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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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Thursday, April 28, 2011
ARC Review: Bite Club
Bite ClubAuthor: Rachel Caine
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: New American Library
ISBN: #978-0451233189
Genre: Young Adult
Format(s): Hardcover (352 pages), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.
There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare- knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other-or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire- accompanied by her friends and frenemies-to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...
There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare- knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other-or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire- accompanied by her friends and frenemies-to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...
What Una is talking about:
I started reading the Morganville Vampire Series after discovering it via a short story. When I read it, I didn’t realize it was young adult, and it wouldn’t matter anyway. Out of the many YA series I read, The Morganville Vampires series is one I truly enjoy.
One of my favorite things about The Morganville Vampires is that the main characters have teenage angst without being overly annoying to the reader. It helps characterize them and give them a young feel while not alienating adult readers. The teenage characters also are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. I enjoy the authentic feel of these kids. Sometimes, like most teenagers, they are quite intelligent while other times can be completely clueless. Ms. Caine accomplishes this without making the characters seem like they are bi-polar.
The flow and pace of Bite Club is steady while gripping. I found myself wanting to yell at the characters about the clues I saw along the way that they just didn’t quite grasp. It reminded me of watching a stereotypical horror movie, but does so without being cliché. In this story, the main characters are pitted against each other while dealing with very real elements of prejudice, which I found educational. As the town struggles to rebuild itself after a thwarted coup in the previous story Ghost Town, it is remaking social policies and infrastructure. This process mimics that seen in the civil rights movement in the United States, all marauding vampires aside.
I thoroughly enjoy the on-going adventures of Claire, Eve, Michael and Shane, especially now with them dealing with this very real issue of prejudice. It is most acutely illustrated in Eve and Michael’s relationship. (For those not in the know, Eve is human and Michael is a vampire). As a series follower, I felt Bite Club was the climax of a complex issue between our main characters. The story was reassuring in the end, with Eve and Michael coming to an understanding. However, Ms. Caine does not insult the reader’s intelligence by making the issues completely disappear. This is something that the characters will continue to deal with in the future books. I eagerly await the next book in The Morganville Vampires series.
Una’s Rating:
Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Labels:
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Review: The Cold Kiss of Death
The Cold Kiss of Death
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Author: Suzanne McLeod
Release Date: April 26, 2011Publisher: Ace Books
Spellcrackers Novels Book #2
ISBN: #978-0441020393
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pages), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Genny Taylor works for Spellcrackers.com ± Making Magic Safe. But her own life is anything but safe!
‘The ghost grasped her shift and ripped it open. The three interlacing crescents carved red-raw and bleeding into her thin chest didn’t look any better than the last dozen times I’d seen them. The wounds weren’t lethal – they weren’t even recent; she’d been dead for at least a hundred and fifty years – but my gut still twisted with anger that someone would do that to a child.’
Being haunted by a ghost is the least of Genny’s problems: she’s also trying to deal with the witch neighbour who wants her evicted. Finn, her sort-of-Ex – and now her new boss – can’t quite decide whether he wants their relationship to be business or pleasure. And then there’s the queue of vamps inviting her to paint the town red; how long before they stop taking no for an answer?
Just when it seems things can’t get any worse a human friend is murdered using sidhe magic. Determined to hunt down the killer and needing help, she turns to one of London’s most capricious wylde fae and the seductive vampire Malik al-Khan.
But all too soon she realises she doesn’t know who she can trust – and now Genny’s the one being hunted, not just by the police, but by some of London’s most powerful and dangerous supernaturals.
What Gikany & Una are talking about:
Well, where do we begin? Let’s start by saying that overall we enjoyed The Cold Kiss of Death. The premise, world and characters were engaging and interesting. Spellcrackers is the type of series where you do feel dropped into the middle of a puzzle and will have to slowly fill in the missing pieces. The main character, Genny, tends to be a little bratty, showing herself as the princess she was raised to be. However, for someone that is supposed to be quite powerful, we could not understand why she is unable to figure out how to use that power now that she is an adult and finally surrounded by those who could teach her. Genny is very secretive and while this trait leads her into trouble; it doesn’t always explain the situations she finds herself in. The most preposterous thing that Gikany found in this story is that Genny was framed for murder and yet, since she is fae, they could ask her three times and she would be forced to tell the truth. Why does she really need to run around and get not only an alibi but find the killer to prove her innocence?
