Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Blog Tour - Return to Poughkeepsie (Poughkeepsie #2) by Debra Anastasia ~ GIVEAWAY



 
Return to Poughkeepsie  (Poughkeepsie #2) by Debra Anastasia
 
This is a contemporary romance/thriller (Rated NC-17)
 
 
 
Book Summary
 
Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.
 
 YouTube Trailer
 
 
My Review
 

This sucks. And you know why. Because now, I have to rethink my top reads for 2013 blog post. This book has to be on that list and some other will have to come off. L
This may suck for me, but for this author, she hit a home run. Poughkeepsie, the first in the series, will forever stay in my heart. I love that the author brought this book to focus on another character but kept all the other players in play. I didn’t lose Blake. (*sigh*) I didn’t think this book would be as good as the first but it was.
There was action pact adventure, roller coaster rides of emotion, hot steamy scenes and laughs ever present. (I’ll just say Trish. She almost stole the show.) This book had it all and then some. I read unable to stop. Soaking it all in.
And I’m happy to note that there will be a book three. Please note, this book does not end in a cliffy. So no worries there. I’m just happy to explore more of these characters. I love it.
Overall report card is that all the characters were well developed. The plot line was sustaining throughout the story. The book kept my attentions. Most importantly, I would have no problem recommending this book ten times over.
I love Beckett. I love Cole.
My book boyfriend is Blake.  (always)

 
 
Sponsored by the author/publisher
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There's dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with...ahem... digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.
Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when--along with the animals and humans in her house--the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra's ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn't give up, wouldn't let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and--fingers full of peanut butter--she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.
She's eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.
Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

 
 
Social Media Links:
YouTube Trailer
 
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Friday, December 27, 2013

LIABILITIES GIVEAWAY!!!



 
Book Blurb...
 
Trying to put distance between her and Kalen won’t be easy for Bailey. She doesn’t expect that her life will get more complicated when she heads home. At first glance, she knows she’s made a calculated mistake. Turner is everything he had been and more. With her heart out of balance, she risks becoming a liability to everyone surrounding her.
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 26, 2013

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE
 
 
SEASONS GREETINS AND ALL THAT JAZZ!
 
WISHING YOU AND YOURS ALL THE BEST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Exquisite Betrayal by A.M. Hargrove ~ GIVEAWAY & BLOG TOUR STOP

 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Exquisite Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
A male Romance Author… a convention in Vegas… a female book blogger… a goal to lose her virginity… what next? Find out when you mix all the above!

Fallon McKinley is headed to Vegas for the Wicked Wenches Romance Con and losing her virginity is only one of her goals. The other is to meet her favorite author of romance novels, R.T. Sinclair. What she doesn’t realize is that the sexy green-eyed god she rams into at the airport is the real R.T. When they keep running into each other, she’s shocked, but excited, because the attraction is irresistible.

Ryland Thomas Sinclair doesn’t want anyone to know his true identity. He’s the author that all women love, but everyone thinks he’s a female. He hides his persona behind the public face of his twin sister, keeping his own a secret. But after meeting the lovely Fallon, his intentions to avoid a relationship come to a screeching halt. She’s put an unwanted kink into his perfectly laid out plans. His unusual reaction surprises him because after a heart-shredding breakup a few years ago, he’s managed to avoid women at all costs.

Resisting Fallon becomes more difficult than he imagines. Soon things are spiraling out of control, until a major miscommunication has Fallon walking out of his home and his life. Will Ryland Thomas succeed in losing the woman he loves? Or can he win her back?


Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18624286-exquisite-betrayal

BUY LINKS:
 
 
My Review
 

I love this author’s stories because I fall in love every time. And it’s that what we want when reading a romance. The story has twist and turns but the guy isn’t a total assholes which I love. Sometimes, I think that jerk faced character is overplayed.
But I digress. There was humor which cracked me up at times. There was tenderness that got me all gooey. And then there was the hot man. And damn if he was a romance writer. And damn, if a guy can write best selling romance novels, he’s got to be a great catch right?
I don’t want to tell you the whole story. Spoilers are not my thing unless absolutely necessary.  I will say if you love a book with a HEA, you’ll get one here albeit a route not well traveled, lol.
Sink yourself into a story that will keep a smile on your face and keep you well entertained. Pick this one up today.
My book boyfriend Ryland.

