tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25694085937334525982023-11-15T05:34:44.637-08:00Strange BedfellowsPARANORMAL ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-58489519282653732012013-03-07T07:17:00.000-08:002013-03-07T07:17:10.664-08:00Tour Stop & Giveaway: Blood Flows Deep in the Empire<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the official blog tour for N. Isabelle Blanco's new book, <i>Blood Flows Deep in the Empire, </i>released today from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House. I'll be your host for today's tour stop as we explore this great new series and its talented author. We'll also have a giveaway for a free ebook! So, without further ado . . .</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE BOOK</b></span></div>
First I've got to say, way hot cover. Even if the premise hadn't caught my attention, the cover totally would have. Very yummy. As in, hot damn, gimme gimme.<br />
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Okay, now that's out of my system, let's talk books. Yummy cover dude aside, this book caught my attention because of the variety it presented. With vampires and werewolves essentially passé, and zombies too trendy (you may recall <a href="http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2012/12/lust-after-death.html">my thoughts</a> on that), what's a girl to read about? Well, how about gods? And not the tried if beloved concept of the Greek pantheon come to life, but rather a fresh, imaginative cast of beings with lots of power and sex appeal. Sounds good to me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/84"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Buy it now!</span></b></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://houseofmalfunction.com/?page_id=155"><i>Blood Flows Deep in the Empire</i></a> is the first book of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/N-Isabelle-Blanco/324909127570674">N. Isabelle Blanco</a>'s new Szolites series. It features Dyletri, a millennia-year old fertility god with an axe to grind. After lifetimes of fulfilling his function, he's finally found a woman to care about. But fate takes her away from him and leaves her soul to suffer in the afterlife. Then he is given the chance to save her, to have her reborn and returned to him. Fate offers him a deal: a human sacrifice in exchange for the love of his life. Now the time to fulfill his promise has come upon him, but it won't be that simple.<br />
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Ismini knows what Fate has in store for her. She even knows the face of the man who will trade her life for that of his beloved. It's a face she has dreaded–‒and longed for. It's insane to be attracted to the immortal god that plans on sacrificing her without a second thought, but her body won't listen to reason. She's going to lose her life, there's no stopping that, but can she get through her last days without losing her heart as well?<br />
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This story introduces what promises to be a hot, entertaining new series. The book jumps feet first into a world of strange beings with incredible powers and a strong dose of sexy goodness.<br />
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Dyletri is a thrill ride of a protagonist. He's vibrant with emotions, good and bad. He's hostile, impassioned, commanding–‒all in the best ways, I promise you. And Ismini compliments him wonderfully with her own strength and determination. Spicing things up is an entire crew of side characters, a mixed bag of superbeings that liven up the story and promise more fun in subsequent books. I was reminded of Gena Showalter's <a href="http://members.genashowalter.com/page/lords-of-the-underworld">Lords of the Underworld</a> series, and I think fans of Showalter's work would definitely enjoy this book.<br />
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I will say, reading this book was occasionally tricky. At times it felt a bit confused and hard to follow, especially as Blanco sets up the world and this strange new pantheon. Even still, the book was consistently engaging thanks to the intensity and drama than runs through the whole story. Between the overwhelming attraction between Dyletri and Ismini, the supernatural battle of good versus evil, and the genuine lure of Blanco's characters . . . this book packs a serious punch. I'll be keeping my eye on this series, hoping for more of this godly goodness.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE AUTHOR</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">N. Isabelle Blanco, the woman who would come to be known as “Nyddi,” was born in Queens, New York. By age three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she’d already begun to read and write. By the time she reached kindergarten, she was reading at a second-grade level, not to mention talking up a storm and showing off her extensive vocabulary. Her obsession with words and reading ended up bleeding into every aspect of her life. As she got older, romance novels took the reins of her obsession, leading her to devour every romance story she could find.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Thanks to the world of Japanese Anime, N. Isabelle was introduced to the wonderful universe of Fanfiction. She would come to write fanfics on and off again as a hobby for the next ten years, but it wasn’t until the Twilight phenomenon came along that she began dedicating hard hours to writing. For the next year and a half, she amassed a following that, by her own admission, she would never be able to live without. It is those fans that encouraged her to step beyond the fanfic realm and take her talent out into the publishing world.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">N. Isabelle’s first ebook novel, <i>Destructively Alluring</i>, came out in July of 2012, followed by <i>Addictive Lunacy</i> in September, and <i>Allure Magnified</i> in November of 2012. </span></span><i>Blood Flows Deep in the Empire</i> is Blanco's first full-length novel, and it's <a href="http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/84">available now from The Writer's Coffee Shop</a> in print and ebook formats. Put it on your TBR list because you don't want to miss out on this one.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>GIVEAWAY</b></span><br />
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Okay, now to the part that I'm sure you were all waiting for. Thanks to the kind folks at The Writer's Coffee Shop, I'm offering a free ebook copy of <i>BFDE</i> to one lucky winner. Just use the form below to enter:<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d12cd0/" id="rc-2d12cd0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This book was received courtesy of <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/">The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House</a> in exchange for an honest review.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-50474968191561770162013-02-28T16:52:00.000-08:002013-02-28T16:52:51.121-08:00Review of The Indigo Spell<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Razorbill, February 2013</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>The Indigo Spell</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Richelle Mead</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bloodlines #3</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven't read this book yet, you need to run out right now and buy it. Okay, sure, maybe you can wait around long enough to finish reading this review. But not a minute longer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Indigo Spell</i> is a real game-changer. Everything ratchets up a notch or two: Sydney's independence from the Alchemists and movement towards magic, the threat against Jill and our happy little group, and -- you better believe it -- the relationship between Sydney and Adrian. In no way has this series been uneventful, but by the end of <i>Indigo Spell</i>, the situation in Palm Springs reaches a sort of point of no return, especially for Sydney. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are few protagonists I enjoy as much as </span><a href="http://vampireacademy.wikia.com/wiki/Sydney_Sage" style="font-family: inherit;">Sydney Sage</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. For one, I love the brilliant, ultra-competent types of heroines that blaze a trail of efficiency through chaos; they give nerdy women a good name, and that's wonderful. But </span>Sydney<span style="font-family: inherit;"> specifically, is intriguing. Her character's progression from </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Blood Promise</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to the current book shows a remarkable degree of development, the kind that frankly isn't seen all that often. Her gradual shifts in worldview lend a fair amount of realism. And the thoroughness with which Mead has conceptualized her character makes it so much easier to identify and sympathize with her.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPrt9g-xt_g/US_4BnFwQYI/AAAAAAAAArY/QI69a8q5wv4/s1600/fieryheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPrt9g-xt_g/US_4BnFwQYI/AAAAAAAAArY/QI69a8q5wv4/s200/fieryheart.jpg" width="131" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So we have an exceptional protagonist. And then Mead further demonstrates her brilliance by pairing Sydney up with Adrian Ivashkov. We loved him in Vampire Academy, but we adore him in Bloodlines, am I right? Just as Sydney has expanded beyond her own boundaries, Adrian has become more than he was within the first series. Yes, he's always been profound with hints of heroism, but he's also been largely distant. <i>Indigo Spell</i> finally brings him to the forefront where he so rightly belongs. And fans will be very, very happy with where things go for him and Sydney in this book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next up will be <i><a href="http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/309174.html">The Fiery Heart</a></i>, slated to come out November 19. It will be a torturous wait, but I'm sure it will be worth it.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-29384480338702118612013-02-18T13:59:00.000-08:002013-02-19T13:05:43.208-08:00Review of Shadowflesh<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinspire Publishing, February 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Shadowflesh</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Shawn Martin</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Available February 28, 2013 from <a href="http://vinspirepublishing.com/index.html">Vinspire Publishing</a></b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: Lucida Calligraphy;">"</span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Calligraphy;">The feeling was so
complete, so enveloping, overtaking my entire existence. It was wrong. It was
dangerous. It was intoxicating. And I </span><span style="font-family: Lucida Calligraphy;">didn't</span><span style="font-family: Lucida Calligraphy;"> want it to go away.”</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.shadowflesh.com/">Shadowflesh</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is the debut novel from Shawn Martin and the first of a series that I predict will be a hit with readers, especially the young adult audience. With this book, Gothic romance meets the 21st century in a tale that's soulful, sweet, and kind of spooky.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Torn from her home and fighting bouts of suicidal depression, seventeen year old Aileen McCormick lands in the small coastal town of Redcliff, North Carolina. Her first day of school promises to be the worst day of her life - until she falls into the arms of Addison Wake. Addison's otherworldly charm and drop-dead gorgeous face leave Aileen breathless, but only for a moment. Grim and painful secrets lurk in his dark soul.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Addison Wake isn't exactly like other boys. Far from it. He's dead and has been for 300 years, locked in an ethereal prison by a lethal enchantress named Donelle. When she hungers, she blesses Addison's tortured spirit with moments of freedom, allowing him to roam the mortal world as Shadowflesh. But that dark blessing comes at a price. He must deliver the souls of five unsuspecting humans to Donelle.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>When four dead bodies pop up in Redcliff, Aileen asks herself is her love for the mysterious boy unconditional? Is the love worth the risk? And will she be the next victim?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved this book. Sure, it helped that I kept picturing <a href="http://alexpettyferweb.com/">Alex Pettyfer</a> as Addison, but I really enjoy Martin's style of writing, too. It's witty and holds just the right amount of sarcasm to be subtly funny. Best of all, it's laced with comments and tidbits that only a booknerd could appreciate. I giggled, I snickered, I high-fived the high school junior that lives in the back of my mind. It was a grand time, let me tell you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Martin writes a a very convincing "voice" of a troubled, teenage girl. Aileen is broody, righteous, and hostile -- which some disingenuous readers may try to say is off-putting. But having been a seventeen-year old girl once upon a time, this is precisely how I was at that age, and I loved the authenticity:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Public displays, whether they were of affection, religion, or executions, made me uncomfortable.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I read this and thought, <i>Holy shit, Shawn Martin read my diary! </i>I had so many high school flashbacks while reading this, I wanted to hide. The book perfectly captures the angst, horror, and humor of high school. But more than that, this story reminded of what it was like to be young(er) and caught up in fresh attraction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cue the handsome leading male, Addison Wake. Addison is a very romantic figure -- powerful, gallant, mysterious. Who hasn't dreamed of falling for someone like that? He's a well-conceived Gothic hero that dominates every scene he's in. And yet, he doesn't overwhelm Aileen's character or her standing at the story's main protagonist. There's a natural parity between them that keeps the story balanced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Besides Aileen and Addison, there's a colorful crew of characters that give this story breadth: an amusing little sister, a rather eccentric grandmother, and some delightful sidekicks, if you will. My personal favorite is Calvin, with his understated sexy-geek appeal. Very Joss-worthy is Calvin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then there's this goat . . . but you'll have to read it to find out about that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bringing it all together, we have vibrant characters, wit and sass, a classically romantic vibe . . . all this makes <i>Shadowflesh</i> a book worth reading. But what really makes this book stand out from others of its ilk is the intelligence behind the writing. The imagery is superb. Simple moments -- a lime green VW scooting past, Calvin removing his glasses, a guilt-inducing cupcake -- they come alive like high-def vignettes. Pages of story are conveyed in a single sentence. And that is the true mark of a successful story, if you ask me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Shadowflesh</i> comes out February 28, so don't miss it. There'll be five books in this series overall, and if the second book, <i>Forget-Me-Not</i>, is anything like the first, then you better believe I'll be following up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This book was received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-78703587142828302652013-02-14T17:20:00.002-08:002013-02-14T17:20:45.021-08:00Valentine's Day Read: Dating Cupid<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It's Valentine's Day, and what better to get you in the mood than a good romance novel? And if you're going to celebrate the love holiday, you might as well do so with a nice, paranormal twist. Here's what I'm reading this Valentine's Day:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><a href="http://www.evelanglais.com/excerpt/Cupid.htm">Dating Cupid</a></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Eve Langlais</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweet and sexy, this is a quick little love story that will make you smile.