Review-Death's Daughter

From Amazon
Calliope Reaper-Jones so just wanted a normal life: buying designer shoes on sale, dating guys from Craig’s List, web-surfing for organic dim-sum for her boss...

But when her father—who happens to be Death himself—is kidnapped, and the Devil’s Protege embarks on a hostile takeover of the family business, Death, Inc., Callie returns home to assume the CEO mantle— only to discover she must complete three nearly impossible tasks in the realm of the afterlife first.

Being a HUGE Buffy fan I just had to pick up this book! Amber Benson, who played Tara on the series, is the author of this very cool book! I may sound like a rabid fan but this was a very fun, fast paced book that I totally got into! I really didn't want to put it down, in fact I believe I read it in the car, walking to the mailbox, in the bathtub, and even as I was pouring a cup of coffee in the morning (big mistake, trust me!)

This book is about Calliope Reaper-Jones (awesome name huh?) and how she deals with the fact that her father (who just so happens to be Death himself) and his associates (including her sister) has gone missing. She has to step up and take over Death Inc, even if she's not exactly thrilled about it. I really enjoyed reading this book and honestly cannot think of one negative thing to say. Hopefully we get to see more of Calliope soon!

This is a book I definitely recommend to anyone that was a fan of Buffy and loves the Paranormal/Chick Lit genres! I give this book a 5/5 stars!

Review-Easy on the Eyes

Amazon Description
At 38, Tiana Tomlinson has made it. America adores her as one of the anchors of America Tonight, a top-rated nightly entertainment and news program. But even with the trappings that come with her elite lifestyle, she feels empty. Tina desperately misses her late husband Keith, who died several years before. And in a business that thrives on youth, Tina is getting the message that her age is starting to show and certain measures must be taken if she wants to remain in the spotlight. It doesn't help that at every turn she has to deal with her adversary--the devilishly handsome, plastic surgeon to the stars, Michael Sullivan. But a trip away from the Hollywood madness has consequences that could affect the rest of her life.

My Review
I have to admit I was a little skeptical about this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it! It would have been perfect if it wasn't for a couple of minor details. I really wanted to say that this book was a refreshing view on aging and attitudes towards the subject, especially with women. Tiana is a very likable character that most of us can relate. She's aging (even though she's barely 38 years old) and is being pushed out of her position because of this. In her line of work you are considered elderly at 28, unless you get some work done. Basically, people don't want to watch a woman age on TV. Her ratings are going down and her producers thinks she would be "helped" by getting a little work done. She doesn't want to do this, in fact she likes her face the way it is, but she still feels the pressure. Hollywood apparently is cut throat and if you aren't young you aren't important. Porter really knows how to write a female character that isn't too perfect but isn't boring either. Tiana is a strong female character that most women will be able to relate to and sympathize with. She has strong and loving friends that support her and give her very good advice. They steer her in a good direction and give her a shoulder to cry on when she needs it. The story is very strong and I really enjoyed myself while reading it. I honestly didn't want to put it down, as cliched as that sounds!
Now on to the negative....
Near the middle of the book, Tiana meets someone special. I won't ruin it but he is someone that is highly involved in philanthropy and helping children in Africa. This is a life changing occasion in Tiana's life and it's a very emotional part of the book. Sometimes though, Porter sounds as if she is really writing an after school special, or a commercial about donating money to orphans. Her intentions are honorable, but the way she states them interrupts the flow of the story.
For me this was a decent book. I liked it and really do recommend it. It has its flaws but I believe the book in whole is worthy of a read. I give it a 4/5 stars.