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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
GIVEAWAY - She Wolf by Teresa D'Amario
In celebration of the paperback release of She Wolf by Teresa D'Amario, I am giving away one (1) signed copy to a lucky reader!
Want more? You can read the first 3 chapters for free:
CONTEST INFORMATION:
About the book:
A small town veterinarian has a big time problem. She's not human.
Plagued as a child with an extra-sensitive sense of smell, strength, and eyesight, Anna Callaway always thought she was special. But she didn't understand how special until she met Kieran Hunter.
He insists they are True Mates, but he's not human either. He's wolven.
Kieran is a protector of his race. No longer the Alpha of his pack, he spends his time searching out and punishing any who may reveal their race to humans. While patrolling, he finds two wolven about to kidnap Anna. He battles to protect her, but is surprised to find himself drawn to her in a way he never expected.
The couple must learn to deal with their differences before they can address their similarities. But when three men kidnap Anna, she must decide if she is to embrace the wolven way of life, or return to her quiet existence. And whether to abandon the man who claims her as his True Mate.
This is the first book in Ms. D'Amario's True Mates series. I reviewed this great book back in May 2010 and you can find my review HERE. It will be available in print starting TODAY, but you can still purchase the e-book. Both versions are available from Freya's Bower. The book has a great new cover with the new release, too!
CONTEST INFORMATION:
All you have to do to enter the contest is leave a comment for Teresa at the end of this post. You do not need to be a follower of my blog, but it is appreciated! The contest is open to United States residents/mailing addresses only. Contest starts today and runs until December 3, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on December 4, 2010.
Thanks! and Happy Reading!
Thanks! and Happy Reading!
Labels:
Monday, November 29, 2010
Review: Real Vampires Have More to Love
Real Vampires Have More to LoveAuthor: Gerry Bartlett
Release Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Glory St. Clair Series Book #6
ISBN: #978-0-425-23697-0
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Glory St. Clair is a vampire with problems. First there's her on-again, off-again lover Jeremy Blade, back in town and expecting her to fall into his arms again. Doesn't he remember that they have issues? And what about smoking hot rock star Israel Caine? He's back, too, and sinking his fangs into someone else. Glory told him to move on, but did she have to be so thin? At least Valdez is still loyal. But her former bodyguard is no longer dogging her. Instead, he's now a hunky guy determined to share her apartment and maybe something more. So much man-candy is enough to make even a gal with a liquid diet feel a sugar rush.
No time to enjoy it though, with a pair of hunters playing beat the clock as they try to win the fortune a techno-freak billionaire left behind. The stakes are high and Glory's the prize in this vamp hunting contest. Dodging arrows and arranging a bachelorette party for her BFF may just prove to be too much for even this clever vamp who has more to love…
What I’m talking about:
NOTE: I have not read any of the first five books in this series.
Glory St. Clair has one hell of a messed up life! She’s been around the block for a few centuries, but still hasn’t learned to be completely self-sufficient. Glory has recently (something that happened in an earlier book) left her long-time love, Jerry, and opened her own vintage clothing store to make it on her own. But as soon as Jerry strolls back into the picture, she turns to him for love. She also is playing a dangerous, flirtatious game with her one-time body guard, Rafe. When Jerry leaves town on business, all hell breaks loose in Glory’s life. She is nearly killed, blackmailed, starts an affair with Rafe, drugged, threatened, beaten up, and has to deal with Rafe’s demonic ex-wife. Yet she manages to keep it together while planning her best friend’s wedding.
Vampires Have More to Love reads like a soap opera. Glory can be over the top, immature and needy. She drove me nuts at times. She proclaims that she wants to make it on her own, yet leans on a man at every turn. And she cannot stay out of trouble. Some of it is not her fault, but most of it is. She isn’t smart and tries to “fix” things without trusting those that could help her the most. She keeps secrets and lies to cover her butt, but in the end, it’s all part of her undoing.
The book started slow. We learn of threats to Glory’s life and meet her maker and love, Jerry. They immediately hop back into bed together, but I felt there was NO chemistry between them. The first 100 pages were campy and short on substance.
