Friday, February 28, 2014

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger

Etiquette & Espionage  (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger
 
This is a young adult steampunk novel (Rated G)
 
 ♥♥♥
(Three Boring Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.
 
 
My Review

Let me just say I was disappointed with this one on so many levels. And no, it wasn’t because this was YA. I enjoy YA. So I wasn’t looking for an Alexia type story.
However, I wasn’t sure on the timeline where this story took place in relation to the Alexia series. I think before, but I’m still not sure.
The characters in this series just weren’t as interesting as the full of life characters in the Alexia series. This book was a yawner.
And Sophronia acts like any 14 yr old girl I’ve ever met. She doesn’t seem to have any of the “teen” issues. Her only concern in this story is to solve some mystery. And unfortunately, the mystery isn’t all that intriguing. While romance doesn’t have to be a major part of the story, I do expect a 14 yr to think and act like one. Or it be noted that she’s different like are wolf girl in the story. I won’t give names.
Anyway, the story gets lost. And never found. I’m not sure I will continue. In fact, probably not. This story read more like a middle grade book. And I’m not into MG. I’ll read YA, but not that young. And had the mystery or characters caught me, I might have been able to continue.
Audio Review
Moria Quirk does an excellent job. I almost though she was the same narrator from the author’s other series.
My book boyfriend is Soap. (unfortunately, this matches the story more than a hot guy pic)

View all my reviews

*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, February 27, 2014

Up From the Grave (Night Huntress #7) by Jeaniene Frost

Up From the Grave  (Night Huntress #7) by Jeaniene Frost
 
This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a half Sad Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
There’s always one more grave to dig.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.
 
 
My Review

Again another series ender that didn’t live up to the series as a whole. It wasn’t the worst series ender, but certainly I expected a whole lot more.
First let me say that the time between this book and the last was far too long to appreciate this installment. I just felt lost in this world. I didn’t remember all that happened in previous books as well. And honestly, I’m not a fan of the Vlad series. I wish she would have done this ender before that series.
Anyway, the plot felt forced. And if it wasn’t for Ian in the story, I may have rated this one of the worst series ever. Ian had me laughing throughout.
SPOILERS
When I read the prologue or first chapter with Katie from her POV, I knew who she was. So when Cat found out, I was disappointed that no one asked who the father was. I was frustrated wondering why that was overlooked, until chapters later when Ian asked the obvious question. At that point Kat revealed she’d asked however we hadn’t been privy until then. And honestly, I was taken out the story wondering if I missed something until that point. I wish that was asked earlier. Plus, I didn’t think that particular plot twist was necessary.
Personally, I with some other readers. I wish there had been more between Cat and Bones. I missed the romance that brought this series together in the beginning. I also think going to Vlad’s wedding was unnecessary part of the story.
Slade’s wife part in the story made everything predictable as well. I knew when it was her.
Anyway, I wanted to love this book and I didn’t.
I will always recommend this series, but this installment read like the author had already checked out when forced to write it.
Audio Review
Tavia Gilbert does an excellent job as she’s done with the entire series.
My book boyfriend Ian.


View all my reviews

*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.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Daylighters (The Morganville Vampires #15) by Rachel Caine

Daylighters (The Morganville Vampires #15) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Daylighters Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
While Morganville, Texas, is often a troubled town, Claire Danvers and her friends are looking forward to coming home. But the Morganville they return to isn’t the one they know; it’s become a different place—a deadly one…

Something drastic has happened in Morganville while Claire and her friends were away. The town looks cleaner and happier than they’ve ever seen it before, but when their incoming group is arrested and separated—vampires from humans—they realize that the changes definitely aren’t for the better.

It seems that an organization called the Daylight Foundation has offered the population of Morganville something they’ve never had: hope of a vampire-free future. And while it sounds like salvation—even for the vampires themselves—the truth is far more sinister and deadly.

Now, Claire, Shane and Eve need to find a way to break their friends out of Daylighter custody, before the vampires of Morganville meet their untimely end.
 