Although the mystery/detective drama portion was entertaining and a fairly good ride, there are moments that boggle the reader’s rational mind. The majority of the story was clouded by confusion. The Cold Kiss of Death had a ‘hurry up and wait’ feel to it, with the action summed up in a few words that did not allow the reader to follow all of the nuances of the scenes and their implications nor experience the action themselves.
Overall we enjoyed this novel though there are a few issues which could be resolved with strong editing. Although we don’t classify the ending as a cliffhanger, there are still unresolved issues that we would love to see the resolution of. We look forward to the next book in the Spellcrackers series.
Their Rating:
Liked it, we had a few issues - recommend (B)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Review: Moonlight Temptation
Moonlight TemptationAuthor: Stephanie Julian
Release Date: January 2011
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Lucani Lovers, Book 4
ISBN: #978-1419932885
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotica
Format(s): E-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Evie Simmons has magical powers she can’t control and her best friend is a 17-year-old werewolf. It’d be hilarious if it weren’t just so damn depressing. Add in the sexy shifter she can’t keep out of her mind and his hot-as-hell friend and it’s a recipe for disaster.
Dr. Dane Dimitriou knows Evie has had a hard time adjusting to her new life in the Etruscan magical community—as difficult as his denial of his feelings for her have been. But he’s got the perfect cure. His best friend, easygoing Ryan Maguire, is the complete opposite of stick-up-his-ass Dane. He can act as a buffer. Dane can get close, but not too close. Yeah, right.
These sexy men may be just what the doctor ordered.
What B is talking about:
Having been kidnapped, experimented on, and then acquiring some dangerous new powers she can’t control, Evangeline Simmons feels like she’s barely hanging on. To top that off, she’s got a serious crush on the Lucani doctor whose first encounter with her was extraordinarily unfortunate. While she’s sure he can’t stand her, her heart seems determined to want only him.
Ryan Maguire and Dane Dimitriou have been friends for years, and know each other better than anyone else ever could. But Dane’s plan to get Ryan to help Evie adjust to her new life, one in which he can deny how hard he’s fallen for her, backfires when both men realize she’s the only woman they’ll ever desire.
Moonlight Temptation was the most enjoyable of the Lucani Lovers series. I really liked Evie, and enjoyed seeing things work out so well for her. She too has had a difficult past and recent trauma, and she reminds me somewhat of Tamra from the first book in the series, Kiss of Moonlight. Rather than allow herself to be incapacitated by what she’s been through, Evie faces her new challenges and confronts her demons, and, ultimately, proves she’s someone others can depend on. Watching Evie get fierce was a lot of fun.
Dane and Ryan were good characters, too. They each have their own issues to contend with, but love each other like brothers. Although both men care for and worry about Evie, they not only recognize that she’s capable of standing on her own if she believes in herself enough, but encourage her to do just that. I very much enjoyed the way their love for Evie took shape throughout the story, and the sexual heat between the three of them definitely warranted a reread. (Or two…of certain passages…ahem.)
While all the novels in the Lucani Lovers series have a certain degree of predictability, they are all enjoyable stories. Likewise, each story is definitely stronger when read as part of the series, rather than independently of one another. Moonlight Temptation was the highlight of the series for me, and solidly contributes to the strength of the series overall. Julian has written a wonderful series, created some engaging characters, and I can honestly say I’m very sorry to have reached the end of it.
B’s Rating:
Enjoyed – Strongly Recommend (A-)
Other books in the series:
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday Snippets #55
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Ace Publishing.
January 31, 2006
My home is a single-wide trailer almost as old as I am that sits in the middle of a couple of fenced acres. There are a lot of small-acreage properties in Finley with trailers or manufactured homes, but along the river there are also mansions like the one my neighbor lives in.