But then the action came: plot twists and shake ups that really improved the quality of the story. I adored Glory’s relationship with Rafe and found their romance HOT! Once you peel back the layers, the underlying story was actually quite satisfying. But you have to deal with bumbling Glory and her never-ending problems to get to the core. As for Rafe - he is sweet, romantic and SMOKIN’ HOT! I totally cheered for Rafe, and I just don’t get why Glory is so hung up on Jerry. But I bet it’s akin to skipping Twilight and starting the Twilight Series with New Moon and then wondering why Bella chooses Edward over Jacob. I suspect that Jerry and Glory have shared many wonderful moments in the previous 5 books, and therefore, the chemistry was already established.
Glory did have some great redeeming moments - when she stands up for herself and fights the demon, or her other enemies - the Energy Vamps. She is witty and sharp during these moments and I actually started to like Glory.
The last quarter of the story saved the whole book for me. Glory realizes what is truly important to her and how her life should be. She finally does what she needs to in order to set her life down the path she chooses. If you are looking for a light-hearted romp with a soap-operatic plot line, you will enjoy Vampires Have More to Love.
My Rating:
Liked it, there were a few issues - recommend (B)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday Snippets #36
She Wolf by Teresa D’Amario
Paperback Release Date: November 30, 2010
Anna opened her eyes and found herself staring into the darkest blue eyes she’d ever seen. Kieran.
“Let me go. Don’t touch me,” she shrieked. Pushing away from the ground with her hands, she skittered backward to escape him. He didn’t follow, so she stopped after a few feet.
“I won’t hurt you. Let me take you to your car.”
She knew that tone. She used it herself when working with abused animals. Calm control, intended to ease fears and establish trust.
“You....” The word faded into a wince, and she wrapped her arms across her bruised ribcage. “You aren’t human.”
He shook his head and took a step closer. Her nostrils flared, scenting him. Buried beneath the calm strength he presented lurked something darker, hungrier. Lust. It burned brightly, calling to her. And to her surprise, her body responded. Heat coursed through her veins, constricting her lungs. She shook her head, struggling to clear it.
“What are you?”
He shrugged. “My name is Kieran. And I’m here to help. Let me get you to your car.”
Anna stared at the hand he held out. She drew his scent into her lungs. Exotic and tantalizing. Her pulse slowed, and her fear seeped away, absorbed by the concrete she sat upon. Only confusion remained.
Someone must have slipped something into her drink. It was the only answer that made sense. But boy, whatever it was, it packed a punch. Surreal images flooded her mind, and she shoved them away. They weren’t real.
Anna took a deep breath and let it out, slowing the renewed pounding of her heart. Hesitantly, she reached for the extended hand.
Their skin touched, and electricity zinged between them, right through her fingertips straight to her heart. She yanked her hand back, clutching it in her other palm. His eyes widened, but his mouth curved in the hint of a smile. Huh. He seemed as surprised as she.
But he didn’t retreat. His palm remained out, waiting. Uncertain, she placed her hand in his. Again, the current ran through her body, but she didn’t pull away. Nerve endings that before lay dormant sizzled to life, and her skin suddenly craved his touch, his heat. Anna gasped and struggled to hide her building desire as the man helped her up.
“Who are you?” she whispered.
“A friend.” His voice was deep, almost a growl. She liked that, the low, masculine tone. His wide shoulders blocked her view, and she moved to look around him. He simply moved with her, blocking the body she knew had to lay behind him.
“Are you going to kill me now?” she asked. Why did she ask that? Nothing she’d seen could be real. All figments of a drug-induced imagination, which meant there was no need to kill her.
He grimaced. “No, I am not going to kill you. I’m going to keep you safe.”
She stared into his eyes. The red battle-lust was gone. Was that what it would be called? Or was it bloodlust? His eyes were so dark, almost black. Deep, beautiful blue irises. By the size of his dilated pupils, Anna wouldn’t be surprised to find he could see in the dark. She blinked and struggled to push her rising desire behind a shield of professionalism.
“I think I believe you.”
“You think?” he grinned. “Where’s your car?”
She motioned toward her little Ford Focus and dug in her pocket with trembling
hands for her keys. The instant his fingers closed around hers she felt it. That selfsame jolt of energy. Their eyes locked, his filled with pure lust. Oh shit. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. An explosion of heat rippled through her body. Too much. The world tipped on its axis, just before everything went black.