 
 
Win a bracelet, a “She Said Fire” t-shirt & Boom! EP album download, signed copy of Tragically Flawed, & $100 Amazon Gift Card. sponsored by the author. 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


YOU CAN FIND THE AUTHOR HERE...
Blog: http://amhargrove.com/
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amhargrove1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHargroveAuthor
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/amhargrove1/

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

In the Firelight Release Day Blitz

 


Title: In the Firelight

Author: Sibylla Matilde

Date of publication: December 19, 2013

Blog tour Dates: December 30th-January 6th



Blurb...
 ***** Mature Content, Sexual Situations, Adult Situations, Strong Language *****

She found him on a snowy night. He sparked her desires and inflamed her dreams.

Independent and feisty, Shea Madison has a tussle on her hands. Living in and loving her quiet little corner of Montana, she’s fiercely determined to fight a real estate developer trying to turn her quaint little mountain town into a touristy ski resort. So, when an outsider shows up to study the effects on the area, she instantly attempts to sway his impression… even if it means a little harmless flirting with the enticing visitor.

Rhys Weland’s charade has one purpose—to bring the locals around to the idea of the resort, primarily the ringleader, Ms. Shea Madison. Embroiled in his deception, he’s stunned by the feelings she draws from deep inside him. Her integrity and sincerity quickly have him second-guessing his twisted morals. Her spirit arouses his soul. Her sensuality steals his breath.

In the dark of the night, in the warmth of the fire, the passion smoldering between them combusts. But just when it all seems to make sense, one small stubborn mistake shreds the fragile bond between them. Will an impetuous act reignite their flame, or will their love vanish like sparks in the air?

Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18713215-in-the-firelight?ac=1

 

 



About Sibylla Matilde


Sibylla Matilde grew up in the mountain valleys of Southwest Montana exploring the dusty Old West gold country on the back of a horse. She attended a two-room schoolhouse beginning in 1st grade & had the same teacher until she changed schools after 7th. Beginning at about age 12, Sibylla discovered historical romance, feeding off of work of Jude Deveraux & Lisa Kleypas. She loves a book that can make the reader run the gamut of emotions, from the sweet glow of new love to gut-wrenching heartache. She is a true romantic & always has stories floating around in her head, living in a fantasyland until she writes them down to free them.

Music is her emotional trigger. Growing up with a Wagnarian-loving mother, Sibylla was raised to treasure music that digs deep into the psyche, drawing out elation, sorrow, grief, desire. The soundtrack to her life includes many genres spanning centuries. She looooooooves Thirty Seconds to Mars (rather obsessively, actually... but, really, how can you NOT be crazy about this guy!? Jared Leto. Shhh. ) & pimps them out to all her friends through Spotify. She also delights in Met Opera HD broadcasts at her local movie theater & hopes (listening Met?) to someday see Diana Damrau reprise her role as Mozart’s Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte.

Sibylla lives with her husband and hero who saved her from her own calamitous, young-adult self. He makes her laugh daily, even when things are tough. He's proved to her that love really can heal a shattered soul. In 18 years, they have never had a fight, although argue regularly with their two teenage kids who have, unfortunately, inherited their father’s quick wit (unfortunate as it is a quick wit that Sibylla, herself, definitely does not possess – there is a reason she is a writer & not a stand-up comedian). They live a quiet life with their two weird little rescued Chiweenies. Wait… teenagers & little yap-dogs? OK, maybe not so quiet.

 

She can be found



Twitter: https://twitter.com/SibyllaMatilde


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7226522.Sibylla_Matilde


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SibyllaMatilde


Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/LETObsessed/

 
 

Origin (Lux #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Origin  (Lux #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is a young adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥
(Four Daemon Hearts)


Book Summary

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?