I turned into my drive with a crunch of gravel and stopped the old diesel Rabbit in front of my home. I noticed the cat carrier sitting on my porch as soon as I got out of the car.
Medea gave me a plaintive yowl, but I picked up the note taped to the tope of the carrier and read it before I let her out.
MS. THOMPSON, it said in heavy block letters, PLEASE KEEP YOUR FELINE OFF MY PROPERTY. IF I SEE IT AGAIN, I WILL EAT IT.
The note was unsigned.
I undid the latch and lifted the cat up and rubbed my face in her rabbitlike fur.
“Did the mean old werewolf stick the poor kitty in the box and leave her?” I asked.
She smelled like my neighbor, which told me that Adam had spent some time with her on his lap before he’d brought her over here. Most cats don’t like werewolves-or walkers like me either. Medea likes everyone, poor old cat, even my grumpy neighbor. Which is why she often ended up in the cat carrier on my porch.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Review: Navarro's Promise
Navarro’s PromiseAuthor: Lora Leigh
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Breeds Series #24
ISBN: #978-0425239780
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback (320 pgs), e-book
I purchased a copy of the book for my own reading pleasure.
From the author’s website:
In the wolf breed novel, NAVARRO’S PROMISE, Mica Toler’s best friend is the wolf/coyote hybrid breed, Cassie Sinclair. And now Mica is being drawn into her world in ways she had prayed she never would be when the charming wolf breed Navarro makes good on the promise he made her on a dark, explosive night.
The Breeds guaranteed that no harm would come to Micah Toler but they never allowed for her sensual fascination with Navarro Blaine. Aloof, cool, and mysterious, he draws her in as no man ever has. But Micah never wanted this. She had her own dreams, her own desires, and being stalked and seduced by a wolf breed wasn’t part of that plan.
Now she knows her life is in danger. What Navarro knows is that she’s his mate and that the breeding and training that created him is being peeled away in his desperation to claim a woman that refuses to be claimed.
He has her body. She craves his touch. And as the breeds converge the past will rise up to haunt Navarro in ways he never expected.
The Breeds guaranteed that no harm would come to Micah Toler but they never allowed for her sensual fascination with Navarro Blaine. Aloof, cool, and mysterious, he draws her in as no man ever has. But Micah never wanted this. She had her own dreams, her own desires, and being stalked and seduced by a wolf breed wasn’t part of that plan.
Now she knows her life is in danger. What Navarro knows is that she’s his mate and that the breeding and training that created him is being peeled away in his desperation to claim a woman that refuses to be claimed.
He has her body. She craves his touch. And as the breeds converge the past will rise up to haunt Navarro in ways he never expected.
What I’m talking about:
Once again, I stress to you all... The Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. You can read about my love in my recent review of the novella “Primal Kiss” HERE.
Chronologically, this story takes place after Styx’s Storm and the recent novella “Primal Kiss.” The story focuses on Breed Enforcer, Navarro Blaine and human Mica Toler. Mica grew up among the Breeds and is best friends with one of the Breed protected children, Cassie Sinclair. Mica is now an adult, but has dreamed of and loved Navarro since she was 16. She guarded her emotions from him for years, but when the evil Phillip Brandenmore threatens her life, Mica and Navarro are thrown together in a dangerous fight for survival.
NOTE: due to some technical issues with the book, I have described a scene that may be slightly spoilerish. In addition, I have mentioned some things about the conclusion of the book that are spoilers.
I’m going to say right up front that this book was a bit of a let down for me. It still had the erotic sex scenes and the fast-paced action, but for me, it lacked the “punch” of many of her other Breed stories. Not only that, but the book is actually missing an pivotal scene that lead to some confusion while I was reading it! A little backstory here... I do not read other reviews or information about a book until after I’ve read it. I received a heads up from tweep @HaileyEdwards that a scene was missing, but I didn’t want to research it until I was done. And sure enough... right about page 299, at a critical moment in the book, we have Mica and Navarro leaving the labs all mad at each other and jump to the bed, post sex, spilling out the emotions we’ve been waiting for the entire story. Oh, and the bad guy happens to be there as well. It was a total WTF?! moment. After doing some research on both the author’s and publisher’s websites, the only thing I could find out about this “error” is that it was a mistake, the author plans to put the scene up on her website, and the books will be reprinted soon. (The information HERE is located on Ms. Leigh’s FORUM) I called my local Barnes & Noble store, which knew nothing about the problem, but said that they would exchange my book for me when the new ones are available.