GIVEAWAY: In celebration of the paperback release of She Wolf, I am giving away one (1) signed copy to a lucky reader! Contest is open to United States residents/mailing addresses only. Contest starts Tuesday November 30, 2010 and runs until December 3, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on December 4, 2010. Be sure to check back on Tuesday and enter the contest!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Review: Firewalker
Firewalker
Author: Allyson James Release Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Stormwalker Series Book #2
ISBN: #978-0425237823
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
I won an ARC copy of this book from the author.
From the author’s website:
Mick must face the dragon council for breaking their laws, and while he doesn't seem too worried about his upcoming trial, but Janet will do anything to keep him safe. She'll need a little help from her friends, old and new: Nash and Coyote; Cassandra, a powerful witch turned hotel manager; Colby a sort-of-trustworthy dragon. But now a new, dark power is stirring in Magellan that Janet must face, but even more frightening, one is stirring within herself.
What I’m talking about:
**This review contains minor spoilers from the first book, Stormwalker.
Firewalker is the second book in Ms. James’ Stormwalker series, and it starts a short time after the end of the first book. Janet Begay, a Native American stormwalker, with the power of Beneath magic from her goddess mother, has settled down in Megellan and opened up the hotel she was renovating throughout all of book one. She’s hired a witch, Cassandra, to manager her place and business is good. Mick’s been missing for three weeks, and although he has been more open with Janet since she found out he is a dragon, it still isn’t completely odd for him to be gone without notice. But when a shifter comes into the hotel demanding to speak with her, Janet realizes that Mick is in trouble.
Mick is guilty of breaking Dragon law when he allowed Janet to live (backstory in Stormwalker). Dragons are honorable, and he intends to stand trial - even when the verdict is already known. But before he can get there, a new evil finds its way into Megellan - one with a familiarity that reminds Janet of her evil mother. Now Janet, Mick, Nash and their new friends must figure out who is responsible for the gruesome death of an unknown hiker before more innocent people are killed - and in time to save Mick from the dragons and his own honor.
Once again, Ms. James weaves together an amazing Paranormal Romance/Mystery-Suspense story. At the core of her work is a complex “whodunit,” full of twists and turns, that keeps the reader engaged until the conclusion. But what makes the book truly superb is the cast of characters that inhabit this marvelous world.
Tragedy and trouble follow Janet everywhere she goes. She wants to “just be normal,” yet time and time again, she picks the difficult path. When faced with death if she continues to use her “evil” Beneath magic, she doesn’t let her own mortality stop her from making the “right” (and difficult) decisions. One of the most special and poignant parts of the story occurs when Janet is faced with the decision to keep her Beneath half or let it go completely. It is heart-wrenching and emotionally draining to witness her as she contemplates what is truly important in her life. I love that Janet may give in here and there but NEVER gives up the fight and always has a snarky comment or two for those that rub her the wrong way.
Then there is Mick. He loves Janet with all of his soul, but not being human, he doesn’t always express his love in conventional ways - except for the fantastic (and completely hot) sex that he showers upon Janet! He worships her body, he protects her as only he understands and he expresses his love in his own ways. The fact that he was originally sent to kill Janet, but instead fell in love is not a new tale in the world of romance. But what makes his story special is that even with his love, he is afraid that he still may have to kill Janet someday if the Beneath magic gets too strong. In this story we observe Mick’s love deepen and his resolve to love and save her strengthen.
We also have Nash... I think I developed a bit of a crush on him during this book. He’s a “by-the-rules” kind of hard-headed ass that challenges Janet to be better. The friendship developing between Nash and Janet is a worthwhile investment, and I want to see where it leads (and for Nash to be happy with Maya!). With Nash’s mysterious “void” magic and Janet’s magics - I have a feeling that they will make an unstoppable pair against the powers of evil.
Finally, I want to mention Cassandra - because I think there is something about her that will come out down the road. I’m not sure why she’s at the hotel, but she definitely has a secret or two. And there is Coyote - trickster god that is wise and a bit of comic relief. Both characters have more minor parts, but add incredible value to the story.