My Review


So yeah, this book kept moving form page one. I was entertained with the story. And there isn’t any doubt about the author’s imagination. I can’t believe she keeps pulling books out of her head that can keep peoples interest. But that just goes to her talent.
Now, I’m not the biggest Daemon fan (I’m an Aiden fan of JLA’s). If I were to pick someone out of this series, it would be Dawson. Daemon just rubbed me the wrong way from the start with his jerk moves. He’s shown his softer side in the last book and this one too. However, in this one, I kind of missed his snark. He just seemed a little different in this book although the reasons were clearly written.
Overall, the book ends on a note that has me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book. The covenant series is over (*cries) so this is the only YA paranormal she has left for now. Although I think another is coming.
Audio Review
Justine Eyre and Rob Shapiro narrated in the book in alternating POVs. My biggest problem with it was that the kept pronouncing Daemon’s name DEMON not Daymon. It bugged the crap out of me. On top of that, whenever Justine spoke, I thought I was listening to the Guild Hunter series instead of a YA novel. She’s a great narrator but I don’t think this was the right project for her.
My book boyfriend Daemon.

 
 

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Sycamore Row (Jake Brigance #2) by John Grisham

 
Sycamore Row  (Jake Brigance #2) by John Grisham
 
This is an adult thriller novel (Rated R)
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Stellar Hearts)
 
 

Book Summary

Seth Hubbard is a wealthy man dying of lung cancer. He trusts no one. Before he hangs himself from a sycamore tree, Hubbard leaves a new, handwritten, will. It is an act that drags his adult children, his black maid, and Jake into a conflict as riveting and dramatic as the murder trial that made Brigance one of Ford County's most notorious citizens, just three years earlier. 

 The second will raises far more questions than it answers. Why would Hubbard leave nearly all of his fortune to his maid? Had chemotherapy and painkillers affected his ability to think clearly? And what does it all have to do with a piece of land once known as Sycamore Row?


My Review


I love to come back to my roots as a reader. John Grisham is one of my favorite authors if not my most favorite. I love everything he writes and finds it interesting. It never gets old because I love the law. And so stories center around such entertain me.
The characters are rich and full of life. This story has a twist and back stories that all come together in an exciting way. He makes us care so much about most of them when maybe we shouldn’t because they aren’t the main characters. But I do. I’d love to read more about some of the characters in this story.
It such a well thought out and executed book. It’s hard sometime to go back and read mediocre writing. Still, this book was fab. The only short coming was the ending. I think I’ve read too much to be shocked by certain things. I was pretty numb in the reveal. However, that was me and not the author.
Audio Review
Michael Beck is outstanding. I’ll admit that some of his side characters all sounded the same, I didn’t have trouble following. And most importantly the main cast was unique. Love the southern accents.
My book boyfriend Jake.

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Wicked Beat (Sinners on Tour #4) by Olivia Cunning

Wicked Beat  (Sinners on Tour #4) by Olivia Cunning
 
This is an adult erotica novel. (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Eric Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners’ new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she’s too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible–exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud–exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.
 
 
My Review
 
Okay, so this book is romance/sex heavy and there isn’t a super lot to say. The book has a plausible plot which is sometimes hard when you are doing a series about each band member. I like how Eric falls for Rebekah. I like their relationship and I love Trey’s part in it. It just makes me love Trey more.
My only problem with the story is insta love. After the confession by one of the players, that person then says in another breath that they really don’t know the other person that well. Then how the hell can you love that person????
Other than that and Trey at times stealing the show, I really liked this book. Where before I wasn’t really interested in Jace’s story, I’m interested in it now. And despite I read them out of order, I most definitely want to read the details.
 Audio Review
Justine O. Keef does a stellar job. She really makes them come alive and keeps all the guys voice distinctive book after book so I remember them from their story.
My book boyfriend Eric.