Anyhow, back to the review... The overall story was okay, and I doubt that the missing scenes will solve the things I didn’t care for in the book. What I did like: the mating heat and signs have taken an interesting twist and I like how it was directly tied to emotions - in the past we were lead to believe the heat happens, but will only match up “perfect pairs,” and the emotions of either partner didn’t seem to have an impact. Not so with Navarro and Mica. It was a nice adjustment to this little-known phenomenon. I also enjoyed seeing more of the mysterious Cassie and getting a better idea of how Eli (the feline doctor) is doing after being near death and betrayed by those close to her.
What I didn’t really care for: first of all... the story seemed very repetitive to me. I got tired of reading about Mica’s juices flooding her pussy, that Navarro was not experiencing the mating heat, that the Breeds have to hide the mating phenomenon, and that although Merinus was over 40 years old, she still looked so young, etc. etc. Also, I felt that Mica’s reactions to events surround the mating heat were overly conflicted and hyper-emotional. She admitted that she’d been in love with Navarro since she was 16, yet she was so freaked out for a while, even bordering on hateful feelings. I understand that she was afraid of getting her heart broken, but it just seemed over the top to me.
Finally, the ending of the story was a disappointment. Unless the missing scene can pull together several plot line developments, I feel that the conclusion of the story was lackluster. There was build up of a spy in Sanctuary (yes, another spy... go figure!), but it was never more than a passing mention in the end. Mica was the focus of Brandenmore’s evil plans, yet we never really found out what he was up to, and he was just brushed under the rug in the end.
I am giving this book a 3 for its rating. I love the Breeds, and this book did have some wonderful scenes that held an emotional impact. I felt it fell short in the end, but is still a must read for fans of the series. If you are new to the series - definitely do NOT start here. It’s not the best example of how wonderful this series truly is.
My Rating:
Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
(recommend for fans of the series,
but not for new comers to the series)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Review: Uncertain Allies
Uncertain AlliesAuthor: Mark Del Franco
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Connor Grey Series, Book 5
ISBN: #9780441020409
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), ebook
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
After a night of riots and fires, the Boston neighborhood known as the Weird lies in ruins. When a body is found drained of its essence, ex- Guild investigator Connor Grey fears one of the most dangerous fey is still loose in the city. But things are not what they seem. As he is drawn deeper into the case, shades of the past threaten the present as an explosive secret tears apart the city--and brings the world to the brink of war.
What B is talking about:
Connor Grey is a druid without his powers and a lot of enemies. When he’s asked to investigate a series of unexplained disappearances, he stumbles across a murdered dwarf and the beginning of a mystery he feels obligated to solve. Connor has a lot more questions than answers, and it seems that each success he achieves in the case only leads to even more questions. With rival factions on the brink of war, and an old enemy back and wreaking havoc, he’ll have to learn to place his trust in others if he wants to win and keep those he cares about alive.
Del Franco has created a vivid world filled with new takes on some familiar creatures, as well as a few original creatures I’d never seen before. Against the familiar landscape of Boston, the Weird is home to all manner of the unfamiliar, operating under its own laws and unwilling to change anytime soon. His characters are seldom flat and uninteresting, but tend to rely on healthy doses of snarky cynicism throughout their dialogues, which I always appreciate.
Uncertain Allies is an intriguing read with more than a few unexpected turns. As is usual when reading a later book in an unfamiliar series, there was a bit of a learning curve, but once I became familiar with the key players, the story itself drew me in handily. Del Franco is a talented and descriptive author, and I enjoyed feeling a part of the novel and seeing the pieces fall into place as the story progressed. I think Uncertain Allies is a good story on its own, and I am extremely curious to read the earlier novels in the Connor Grey Series now as well.