Firewalker is another amazing book in the Stormwalker series! I highly recommend reading both books because the stories are fabulous, the action is intense, the world-building is phenomenal and both are emotionally satisfying tales.
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful...
It is Thanksgiving today here in the United States. It's one of my favorite holidays. We get together with my husband's family every year - my mom-in-law makes the BEST turkey, stuffing and gravy. We kick back and relax all day. Our favorite football team - THE PATRIOTS - are even on this year. And after today - 3 more days of "vacation," and the obligatory "hanging of the Christmas decorations" will come during the weekend.I wanted to highlight a few of the things I'm thankful for this year...
* My husband and children.
* My family.
* My health, and the good health for my family members.
* The men and women that serve to keep us safe everyday - whether they are in the military, police, fire, emergency responders, etc.
* My dear friends both near and far.
* My new friends that I have made via my blog and twitter.
And a big thanks to all of you that have supported me and my blog over this past year.
Happy Thanksgiving!
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Shadow Force Series Giveaway - Winners
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my review of Promises in the Dark by Stephanie Tyler and my Shadow Force Series giveaway. I especially want to thank Stephanie for generously donating a copy of each of her newest releases, Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark, for this giveaway.Every person that commented on the review was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winners were selected using random.org.
The 2 Winners are:1 - Jasmine1485
2 - BookObsessed
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I’m sending both winners a message. Jasmine - you will get your choice of the two books and BookObsessed - you will receive the other book. I’ll need both of you to please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so Steph can send you the book! You have until Sunday Nov. 28, 2010 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you!
Review: Stormwalker
StormwalkerAuthor: Allyson James
Release Date: May 4, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Stormwalker Series Book #1
ISBN: #978-0425234693
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
From the author’s website:
Half-Navajo Janet Begay possesses extraordinary power which is tied to the storms that waft across the desert. The only person who can control her when she's caught in the storm's evocative power is Mick, a dark-haired, blue-eyed biker Janet can't seem to touch with her powers. He can wield fire and not get burned, and Janet's never sure where he goes when they're not together.
Together they investigate mysterious disappearances, which Janet fears are tied to her mother's people, the mythical gods from below the earth. They are helped along the way by Coyote and Crow, but these shapeshifting gods have their own agendas.
What I’m talking about:
Janet Begay is a stormwalker: she can utilize the power of a storm, bending and controlling it to meet her desires. But this magic comes at a price - it leaves her physically drained and sick. Only her mysterious ex-boyfriend, Mick, can absorb the excess magic and help Janet stay sane. But Mick isn’t always around and Janet has learned to stand on her own. So when Mick rides into town wanting to pick up where their relationship left off 5 years ago, Janet doesn’t know what to do. She misses him. She wants him. But he broke her heart.
Janet is sexy and a strong heroine-just the kind I like. She’s tough - renovating a hotel in a town full of folks that don’t necessarily accept her. Oh, and she is willing to stay in town to face off against the dark forces from Beneath, controlled by her evil goddess of a mother. She takes hit after hit, but doesn’t give up. Yet Janet is also vulnerable - she wants to run away with Mick, but knows she can’t. She wants to take the easy road, but won’t. It is these two sides of Janet that make her such a compelling character. She is a super hero and a normal gal all rolled into one.
Janet isn’t the only great character in Stormwalker. Mick, her on-again, off-again lover/boyfriend is an enigma. He’s sexy, and his love for Janet is sweet. Even though he is a valiant protecter and seems to know everything, there are somethings he just doesn’t understand when it comes to Janet. Or he may get it, but chooses to remain aloof and a mystery. I can understand why Janet is so torn - attracted and frustrated all at once.
There is also Sheriff Nash Jones who is an Unbeliever, and really doesn’t care for Janet. Yet he seems to possess something that makes him a bit different than the average human. His actions are frustrating at times, but he adds a powerful dimension to the story. And I have to mention the Mirror - a bisexual magic mirror that injects humor into the story. There are also several other minor characters that together make this book special.
Stormwalker is a fabulous book. It is one of the most creative and engrossing stories that I have read this year. Containing an ideal mix of world building/mythology, action, mystery, romance and smex, this book was enjoyable from cover to cover!