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tired of cheating men and false promises of love, Roxanne launches a campaign against Cupid’s Dating Service. But it’s hard to smear a company when you’ve got the hots for the owner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maverick Eros is more than the CEO of CDS, he’s Cupid himself. However, forget the media images of a chubby diapered cherub because the god of love is actually six feet plus of yummy, muscled male.</span></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18.99305534362793px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When they meet, sparks fly--the lusty kind--but they both know from experience, love hurts. In the end though, they’ll learn that love will have its way with them with or without the aid of Cupid’s arrow.</span></span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-55344852897804564432013-02-12T13:09:00.000-08:002013-02-12T13:13:48.302-08:00Review of Mine to Chase<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-988xaXMxSc0/URqrOP829aI/AAAAAAAAAp8/gjnBMwQ1CBE/s1600/minetochase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-988xaXMxSc0/URqrOP829aI/AAAAAAAAAp8/gjnBMwQ1CBE/s320/minetochase.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellora's Cave, January 2013</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Mine to Chase</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Laurann Dohner</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">available now from Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I first discovered <a href="http://www.lauranndohner.com/">Laurann Dohner</a> this last summer, and I totally glommed every one of her books I could get a my hands. So, naturally, I was thrilled to see a new release from her. <i><a href="http://www.ellorascave.com/mine-to-chase.html">Mine to Chase</a></i> follows up on Dohner's short story</span>, "Scarred and Kilt", <span style="font-family: inherit;">in the <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Wicked-Comes-Volume-ebook/dp/B007L4T4LO/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359144250&sr=1-5&keywords=something+wicked+this+way+comes">Something Wicked This Way Comes Volume 2</a></i> anthology, though it isn't imperative that you read that story first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><i>Jasmine met the guy of her dreams and lost him. She’s spent a year filled with lustful fantasies and soul-deep yearning for a man who didn’t want her. Now she is locked away in a dark hole, kidnapped by a madman, her life almost over. She’ll never know what could have been, if only he’d felt the same. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><i>She was supposed to be his but Chase walked away. To protect her from his world. He’s a mixed-breed—vampire and werewolf—and his list of enemies is endless. His mission is to hunt down and kill a rogue vampire who’s preying on humans, but what he finds changes everything. She’s one of the victims. Instinct demands he protect her, possess her. He won’t be denied again. Everything Jasmine thinks she knew is about to change. This time he’s keeping her.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, I didn't enjoy <i>Mine to Chase</i> as much as I hoped I would. I pains me to give this a less than favorable review, it really does. But, well . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This book has many of the characteristics that I love about this author's work, but the overall product didn't come together well. Things started strong with an immediate jump into the story -- something Dohner is quite good at. Then things just sort of drifted for a while, loosing oomph with each scene. Ultimately the story perked up towards the end, but not enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't lost faith in this new favorite author of mine, but this particular book is not one I'll be revisiting. There will be an <a href="http://lauranndohner.blogspot.com/2013/01/mine-to-chase-is-out-and-some-related.html">additional book coming out featuring Lethal</a>, a side character from <i>Mine to Chase</i>. So maybe I'll like that one better.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-90234443142563205622013-02-11T12:36:00.000-08:002013-02-11T12:36:57.422-08:00Review of How to Seduce an Angel in 10 Days<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXgQXaGkOTQ/URlTfuQMDhI/AAAAAAAAApA/awNeiSffK7g/s1600/HowToSeduceAnAngel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXgQXaGkOTQ/URlTfuQMDhI/AAAAAAAAApA/awNeiSffK7g/s1600/HowToSeduceAnAngel.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kensington</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>How to Seduce An Angel in 10 Days</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Saranna DeWylde</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>10 Days #3</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Available February 26, 2013</b></span><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Drusilla “Tally” Tallow does. Both fallen and otherwise because she’s got ten days of Heavenly and Infernal Parole after knocking Falcon Cherrywood from his broom. All she wanted was to settle down with a nice warlock, have babies, and grow old together. But she’s got a bad habit of falling for the wrong warlock. She blames Cupid. Too bad her Heavenly Parole Officer is none other than the heart bandit himself—the newly appointed Cupid and current fixture in all her fantasies, Falcon Cherrywood. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>After smiting Cupid with a fireball, Falcon Cherrywood must now play the Diapered Archer. He can’t think of anything more humiliating than flying around in pink wings shooting arrows into hopeless fools. Archery was never his strong suit and Falcon doesn’t even believe in love. But more troubling are the feelings his sinfully irresistible parolee sets off in him—for only Tally has the power to make him believe in things better left to fairy tales, like Happily Ever After.</i></span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another instance where I didn't realize this book was mid-series when I committed to reading it. Ah, well. I decided to plunge ahead anyway, without reading the previous books, so please take my comments with a grain of salt.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously, I was a little lost since this book starts off with some heavy backstory. As in, right smack dab in the middle of backstory. You'll definitely want to read the </span><a href="http://sarannadewylde.com/?page_id=140" style="font-family: inherit;">first two books of the series</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">How to Lose a Demon</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">How to Marry a Warlock </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">before reading this one</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Unlike clever me. I was able to fit the pieces together well enough, but I can easily imagine that a sequential read makes the storyline more interesting.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not to imply that I didn't enjoy the book because I did, very much so. This is a funny, fast-paced story that's packed with magic and mythical beings. It's quite a lineup: demons, angels, werewolves, gods, witches -- all the kinds of creatures I love.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there I was, following along despite not having done the assigned reading, and I'm loving everything . . . then Ethelred hit the scene. And my attention span narrowed down to him. I couldn't help it; he's just so delicious. He's that perfect sort of asshole </span>Adonis<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -- completely irreverent and self-absorbed, too pretty for anyone else's good, and suspiciously sweet when it suits him. I don't know what it says about me that I love these kinds of characters, but Ethelred completely stole the show. I really had a hard time focusing on the main story with him around. I'll admit, I started speed-reading through scenes that didn't include my beloved dickhead demon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the sake of Ethelred alone, I'd recommend this book. But, really, there's a lot to like. Again, though, make sure you've read the previous books first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This book was received courtesy of <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley </a>and <a href="http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/22394">Kensingston Publishing</a> in exchange for an honest review.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-81474300272514850202013-02-08T14:00:00.000-08:002013-02-08T14:00:52.820-08:00Review of The Selkie<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiATQyyGi-o/URVu6JC3xfI/AAAAAAAAAok/dJXSalezQs0/s1600/selkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiATQyyGi-o/URVu6JC3xfI/AAAAAAAAAok/dJXSalezQs0/s320/selkie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Silver Books, September 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The Selkie</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://rosannaleo.blogspot.com/"><b>Rosanna Leo</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>available now</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was supposed to be her year. However, after losing her job and discovering her fiancé cheating, Maggie Collins has her doubts. When her grandmother dies, she hits rock bottom. Maggie travels to her grandmother’s home in Orkney, Scotland to sort through her gran’s things, only to discover the old woman has left her a seal pelt as her inheritance. She also learns that others are after the pelt.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
To add to her frustration, Maggie’s dreams are filled with luscious images of a long-haired man, images that draw her to the magical beaches in Orkney. Although she’s lost her trust in men, this dream man inspires her with a lust she’s never known before.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Calan Kirk has also been dreaming. Dreaming of Maggie, the mortal woman who arouses him as no other woman ever has. Meeting her in the flesh when she arrives in Orkney is nothing short of spontaneous sexual combustion. But she is a human, and not to be trusted. He needs the seal pelt, not a red-haired temptress.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
As a thief ransacks Maggie’s grandmother’s house, Maggie and Calan are thrust together. They must search for the animal skin, a mythical relic which once found, will either bring them together or rip them apart forever.</div>
</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've read a lot of books with a Scottish setting (who hasn't, right?) but I don't believe I've ever read anything set in the Orkney Islands before. Hebrides, yes. Isle of Man, definitely. Even the Falklands, once. But not Orkney. And different, uncommon settings is one of the things that get a book on my TBR List. I once read a truly atrocious historical romance simply because it had an atypical Egyptian setting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I digress . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another "different" for me with this book is the fact that the male lead is a <a href="http://www.pantheon.org/articles/s/selkie.html">selkie</a>. Different in part because I've only ever come across selkies as supporting characters, never the lead. And the second part, which may be a direct cause of the first part, is that I don't really do merfolk. Mermaids, mermen, selkies, sirens, what have you . . . Don't care for 'em much. Probably because I'm afraid of the ocean, hate seafood, and don't like getting wet unless it's hygiene-related.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So why on earth would I intentionally read this book, you might ask. Well, you may have picked up from other posts that I've developed a case of ennui where magical, monstrous men are concerned. Vampires, weres, and fae . . . meh. Demons are a favorite but no longer exciting. Wizards and warlocks tend to make me picture Harrys Potter and Dresden. Which, fun but not exactly sexy. Dragons. Druids. Gods. Angels. Aliens . . . I need some new flavors. Even cyborgs are out after I glommed<a href="http://www.lauranndohner.com/cyborg-seduction-series.php"> Laurann Dohner's books</a> this summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thus, selkies. New territory. For me at least.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So back to the book. Finally, right? As to what worked most for me, I really enjoyed the sparky humor laced throughout Rosanna Leo's writing. Somehow, I didn't expect much humor going in, but some parts were really quite funny and witty. It would always catch me by surprise, and I'd be startled into laughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the downside? I, unfortunately, didn't really "get" Calan. He seemed to run hot and cold without clear reasons why. It wasn't until near the end that he started to feel substantial to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0y6z0hxH48/URVyGvI6C5I/AAAAAAAAAos/QpoJhmsMYYY/s1600/ihateseafood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0y6z0hxH48/URVyGvI6C5I/AAAAAAAAAos/QpoJhmsMYYY/s1600/ihateseafood.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tiffadoodles.com/">tiffadoodles.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, to be honest, I never got over my sea-creature bias. I tried, I <i>swear </i>I did. But my brain won't make the connection between cute, blubbery seal and sexy hero. Especially when he keeps eating seafood. "Shellfish" is like a dirty word to me, after all. So, I think that element of the endeavor was doomed from the start.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall all assessment is that this is a fun, sweet romance even if it didn't convert me. I imagine others will read it and like it even more than I did, so please don't hold my personal hangups against this book. Give it a try for yourselves, see how you like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://rosannaleo.blogspot.com/p/the-selkie.html">Read An Excerpt from <i>The Selkie</i></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This book was received courtesy of <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://www.lsbooks.com/the-selkie-p698.php">Liquid Silver Books</a> in exchange for an honest review.