B’s Rating:
Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Review: Gods and Monsters
Gods and Monsters
Author: Lyn Benedict Release Date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Ace Books
Shadows Inquiries Book # 3
ISBN: # 978-0441020386
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (311 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the back cover:
Sylvie Lightner is no ordinary PI. She specializes in cases involving the unusual and unbelievable, in a world where magic is real, where hell just around the corner – and where death isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you…
When Sylvie discovers the bodies of five women in the Florida Everglades, she believes their deaths to be the work of a serial killer and passes the buck. Or at least she attempts to. When the bodies wake and shift shape, killing the police, Sylvie finds herself at the heart of a potentially lethal investigation.
With the aid of a necromancer, Sylvie learns that the women are victims of a sorcerer who combines alchemy, shape-shifting, and death magic into a gruesome whole. As more bodies pile up along the Gulf coast, Sylvie is determined to stop the sorcerer. But how do you defeat a man who can manipulate the dead without becoming one of them yourself?
What Gikany is talking about:
Sylvie Lightner (aka Shadows) is a private investigator who specializes in cases involving the Magicus Mundi. The Magicus Mundi is a world filled with magic, monsters and gods that surrounds the ordinary world that most of us live in. The vast majority of people are unaware of this world simply because they choose to be unaware of it. Awareness of this world makes you vulnerable to the dangerous elements that exist within it. When the Magicus Mundi intrudes into the lives of ordinary people, they turn to Sylvie Lightner and Shadows Inquiries for help.
Gods and Monsters picks up immediately after the conclusion of Ghosts and Echoes. Sylvie has been hired to find a missing woman whose husband believes she was abducted by aliens. Sylvie discovers that a powerful sorcerer has abducted the missing woman. The sorcerer has placed her, and four other women, in a state of suspended animation and is using them to break a curse. Sylvie has to turn to Tierney Wales, a necromancer for help.
One of the things that I like the most about this series is that Sylvie Lightner is able to defeat people and monsters that are far more powerful than she is primarily through sheer grit. Sylvie refuses to yield to anyone at anytime. The force of her will, combined with a resistance to most magic, allows her to combat most of what is thrown at her. An encounter with hostile gods, murderous sorcerers or enraged monsters may leave Sylvie beaten and battered, but she always somehow seems to struggle to her feet.
The author has a wonderful sense of humor that had me laughing out loud at times. The minor characters add to the richness of the book. The most important of which are Alex and Erinya. Alex, Sylvie’s business partner, provides Sylvie with the voice of reason and is the only person in her life that she can’t chase away. Erinya, one of the Greek Furies, is one of the few individuals capable of backing up Sylvie during her encounters with the more dangerous elements of the Magicus Mundi.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to finding out what happens to Sylvie next.
G’s Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Quickie Review: "Primal Kiss"
“Primal Kiss”from the Anthology Primal
Author: Lora Leigh
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Breeds Series #23
ISBN: #978-0425239056
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback, e-book
I borrowed a copy of the book for my own reading pleasure. (thanks Mandi!)
From the author’s website:
When the bad boy lion breed, Creed Raines, crashes the family cabin while Pharmaceutical CEO Horace Engalls' daughter is vacationing, it sets off a series of events that even Creed couldn't have imagined beginning. Mating Heat blows sky high, hot and overwhelming, and reminding him of all the reasons he had fought to avoid it. Especially with the shy, though incredibly stubborn decidedly willful, much loved and cherished Engalls Princess, Kita Engalls.
But for Jonas Wyatt it could be a blessing in disguise, because only Horace Engalls knows the true scope of Phillip Brandenmore’s evil. And only by holding Kita hostage to the truth Jonas demands, will it ever come to light. But can mating heat bloom and became the fiery tendrils of love when Kita suspects her breed has betrayed her?
But for Jonas Wyatt it could be a blessing in disguise, because only Horace Engalls knows the true scope of Phillip Brandenmore’s evil. And only by holding Kita hostage to the truth Jonas demands, will it ever come to light. But can mating heat bloom and became the fiery tendrils of love when Kita suspects her breed has betrayed her?