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday Snippets #35
Sneak Peek from Promises in the Dark by Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: November 23, 2010
**NOTE: this except comes from an uncorrected galley copy of the book**
“My plan was to grab you, get you to Freetown and onto a ferry,” he said through gritted teeth. “My plan involved saving you. It didn’t involve having the person in danger hit me with a metal frying pan—then tell me to stay the hell out of her life and her business.”
She didn’t bother to look or act contrite. “I never asked you to come,” she said again—her refrain. Her goddamned mantra.
That was it. He closed in on her with three steps. All he could freakin’ think to do was kiss her, and so that’s exactly what he damned well did, hard and fast, without giving a shit what she wanted right now.
But she did want—he could tell by the way she molded against him. She tasted soft and sweet and spicy all at once, like cool rain and the kind of hot summer sun that let you know all was right with the world, and his body enveloped hers, the way he’d wanted to from the moment he’d seen her on the porch.
When he pulled back, she kept her eyes screwed tightly closed as if she could make it all—including him— disappear.
He murmured in her ear, “Open your eyes, Liv. I want you to know my name. To know me—to watch me when you come and know that I’m the one doing it to you.”
GIVEAWAY: Stephanie has GENEROUSLY donated one (1) copy of each of the first two Shadow Force Series books - Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark for a giveaway here on my blog. If you would like to enter for a chance to win either of the books, please leave a comment with your email address at the end of this post or the REVIEW. Contest is open internationally!! Contest is open from now until November 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on November 24, 2010. First name drawn will get choice of book. Second winner will receive the other book.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Geist Giveaway - Winner
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for author Philippa Ballantine’s guest post on her early influences in the fantasy genre and entering my Geist giveaway. I especially want to thank Pip for generously donating a copy of her new release, Geist, for this giveaway.
Every person that commented on the guest blog post was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winner was selected using random.org.
The Winner:
Smash Attack!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Ash, I’m sending you a message, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so Pip can send you the book! You have until Wednesday Nov. 24, 2010 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you!
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Story of A First Gift
Welcome to a special post here at That's What I'm Talking About. Today, I am participating in a special Blog Hop sponsored by author Liz Fichera. I hope you enjoy my story.
Lean in really close... I have a secret to share. *whispers* I’m going to cheat - just between you and me - this isn’t really about a first gift. Because to be honest I cannot remember the first gift my husband gave me. But I do remember the gift he gave me when I was pregnant with our first child. That counts - right?!
Back in August 2003, I was 7 months pregnant with our first child. I truly LOVED being pregnant. But, things were a bit chaotic. I was working full time, and my husband was traveling - gone 2-4 nights per week. We were in the middle of a MAJOR kitchen remodel project. The entire kitchen and dining room were completely torn apart. We had a make-shift kitchen in our family room - it included a card table with a college-sized microwave, a mini-fridge below, a box full of paper products and a few dozen pantry items. Not to mention our full-sized solid wood dining room table set was placed in the middle of the family room along with our family room furniture. It was crowded! We were also working on the nursery and all of the fun things that come with the first kiddo.
On August 22, 2003, we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. I wasn’t expecting much for a few reasons... First: we had a baby on the way and that was a big expense. Second: we were remodeling our home - another big expense. Third: my husband isn’t known for his gift giving abilities. He’s more of a sweet card and take-me-out-to-dinner kind of guy. (Although I’ve trained him since and he now gives me gift certificates to the spa. He’s learned well!)
So when he showed up that evening with a small box, I was a bit surprised. It was a jewelry sized box... what could it be? I hadn’t dropped any hints for jewelry, or any gifts for that matter. When I opened the box my heart melted. I found inside a beautiful silver locket with a note that said “On the 5th anniversary, you are supposed to give silverware. I’m giving you silver that you can wear.” I started to cry. I blame the pregnancy hormones, but it was so incredibly sweet and such an amazing surprise. And it re-enforced why I love that man so much!
My son at one week old, holding onto my "first gift."
I hope you enjoyed my FIRST GIFTS story. Be sure to check out the other bloggers participating in author Liz Fichera’s special blog hop. Click HERE to find out more.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Review & Giveaway: Promises in the Dark
Promises In The DarkAuthor: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: November 23, 2010
Publisher: here
Shadow Force Series Book #2
ISBN: #978-0440245971
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
On the run, in each other’s arms, with one last chance to survive.