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-8163831679542974952013-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:002013-02-06T17:22:38.809-08:00Review of Solar Storm<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZeGt2lgKq4/UQrbu1F61aI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/r0IgdJ7iNZ4/s1600/solarstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZeGt2lgKq4/UQrbu1F61aI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/r0IgdJ7iNZ4/s1600/solarstorm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samhain Publishing, Jan 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Solar Storm</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mina Carter</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Available now from <a href="http://store.samhainpublishing.com/solar-storm-p-7178.html">Samhain Publishing</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First impression: another fabulous cover from artist <a href="http://www.kanaxa.com/">Kanaxa</a>. Sometimes you really can and should judge a book by its cover. The combination of <a href="http://mina-carter.com/">Mina Carter</a>'s remarkable writing and Kanaxa's top-notch artistry makes a powerful one-two punch. It's like they have the ability to reach into my brain and pluck out the secrets to what makes me spend copious money on books . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, the longer I sit with that sentence the odder it it feels, so let's move on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>She’s the one who got away. Now she’s uncharted territory…</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Ten years after rich-girl life fell apart, Rhys Devin is a changed woman—her name, her face, and her attitude. Now the fast-talking, hard-as-nails captain of the Grey Lady sails the most dangerous solar roads in the universe. Times are tough, but she gets the job done, sailing alone. Always watching over her shoulder.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The last thing she needs is a delay, but when she runs across a stranded sailor, she has no choice. The law of the road demands she rescue him.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Kelwin Sayeed is a soldier without a war. The retired War Commander’s latest and most ambitious hobby, the solar flyer Artemis, was supposed to prove him worthy of the famously reclusive Solar Sailors. Instead a catastrophic computer failure has him at the mercy of the most hazardous road of all: Icaria.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Confident he won’t be left to die in the golden spray, he waits for another sailor to come along. One that’s born and bred to the roads, with skin wizened like beaten gold. What he gets is a woman whose voice does things to his body that should be illegal. Whose golden-tinted skin sparks erotic fantasies.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The bride who ran from him a decade ago…</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My reaction: holy crap, this is an awesome story. I can't believe there's a whole world of <a href="http://mina-carter.com/">Mina Carter</a> books out there, and I'm just now twigging to it. I thought <i><a href="http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2012/12/perfect-mate.html">Perfect Mate</a></i> was wildly entertaining, but <i><a href="http://mina-carter.com/bookshelf/sci-fi-romance/solar-storm/">Solar Storm</a></i> totally outshines it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Carter's writing is unquestionably brilliant. So precise, so sharp and gripping. The concept behind this story--traveling through space by sailing along solar currents--would create a great sense of adventure regardless, but Carter's impressive imagery makes this story come alive. And once you're hooked, prepare to be absorbed. The setup, the details laid out--terminology, descriptions, histories--create wonderful depth and immersion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story starts off strong and confident, an instant attention getter. And despite the fact that this isn't a long book, there's plenty of action and, well, action to keep you satisfied. Carter doesn't waste a single word on fluff or filler--just concentrated, full-throttled fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the really good news . . . This is one incredibly sexy book. <a href="http://www.romancebookjunkies.com/2013/01/guest-post-solar-storm-by-mina-carter.html?zx=c52068c84415683">Kel</a> is the stuff of wet dreams--a badass super-soldier who's hardwired to want his sex hot, hard, and often. His chemistry with take-charge, no-hesitation Rhys is palpably thrilling. There's nothing dull or tepid about these two, that's for sure. Hell, this whole book is one hot number.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mina Carter, I think I love you.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-11226297534995415682013-02-01T12:43:00.000-08:002013-02-01T12:43:14.763-08:00Review of Dark Secrets<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tDLtmmG7hM/UQhPJBNX9-I/AAAAAAAAAnU/E7TLHwXQiSw/s1600/darksecrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tDLtmmG7hM/UQhPJBNX9-I/AAAAAAAAAnU/E7TLHwXQiSw/s1600/darksecrets.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carina Press, 2013</td></tr>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Dark Secrets</b></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Shona Husk</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Arcane #2</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Available February 18, 2013</b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Six years ago, Haidyn Mast left his home and his betrothed Anisa to follow his magical calling. Too weak to join the Arcane Guild and too ashamed to return home, he has made a life as a prostitute—to all outward appearances. In truth, he sells his mind but not his body, using magic to let his clients experience their most secret fantasies while his hands stay clean. Even the Lawman, the arbiter of justice in Reseda, is one of his clients, but Haidyn would rather not know the extent of that man's depravity.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Though successful, Haidyn is shunned as a whore and his lack of formal training is causing his power to grow out of control. He's ready to retire and leave the city, but when he sees his Anisa standing at Lawman's side, he knows he must rescue her from the abusive enforcer. Risking his life and his sanity, he devises a plan, knowing that failure will mean death for him, and a lifetime of torment for her…</span></i></div>
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This is the second book in <a href="http://www.shonahusk.com/">Shona Husk</a>'s Arcane series; however, I haven't read the first book, <i><a href="http://ebooks.carinapress.com/82FD9562-814D-4D4B-A63E-9F5968AA8C94/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=16DE794B-8A10-479B-B04A-0C9B4CBA869F">Dark Vow</a></i>, and I don't think you need to either to enjoy <i><a href="http://www.shonahusk.com/darksecrets.html">Dark Secrets</a></i>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4LAiwnf1I/UQhQXQTXA_I/AAAAAAAAAnc/bvAv-Ui1D7Y/s1600/deadwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4LAiwnf1I/UQhQXQTXA_I/AAAAAAAAAnc/bvAv-Ui1D7Y/s200/deadwood.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
This book is touted as a "Western-style fantasy". I wasn't entirely sure what to expect of that categorization. I mean, I don't particularly like Westerns. Or really, y'know, at all. Reading <i>Deadwood</i> (which is what comes to mind when I think of Westerns) was nothing short of painful for me. So there was trepidation. But this book seems to have taken all the best elements of Westerns and left the more annoying traits behind. You've got lawmen that are unchallenged powers, taverns full of sin, sympathetic prostitutes, demure womenfolk, codes of honor, normalized violence, and a Wild West setting. With magic. And apparently there's this whole genre of <a href="http://weirdwesterns.wordpress.com/">weird Westerns</a> that wasn't even on my radar, which makes me wonder if I could learn to like cowboys, after all.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2wndyHE2pY/UQhSLJ8J08I/AAAAAAAAAnk/XxuiYoAia9o/s1600/weirdwest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2wndyHE2pY/UQhSLJ8J08I/AAAAAAAAAnk/XxuiYoAia9o/s200/weirdwest.jpg" width="140" /></a><br />
Something to consider. For now, I'll just focus on Shona Husk's writing because I know I at least like that. And do I, ever. When I first read the synopsis of the book, I was immediately intrigued. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The whole Western element didn't become apparent until I already had the book.)</span> And this is one of those happy occasions when I can report that my enjoyment of the story completely met my expectations, and then some.<br />
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What I liked most was the thorough and intricate world-building. There's a complete reality presented here–‒one with its own language, customs, and social structure. The details are everywhere, yet their placement in the story is so matter-of-fact that you don't question their exoticism. Which is my favorite way to approach a fantasy setting. I appreciate the fact that the author doesn't spend too much time explaining this world; rather, she lets the descriptions and explanations unfold naturally in the course of the story. <br />
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The other strong suit at work is Haidyn. He's a very compelling protagonist and an effective narrative lens. It's impossible not to sympathize with him. Like a downtrodden prince, he has a dashing personality that just barely masks a wealth of regret and world-weariness. Moreover, his self-reproach is poignant and endearing. He's a man that's made bad choices, and he knows it. But even when life is kicking him in the teeth, he refuses to go down completely. And he never stops being a good person, no matter his circumstances.<br />
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As you may be picking up, this isn't an entirely happy book. While I wouldn't go so far as to call it dark fantasy, there's a definite edge at work that keeps things uncomfortable. It's a constant thread of fear and degeneration coursing through every character, every scene. Nothing to shy away from, mind you. Rather, it keeps the sense of urgency going strong until the very end, when everyone–‒reader included–‒feels like they can finally take a full breath.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>OTHER REVIEWS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.warpcoresf.co.uk/dark-secrets.php"><b>Warpcore SF</b></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thoughtsofascot-nightshade.blogspot.com/2013/01/dark-secrets-by-shona-husk.html"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Thoughts of a Scot</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This book was received courtesy of <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://ebooks.carinapress.com/82FD9562-814D-4D4B-A63E-9F5968AA8C94/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=16DE794B-8A10-479B-B04A-0C9B4CBA869F">Carina Press</a> in exchange for an honest review.</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-75228040688329051352013-01-30T14:01:00.001-08:002013-01-30T14:01:28.067-08:00Review of Heiress of Lies<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8cFkCKaVCU/UQhGs_g_SjI/AAAAAAAAAm8/2ZtZ0a7RyJA/s1600/heiresslies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><i>
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<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Heiress of Lies</b></span></i></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cege Smith</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bloodtruth #1</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MRmDLsHLd4/UQhNN-S5aJI/AAAAAAAAAnM/w9kowoorVKg/s1600/heiressoflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MRmDLsHLd4/UQhNN-S5aJI/AAAAAAAAAnM/w9kowoorVKg/s1600/heiressoflies.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazon Digital Services, February 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been avoiding vampires lately--not consciously, I'd say, but I've noticed the trend to my reading habits currently steers clear of bloodsuckers. Mind you, vampires are like chocolate to me. Even when I'm sick of them, I'm always game for more. And, so, here we go . . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078G41BS/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thinkbcommun-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0078G41BS&adid=11F3KHDX2MNC38D2B44B&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cegesmith.com%2Fbackground%2F">Heiress of Lies</a></i> is the first book of the Bloodtruth series by <a href="http://www.cegesmith.com/">Cege Smith</a>. It's the story of Angeline Robart, princess and heir to throne of Altera. She's spent the last few years away from court, studying and preparing to be a queen. But visitors from home bring the worst possible news: her father is dying, and Angeline must ascend the throne sooner than she imagined. Angeline rushes to get home before it's too late to say goodbye, but someone has other plans for her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An old enemy has been laying in wait--a terrible race of vampires that everyone believed had been vanquished by the first Robart king. And now they hold Angeline captive, threatening her life and the future of all Altera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Angeline must find a way to free herself and return home, yet to do so she may have to endear herself to vampire that kidnapped her in the first place. Connor is the enemy, but Angeline has a hard time reconciling that fact with her inexplicable feelings for him. And as her own family's dark secrets start coming to light, he may be the only person she can trust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story starts off strong by introducing Angeline and giving us a good look into her character. As a protagonist, Angeline is exceptional. She's immediately accessible as a woman who is strong and sensible yet riddled with misgivings. She's the kind of leading lady you can happily root for, telling yourself, "yeah, that's totally what I would have done had it been me."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Much of the praise for this character's likability is due to the author's skill with words. Cege Smith writes with clarity, subtlety, and sophistication. She's created a convincing portrayal of a young woman caught between intention and impulse. Angeline wants to be clever, controlled, and responsible. But she's also sheltered, vulnerable, and emotional. This tenuous balance lends realism and respectability to her character.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FG9O-mQepY4/UQhG3jm_0HI/AAAAAAAAAnE/ocNEt95jvEQ/s1600/queensbetrayal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plus she's smart, and I always like that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FG9O-mQepY4/UQhG3jm_0HI/AAAAAAAAAnE/ocNEt95jvEQ/s1600/queensbetrayal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">In contrast, I didn't feel much for Connor. He lacks Angeline's complexity, and there's a general sense of weakness just under his surface. I'd say he's as well-written as Angeline is, but he isn't as attractive. He's saved by the fact that, as a duo, they're quite interesting. I really enjoyed the way Angeline's feelings for Connor developed. From early on she's attracted to him, but she tempers that with caution and practicality. Meanwhile he has to contend with just how deep his feelings really go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for plot, the first half of the book is a little slow. Then things pick up greatly with a healthy dose of intrigue and urgency. And more intrigue. Sadly, the book leaves off just as things really get interesting. Clever Cege. I definitely need to know what happens next and plan on buying the sequel, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095MC9TO/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thinkbcommun-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0095MC9TO&adid=09YQ6FWD7D149S9YZZZ5&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cegesmith.com%2Fbackground%2F">The Queen's Betrayal</a></i>. And then there's the third book, <i>Trials of Truth</i>, which isn't out yet.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">OTHER REVIEWS</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://einkreviews.blogspot.com/2012/07/cege-smith-summer-splash-ford99-heiress.html">EInk Reviews</a> </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">←</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>read another reviewer's take on Connor</b></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/11/heiress-of-lies-bloodtruth-1-by-cege.html"><b>A Write to Review</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This book was received courtesy of the author and <a href="http://www.librarything.com/">LibraryThing</a> Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-90394082115866062372013-01-28T12:41:00.000-08:002013-01-29T14:08:51.685-08:00Review of The Better to See You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zqpPIa3oLo/UPnvvU5WrFI/AAAAAAAAAlg/lhjc5T2VCjM/s1600/TheBettertoSeeYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zqpPIa3oLo/UPnvvU5WrFI/AAAAAAAAAlg/lhjc5T2VCjM/s320/TheBettertoSeeYou.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Better to See You</i> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Kate SeRine</b></span><br />