My Review
 
I can’t say that this was the best series ender I’ve read. However, I will say it wasn’t the worst.
Okay, danger is ever present. And since this was the end of the book, I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out. Ultimately, I will say I was bummed that is was quite predictable. And I wasn’t thrilled with how things turned out with Michael. Again, predictable.
As much as I loved Myrin, I thought his end was forced. The set up happens in the previous book. SPOILER. Out of nowhere a vampire is created as his “long” lost love interest. REALLY? However, I’m glad he and Claire didn’t end up together.
SPOILER
I’m really surprised that she killed off a couple of characters. Although they weren’t one of the four or say seven, they were still decent characters that didn’t seem to deserve their fate.
However, overall, we got a rounded out story that included all the players (the seven – Claire, Shane, Michael, Eve, Amelie, Oliver, Myrin) and we got some characters from previous books as well. It’s almost like the last episode of a sitcom. Everyone was brought in to remind you of all the important people in the story.
Anyway, a decent series ender. I won’t complain more.
Audio Review
Angela Dawe continues to do a good job with this series. I will say I miss Cynthia Holloway.
My book boyfriend is sweet Shane.
 
View all my reviews

*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, February 25, 2014

Fall of Night (The Morganville Vampires #14) by Rachel Caine

Fall of Night (The Morganville Vampires #14) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
♥♥♥♥
(Four Crazy Hearts) 
 
 
Book Summary
 
Thanks to its unique combination of human and vampire residents, Morganville, Texas, is a small college town with big-time problems. When student Claire Danvers gets the chance to experience life on the outside, she takes it. But Morganville isn’t the only town with vampire trouble...

Claire never thought she’d leave Morganville, but when she gets accepted into the graduate program at MIT, she can’t pass up the opportunity. Saying good-bye to her friends is bittersweet, especially since things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane.

Her new life at MIT is scary and exciting, but Morganville is never really far from Claire’s mind. Enrolled in a special advanced study program with Professor Irene Anderson, a former Morganville native, Claire is able to work on her machine, which is designed to cancel the mental abilities of vampires.

But when she begins testing her machine on live subjects, things quickly spiral out of control, and Claire starts to wonder whether leaving Morganville was the last mistake she’ll ever make...
 
 
My Review
 
This installment is what happens in most series that are longer than three books. But even then, a lot of times this happens. What? You asked. We are taken out of the place where the story began and happened and into a new setting with new people. New world building.
It’s always hard when that happens because all the people we’ve come to love and hate are gone and new people are brought in. And so, it’s a slow start. And honestly, all the world building in those first many pages was for not. Characters I wished to know, I didn’t get to. And others I would hate by the time this book and the next are done.
However, once we are reunited with the gang, things get a whole lot better. The story begins to move and I’m able to enjoy.
Claire stands up for herself in this one and Shane makes up for what he did in the last book.
<u>Audio Review</u>
Angela Dawe continues to do a good job with this series. I will say I miss Cynthia Holloway.
My book boyfriend is Shane.
 

View all my reviews

*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.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Bitter Blood (The Morganville Vampires #13) by Rachel Caine

Bitter Blood  (The Morganville Vampires #13) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
♥♥♥♥
(Four Bitter Hearts) 
 
 
Book Summary
 
For years, the human and vampire residents of Morganville, Texas, have managed to co-exist in peace. But now that the threat to the vampires has been defeated, the human residents are learning that the gravest danger they face is the enemy within…

Thanks to the eradication of the parasitic creatures known as the draug, the vampires of Morganville have been freed of their usual constraints. With the vampires indulging their every whim, the town’s human population is determined to hold on to their lives by taking up arms. But college student Claire Danvers isn’t about to take sides, considering she has ties to both the humans and the vampires.

To make matters worse, a television show comes to Morganville looking for ghosts, just as vampire and human politics collide. Now, Claire and her friends have to figure out how to keep the peace without ending up on the nightly news… or worse.
 