A rugged Navy SEAL, Zane Scott was part of a failed mission to rescue Dr. Olivia Strohm from abduction by the terrorist group Dead Man’s Hand (DMH)—and her anguished screams have haunted him ever since. So when he gets word that the beautiful physician has escaped from her captors in Africa, he’s got personal reasons to storm the continent and save her.
Like her would-be liberator, Olivia carries the burden of a dark secret from her past. Ruthless and relentless, the DMH has threatened to hunt her down – and to systematically hurt anyone she’s close to. The last thing she wants is to be rescued—even by someone as shockingly handsome as Zane. Yet the hot-headed special ops hero has come for her, and together she and Zane just might have a shot at not only stopping DMH’s reign of terror, but also saving what’s left of their souls.
What I’m talking about:
Promises in the Dark picks up about 6 months after the end of Lie With Me, with Dr. Olivia Strohm having escaped her evil captors. She’s on the run and hiding in Africa, hoping that she’ll never be found - by anyone. Meanwhile, Zane has spent all of his free time trying to track down and rescue Olivia. He is drawn to her and cannot get her out of his mind - even though he’s never met her. Once Zane finds Olivia, sparks fly and it’s up to Zane to convince Olivia she’s better off leaving Africa. Together they make their way to a small missionary medical treatment clinic on their way to safety. There they meet Doc J (it’s his place), Tristan, and Rowan.
Meanwhile, back in the states, Zane’s brother, Cael is on a mission for the Army to determine if computer genius Vivienne Clare knows that her new nuclear plant security program was stolen by the terrorist group DMH, or even worse - if she sold it to them. But when Vivi’s life is on the line, Cael ensures her safety which intertwines their lives in ways he wasn’t prepared to deal with. He has to decide if he can trust Vivi with the lives of his brother, Olivia and countless other innocent people, and if he should act on his growing attraction for Vivi.
I fell in love with Zane and Olivia while reading the first book in this series, Lie With Me (my review HERE) She was kidnapped and injected with drugs - forcing an addition - so that she would help DMH with their black market organ transplant clinic. Based on the ending of that book, I was expecting a heart-wrenching story of a drawn-out rescue and drug withdrawal issues. However, this book skips past those issues, and I think it’s a better story for it. By moving forward in time, Ms. Tyler jumps over the expected and spends more time on the heart of the story.
And what a good story this is! In fact it’s really 3 different stories that all circle and collide with one another. 1) Zane and Olivia’s love story and escape. Can two damaged individuals get past their suffering and learn to trust and love? 2) Rowan and Tristan. Two people with different backgrounds but both dealing with a lot of pain. She had a wonderful love, but lost it tragically. He was betrayed by someone he thought loved him. 3) Cael and Vivi. They are from two different worlds, and she is a character of interest in his investigation. Can he determine the truth in time to save lives and his heart? In the end, each of these romances and story lines integrates into one fantastic tale!
I love that all three of these women are strong heroines--even computer geek Vivi who doesn’t feel like she is. She stands up to the Army and Cael like nobody’s business! They are each self-sufficient and don’t need a man, but are tired and lonely. So when the right man comes along - sparks fly immediately - lust at first sight, instant connections, which is HOT. I adore these women and understand their desire to have someone take care of them. Because these ladies have had it tough, and it is hard taking care of yourself and others for SO LONG. However, I do have to say I was a bit annoyed that in two different situations, two of these women (Olivia and then Vivi) threw themselves at their respective mates upon first meeting them, in pretty inappropriate/dangerous situations... they both beg for sex to make them forget. Why is having sex with a hot alpha male STRANGER, when your life is in mortal danger, ideal for making them forget their lives? Okay, forget I asked that question - but it did bother me that these strong women couldn’t find a better time and way to connect with their respective men.
I truly enjoyed reading how Zane and Olivia - both “damaged” people - learn to trust each other. They realize that even love won’t erase the horrors of the past, but together they can overcome a lot. In fact, this book is full of flawed men and women that don’t apologize for their mistakes, their pasts, their choices, and they don’t just try to “forget and make it better.” Instead, each person and couple works through their pasts and learns to trust and love. It is extremely emotionally satisfying!