<b>Transplanted Tales #2</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Available February 7, 2013</b><br />
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Within seconds of sitting down to read this book, I knew I had found a new favorite. <i>The Better to See You</i> is a merry romp through fiction and fables, and it's a fresh contribution to the world of paranormal romance.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kateserine.com/blog/">Kate SeRine</a>'s wry and witty voice is an instant grab, catching your attention from the start and never letting up until it's over. Also, quite amusing. Imagine Stephanie Plum coating herself in pixie dust and sitting down to tea with Jane Eyre and the Grimm Brothers. You'll get magic, you'll certainly get humor, and you'll get a wonderful love story that makes you believe in fairytales again.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxy1Vbv_4DY/UP7yopnXXGI/AAAAAAAAAl8/BTUlfOCndjM/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxy1Vbv_4DY/UP7yopnXXGI/AAAAAAAAAl8/BTUlfOCndjM/s200/red.jpg" width="122" /></a><i>The Better to See You</i> is the second book in the <a href="http://www.kateserine.com/books/">Transplanted Tales series</a>, which starts off with the novel<i> Red</i>. I received <i>TBtSY</i> from the publisher via NetGalley for review and was not familiar with the series or the author. But after reading just the prologue of <i>The Better to See You</i> I was so in love with the writing that I immediately backtracked and purchased <i>Red</i>. I knew this was going to be a good one, and I wanted to experience the series from the beginning. Gotta love the instant gratification of ebooks, huh?<br />
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I'll take a moment now to mention how much I enjoyed <i>Red</i>. It was lively, imaginative, and very, very good. I was quite gleeful, knowing the second book was waiting for me. I finished <i>Red</i> within a day and instantly hopped over to <i>The Better to See You</i>.<br />
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If you've read the first book (and you should if you haven't), then you've already met our character leads. Lavender Seelie is the fairy godmother–‒yes, that fairy godmother–‒responsible for bringing literature's greatest characters into the Here and Now by a display of magic gone terribly wrong. And Seth Wolf is none other than the Big Bad Wolf, himself. If anyone can appreciate Lavender's struggle as a social outcast, it's everyone's favorite, occasionally furry villain. But can Lavender trust him with her heart? Or will their pasts continue to haunt them?<br />
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Seth and Lavender must learn to believe in each other and themselves if they hope to share a life together. But a string of deaths and disappearances threaten their happily-ever-after. It will take every bit of faith and magic they possess–‒plus a little help from some old friends–‒to see things through.<br />
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All things said, I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. There seems to be more depth and emotion to it. It's a touching, sweet story–‒heart warming and wrenching both. It had me in a teary state more than once, I don't mind saying. I dare you to read this and not fall in love with Seth and Lavender. <br />
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Also, the premise of the series is quite a hoot 'n' holler. Characters from all walks of literature are present, and one never knows who will pop up next. My nerdish joy was fueled by all the name-dropping going on. It was almost like a game of trivia or a personal challenge–‒how many of the stories have you read? And even better was SeRine's treatment of the many tales. Ever wonder what kind of husband Prince Charming would <i>really</i> make?<br />
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Yes, from the first page of <i>Red</i> to the last word of <i>The Better to See You</i>, Kate SeRine has proven that she's an author to watch. <br />
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Alas, I must now wait. Book three, <i>Along Came a Spider</i>, won't be out until this August. That one will be Trish and Nicky's story, and I greatly look forward to it.<br />
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Check out SeRine's <i>The Better to See You</i> blog tour (January 28-March 29), or <a href="http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?p=14668">read this interview</a> over at <a href="http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/">Yummy Men & Kickass Chicks</a> for some of the author's thoughts about this series.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE BETTER TO SEE YOU</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.kateserine.com/the-better-to-see-you-blog-tour/"><b>BLOG TOUR DATES</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">January 28</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.talkingsupe.com/"><b>Talk Supe</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">January 30</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://kabookpile.blogspot.com/">Kindle-aholic's Book Pile</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 1</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.wtfareyoureading.com/"><b>WTF Are You Reading?</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 5-6</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/"><b>Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 7</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/"><b>Book Monster Reviews</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 8</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://paranormalcravings.blogspot.com/"><b>Paranormal Cravings</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">February 12</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.readersconfession.com/"><b>Readers Confession</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 13</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.readersconfession.com/2012/11/cupids-playground-hop-sign-ups.html"><b>Cupid's Playground Blog Hop & Giveaway</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 18</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com/"><b>Book Lovin' Mamas</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 20</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/p/fiery-hot-reads-for-icy-cold-nights.html"><b>Fiery Hot Reads for Icy Cold Nights Blog Hop and Giveaway</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">February 22</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.urbangirlreader.com/"><b>Urban Girl Reader</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 25</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://booksmakemehappyreviews.com/"><b>Books Make Me Happy</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 26</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://littlereadridinghood.com/"><b>Little Read Riding Hood</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">February 28</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://nocturnalreadings.blogspot.com/"><b>Nocturnal Readings</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 5</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://marisacleveland.wordpress.com/"><b>Marisa Cleveland (The Seymour Agency)</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 7 </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/"><b>My World...in words and pages</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 9</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://readingcave.blogspot.com/"><b>The Reading Cave</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 13</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://the%20bookaholic%20cat/"><b>The Bookaholic Cat</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 14</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://trh87books.blogspot.com/"><b>The Purrfect Read</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 18</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com/"><b>Word Wranglers</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">March 25-29</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Blog Tour Wrap-Up Celebration!</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This book was received courtesy of <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://ekensingtonbooks.com/">eKensington Books</a> in exchange for an honest review.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-19145245145395544692013-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:002013-01-29T14:10:13.761-08:00Review of Revocation<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeWaU0Fe0LY/UQLstDYuWCI/AAAAAAAAAmk/S7OwE07cTE4/s1600/revocation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeWaU0Fe0LY/UQLstDYuWCI/AAAAAAAAAmk/S7OwE07cTE4/s1600/revocation.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Revocation</span></b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Laura Fields</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Canyon Wolves #1</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://justfields.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-book-revocation.html">Revocation</a></i> is the first book of a new young adult series by <a href="http://justfields.blogspot.com/">Laura Fields</a>, though it mercifully doesn't have anything to do with high school.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Harper's life is perfect. She has an awesome house, an awesome job, and an awesome boyfriend. Her only problem is that she can't remember any of it. To top it all off, she can't remember how she became a werewolf and how she ended up with the pack's leader as her mate. The event that wiped her memory was not an accident, and she needs to remember the culprit before it happens again.</span></div>
<br />
This is an intriguing story with great potential but some unfortunate flaws.<br />
<br />
The book kicks off with an immediate but rather jarring start. On the one hand, I'm always glad when I don't have to slog through a ponderous beginning. But some of this opening action is too abrupt, and I few times I had to take a moment to sort through the details.<br />
<br />
The challenge of this story is its short length–‒20,000 words only–‒which gives rise to a number of issues that could have been worked out in a longer story. There are some pacing issues with things feeling rushed. The urgent vibe is appropriate to the plot, but the manner in which the story pushes along means some things just never come together. Specifically, the emotions and motivations of the characters could really use more time to develop effectively.<br />
<br />
Some are a few editing slips, I feel obliged to point out. For example, there is one moment in the book when the narrative voice switches from third to first person.<br />
<br />
Of course, now that I've criticized, let me talk about the things I liked about the book. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Axle is a strong, likable character. Harper may be the focal point of the story, but he provides much of the drive and depth. </span><br />
<br />
Speaking of Harper . . . The story took a surprising, impressive twist towards the end. I can honestly say I didn't see that one coming, and my hat's off to the author for going a ways out on a limb. I'm not going to tell you what that is because it'd ruin the surprise, but it's good, trust me.<br />
<br />
Also, <i>Revocation</i> is a great title, don't you think?<br />
<br />
Sadly, the story ends just as things are truly taking off, but there is a sequel in the works.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This book was received courtesy of the author and <a href="http://www.librarything.com/more/freebooks">LibraryThing Member Giveaways</a> in exchange for an honest review.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-20547276123389841972013-01-23T13:39:00.000-08:002013-01-29T14:10:57.457-08:00Review of Phantom Lovers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx-ihWMrIhA/UQBUPc1R9jI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/J0ZG4zF05vc/s1600/phantom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx-ihWMrIhA/UQBUPc1R9jI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/J0ZG4zF05vc/s200/phantom.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evernight Publishing, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Phantom Lovers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Marie Medina</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This ebook was a freebie put out by <a href="http://www.evernightpublishing.com/phantom-lovers-by-marie-medina/">Evernight Publishing</a>. It's a short story, so know that right off the bat because my critique of the book is directly related to its brevity. And yes, this is for all intents and purposes a piece of erotic fluff, but I've always believed that erotica can be as enjoyably romantic as mainstream best-sellers. But more on that in a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lynsay doesn't believe in ghosts, and she definitely doesn't believe the </span>theater<span style="font-family: inherit;"> where she works is haunted. But she can't deny the truth when two men appear out of nowhere. Nor can she deny her powerful attraction to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John and William, lovers in life and afterlife, have had their eyes Lynsay since she first came to their theatre. They watched, wanted . . . and waited. Now they've decided the tine for waiting is over. But will she return their feelings?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Normally, when reviewing shorter works, I try to avoid statements like "if only it were longer" since that's inherently unfair. Novellas and short stories are not intended to be novels and shouldn't be read or evaluated as a novel would be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's very tempting to do so, however, isn't it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For instance, the only solid complaint I have about <i>Phantom Lovers</i> is something that was caused by its length and could have been resolved with a bigger word count: the first month of the trio's relationship is completely leapfrogged by one of those "one month later" cheats. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sure, the author saved all the big action for after the jump, but I always enjoy the parts where characters first start to learn each other</span>–‒<span style="font-family: inherit;">the flirting, the sexual tension, the epiphany moments. These are the elements of romances I love most. So it was a let-down for me when the characters go from basic strangers on one page to established lovers the next. And since John and William are already infatuated with Lynsay when the story opens, at no point do we really get to see anyone fall in love. And that's just no fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I appreciate that a short story needs to get to the point. And, in this case, much of that point was the consummation of the relationship. Still, I can't help but wish we'd gotten more because I think it would have been a great segment. I mean, c'mon . . . Not only does Lynsay have to come to terms with loving two men equally, but they also happen to be ghosts. As in, long dead, invisible to everyone else, and confined to the building they haunt. Then there's the men's side of things</span>–‒<span style="font-family: inherit;">bringing a third lover into a decades-established relationship, a woman they've longed for but can only be with during stolen moments of the day. I'm telling you, it could have been good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So where does that leave us? With an erotic story that, though sweet and spicy, isn't particularly romantic. Which isn't a bad thing, honestly. Sometimes you want a book that gets down to business. But if you're looking for a love story, this one won't satisfy that itch. I did like the writing, however</span>–‒<span style="font-family: inherit;">enough to be curious about other work by </span><a href="http://mariemedina.weebly.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Marie Medina</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other Reviews:</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://punyareviews.blogspot.com/2012/06/phantom-lovers-by-marie-medina.html" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Punya Reviews</span></a></div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://punyareviews.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Punya Reviews..."><img alt="Punya Reviews..." src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb363/phrashid/445rrrr_zps385a66bd.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-33996210441352876582013-01-18T13:23:00.002-08:002013-01-18T13:26:41.907-08:00Review of Cadaver<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cadaver: A Bittersweet Love Story</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jonah D. Ansell</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKSut7-TJr4/UPm5sHRSqbI/AAAAAAAAAk0/2-iR3Hb-ZMU/s1600/cadaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKSut7-TJr4/UPm5sHRSqbI/AAAAAAAAAk0/2-iR3Hb-ZMU/s1600/cadaver.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Academy Chicago Publishers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<b><b>Illustrated by Carina Simmons, Eric Vennemeyer & Abe Dieckman</b></b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Available February 5, 2013</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Cadaver </i>began as a poem, but it's become quite a bit more than that. <a href="http://cadaverthefilm.com/book/">It's a book</a>. <a href="http://cadaverthefilm.com/">It's also a film</a>. And it's a sweet, sort of sad <a href="http://cadaverthefilm.com/directors-statement/">comment on human relationships</a>.<br />
<br />
This was a lark for me initially. As you may know, <a href="http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2012/12/lust-after-death.html">I've been slowly acclimating myself to the zombie fad</a> that's got everyone so excited. A graphic novel about a walking, talking dead guy seemed like a decent way to go. Of course, as has been the case of late, I was happily surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book.<br />
<br />
What got me first was the artistry. As a kid, I spent my lunch money on comic books and sketched cartoons on my math homework, so I tend to hold this form of art in higher esteem than the Renaissance masterpieces. And the folks behind <i>Cadaver</i> have certainly mastered their art. Their inspired use of perspective and focus already tell half the story -- no words needed. And the depictions of the characters -- facial expressions, body postures, individual details -- do so much to convey the wealth of emotions that lie at the heart of the story. <br />
<br />
Because, yes, there's more here than a string of rhymes about a dead dude. This is a surprisingly potent examination of love, specifically our expectations of love. What it means, where it's found, who we share it with. Couched beneath the trappings of comic-zombie wit is something quite meaningful. Bittersweet, indeed.<br />
<br />
But don't get scared off by thoughts of poetic introspection. This book is, above all else, whimsical and humorous. For one, the dead dude... kinda 'nuf said, there. Plus the character Lynn, a waifish med-student inspired by the author's sister, is adorably illustrated and damnably funny. The poetry itself is engaging in a tongue-in-cheek manner, absurd in all the right spots and graced with a rollicking pace.<br />
<br />
To summarize: definitely read it and/or watch the film. (<a href="http://cadaverthefilm.com/trailer/">view the trailer</a>)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The book was received courtesy of <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://www.academychicago.com/newsite/cadaver.html">Academy Chicago Publishers</a> in exchange for an honest review.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-33817547651738005792013-01-16T17:28:00.000-08:002013-01-16T17:28:25.328-08:00Thought Jot: Negativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCIi4KZtFeQ/UPdSv67pegI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Z9pf3CJJdWk/s1600/stinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCIi4KZtFeQ/UPdSv67pegI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Z9pf3CJJdWk/s200/stinks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Once upon a time, I blithely lit up my little corner of cyberland with negative book reviews. My perspective was that of a reader and a consumer. As someone who spent an unspeakable percentage of my income on books, I poured over reviews and wanted to know which ones lacked editing, or featured insipid characters, or were flat out boring. As a reviewer, I figured other people would want to know, too. I owed it to my fellow readers to clear the path to "good" books. <br />
<br />
Then I was mostly reviewing bestsellers, major names, and classic titles I was forced to read for lit class. Would my acerbic commentary make that much difference in Jude Deveraux's sales numbers? I figured, no. And does anyone really care what I have to say about <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/474812685">Moll Flanders</a></i>? Odds are, you'll hate <i>Moll Flanders</i> as much as I did, but you'll read it anyway because your professor makes you. <br />
<br />
So what did it matter, right?<br />
<br />
It wasn't until I started reviewing more indie titles and debut novels that I considered it a real possibility that an author might <i>actually </i>read what I had to say about their book. I had been sitting on a first-time author's book that I had received in exchange for a review. The sad truth was, I didn't care for it at all. I could barely even read it, and I resented the obligation I had to not only read the damn thing, but to also write something intelligent about it. It was Moll all over again.<br />
<br />
When it came time to write a review, I choked. It was one thing to criticize from the safety of an anonymous website. But this was going on my very own blog. And chances were extremely high that the author would read it. No way in hell was I going to say what I <i>really </i>thought about the book. But then, could I endorse a book that I fervently did not enjoy?<br />
<br />
Thank goodness for all the years in college I spent analyzing literature I wouldn't have touched if not for a grade (cough::Virginia Woolf::cough). I knew how to talk about the themes and style of the author's writing while completely ignoring the fact that it was a terrible story. I never said I liked it. I never said I didn't. I wrote about about the elements of the book and realized that readers could decide for themselves if they were interested or not. <br />
<br />
It felt like a cop-out, honestly. And it didn't seem like the kind of post that would gain me any new followers. But I was over the hurdle. And I decided I wouldn't write any more ranting, ridiculing book reviews. Oh, I offer fair criticism when appropriate -- I'm far from a saint. But I have no interest in pissing all over someone's hard efforts just to make myself seem witty.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7HGKgEN9Rg/UPdQZ2uu4MI/AAAAAAAAAj4/nlC45bvS390/s1600/pollyanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7HGKgEN9Rg/UPdQZ2uu4MI/AAAAAAAAAj4/nlC45bvS390/s200/pollyanna.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
But... am I slowly turning into the Pollyanna of book reviews? Will I lose credibility if I only blog about the books I like? <br />
<br />
You see, I'm once again sitting on a book that I would never recommend to anyone. I initially planned to omit it from my blog. I read it, I decided, I moved on. A successful dodge. Yet now I feel like I cheated, in a way. Is it right to censor negativity out of my own words? And am I not skilled enough, mature enough, <i>ballsy </i>enough to proclaim a true opinion without slipping into derision? I'd like to think I am. <br />
<br />
And maybe, if I'm appropriately thoughtful with my words, those authors whose work I don't recommend can still benefit from honest yet palatable feedback. Maybe I owe it to <i>them </i>to say what I really think.<br />
<br />
Or is that misplaced arrogance on my part?<br />
<br />
I think I need to go on a tour of blogs. Do other reviewers take the bull by the poorly edited horns? Or have others been dodging, too? Is an unenthusiastic review better than no review at all?<br />
<br />
Just some thoughts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-24219190553075133652013-01-14T14:53:00.000-08:002013-01-14T14:53:05.498-08:00Review of Steel's Edge<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Edge #4</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxq8ZexuDM/UPR4nsYsSZI/AAAAAAAAAjE/i7nutYaHd5M/s1600/steelsedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxq8ZexuDM/UPR4nsYsSZI/AAAAAAAAAjE/i7nutYaHd5M/s1600/steelsedge.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Of all the authors I've read in the past and currently follow, none surpass the sheer brilliance that is <a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/">Ilona Andrews</a>. The work put out by this literary duo is pure gold -- it's almost like they have novel-writing superpowers or something.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp0rxkCnarc/UPR64cNI9xI/AAAAAAAAAjU/6-a5XCFFtB8/s1600/ontheedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp0rxkCnarc/UPR64cNI9xI/AAAAAAAAAjU/6-a5XCFFtB8/s200/ontheedge.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
When they first lit up the fiction scene with the first<a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/kate-daniels"> Kate Daniels</a> book, I remember thinking, <i>This is incredible. I've never read anything quite like this before!</i> I was in literary love. Then the first <a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/the-edge">Edge</a> book came out. And I thought,<i> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/474814185">This is incredible. I've never read anything like it before! </a></i><br />
<br />
Funny... at the time, I remember there was some mixed reactions among readers. Some people poo-poo'ed the new series as a tepid diversion from Kate Daniels (although, to be fair, what isn't tepid compared to Kate?). And now, as I close the cover on the final Edge book, I want to tweet up those nay-sayers of old and tell them, "nanny nanny boo boo!" Because, without exaggeration, this series is awesome. For one thing, there's my girly side thrilled by a successful blending of fantasy and romance -- something I've often searched for and rarely found. Then there's the flashes of humor that always came flying in from nowhere but left me in cry-giggles (as in, don't read in public because you're getting funny looks). I still crack up whenever I think of William and his fish head-on-a-stick. <br />
<br />
But most of all, I've fallen in deep infatuation with the characters of this series. Even more so than the Kate Daniels crew, these characters stand out as testaments to exemplary writing. The dignified absurdity of the Edgers... the palpable determination of Rose and Cerise... and the wonderful George and Jack... just wow. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMZ-TcuXcZw/UPR_HVSJeZI/AAAAAAAAAjk/A1w39-8u1wU/s1600/edgebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMZ-TcuXcZw/UPR_HVSJeZI/AAAAAAAAAjk/A1w39-8u1wU/s320/edgebooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And what a perfect segue into talking about <a href="http://www.ilona-andrews.com/books/steels-edge"><i>Steel's Edge</i></a>. What first hooked me: Charlotte. Poised and powerful, she's the kind of woman I want to be when I grow. Of course, I'm a bit behind schedule if that's my goal. But you know what I mean. She's admirable, which sadly isn't always a given with protagonists. With an abundance of whiny heroines and poorly executed antiheroes underfoot, it's refreshing to actually root for the good guy. And Richard certainly holds up his end. I had found him to be an intriguing character in <i>Bayou Moon</i>, but he exceeded my expectations as a lead. Most of his impressiveness comes through other characters' admiration of him -- the way he seems to be everyone's hero and role model in matters big and small. From his own perspective, he's wonderfully humble and straightforward. He's a lovely contrast of gentleman and hoodlum, and I love a good contrast.<br />
<br />
So, yes, the characters are excellent, but there's so much about this book I enjoyed. The story seemed to go on and on in the best way possible. It's a standard length novel, clocking in at 388 pages, but there's a hefty amount of action and interaction going on. A charming romance takes place by way of manhunts, pirate adventures, teenage hijinks, royal balls, and medical marvels. There's magic, swords, monsters, and tea-sipping. It's quite a party, and yet all of this threads together into a complete, cohesive story.<br />
<br />
<i>Steel's Edge</i> is a strong finale to the previous three books. It brings in many favorites from before -- particularly my personal favs: George and Jack with little teases of Kaldar. Not so much William, more's the pity, but he and the others get plenty of mention, so you still feel like they're a part of things. Families reunite, story tendrils that have been weaving about come together, and a satisfying sense of conclusion lays this little world to rest. <br />
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It's sad to see a series of this caliber end, but it's been a lovely ride.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-18599046803655112872013-01-10T12:55:00.000-08:002013-01-10T12:55:20.403-08:00Review: Grave Intentions<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Grave Intentions</i> by Lori Sjoberg</span><br />
Grave #1</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kensington Books, January 2013</td></tr>
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I'm a sucker for books about death gods and grim reapers -- stemming, I'm sure, from my fascination with the myths of Hades and Persephone. So books like the <a href="http://www.daryndajones.com/category/books/">Charley Davidson</a> and <a href="http://www.kalayna.com/alexcraft.html">Alex Craft</a> series... I suck them down like candy. Thus did I have high hopes for <i><a href="http://lorisjoberg.com/books/">Grave Intentions</a></i>, a recent release from <a href="http://lorisjoberg.com/blog/">Lori Sjoberg</a>. I'm delighted to report that those hopes were well met.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He’s handsome, reliable, and punctual—the perfect gentleman when you want him to be. But this dream man is Death’s best agent—and now he’s got more than his soul to lose…</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One act of mercy before dying was all it took to turn soldier David Anderson into a reaper—an immortal who guides souls-of-untimely-death into the afterlife. But the closer he gets to atoning for his mortal sin and finally escaping merciless Fate, the more he feels his own humanity slipping away for good. Until he encounters Sarah Griffith. This skeptical scientist can’t be influenced by his powers—even though she has an unsuspected talent for sensing the dead. And her honesty and irreverent sense of humor reignite his reason for living—and a passion he can’t afford to feel. Now Fate has summoned David to make a devastating last harvest. And he’ll break every hellishly-strict netherworld rule to save Sarah…and gamble on a choice even an immortal can’t win.</span></div>
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It's a fun quirk of plot that David and the other reapers have to conduct their work without being seen or found out by regular people. I'm used to such characters being incorporeal and/or invisible with a wealth of secret superpowers. These reapers, in contrast, are remarkably mundane. Sure, they have a few upgrades, but upon first blush they come across as largely human. If one ignores the fact that they're dead. They bleed, eat, get their eyebrows singed off... er, you'll see when you read it. This approach is definitely different from its brethren out there in the world. In many ways, this is more fun. Instead of swooping in on a cloud of mysterious, inky shadows, David and crew have to creep about like repo men, taking care of business with none the wiser. Yes, definitely more fun.<br />
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The characters are another high point. For example, our leading lady Sarah has a nice, realistic feel to her. It makes her an appealing protagonist -- easy to relate to, to invest in. David, meanwhile, maintains a wonderfully grumpy demeanor that adds a bit of zing to the play. (I dislike affable heroes; Boy Next Door does not do it for me.)</div>
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The relationship between Sarah and David is remarkable in its lack of melodrama. There's an initial spark of attraction, a growing connection, the inevitable union... You can really feel the development of their feelings for one another. None of that improbable soul-mate-at-first-glance, flash-in-the-pan stuff, which gets a tad old sometimes. No, this is more like a real relationship that could happen to anyone. With, y'know, dead people and stuff.</div>
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The lack of melodrama does slow things down at times. And some of the dramatic parts could have used a little more oomph. I can't elaborate without landing in a spoiler, but I will say that there are a few angsty moments that just... well, weren't angsty <i>enough </i>for me. Maybe I'm just not being appropriately subtle. Regardless, the conflict of the story resolves in a satisfying conclusion that totally tugged at my heartstrings. It's a happily-ever-after that doesn't come too easily or too conveniently. Like I said before, there's a realistic vibe to this story that sets it apart from others of its ilk.</div>
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As the debut book to a new series, some groundwork is laid down for subsequent installments. Specifically, we're introduced to a number of side characters that are a hoot and a half in their own rights. Which bodes well for the success of future books. The second Grave book features one of the more memorable side characters from <i>Intentions</i>, but that's another story. This whole series is bound to be lots of fun, so I encourage everyone to give <i>Grave Intentions</i> a try.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><u>BLOG TOUR</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>To promote the release of this book, Lori Sjoberg has been doing a blog tour throughout the month. Go check it out:</b></span></div>
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<b>January 9 </b></div>
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<a href="http://mimmismusings.blogspot.com/">Mimmi’s Musings</a></div>
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<b>January 10 </b></div>
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<a href="http://kaceyskonnections.blogspot.com/">Kacey’s Konnections – Supporting Author Book Tours</a></div>
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<b>January 10 </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.agirlandherkindle.com/">A Girl and Her Kindle</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://bookonawire.com/">Book On A Wire</a></span></div>
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<b>January 11 </b></div>
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<a href="http://nikkibrandyberry.wordpress.com/">Ramblings From A Chaotic Mind</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://wormyhole.blogspot.com/">The Wormhole</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://markedbybooks.blogspot.com/">Marked By Books</a></span></div>
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<b>January 12 </b></div>
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<a href="http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com/">TBQ’S Book Palace</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://bookedandloaded.com/">Booked & Loaded</a></span></div>
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<b>January 13 </b></div>
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<a href="http://readersedyn.blogspot.com/">Reader's Edyn</a></div>
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<b>January 14 </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog">Shelley Munro</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/">Blooding Book Reviews</a></span></div>
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<b>January 15 </b></div>
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<a href="http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/">Buffy’s Ramblings</a></div>
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<b>January 16</b> </div>
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<a href="http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/">Fangs, Wands & Fairydust</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://magluvsya03.wordpress.com/">Happy Tails and Tales</a></span></div>
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<b>January 17 </b></div>
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<a href="http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/">Fangs, Wands & Fairydust</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://victoriadanann.me/">Victoria Danann and Paranormal Romance News</a></span></div>
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<b>January 18 </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookinitreviews.com/">Bookin’ It Reviews</a></div>
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Book received courtesy of <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/">Kensington Books</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-7868557210021042502013-01-07T21:22:00.000-08:002013-01-07T21:52:03.986-08:00Review: Last Kiss Goodnight<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Last Kiss Goodnight</i> by Gena Showalter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Otherworld Assassins #1</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pocket Books, January 2013</span></td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the latest from PNR powerhouse <a href="http://members.genashowalter.com/">Gena Showalter</a>. <i><a href="http://members.genashowalter.com/page/last-kiss-goodnight">Last Kiss Goodnight</a></i> launches her new series, the Otherworld Assassins. This series is related to her <a href="http://members.genashowalter.com/page/awaken-me-darkly">Alien Huntress</a> books, as it takes place in the same world and mentions a few of our favorites from those books. The storyline stands on its own, however, and you can read this without having read the other series. Of course, I think you would enjoy this book more if you have read the Alien Huntress books first, but that's just a personal recommendation. Or, if you've read <i>LKG</i> already and kept wondering <i>Who is this Dallas Person?</i> Well, that's where you want to go. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: red;">THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">THE ULTIMATE PRICE…</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always enjoy Showalter's books, so my thoughts on this one aren't much of a mystery. I liked it quite a bit, and I'm excited by the prospect of a new series from one of my favorite authors. And this book has all the qualities that I've come to expect from Showalter. The characters are strong and sexy, the plot never slows down, and the writing is lively with just enough humor, violence, and romance to keep readers entertained.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Last Kiss Goodnight</i> presents a change in tone from Showalter's previous books. For one, it's less sexed up than one might expect from her. Which makes sense, given the circumstances of the characters for much of the book. Suffice to say, sexy time wouldn't be practical or realistic when half of your duo is locked up in a very public cage. Still, <a href="http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/blog/sex-in-romance-where-and-how">lack of practicality</a> doesn't always stop some writers, as I'm sure many of you have noticed. It's nice to have a little realism. Also, this more demure approach offers more time with the characters' thoughts and emotions, getting to know them without the distraction of heaving bosoms and throbbing members. Not that those aren't fun. In fact, I rather prefer my books on the steamy side, and I've always enjoyed Gena Showalter's brand of steam. Meaning, if the softer, rosier vibe is going to be the new standard, I'm not quite sure how I'll feel about that.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some readers suggest this book is more somber than other books by Showalter. I agree to a point, but I've always found a grim, weighty thread in all of Showalter's books. Usually it's balanced by a lot of snarky hijinks, but not always. I think it would be a disservice to fixate on the Lords of the Underworld series (a remarkably rambunctious series) as the model of Showalter's writing. </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of characters -- I've always felt that one of Showalter's strong suits is her ability to create likable, intriguing characters. Let's take Solomon Judah, for example. An elite black ops agent <i>and </i>a muscle-bound alien lifeform to boot! That right there is a lot of fun, but toss in some all-too-human vulnerabilities and lethal temper, and you've got one hell of a story. </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, as likable as Solo is, I find Vika to be even more interesting. Mind you, Solo is a good protagonist. But he's somewhat predictable. Vika, on the other hand, has some intrigue. There is an uncertainty to her actions that pushes the story along. Often her choices are the exact opposite of what an omniscient, overly-opinionated reader <span style="font-size: x-small;">(that would be me)</span> tells her to do, and that only makes thing more interesting. Yes, to some degree she's too good to be true -- beautiful and wounded yet unerringly kind -- but Showalter handles that nicely by exploring her motivations and psyche. </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHxob795nV8/UOs-V0dcpcI/AAAAAAAAAi0/ICb-z_70Njc/s1600/SeduceDarknesscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHxob795nV8/UOs-V0dcpcI/AAAAAAAAAi0/ICb-z_70Njc/s1600/SeduceDarknesscover.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, bonus! There's a Targon in the mix. I'm a shameless fan of Devyn, King of the Targons, and was tickled to see more of this irreverent race. Hmm... I'm feeling the urge to read <i><a href="http://members.genashowalter.com/page/seduce-the-darkness">Seduce the Darkness</a></i> for the billionith time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, this is a good intro to another fun, new series. I'd say I can't wait for the next one, but the forces that be don't exactly leave me a choice in that ( I've seen one projected publication date as November 2013). Happily, Gena Showalter has several other lovelies out there that still require my attention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Other Reviews</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redhotbooks.com/2012/12/review-last-kiss-goodnight.html">Red Hot Books</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/01/sheep-book-review-last-kiss-goodnight.html?showComment=1357524743800"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I Smell Sheep</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspot.com/2012/12/LASTKISSGOODNIGHT.html?zx=d0b4c2b880006016">Fangs Wands & Fairy Dust</a></span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-35844572455623577502013-01-03T14:07:00.000-08:002013-01-03T14:08:26.087-08:00Taking Command<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118); font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;"><i>Taking Command</i> by Jennifer Leeland</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Command series, Book 1</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8RQoc_r2Lw/UOX9ivaBbVI/AAAAAAAAAhg/SYfeDTYoDgQ/s1600/takingcommand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8RQoc_r2Lw/UOX9ivaBbVI/AAAAAAAAAhg/SYfeDTYoDgQ/s320/takingcommand.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Silver Books, 2008</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S12Xq4NLlQM/UOX_3tt9xsI/AAAAAAAAAiA/A4yhkbF8CIo/s1600/Holodeck3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S12Xq4NLlQM/UOX_3tt9xsI/AAAAAAAAAiA/A4yhkbF8CIo/s200/Holodeck3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">memegenerator.net</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Through all those years of watching </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Star Trek: the Next Generation</i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">, you know you were thinking it. You wondered if they ever used the </span>holodeck<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> for <a href="http://www.uproxx.com/gammasquad/2011/07/creepy-riker-loves-the-ladies-and-the-ladies-love-creepy-riker/attachment/holodeck/">sexy time</a>. Admit it. There no shame. We were all there with you. After all, </span>Riker<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> always had that shifty gleam in his eye that made you sure he was a closet perv. And that little, bearded smile of his -- very suspect.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br />And that brings me to <i><a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=19342.1567&product_name=Taking+Command&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact">Taking Command</a></i>, from <a href="http://www.jenniferleeland.com/">Jennifer Leeland</a>'s Command series. (I mean the sexy holodeck escapades, not Riker's pervy beard.) <i>Taking Command</i> is a futuristic story set on a spaceship, off on a colonizing mission. Prolonged time in space is rough on the psyche, so the passengers and crew typically blow off steam with visits to the virtually fantasy room. Daniella Pierce seizes the opportunity to indulge in some fantasies she's never been able to explore with the men in her life. She has no reason to think that the sexy man from her reality is real, much less the captain of the ship.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Captain Jake Tarune has some ghosts in his past, and the ship's VFR is the perfect way to exchange tension for pleasure. But when he realizes the lover responding so perfectly to his fantasies is not a hologram but rather a flesh and blood woman, he's consumed with a new kind of frustration. He's determined to find his fantasy lover, even if she doesn't want to be found. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">But things aren't as easy as that. While Jake and Dani come to terms with their attraction, other problems hit the deck. Someone on board doesn't want the ship's crew to complete its mission. It will be up to Jake to uncover the traitor in their midst -- no matter who it might be.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br />So, as you may have guessed, this isn't paranormal romance. More like sci-fi romance. And purists might say it's romantica rather than "proper" romance. But whatever. Moving on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">This book isn't shy; it dives right into the action, and I do mean the good stuff. There's a significant </span>BDSM<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> flavor here, which the title suggests. I wouldn't say it's crucial to the plot, but it does provide the foundation for the relationship between Dani and Jake, so if that's not your thing then stay clear.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Still with me? Good. But let's talk technicalities (sorry if you were hoping to talk bondage -- maybe next time). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">The pace of the book did feel a little rushed, but it hit a certain stride about a quarter of the way through and progressed more naturally from there. Jake and Dani have an intense interaction, which sort of grounded the story with more substance. Then things really picked up as the plot expanded beyond their relationship, and Jake proved to be not just a bad boy but also a badass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">I can't say that I ever connected to Dani. She never really took life of her own; rather, she seemed like the vehicle for developing other characters. Following her narrative brought her us into contact with side characters like Paul, </span>Sashina<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">, and Troy. And, of course, Jake. So while I did enjoy this book, I wonder if I would enjoy other books from this series more. But then, I imagine that kind of curiosity is good news for the author.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/takingcommandexcerpt.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Read An Excerpt</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.jenniferleeland.com/bookshelf/jennifer-leeland-books/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">More of the Command Series</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This booked was received courtesy of <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/">Liquid Silver Books</a>.</span></span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-51348036175995197042012-12-29T18:08:00.000-08:002012-12-29T18:15:32.558-08:00Once Upon A Ghost<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Once Upon a Ghost</i> by Day Leclaire</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ePublishing Works!, 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Now and then, even I seek out something lighter and happier than my usual fare of impending world doom, violence-inclined alpha males, and weighty mythologies. I tend to have several "variety" books tucked away, sometimes for months or even years before I get around to reading them. Fortunately, <a href="http://dayleclaire.com/Excerpt__Ghost.html"><i>Once Upon a Ghost</i></a> was another gem from one of my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Wacky-Women-Series-ebook/dp/B009O8N44S/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349900284&sr=1-3&keywords=day+leclaire">Kindle</a> download binges, so it was waiting and ready for me when I decided I'd enjoy some easy reading before the end of the day. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">I was looking for something sweet and simple, and I definitely found it. <span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Once Upon A Ghost</i> is about ghosts -- obviously -- and love -- unsurprisingly -- but it's fundamentally about being true to oneself. Leading us through this are two fabulous characters and their quirky actions.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Zack Kingston is a renowned and ardent ghost debunker. His mission to expose frauds and cons has driven him for years, to the point that he is both famous and successful. But you wouldn't exactly say he's happy with his life. Still, he's a determined man, and his latest crusade has him particularly wound up.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Rachel Avery is a woman with a plan. She has to be -- her family's legacy, her grandmother's house, her own future... it's all on the line, and she's banking on the reputation of the local ghost to pull herself and her loved ones out of trouble. But the arrival of Zach Kingston seriously jeopardizes her plans. He's out to prove there is no ghost, and that Rachel is a scam artist. To worsen the situation, Rachel can't stop her strong reaction to Zach, even if he thinks she's a liar.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was cute and humorous with an unexpectedly endearing quality to it. I will warn readers, though, that there were some drawbacks. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Rachel tended to come across as ditzy and farcical, albeit charming. Very <i>I Love Lucy</i>, if you will. Still, she grows on you. There's a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> tragic and wounded quality to her that adds depth and appeal, like a hot house flower in a snowstorm. She's determined to be bright and colorful though the world is against her. Taken on her own, she might be a little too much to take, but her connections to the other characters lend severity and balance when needed. And the<span class="Apple-style-span"> interactions between her and Zach are very lively and entertaining.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Another pro to this book is the unexpectedly beautiful language. It's not always a quality you expect of or find from romance novels, but <a href="http://dayleclaire.com/Home_Page.php">Day Leclaire's</a> writing is both skillful and stylish. I went in reading a fluff novel for some mindless entertainment and ended up immersed in a beautiful love story. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I actually got quite wrapped up in this book despite my initial attitude. I was totally crying towards the end, and it was great<span class="Apple-style-span">. If you're looking for some sweet romance, this is a book you'll want to try.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Once Upon a Ghost</i> is the first book of Leclaire's <a href="http://dayleclaire.com/Wacky_Women_Series.html">Wacky Women series</a>. The first three books are currently available, with two more on their way.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-68789025555667880872012-12-20T13:24:00.000-08:002012-12-20T13:24:12.881-08:00Lust After Death<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Lust After Death</i> by Daisy Harris</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvCsor_Vdq4/UM-MrKqhP_I/AAAAAAAAAbA/yLQTlHs_n-s/s1600/lustafterdeath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvCsor_Vdq4/UM-MrKqhP_I/AAAAAAAAAbA/yLQTlHs_n-s/s320/lustafterdeath.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellora's Cave, 2011</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTDAlAibRP4/UNN9UIMuDgI/AAAAAAAAAg8/UmE_NCl9XZM/s1600/zombiecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTDAlAibRP4/UNN9UIMuDgI/AAAAAAAAAg8/UmE_NCl9XZM/s1600/zombiecollage.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfesiBlZwTU/UNN8Ms2575I/AAAAAAAAAgw/oWyYlVFndPs/s1600/residentevil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfesiBlZwTU/UNN8Ms2575I/AAAAAAAAAgw/oWyYlVFndPs/s1600/residentevil.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Beyond watching Resident Evil movies, I never cared much for zombies. Lack of interest, really. I always felt that once you looked past the shuffling mob of flesh-eating corpses, there wasn't a whole lot of potential. A dead-end theme, if you'll forgive the pun. So I haven't been engaged with the latest trend of books, comics, and movies. Zombies are the new vampires, dontcha know. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
Then I came across this title from Daisy Harris's <a href="http://www.thedaisyharris.com/love_bots">"Love-Bots" series</a>. It was a lark, really. <i>Read it just so I can say I did</i>, I thought. However, <i>Lust After Death</i> has opened my eyes up to the potential of this subgenre, and I just may have to get on the bandwagon.</div>
<div>
<br />
The book opens with Josie, a recently made zombie bride. Her former life is a lost memory, as is everything she knew before she was recreated to be a man's illicit companion. Now all she knows is her "husband" and the island home where he keeps her secluded from the world.<br />
<br />
Enter Bane Conner. He, too, is a zombie -- or stein, as they are called. He was created to be an assassin and a soldier. The blood on his hands was never by choice, and now he works for an underground organizations that rescue steins from their forced existences. He was sent to save Josie from her captor. He was supposed to bring her to safety and help her build a new life. He wasn't supposed to fall for her.<br />
<br />
Soon they're on the run from people that would force them back into servitude. Bane must protect Josie while, at the same time, protecting his heart from emotions he's not prepared to face.<br />
<br />
This book was instantly interesting and held my attention from the very start to the very end. The first thing that struck me was how I got an immediate sense of the characters -- the captive heroine who may be helpless but isn't a dumb damsel. The hostile hero who's driven to save the world even though his weary soul just wants to rest. I found it to be a lovely and appealing pairing. But what I liked most about this book was the world Harris created. It was fresh and creative, yet reminiscent of some of my favorite PNR authors like <a href="http://members.genashowalter.com/">Gena Showalte</a>r and <a href="http://www.lauranndohner.com/">Laurann Dohner</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">.</span><br />
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And now the big question: </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Can zombies really be sexy?</span></div>
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Well, apparently so. Especially since Daisy Harris spares us from the rotting flesh, rigor mortis, and drooling that one usually expects from the undead. Her zombies are not unlike cyborgs, programmed pseudo-humans caught between life and unlife. There was still some flesh-eating, which I thought was a nice touch. And Harris doesn't run from the fact that her characters are unnaturally reanimated bodies. But with no rotting, no shuffling limbs... You get the edge without the ick. So, success! I read about zombies getting it on without Getting squicked out! A new milestone.<br />
<br />
I'll admit that this book wasn't a hole in one. A couple of issues did stand out to me. Josie, for instance, was a stumbling block here and there. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Written to have a near-adolescent perspective, she wasn't always the most accessible character. Bane, in contrast, came through more tangibly; his character and actions were more nuanced, more complete, and easier to connect to. In addition, there were </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">one or two narrative rough patches where the action didn't progress cleanly. Nothing that impedes the reading flow for more than a second.</span><br />
<br />
Overall, this book is delicious fun. A dash of action, a touch of angst, a strong dose of sex... It's the perfect recipe for a good read. So, while I won't promise to be an instant convert, I'll give the zombie craze another look.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other Reviews: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://zombiegirlshambling.blogspot.com/2012/12/lust-after-death-super-book-blast-and.html">Zombie Girl Shambling</a> / <a href="http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/lust-after-death-daisy-harris.html?zx=b4277cee3911b831">Scorching Book Reviews</a> / <a href="http://nikkibrandyberry.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/lust-after-death-by-daisy-harris/">Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind</a> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>More from Daisy Harris:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thedaisyharris.com/love_bots"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Love-Bots Series</b></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-40114794899784609302012-12-19T20:13:00.000-08:002012-12-19T20:24:31.359-08:00Dangerous Voices<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Dangerous Voices</i> by Rae Carson</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8GWj4FcyeA/UM-MSvBXrzI/AAAAAAAAAa4/DoG16oZ-F3I/s1600/DangerousVoices-Large1-450x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8GWj4FcyeA/UM-MSvBXrzI/AAAAAAAAAa4/DoG16oZ-F3I/s320/DangerousVoices-Large1-450x600.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rae Carson, November 2012</td></tr>
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Okay, so this isn't a paranormal romance; but I just finished read this with my morning cup of tea and liked it so much that I had to comment on it.<br />
<br />
First off, this is a short story. And I don't read short stories. I <i>appreciate</i> them -- I once took an entire college course dedicated to short stories, and I learned that there's an awful lot going on in those little snippets. It takes a lot of skill to successfully execute a short story. Often, I feel that only the cleverest of writers can pull it off. Which, I imagine, is part of the reason why I don't read them. Most of the ones I've tried just weren't engaging enough. They couldn't escape the criticism, "this would have been good if it were a full-length story." And have you ever noticed that a lot of shorts are kind of... weird? So I steer clear of the genre despite knowing full and well that there's quality reads out there.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.raecarson.com/2012/11/13/free-short-story/">Dangerous Voices</a></i> is written by <a href="http://www.raecarson.com/">Rae Carson</a>, author of the <a href="http://www.raecarson.com/books/the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns/">Fire and Thorns series</a>. I picked up <i>Dangerous Voices</i> during one of my downloading binges of free ebooks from Amazon. Most of such books are novella-length, and I didn't catch that <i>Dangerous Voices</i> was a short until I actually started to read it. I figured, what the hell. I would "bust it out", as one of my favorite people likes to say, then move on to a "real" book.<br />
<br />
Expectations are funny things, aren't they? I set off with a lofty mentality, like I was doing this story a <i>favor</i> by reading it. And I was enthralled within the first sentences. I poured over the rest of the story, tea going cold at my side, and I remained enthralled. I can't even break out the standby critique, that cop-out statement, "it was so good, it would have better as a novel." No, this story was perfectly written as it was, and I couldn't imagine it otherwise.<br />
<br />
The story is about a man, named Errik, who has been imprisoned so long that he's lost track of the years. Alone and broken, his world is only enlivened by the momentary sunlight that comes through his window. Until a new prisoner is brought in and put in the cell next to his. Llyri is gifted with the music that was taken from Errik -- and the magic that he turned his back on. He knows it's dangerous to speak to her, but he's compelled to make that connection. Will Llyri help him remember what it means to be free? Or will the music and magic be taken from them both?<br />
<br />
Several things went right with this story. The language is beautiful and poetic, but it isn't so ornate that it overwhelms the plot. Everything flows seamlessly from start to finish, with not a single obstacle or gap to disrupt the reading experience. And the characters are skillfully crafted. The four entities -- Errik, Llyri, Allon, and "the keys" -- come through as fully developed characters despite the brevity of their appearances. They are the real substance of the story, a narrowed but finely focused lens into this fantastical world of magic and music.<br />
<br />
This story did not leave me wanting more -- I was perfectly satisfied. Perhaps my view on short stories is turned around. Or maybe Rae Carson is just that good.<br />
<br />
Read more reviews: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1144314034"></span>That Girl Reads<span id="goog_1144314035"></span></a> / <a href="http://sffbrightstars.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/dangerous-voices-rae-carson/">Bright Stars in a Big Sky</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.raecarson.com/2012/11/13/free-short-story/">Read the Story</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-16935040016304849942012-12-18T11:31:00.000-08:002012-12-18T11:31:07.105-08:00Thought Jot: ModerationI'm thinking about moderation...<br />
<br />
So, I earn my living by working at a university library, which in itself can be a great source of blog material. Anyhow, there are numerous benefits to the job: access to plenty of reading material, unbeatable work atmosphere, companionship with like-minded people... and snow days.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_m7Z9TBA8Q/UNDDKvpDEOI/AAAAAAAAAbw/XeQZbpVNKA8/s1600/blogger-image--550380588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_m7Z9TBA8Q/UNDDKvpDEOI/AAAAAAAAAbw/XeQZbpVNKA8/s200/blogger-image--550380588.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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When I finished school, I would have thought the times of sanctioned slacker-days were behind me. But here I am, cuddled up with a Snuggie and eggnog-laced coffee, poking about the Internet instead of being a contributing member of society. And it's wonderful.<br />
<br />
Still, one mustn't get carried away by the mood. I trolled through the Goodreads giveaway pages, declaring my interest far and wide. Caught myself up on the latest and greatest from LibraryThing. Started to sift through the NetGalley offerings. Fortunately, a bit of sanity clicked in. Just yesterday I received four new books to read and review. I'm expecting another in the mail. I have a stack of clearance sale jewels waiting, untouched, on my desk. And I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> <i>still </i>haven't started in on KMM's <i>Iced</i>, if you can believe it, even though it's just been sitting there in the other room for weeks, calling to me. </span><br />
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Moderation in all things, it's said. By whom, exactly, I couldn't tell you, but I'm sure someone said it at least once. So instead of overcommitting myself to a deluge of book reviews, I think I'll go have some more eggnog and gorge myself on a good book.<br />
<br />
There. Moderation exercised.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-23754560930983056772012-12-17T13:12:00.003-08:002013-02-04T21:29:00.846-08:00The Seven Devils<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Seven Devils</i></span> by Sara Danvers</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcPotpJlhUQ/UM-GQd84KyI/AAAAAAAAAao/ylivdyzORg4/s1600/sevendevils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcPotpJlhUQ/UM-GQd84KyI/AAAAAAAAAao/ylivdyzORg4/s1600/sevendevils.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kindle Direct Publishing, 2012</td></tr>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Paranormal romance is the ultimate escapist reading for me. When you take the </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">bodice-ripper novels of old, exchange swarthy pirates and sword-swinging Scottish lairds with supernatural hunksters, you get books filled with drama and high emotions but lacking the dragging, heavy weight of the "true" literature touted by critics and book clubs. Which begs the question: why do people write depressing books?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">But back on topic... I read for entertainment, for escapism. But sometimes fluffy rom-coms and happily-ever-afters don't cut it. Sometimes I want to immerse myself in the drama of other people's emotions. Usher in books like <i>The Seven Devils</i> by Sara Danvers.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">From the first page, you know this book easy going be a light read. As the story opens, the main protagonist, Ellen, has some serious problems. Her father is an abusive alcohol, her mother looks the other way, and her brother is only out for himself. With her dysfunctional family, and no friends to turn to, Ellen gets by in life by being as invisible as possible. As long as no one notices her, they can't hurt her. It's not a great life, but she makes it work as best as she can. Then one day, her father's rage goes too far, nearly costing Ellen her life. Finally driven to act, her mother takes her and her brother away. A new town, a new home. A new school. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">Ostracized by by everyone at her new school, Ellen's one saving grave is Neil, the resident odd man out. He's smart, good looking, and kind—so Ellen doesn't understand why everyone acts like he's evil incarnate. All she know is, he's the only one she can trust, especially once the local golden boy, Derrick, starts coming on way too strong.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">But what happens when she can no longer ignore the rumors about Neil's strange behavior? What does a girl do when her knight in shining armor becomes her newest threat?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">What initially had me interested was Neil, our strange bedfellow <i>du jour</i>. I can't tell you too much about him—the mystery of Neil is half the fun—but he's that kind of larger-than-life hero that brings a fairytale element into the story. One can easily connect Ellen to distressed heroines like Cinderella or Rapunzel, swept up by the dashing hunk of man flesh that comes to her rescue. And what's even better, he's a flawed hero. Don't expect an easy romance despite appearances otherwise. These kids have some problems to work through before they can ride off into the sunset, believe you me. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">Now, as much as I enjoyed Neil, the true</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"> driving factor of this story is Ellen. What is this book really about? It's about her struggle to hold on to herself when stronger personalities threaten to consume her. Some, like her father and self-serving brother, do so out of malice. But even Neil is guilty of being overwhelming and forceful. So how does a fearful, introverted girl find her own and hang on to it? Can she stop being the damsel and become her own hero? Therein lies my fascination with this story.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">I've come across a few critiques about how unrealistic some aspects of this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">st</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">ory <span style="line-height: 16px;">are—the</span> e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.294118); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">otional baggage, the lack of adult intervention, the improbably dramatic situations. And yet, all that is part of what made this story so enjoyable for me. Too often I read YA novels that sneak in commentary on good parenting and appropriate teen behavior. That's not what I want to see, as a reader. I want the sex, blood, and rock 'n' roll—even if the characters happen to be teenagers who should have been under better parent supervision. But then, curfews and family meetings don't always make for an interesting plot.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">To summarize, this is a very diverting read with great characterizations. It's paranormal, and it's romantic, but there a lot more going on than "boy meets girl, boy has superpowers, boy and girl fall in love and make merry." There's definite sequel vibes, and I'll be keeping my eye on where this author goes.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Update:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span>Yes, there is a sequel in the works. Read the <a href="http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.com/visit-with-sara-danvers-and-her-the-seven-devils/">interview at My Book Addiction and More</a> for some insight on this series<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px;">Other Reviews: <a href="http://littlebluebirdsmom.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/review-of-the-seven-devils-by-sara-danvers/">Little Blue Bird's Mom</a> / <a href="http://sandra002533.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-seven-devils-by-sara-danvers.html">Welcome to Book Junkee</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2569408593733452598.post-89714465321706438902012-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:002012-12-14T13:55:17.059-08:00Perfect Mate<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Perfect Mate</i> by Mina Carter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br /></i></span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Monsters do exist...and they're the good guys."</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ec; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samhain Publishing (2012)</span></span></td></tr>
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What you'll find: werewolves, vampires, and zombies. Practically the holy trinity of paranormal romance these days, but one must admit it's a potent combination when crafted by the hands of a skilled writer.<br />
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<a href="http://mina-carter.com/">Mina Carter</a>, for instance, is a shining star that helps guide paranormal beings out of the treacherous void of melodrama, poet shirts, and misplaced sparkles. She brings things firmly into the here and now with this book about military experiments gone wrong, wisecracking werewolves toting assault weaponry, and tough-chick heroines that like to do a bit of asskicking of their own, thank you very much.<br />
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<i>Perfect Mate</i> is the first book of Carter's "Mate" series and introduces a world where the US military has secretely been experimenting on soldiers in order to create elite fighters that can take a lickin' while ripping your head off with a smile. In short, the government is creating a covert force of werewolves, vampires, <span style="font-family: inherit;">and—you guessed it—zombies.</span><br />
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One such experiment is Captain Jack Harper, a superior fighter and alpha of his lycanthropic squad. Jack has gone out of his way to make him and his men seem like obedient, mindless soldiers--all the while planning their escape.<br />
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Lillian Rosewood strives to be a competent hospital manager, but truthfully she feels like something is missing from her life. She longs for adventure and<span style="font-family: inherit;"> excitement—not </span>expecting to actually find it when Jack Harper's fatally wounded body comes through her door. Suddenly she must come to terms with supernatural beings, military assassins, and an inexplicable attraction to a perfect stranger that may actually be her perfect mate.<br />
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This is a wonderful addition to the scores of werewolf romances out in the world. From cover to cover, it's a non-stop joy ride of vivid imagery and tangible action. Rarely have I read a book where the character's personalities so easily crawled out of the pages and it my mind. <i>Perfect Mate</i> is remarkable in that aspect, and it made all the difference in my reading experience.<br />
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What's particularly refreshing about this book is the break it provides from the softer side of paranormal romance. Sometimes, you really want a little edge with your fangs and<span style="font-family: inherit;"> claws—and </span>not just the quasi-BDSM bedroom games that pop up in most paranormal romances today. I mean, blood and guts and bullets flying. And for that, there's nothing like a pack of military elite soldiers who just also happen to be angry werewolves. Throw in a cool-as-bloody-ice vampire assassin and some fresh-from-the-lab zombies, and you've got yourself a party.<br />
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<i>Perfect Mate</i> is a vividly engaging story that won't disappoint. It's sexy as hell, incredibly well-written, hilariously funny at times... and it has an exceptionally hot guy on the cover. Needless to say, I loved it. You better believe I'll be racing to get my hands on the next book, <a href="http://mina-carter.com/2012/09/sss-blood-mate/"><i>Blood Mate</i></a>, which is currently a work-in-progress.<br />
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You can read other reviews at: <a href="http://romanceaholic.com/2012/review-perfect-mate-samhain-mina-carter/">The Romanceaholic</a> / <a href="http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2012/10/perfect-mate-by-mina-carter.html?zx=b23fe10abdafc781">Long and Short Review</a>s / <a href="http://www.mommysreading.com/2012/10/krissy-reviews-perfect-mate-by-mina.html?zx=f0c4e9a710da0ca7">Not Now... Mommy's Reading</a><br />
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<a href="http://mina-carter.com/bookshelf/paranormal-romance/perfect-mate/">More About the Book</a><br />
<a href="http://mina-carter.com/about/">More About the Author</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378098484581038560noreply@blogger.com0