 
My Review
 
Well, it’s just too darn bad that this series is ending soon. I’m finally getting into it. A lot happens in this book, a lot of drama.
Monica is bad on the scene and for a while there, I thought sure she might cause complications between Claire and Shane.
The tv crew that shows up on the scene however is a plot hole of sorts. This storyline gets lost and barely surfaces until the end.
I was really upset with Claire about something that happened with Myrin. But I was more upset about how Shane reacts to something Michael does. And I almost applause that one because I felt there was tension that is now relieved since Michael did what he did. I always wondered what those two would be like. Okay that’s all cryptic unless you’ve read the book.
Anyway, I’m excited about the next one.
Audio Review
Angela Dawe continues to do a good job with this series. I will say I miss Cynthia Holloway.
It’s tough to choose a book boyfriend but I’ll go with Michael because his actions weren’t his own.


View all my reviews

*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.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Masked (New World #2) by Janelle Stalder ~ Blog Tour ~ GIVEAWAY ~ Excerpt

Masked  (New World #2) by Janelle Stalder
 
This is a new adult dystopian romance (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Roman Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.

New Berlin, 2040. Rebels prepare to fight against the New World Order, bent on bringing down the world’s greatest tyrant. One girl wanted nothing to do with it, content to keep her head down and make the best of this new world. That is, until she has no choice but to work with the rebels and infiltrate the NWO headquarters. Every moment she spends there puts her in danger, especially when one man, the second in command to the New World leader, continues to make his way into her every thought. She must stay focused and protect not just her mind and body, but also her heart. Will she be able to complete her task without being unmasked? Or will the one man standing in her way ruin it all?
 
 
My Review
 
We step into the story almost from the point Switch ended. Bridgette, the pretty dancer by trade, isn’t as mousy as we think. She’s smart and no wallflower.
One of the things I love most about this series is that even though the focus of the story has changed to a new pair of characters, we don’t lose the characters in the first book. The story is written as a continuation of the last story just from another “POV” so to speak. Pete and Charlotte are still involved and we get more answers to our burning questions.
And of course, Roman. While I loved Pete, it was love at first sight for me and Roman. And secretly while I hoped he and Charlotte would have gotten together, I’m not displeased with his choice.
For dystopian lovers, you must pick this one up. It’s New Adult. So it has more sexy moments than YA but not as many as could be in Adult.
My book boyfriend Roman.



Giveaway sponsored by Author/Publisher 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE


5 years later…

New Berlin, 2040
 

Bridgette pressed her back against the door, her breath quick, heart pounding. Smooth, Bridge. Real smooth, she thought. Footsteps stopped just outside the door. She could hear his breathing through the wood. Bridgette bit her lip beneath the mask she now wore, waiting for what would happen next.
            “Lottey?” he called out. There was a small thump from the other side, and when he spoke again his voice sounded closer and slightly muffled, like he was resting his forehead against the door. “Look, I know you’re mad at me, and you have every right to be,” he started.
            Charlotte was mad at him? A sliver of hope spread through her chest. If her sister was mad at him, it would make Bridgette’s job a heck of a lot easier. Roman Adamson was not only the second in command of the New World order, but he also happened to be the sexiest man Bridgette had ever seen. It made coherent thought difficult around him, and right now she needed all her wits on full alert. If she was going to pull off this disguise of her younger sister, Charlotte, who she had discovered was still alive, she couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. Especially around the man standing outside her room. Well, Charlotte’s room, but for now it was hers.
            What I have gotten myself into? She asked herself for the millionth time since she’d agreed to do this. If it hadn’t been for the fact that her evil, sadistic father was holding her sister captive, there was no way Bridgette would have been doing anything to help the rebels. She’d long ago decided to make the best out of the new life she’d been forced to live, and that meant no involvement with the group of men set on destroying the new government. Considering her father was their leader, she definitely hadn’t wanted any part in this. But once again life had thrown her a curveball in the form of her sister, and she was forced to play along. At least until she planted the bomb.
            Her back felt sticky with sweat beneath the fabric of the uniform she wore. All she wanted to do was strip out of it, pull off the mask her sister had been wearing for the last five years – how Charlotte had stood it, she had no idea – and take off the boots that were a size too small and pinching the crap out of her toes. Instead she had to deal with Roman, who had caught her in the hall. And of course, Bridgette had done the first thing that had come to mind, which happened to be to turn and run like an idiot, locking herself inside this room.
            Again, real smooth, Bridge. Shut up, she told herself. What else could she have done? Stood there and had a conversation with him? Sure, eventually she’d have no choice. She just wasn’t expecting to have to do it within her first ten minutes of being in the headquarters.
            “I know you’ll probably never forgive me,” Roman was saying. Forgive him for what? She wondered. What had he done to her sister? Anger simmered inside her. No one hurt her sister. “Just, please know that I truly am sorry if I’ve messed things up for you. It’s the last thing I would ever want.”
            Her entire body stilled at the remorse she heard in his voice. Did Roman have feelings for Charlotte? Why did that make her feel sick just thinking about it? No, there was no way. Charlotte was in love with Bridgette’s best friend, Pete McKay. She hadn’t said as much, but you’d have to be blind not to see it when they looked at each other. She had no doubt Pete was working to find Charlotte even now. At least, she hoped he was. The longer Charlotte stayed with their dad, the greater the chance she’d get hurt. Her sister did not know how to shut her mouth, and their father had zero patience.
            Bridgette shuddered at the thought of how her sister had looked the last time she had seen her – beaten and bloody, their father standing to the side watching it all. She needed to accomplish what she was here to do – fast. Then she needed to get back to her sister and away from all of this.
            “Look, I know you don’t want to see me right now,” Roman said, jarring her back to the situation at hand, “but Ludwig’s been looking for us both. I told him you weren’t feeling well, but I can’t put him off any longer. I need you to come with me to his office.”
            Crap. Crap, crap, crap. Roman was bad enough, but Ludwig? That was just a disaster waiting to happen. Bridgette was terrified of the New World leader, who was responsible for destroying more than half the world’s population with his bombs and war. What if he saw through her right away? Charlotte had been in their camp for five years. Long enough for them to recognize all her little quirks and know if things seemed “off”. Bridgette needed to bring her A-game, and she wasn’t quite sure if she even had one.
            Taking a deep breath, she stepped back from the door, wincing at the pain in her feet. The first thing she was going to do tomorrow was demand new boots. She didn’t care if it looked odd that her feet had gone up a size overnight, there was no way she was walking around in these boots for the next couple of weeks. She was there to plant a bomb when the arms dealers came to visit, which meant she’d have to play Charlotte for quite a while yet. Her feet were not going to survive.
            She opened the door slowly, readying herself for the next step in this ridiculous plot. Her plan had been to practice her voice and mannerisms tonight, so she was ready tomorrow, but it looked like there wouldn’t be time for that. Thankfully Bridgette had a good ear for tone. It probably had a lot to do with her vocal training. She knew how Charlotte spoke. It was softer, smoother than her own voice. Bridgette always spoke a little huskier than her younger sister, but she had faith in herself that she’d be able to pull this off.
            As soon as her eyes met Roman’s, all the breath left her. All thoughts of courage disappeared under his stare. He was just so handsome. His eyes were a deep blue, his skin a flawless bronze, dark hair flowed to his shoulders. Shoulders that were massive and intimidating, and yet she wanted to be snuggled into them with those thick arms wrapped around her.
            Snap out of it! She scolded herself. Her eyes had been making their own journey down the front of him. She shot them back up to look at his face, thankful for the first time that she wore a mask to hide the flush on her cheeks. He was watching her too, closely enough to cause the flush to spread down the rest of her body.
            He thinks you’re Charlotte, she reminded herself. Was his look one of lust, or concern for whatever he’d done to her? She couldn’t tell. Bridgette motioned with her head for him to lead the way, not trusting her voice just yet. The silent treatment – the most effective weapon of women to be used against men when they were pissed. She was going to use it to her full advantage.