 
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Friday, December 13, 2013

Death, and the Girl He Loves (Darklight #3) by Darynda Jones

Death, and the Girl He Loves  (Darklight #3) by Darynda Jones
 
This is a paranormal fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Too Bad Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
The fate of the world is not something a girl wants on her shoulders, and that is especially true for Lorelei McAlister. Unfortunately for her, that is exactly where the world’s fate has decided to take up residence. Lorelei has seen firsthand the horrors that lie beneath our everyday world. And those horrors are getting her friends killed. Because of this, she agrees to leave the sanctity of her hometown and is sent to a different world entirely. A boarding school. But even here she is being watched. Someone knows what she is. What she carries inside her soul. And on top of that she’s seeing visions. This is nothing new for Lorelei. But these visions are something more: death, destruction, and the end of the world. Lorelei must face the fact that there are people who want her dead, and no matter where she goes, no matter how far she runs, the lives of her friends and family are in mortal peril. Lucky for her, her friends and family include the handsome Angel of Death, a fiercely protective half-angel, and a ragtag group of loyal supporters who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the name of fighting pure evil.
 
 
My Review 
 
Sorry folks, this will be a spoiler review. SPOILER REVIEW (shouty caps much, lol)
A lot of things bother me with this book. First let’s talk about the non relationship. What was up with Jared and Lorelei. He didn’t kiss her in the last book in favor of Tabitha. In this book, they barely kiss if at all, yet she often refers to him as her boyfriend. And I kept thinking did I miss something. When did he become her boyfriend? Yes, they had feeling for each other, but they barely touched or held hands. Anything that would say relationship without saying the words. I don’t need romance, but if you create one, follow through.
One of my biggest sore points in this book was we never really found out what happened between Jared and Glich at camp. (Was it his mother’s death?) I was quite confused over that point and felt cheated.
Then there was the ending which I thought was going to turn out cheesy until everyone began to remember.
Overall, it was an okay book and an okay series. The world building was great, but I think the story lacked a lot. Too bad, it had potential.
Audio Review
Lorelei King is a fabulous narrator. She knows how to deliver a line to get the most out of it. However, because the characters in this book are so similar to the leads in the Charley Davidson series which she also reads. I found myself thinking I was listening to Charley and Reyes half the time.
My book boyfriend Jared.

 
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Night Owl (The Night Owl Trilogy #1) by M. Pierce

Night Owl  (The Night Owl Trilogy #1) by M. Pierce
 
This is an adult contemporary romance/erotica novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Lost Boy Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Love is unstoppable...

At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers -- all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.

At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano has a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.

Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent...

Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah.

Hannah's picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that's passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable.
 
 
My Review
 

WOW and WOW. What a book. I recommend this one and I must say I was happy to have read it. This book grabbed me with the first line and didn’t let me go.
Some of the best things about this book come from Matt’s POV. He’s not only a believable character; he’s an interesting one too. He was written in a way that you care about what happens to him despite his word choices (little inside joke for those who’ve read) and I can’t tell you anything else without giving away spoilers. But you care.
His voice also feels authentically male which isn’t always the case by other authors. Which is why some speculate the identity of the author of the book might also be male. And isn’t ingenious how this author’s pen name matches with Matt’s pen name. And why Matt’s readers also don’t know whether he is male or female.
But I digress. As much as I loved the story, I did have some minor problems with it. I wasn’t at all enamored with some of Matt’s word choices at particularly during certain interesting moments. And I found it hard to believe that Hannah didn’t even ponder it. She accepted it without question. (Sorry for my cryptic talk for those who haven’t read. I don’t want to spoil anything for you.)
Women in general analyze even over analyze situations especially the romantic variety. While all women aren’t the same, in a book, if an author deviates from general mainstream characteristics, they typically give us reasons why this character is different. I didn’t feel we got that with Hannah. Thus, I felt her POVs sometimes feel a little bit flat and maybe even unbelievable at times.
However, maybe Matt’s POV just over shadows Hannah’s.
One other note, while reading I had a strong impression that the author decided with the success of FSOG, he or she would push the limits to what reader’s might accept. While I don’t feel in any way this book is a carbon copy like say (Bared to You, *coughs*), I do feel like there were influences in pushing the envelope.
Still, overall, I did thoroughly enjoy the book and look forward to the next book in the series.
My book boyfriend is Matt.
 