What I’m talking about:
Once again, I stress to you all... The Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. Ms. Leigh writes some of the hottest erotic paranormal stories out there, and this novella is no exception! As an avid reader of this series, my review may not make sense to those of you that have not YET picked up this delicious series.
Chronologically, this story takes place after Styx’s Storm and prior to the recently released Navarro’s Promise (review later this week). As with most of Ms. Leigh’s novellas, “Primal Kiss” contains key plot development for the overall story arc. In this case, we find out more about Phillip Brandenmore and his evil plot to create a “fountain of youth” serum from mating Breed pairs. At risk, his niece, Kita Engalls, the unknown (at the time) mate of Breed Enforcer Creed Raines. She is wanted by both the Breeds and purest-human groups as leverage to get knowledge from Brandenmore.
The pace of this story is quick. There are few bumps in the road and both Kita and Creed readily accept their lot as mates including all of the complications that come with the Breed mating hormone. The primary focus of the story is the romance between Kita and Creed, which is erotic and sensual. The story climaxes with a showdown between the Breeds and Brandenmore, which was a bit sketchy with details and lacked emotional tension - but you can’t expect everything to be perfect in a novella-length story.
All-in-all another pleasurable read in The Breed Series. LOVE IT!! A must read for fans and a fun introduction for those that have missed out on this amazingly fun series.
My Rating:
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s NightAuthor: Kresley Cole
Release Date: October 2007
Publisher: Pocket Star
Immortals After Dark #4
ISBN: #978-1416547037
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
From the author’s website:
Her breathless kiss haunts him.
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible.
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction.
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
What I’m talking about:
Hmmm... I have to say that the book summary on Kresley Cole’s website (above) isn’t what I would have said to summarize and describe the book. Anyhow...
Wicked Deeds opens during the Hie competition, the focus event of the the third story, No Rest for the Wicked (review HERE) Lykae Bowen MacRieve (Bowe) was the “runner up” of the Talisman’s Hie, a “deadly, immortal version of The Amazing Race.” The story backtracks a bit in the timeline to tell the reader about Bowe’s run-in with Mariketa the Awaited (Mari), the witch that cursed him with mortality during No Rest for the Wicked. The story quickly moves forward to events that occur immediately after the end of the Hie competition. (NOTE: I strongly recommend reading No Rest for the Wicked prior to reading Wicked Deeds.)
Mari is a fiesty girl and it is enjoyable to watch her mature in this story. At the beginning of the book, she is 23-years-old and still mortal - that’s right... she entered the deadly competition and isn’t even immortal! Mari is predicted to be the most powerful witch in centuries, but it seems she cannot get a spell straight without blowing up something. She hides her true self, afraid she will be claimed by an immortal as his mate and forced to give up her magic. At times she is childish and acts out in haste. But she is open to the counsel of others, including Bowe, and fairly quickly calms down, displaying a maturity beyond her years.
Bowe has been around for a very long time. He entered the Hie in hopes of winning the prize of a magic key that allows the user to travel back in time. He lost his mate 180 years ago, and has been obsessed with bringing her back ever since. (Lykae’s only get one mate in their immortal existence.) He is rough around the edges and completely ALPHA!
Mari and Bowe are dynamite together. They are explosive (literally) and sexy. But their relationship is so much more than their physical actions and play. They are refreshingly open with one another, and even when they do keep secrets, the secrets don’t hijack the progress of the developing love. When mistakes are made (and Bowe makes a HUGE one when he calls Mari the WRONG NAME!), the situation is quickly addressed and the story moves forward.
There were a couple new world-building terms that were not mentioned in earlier stories. I have to admit, I was a bit put off by the use of the Lykae’s Instinct. It’s this really important “inner-voice” all Lykae have, yet it was never mentioned in A Hunger Like No Other, which focused on the Lykae king! I know it’s a small thing - but it bugged me!