Beyond the love stories, there are some major things happening with the terrorist group, DMH, which should make for an interesting start to the next book. In addition, we haven’t read Cael and Vivi’s full story, and based on the epilogue of Promises in the Dark, the next book will be a good one.
Not only is this book full of wonderful romance and HOT smex, but the action is suspenseful and riveting. Ms. Tyler has created an engrossing world of black ops and special missions, where the good guys are big and sexy and the bad guys are evil. I love it!
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
GIVEAWAY: Stephanie has GENEROUSLY donated one (1) copy of each of the first two Shadow Force Series books - Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark for a giveaway here on my blog. If you would like to enter for a chance to win either of the books, please leave a comment with your email address at the end of this post. Contest is open internationally!! Contest is open from now until November 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on November 24, 2010. First name drawn will get choice of book. Second winner will receive the other book.
Readers: I’ll be showcasing a Sneak Peek of Promises in the Dark for this week’s Sunday Snippets feature. Be sure to check back on Sunday!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Review: Fearless Love
Fearless LoveAuthor: Stacey Espino
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Immortal Love Series Book #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
I received a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Javen Highland is the most ruthless Fear Demon and has the reputation to back it up. He keeps away from love, seeing it as a vulnerability. When a breathtakingly beautiful vampire steals his blood, she also captures his heart.
Javen’s new mission is to convince the blonde beauty that her bite is erotic, not painful. If he doesn’t succeed, he could lose her forever. Emma doesn’t realize just how persuasive Javen can be. He’ll have to show her over and over exactly how good it feels to sustain her with his blood.
What I’m talking about:
Javen and his brothers are Fear Demons - they look human, but are immortal and feed off human fear energy. Javen is a proud member of his race and seeks to keep it pure, especially after two of his brothers mate with Lust Demons (see Fearless Desires). He has sacrificed a lot for his race and has mixed emotions when he finds that he is attracted to Emma, an ER nurse. She isn’t a Demon, but she isn’t human, either. Javen makes it his mission to discover exactly what Emma is and if she’s a threat to his race.
Emma has lived her whole life in the dark. She and her twin brother seem to be the only of their kind - they live off human blood and cannot be in the sunlight. Emma is convinced she is a mythical vampire, but her brother disagrees and travels the world in hopes of discovering an answer (leaving Emma alone for months at a time). Emma is a weak soul and she refuses to feed off humans -- opting to steal donated blood or feed from her brother, when he’s around. One night when Emma is close to death, she finds herself with Javen, who just happens to be in the right place at the wrong time. She takes one taste of his blood and knows she cannot go back to her solitary life.
And so the dance between Emma and Javen begins. He needs to know the truth about Emma. Emma just needs. Their passion builds and it is hot! But Emma is a needy, weak heroine. She constantly is waiting for someone else to take care of her. And Javen goes from hate to lust to hate to love so quickly, it made my head spin. I felt that the characters both became wishy-washy and neither could figure out exactly what they wanted.
Although I really enjoyed large parts of this book and I honestly couldn’t put it down, there were a couple things that bothered me. One was Emma’s weakness. She could have been such a kick-ass heroine, but she chose to wait for others to take care of her throughout most of the book. When she finally took matters into her own hands I was so excited and enjoyed the story - but it just took too long for my tastes.
The second issue is a major pet peeve of mine (in stories)... The whole “I’m going to leave my mate for his/her own good - I’m no good for him/her and he/she will be better off without me.” I want to scream when that happens. One time, I can deal with - the couple learns and moves on. But in Fearless Love, it happened too often. Emma and Javen have SERIOUS trust issues and it bothered me. I felt like they were a mismatch for most of the book - even down to the fact that they didn’t want the same things out of life at points.
But even with those frustrating issues, I still enjoyed the book. Ms. Espino has created an exciting, sexy world, and I can’t wait to read the next story (which should be a hoot based on hints of the next coupling). Although Emma and Javen aren’t the ideal couple, they have several touching moments together. I love how Emma helps Javen face his past and move towards a brighter future. I guess sometimes true love (in books) isn’t perfect, and I’ve learned that it’s okay!
My Rating:
Liked it, there were a few issues - recommend (B)
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