up where we left off", she's all "okay". The characters were no where near likable, the only thing that saved the book for me was Ryder (Luke's big brother and the lead in the first book of the series).

The characters' love for each other just didn't come across as genuine; ten years later Luke decides that he love Kayleigh and Kayleigh realizes she still loves Luke. WEAK!

Rating 3 out of 5
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