I have to mention a fantastic supporting character, Rydstrom. He’s a demon with an amicable history with Bowe. He is gentle and kind - caring for Mari and the other members of their group. But he also imparts great wisdom to Bowe in a supportive and logical way - making Bowe assess his true situation and feelings. LOVE HIM! and can’t wait to read his book down the road.
Overall another great story in the Immortals After Dark series, and my favorite so far. Ms. Cole keeps the story moving along with her smart writing, exciting action and sharp wit. Mari’s friend Carrow had me laughing out loud at times. I adore that Ms. Cole doesn’t draw out misgivings and misunderstandings between characters, but rather addresses any issues straight on so the story can move forward. The conclusion was extremely satisfying and even had a few twists I wasn’t expecting. I cannot wait to read the next story in a month!
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Contest Winners - Rock Hard
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my review of Rock Hard and my interview with author Olivia Cunning. I especially want to thank Olivia for stopping by for the interview and Sourcebook Publishing for generously donating two (2) copies of Olivia’s newest release, Rock Hard, for my giveaway.
Every person that commented on the review or interview was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winners were selected using random.org.
The Winners:
Tara
Estella
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I’m sending both winners a message; please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so Sourcebook can send you the book! You have until Friday April 22, 2011 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading
Sunday Snippets #54
ROC Publishing
April 5, 2011
“What are you waiting for?” Maury demanded, as I trickled salt atop my chalk circle. This demon wasn’t going anywhere unless I willed it.“Almost finished. But I need her name now.”
He pronounced each syllable with great care, as if caressing his absent lover. I found it oddly endearing. “Dumah Porai Valyonatha.”
“It’s been a long time since you’ve seen her.”
“Only by your standards,” he muttered. “But I have been away longer than I expected. She will be missing me.”
I tried to sound casual as I finished spreading the salt. “You could go back. I could send you.”
“I think not. Your people call my world hell for a reason.”
“Very well.” Using my athame, I cut a narrow slice in my palm and let the blood drip inside the pentagram. I was careful not to break the circle, however. “By fire, earth, wind and rain, I call you forth, Dumah Porai Valyonatha. I offer sacrifice in your name. As I will, so mote it be. In the name of Solomon the Binder, whose blood I carry, you must obey.”
Unlike the spell I had used on Morales, this one required focus and repetition. My mother had once said: There are no true magic words, only your will behind them. Power sizzled through me, far more than I’d ever held before- more than it took to read a house or a patch of dirt. It felt as though my heart must cook inside my chest. I sent it to the circle and the salt ate it, blackening beneath the heat.
I don’t know how long I chanted, but the air churned inside the pentacle. Not like Caim’s manifestation, but it grew dark with smoke that writhed with signs of life. I saw a glimmer of eyes, a suggestion of a face.
“She’s here,” the demon breathed beside me.
Maury started to go to her, only to be brought up short by the power of my wards. I smiled “My part of the bargain is fulfilled, and you are repaid.”
“That wasn’t the deal!”
“In fact, it was. You specified I had to summon her, not set her free.”
“No, I wouldn’t consent to that. The last part was implicit in the agreement.”
And now I gambled everything. “If you have the power, if I have invalidated our deal, kill me now. Take the knife from my wound. I’m willing to risk it.”
Friday, April 15, 2011
IAD Discussion: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (#4)
Hello friends and welcome to the this month’s Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion. The idea is for this to be an “open thread” to discuss the fourth IAD story (third book):
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
About the book:
Her breathless kiss haunts him.
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible.
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.No deed is too wicked for her seduction.
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
So... Who knew that starting this book Monday night, on a week when my husband is out of town, and I had 3 meetings (for the 2 days I am in my office) would result in me NOT finishing the book by Thursday night so I could write and post my review?! *head desk* I am sorry folks...
IF YOU HAVE A REVIEW for Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, please include a link below in the comment section. I will be posting my review soon.
I am about halfway through the book and I am really enjoying it so far. I would like for those that have finished the book to please discuss the story. What did you like? Dislike? Which of the new characters is your favorite? Where there new pieces of the “mythology” that you liked/disliked?
Okay folks... discuss away... I’ll be back soon with my own discussion and review! Thanks and Happy Reading!
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