            He sighed loudly, his shoulders drooping a bit. Then he spun around and started down the hall. Bridgette hurried to keep up. She had no idea where Ludwig’s office was in this building, so she couldn’t afford to get left behind. They walked in silence, with her just a bit behind him. She tried her best, but her eyes kept looking to him, watching the way his body moved as he walked. Every step was controlled, purposeful. Every shift in his muscles screamed of strength and power. She’d never met a man quite like him. He demanded respect and attention. Well, he certainly had hers, and that wasn’t good.
            Finally they came to a set of double doors. Roman opened them, standing back to let her enter first. She kept her gaze away from his as she walked by. The heat off his body had her swaying a bit, but she forced herself to keep going.
            The room was dark, and clearly a man’s domain. There was nothing feminine about the deep, burgundy walls, leather chairs, and large, wooden desk. Standing in front of floor-to-ceiling windows was her biggest obstacle yet, Ludwig Tennebris. Crap, crap, crap. She stopped just inside, watching him as the prey watches a predator. Roman was scary, but Ludwig, he was terrifying. He didn’t give off the same sort of strength that Roman did. His was more an aura of unpredictability; a man who could and would do anything and everything at any moment. She didn’t like men like him. She liked to know what to expect, and she doubted that would ever be the case with the New World leader.
            His eyes swung to hers, his blonde hair messy, probably from running his hands through it. She could tell he was agitated, which didn’t bode well for her.
            “Finally,” he said, stepping closer to her. The desk remained between them, a fact she was thankful for. “How are you feeling, Di?”
            Bridgette paused for a second. She had forgotten that most of the New World soldiers thought Charlotte’s name was Dinah. It made her wonder why Roman called her Lottey. It also shocked her that Ludwig had asked how she was. If she was being honest, she wasn’t expecting that. From the look of him, she had thought he was going to start yelling, not look genuinely concerned for her.
            “Better,” she answered.
            He nodded, taking a seat behind his desk. “Good,” he said. “A lot has happened, or hasn’t happened would be more accurate,” he continued. Rubbing a hand down his face, he leaned back in his chair, his mouth set in a thin line. “Those rebels you’ve been watching, did they ever mention anything about a traitor in their ranks?”
            Bridgette shook her head. “Not that I heard,” she said, changing her voice.
            “Well someone tipped them off tonight. When my men got to that church, the whole place had been cleared out.”
            Charlotte must have warned them, Bridgette thought. Ludwig didn’t seem to suspect her at all. How much did he trust her sister? Roman stepped forward so he was no longer in her peripheral vision.
            “Could they have someone on the inside here?” Ludwig said.
            Her heart rate kicked into high gear.
            “I highly doubt it,” Roman said immediately. “Our men are loyal. Perhaps it was your inside man. Could he be playing both sides?”
            Bridgette breathed a sigh of relief. Did Roman know about her sister’s relationship with McKay? His denial had come quickly; making her wonder if he was protecting Charlotte from Ludwig’s suspicion.
            Ludwig rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “We’ll have to interrogate him and see, I suppose.” His head turned to her. “Have you had any contact from the rebels you’ve been watching?”
            She shook her head. “They’re gone as well,” she said. At least she hoped they were. If McKay and the gang were smart, they would be far away from New Berlin. She had a pretty good intuition that Ludwig and his men were going to tear the eastern ghetto apart looking for them.
            His lips pressed together. “Did you ever break through their walls?”
            She shook her head again.
            He let out a long breath. “I’m disappointed, but at least that means you can stop going out. I didn’t like you being in the lower’s section. Stay around headquarters until we figure out where they are. I’m worried they might have figured out who you were, and realized it was only a matter of time before I found them.”
            They definitely knew who Charlotte was now, she thought wryly.
            “We need to find these rats and get rid of them once and for all,” Ludwig continued. “I can’t have them running around out there causing trouble when our dealers are coming to town. We need this problem taken care of.” His eyes focused on Roman.
            His second in command nodded in understanding. “We’ll find them,” Roman said.
            “You’d better.” Ludwig’s eyes went back to Bridgette, dropping down the front of her body and up again. A small smile played on his lips as amusement danced in his eyes. “Have you gained weight, Di?”
            Her whole body stiffened. This was exactly what she’d been afraid of. When people have been around each other for long periods of time, they would be more likely to notice slight changes. What the hell was she supposed to say now?
            “You did not just say that,” Roman said. Bridgette turned to look at him. Bad idea. Looking at him just made maintaining her charade harder. She still remembered the last time they were together when she was still working at the Red Lounge. “Do I make you nervous, Bridgette?” he had asked. The answer was, then and now, a resounding yes. Having to hide that fact from him was probably going to be the hardest thing about this entire mission.
            “What?” Ludwig said with a laugh. “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. She’s just looking more – curvy. It must be that lower section diet. Pub food looks good on you.” He gave her a playful wink. She was being teased by Ludwig-friggin-Tennebris. This was surreal.
            “Never talk about a lady’s weight,” Roman said. Bridgette glanced at him and saw that he was smiling too.
            Time to play this right, she thought. From now on she was going to live by the code – W.W.C.D. What Would Charlotte Do. Bridgette flipped them both off, stopping herself from cringing at the rude gesture, and turned to leave, calling over her shoulder, “I’m going to bed,” and quickly walked out of the room. Their laughter followed her out.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013. The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.