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Death, Doom and Detention (Darklight #2) by Darynda Jones

Death, Doom and Detention  (Darklight #2) by Darynda Jones
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Death Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
The normal part of Lorelei MacAlister’s life didn’t just slip away quietly the day Jared Kovach came to town. Nope. The normal part of her life shattered. It exploded. It burst into a gazillion shards of fleeting light.

It went out with a bang.

Goodbye normal.

Hello dark and eerie.

While her best friend, Brooklyn, is focusing all of her energy on helping Lorelei hone her abilities, Lorelei is dealing with the reality that Satan’s second in command has taken up residence inside her body. Oh, and the fact that she has a crush on the Angel of Death. But what a beautiful death it is. If those weren’t bad enough, something sinister has come to town and it wants nothing more than to hear Lorelei’s dying breath as it strangles it out of her. Thank goodness the gang has a supernatural champion. But what happens when the only being who can save them switches sides midstream? How can a group of misfits capture one of the most powerful beings ever created? And will they find out how to bring Jared back to them before it’s too late?
 
My Review
 
As much as I love this author, for me this series didn’t live up to my expectations. And no, I’m not an adult fan who only picked up the YA series because I love the author. I actually read a large amount of YA. Thus, I tried to base this series on its own merits.
The problem is the characters might as well be Charley and Reyes from the author’s adult series aptly named the Charley Davidson series. This YA series lead characters read like those two leads with different names and back stories. I’m trying to say, their voice (not narrator’s voice btw) is so similar, I don’t feel any originality.
The world building is neat but is also comparable to the other series. I almost wish she’d written Charley as a YA. I might have been able to appreciate more.
And furthermore, the laughs were few and far between. And the romance with should have held much angst fell flat for two characters who are so attracted to each other.
Still, this author’s disappointing work is far better than some author’s best work (Lauren Kate’s Luce series, *coughs*) And I was still engaged in the story and it’s outcome.
Overall, if you like YA paranormal fantasy or romance, give this series a shot.
Audio Review
Lorelei King is a fabulous narrator. She knows how to deliver a line to get the most out of it. However, because the characters in this book are so similar to the leads in the Charley Davidson series which she also reads. I found myself thinking I was listening to Charley and Reyes half the time.
My book boyfriend Jared.

 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Rises  (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews
 
This is an adult urban fantasy (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Drama filled Hearts)

 
Book Summary
 
Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…
 
 
My Review
A lot happens in this story. There is romance angst with a heavy dose of drama. It’s very interesting to read to see it all unfold.
The action is lacking in this one, but there is enough with the drama to keep you more than entertained. We also learn more and some new world building is intertwined.
New characters are introduced that lead you to wonder what will happen in the new book. The sad thing, we say goodbye to some characters as well.
Overall, I really like this series. If you love urban fantasy, add this one to your TBR and don’t wait to read.
My book boyfriend Curran.

 
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Monday, December 9, 2013

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews


Magic Slays  (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews
 
This is an adult urban fantasy novel. (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥
(Four Curran Hearts)


Book Summary

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price . . .



My Review

Unfortunately, this book was forgettable for me. I can’t remember much. I had to replay part of the narration to remind myself what happened. And when I did, I remembered. It’s a shame. This was a pretty important book.
A lot happens in the story with many characters. Kate and her readers learn more about her history and connection to other parts of her family history.
The writing is good. Maybe it’s that there isn’t any more relationship turmoil. That’s a shame because early on, the series didn’t hang on that. I don’t regret reading, but I this book was unforgettable.
Overall, I will say that I will still recommend to others to read. I read far too much that it takes a remarkable story to compete with all the books in my head.
Audio Review
Renee Raudman does a solid job with the narration.
My book boyfriend Curran.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians #4) by Dianne Duvall

Darkness Rises  (Immortal Guardians #4) by Dianne Duvall
 
This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Kick Ass Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her "special abilities" aren't much, but the plan is simple--she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it's bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He's a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years--long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can't stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she's exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He'll have to accept Krysta's help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher. . .
 
 
My Review 

For those that have yet to read this series, let me give you a bit of an insight. These are vampires reinvented and no they don’t sparkle lol (that joke never gets old). Vampires are bad. And although these immortal guardians resemble traditional vampires (in lore) they aren’t.
This series is also not a standalone. Much like J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, each book features a character and his or her relationship, however, the story continues to evolve. And as such, we don’t lose are favorite characters, they just aren’t the main focus of the next book. So I love that she continues to integrate old and new characters as the series continues.
Even though this book has romance, it has a well thought out story/world building and kick ass action.
This story focuses on Étienne. I’m happy he got his story. I won’t give spoilers. I will say that we have kick ass females and males alike in this one.
I also like that we learned more. And specifically more about Zack. I wonder if he and Lisette are destined but then who will Sean end up with. Questions, questions.
I hate that it will be another year until the next book. But at the same time, each book has been great. Better the author takes her time and gives us another great book, than rush and give us something not so great.
Overall, awesome. If you haven't started this series and love paranormal, it's a must.
Audio Review
Kirsten Potter does an amazing job. She continues to use the voices of the character without changing them. Her accents are great. I don’t think I could listen to this book if she wasn’t the narrator.
My book boyfriend Étienne.

 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Wallbanger (Cocktail #1) by Alice Clayton

Wallbanger  (Cocktail #1) by Alice Clayton
 
This is an adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥
(Three Wallbanging Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Caroline Reynolds has a fantastic new apartment in San Francisco, a KitchenAid mixer, and no O (and we’re not talking Oprah here, folks). She has a flourishing design career, an office overlooking the bay, a killer zucchini bread recipe, and no O. She has Clive (the best cat ever), great friends, a great rack, and no O.

Adding insult to O-less, since her move, she has an oversexed neighbor with the loudest late-night wallbanging she’s ever heard. Each moan, spank, and–was that a meow?–punctuates the fact that not only is she losing sleep, she still has, yep, you guessed it, no O.

Enter Simon Parker. (No, really, Simon, please enter.) When the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. Their late-night hallway encounter has, well, mixed results. Ahem. With walls this thin, the tension’s gonna be thick…

In her third novel, Alice Clayton returns to dish her trademark mix of silly and steamy. Banter, barbs, and strutting pussycats, plus the sexiest apple pie ever made, are dunked in a hot tub and set against the gorgeous San Francisco skyline in this hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight.
 
 
 
My Review
 
 
It’s been a while since I read this one. And I waited and waited to read because I’ve been burned in the past by jumping on the band wagon. I enjoy funny books. This wasn’t one of them for me. While I saw (heard) what was supposed to be funny, I found myself doing heavy eye rolling. It wasn’t until the 89% that I actually really laughed out loud to the point of peeing on myself. Other than that, meh!
The story was entirely toooo slow.
SPOILERS ~ be warned
What had me interested was how she was going to fall for Simon her neighbor. I’m sorry, but I don’t think I would be so turned on by a guy banging a new girl every night. So I listened on even when I wanted to give up because I was curious how this author would change my mind. Well, she eventually did. However, I thought there were many parts along the way, too redundant, and the romance dragged out far too long for the story to be a five star read. There was just nothing of substance to keep them apart that long.
And then there was the predictability.
For me it was the cat that stole the show. He made the book worth listening to. His behavior with his beloved on the wall almost had me laughing.
END of SPOILERS
Overall, it wasn’t for me. Not every book is for every person. I thought the writing (technically speaking) was pretty good. I just thought the story could have been edited down to keep the reader engaged. I also thought the humor was so over the top that it wasn’t funny and somewhat unbelievable. And not the cast of characters in Simon’s bed. I thought that was pretty good.
However, this book may be perfect for you. So don't let my review stop you from reading.
Audio Review
Heather Smith was AWESOME as narrator. If not for her, I might have given up the book. Her narration was spot on.
My book boyfriend Simon.

 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.