Upcoming Projects:

Tested (Book Three, New World Series) – Spring 2014

Elysium (YA Fantasy Spin-off of the Eden Series) – Summer/Fall 2014
 

Author Contact Information:

Facebook: Janelle Stalder

Twitter: @jmstalder


Email: jmstalder@gmail.com
View all my reviews

*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.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine

Black Dawn  (The Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
♥♥♥♥
(Four Morganville Hearts) 
 
 
Book Summary
 
With its eclectic mix of vampire and human citizens, Morganville, Texas, has always been a risky place to call home. But with the invasion of the vampire’s deadliest enemy, Morganville isn’t just in danger—it’s dying…  Ever since the draug—mysterious creatures that prey on vampires—took over Morganville, the lives of student Claire Danvers and her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the town’s residents have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael have chosen to stay and fight. Using the city’s water system to spread, the draug have rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since vampire Amelie—the town founder—has been infected by the master draug’s bite.

Now, if Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks like Morganville will become little more than a ghost town…
 
 
 My Review
 
Okay, I heart Shane and Michael and at times confused which I like more. I digress. This installment took a predictable turn. Add that to the romance interruptions and I almost got annoyed. I hate interruptions as a way to stop romance.  It super annoying when the characters are on the verge of sex, the author has someone knock, call out, phone ring, just so it doesn’t happen. In real life, most would deal with the interruption and get back to things. Okay, done with rant.
It was also easy to know that certain characters wouldn’t die. Thus, at those crucial moments, I didn’t fear. And the most predictable moment of all was Naomi.
Still, it was an action packed and fun witted installment with the gang and I look forward to the next book.
Audio Review
Angela Dawes took over the read. And while she did a good job, it took a little bit to get used to. Especially the voice of Myrin.
My book boyfriend is Shane.

 
View all my reviews

*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, February 18, 2014

TRAGIC DESIRES by A.M. Hargrove ~ GIVEAWAY & Release Day Blitz


TRAGIC DESIRES by A.M. Hargrove

February 2014


 
BOOK BLURB:  
 
My name is Gemini Sheridan. At least that’s what I thought it was for 23 years. Then one day a slight adjustment on the wheel of my mountain bike set into motion a series of catastrophic events that changed my life forever. Now I’m running from the headaches that threaten to destroy me… from the assassins that threaten to kill me… from the truth that exposes who I really am… and from the man that wants to save me. Because he now owns my heart and I fear him above all others.  
 
My name is Drexel Wolfe and I’m a private investigator. Nothing ever stands in the way of what I want because when I see something I just take it. All of that changed the night my life collided with Gemini Sheridan’s and now everything is one hot damn mess. And the worst part of it all is that I’m trying to save her ass and I don’t know why the hell I’m even bothering. Well, that’s not exactly true. Fact is, I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s crawled into every thought I own, asleep or awake. I have serious plans for her that include making her mine. What she doesn’t know is that when I play, I play for keeps. Nothing and no one will get in my way or stop me… not even Gemini Sheridan herself.

Buy Links:
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1bW95gU
B&N:   http://bit.ly/1eECzje
 



 
Giveaway sponsored by author/publisher
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
 
MEET THE AUTHOR:
 
 

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window.  She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job.  Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).
 
So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon series (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent and Beginnings); Dark Waltz and Tragically Flawed.
Other than being in love with writing about being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.
Author Links: