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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, January 31, 2012
Review: Midnight Enchantment
Midnight Enchantment
Author: Anya Bast
Release Date: Feb. 7, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Dark Magick #4
ISBN: #978-0425245033
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A quest for freedom may be derailed by their intense attraction…
Niall Quinn, mage and the finest thief in the Black Tower, is the fae’s best hope for freedom. Only he stands a chance of tracking down and retrieving the missing bosca fadbh pieces from the Summer Queen. But he meets his match in Elizabeth Cely Saintjohn, who has taken control of the pieces on the Summer Queen’s behalf—and has refused to give them up.
Elizabeth is an asrai, a rare English water fae, and she may be the only fae in Piefferburg stealthier than Niall. She has her own reasons for guarding the two pieces and wanting the walls of Piefferburg to remain intact—even if it means denying her fae sisters and brothers their freedom. Her mother’s life depends on it.
Torn between his duty to obtain the pieces at any cost—and the shocking lust Elizabeth has stirred in him—Niall must convince Elizabeth to surrender the pieces, or else he may have no choice but to destroy her and all she holds dear…
What I’m talking about:
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I have adored Ms. Bast’s Dark Magick series since I picked up the first story in an anthology. The series chronicles an alternate Earth where humans and an “evil” cult-like group, the Phaendir, have incarcerated all Fae-kind (fairies, goblins, elven, etc.). The fae are working to escape their centuries-old prison by collecting pieces of a magical “key” call the bosca fadbh and a powerful spell book called the Book of Bindings. The mythology alone keeps me coming back again and again. But it’s Ms. Bast’s ability to create intricate storylines, exciting adventures, and sexy romances which stir up powerful emotions within me that causes me to stay up into the wee hours of the night reading her books.
The Fae’s quest for freedom climaxes in the fourth (and final?) book, Midnight Enchantment. The Fae are in possession of all the pieces of the puzzle needed to break free. Unfortunately, there are two camps - the Summer Queen has two pieces and does not want the walls to fall. The Shadow Queen, aligned with the majority of the Fae, has one piece and the Book of Bindings. She is now faced with the task of hunting down the last two pieces and taking them from the Summer Queen using any means necessary. In addition, the Shadow Queen must prepare for battle against the humans and Phaendir, who are at the gates of Piefferburg and ready to attack.
Stuck in the middle of this conflict are Niall Quinn and Elizabeth Cely Saintjohn. Both are inherently good people, but on opposite sides of the fence and willing to go to extremes to help their causes. This means that Niall is willing to capture and torture Elizabeth to discover the location in which she hid the last two pieces of the bosca fadbh (at the direction of the Summer Queen), and she is willing to die to protect her secret, thereby saving her mother.
Overall this was a great conclusion to this wonderful series (although I would be first in line to read more if Ms. Bast continues forward!); however, I felt the primary couple, Niall and Elizabeth, were not on par with the couplings in this series’ earlier books. I never really felt a connection with Niall and Elizabeth. I adored them, but it was difficult for me to get past the fact that she was (mentally) tortured at the hands of Niall. In addition, they were always at such odds with each other - I believed Elizabeth when she constantly lamented that there was too much between them to overcome.
With that said, the overall storyline was fabulous and kept me glued to the pages. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next in the battle between “good and evil.” I was emotionally invested in this story because of my history with this series. Although I didn’t have strong interest in Elizabeth and Niall as a couple, I did care for each individually and empathized with their internal turmoil as each struggled to do what s/he thought was best. But in the end, I wanted to see Gideon P. Amberdoyal, the evil archdirector of the Phaendir, get what he deserved. And that part of the story was riveting and fulfilling.
My Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Sweet Enchantment (prequel in Hot for the Holidays)
Wicked Enchantment (Dark Magick 1)
Cruel Enchantment (Dark Magick 2)
Dark Enchantment (Dark Magick 3)
Midnight Enchantment (Dark Magick 4)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Review: Thread of Death
Thread of Death
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: Jan. 31, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Books
Elemental Assassin #5.5
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn't mean that it's smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab's funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland's most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.
What I’m talking about:
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I have been hearing great things about Ms. Estep’s Elemental Assassin series for a while now. I’ve wanted to read it, but by the time I got around to it, the series was already four books in, and I just didn’t have the time to commit to reading four to five books. (Lame excuse, I know!). Anyhow, I’d been chatting with the wonderful Ms. Estep and asked her when would be a good time to “jump in” to her series. She suggested this novella, and I’m so thankful she did!
For those unfamiliar with this urban fantasy series, it centers around Gin Blanco, an assassin whose parents were killed by nemesis assassin, Mab Monroe. The first five books centered on Gin (aka the Spider) trying to take out her long-time adversary, culminating with a massive elemental battle between the two in Spider’s Revenge, where Gin finally defeats Mab. (Note: I did NOT read the first five books.)
Thread of Death is a nice little story - a “day in the life” of Gin - that bridges the story arc ending in the past book with Mab’s death, and a new one starting in the upcoming By a Thread (February 28, 2012, Pocket Books). In this novella, we find Gin recovering from her battle with Fire Elemental, Mab. Gin is also an Elemental, able to manipulate Stone and Ice to her advantage (there are also Air Elementals). I’m still learning about Elementals, but I got a feel for what they can do in this story.
The story takes place over the course of one day - the day of Mab’s funeral. It is also Gin’s first day out and about. Surrounding Gin is a close-knit group of friends and family, including her sister, Bria and her lover Owen. These friends are among the few that know Gin is actually the Spider. As Gin psyches herself up for leaving her home, the reader is given details about each of Gin’s friends. Ms. Estep provides in a sense, a tutorial of who’s who in Gin’s life. I quickly got a feel for who was important to Gin and why. I also learned where there were problems in this small group.
At the funeral, Ms. Estep gives the reader more insight into the major players (i.e. crime bosses and thugs) in town, and I have a feeling she was setting the stage for what is to come. Gin is being strategically hunted by Mab’s long-time associate, Jonah McAllister, and he begins with his plans at the funeral.
One thing I liked about this story was how it was told through the first person point-of-view of more than one person. The majority of the story is relayed via Gin, but we also get into the head of Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid, a man I believe who will play a big part in what is to come. It is an effective way to give the reader a big picture view of the world.
As someone who is new to the series, I felt like Thread of Death was one of those mid-season recap TV shows - you know the ones where they toss in a bunch of old clips to try and bring the viewer up to speed and prepare for what is to come. And as such, Ms. Estep is extremely successful. I feel like I can tackle the upcoming story with little question about back story. I may be missing out on some emotional investment, but I feel after reading this story, I can move forward.
My Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Blogiversary
Hi all! I want to say a BIG THANK YOU for making these past two years great! Today is my 2 year BLOGIVERSARY, and I am excited about all the good times we’ve had. I look forward to another year of reviews, book talk, author interviews, giveaways and fun!
I blog because I enjoy reading and sharing my love of books with others, but it’s each of you who stops by and leaves a comment, those that enter the contests, readers that tell me they buy a book because of my reviews... you all make it that much more special.
Thank you to you all!
Happy Reading!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Review: Seducing Liberty
Seducing Liberty
Author: D.L. Jackson
Release Date: Nov. 7, 2011
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
One Night Stand Series
ISBN: #978-1613331521
Genre: Erotic Romance, time travel, historical/contemporary
Format(s): e-book (12k wds.)
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Out of the mists of time, rides a story of espionage, love, and a 1Night Stand.
When Ryann Summers, an actress playing the role of Lady Liberty, an Agent in Washington’s Culper spy ring, asks Madame Eve of 1Night Stand for a date, a night she’ll never forget—where her identity is kept secret—she gets more than she bargained for.
Now she’s caught in the middle of the American Revolution and between two of the sexiest men she’s ever set eyes on. If she can survive the musketballs and the invading British forces, she just might find everything she’s been searching for—sex hot enough to set the sea on fire.
What B is talking about:
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Seducing Liberty begins with a history lesson, and Jackson has clearly done her homework. One of the most well kept secrets of the Revolutionary War was the Culper Spy Ring, which operated in New York for General George Washington. Underneath the big clashes and key players in the war, these men and women fought another, equally perilous, battle for information that could be used against the British.
Madelyn Summers, recently betrothed and the daughter of a staunch British loyalist, refuses to accept her fate as a “brood mare,” and instead decides to help the rebels by passing them any military secrets she overhears. With tempting curves and a figure described as “lush,” Madelyn would be a dream come true for any man of the day. If only she weren’t so willful, of course. But a series of mishaps soon reveals that she’s not the only spy under her father’s roof.
The story then shifts to New Hampshire in the year 2011. Ryann Summers is a well-known movie actress portraying a Revolutionary spy. Unfortunately, being a star with curves in an age when chivalry seems dead isn’t pleasant, especially when working with two hot, but unavailable costars has given her a hunger for a ménage a trois.
From here on, Jackson tosses the rules out the window. Ryann thinks what she wants is impossible, given her status as an A-list actress. Luckily for her, with Madame Eve and her 1 Night Stand dating service, anything is possible. Ryann takes the reader through two more time shifts and a lot of sexy improbability before her story’s through.
Despite the engrossing beginning (I happily ignored other obligations to spend several hours researching Jackson’s historical details), the abrupt change to modern times and what follows is a bit jarring. The formal, partial authenticity of the first part of the story isn’t present in the second, and the adjustment took a little while. Soon enough, though, it became easier to just read along and let the story go where it would. There are a few highly amusing passages, especially when the very modern Ryann finds herself in the middle of Madelyn’s escape.
In the end, Seducing Liberty was a lot of fun to read. As with all the 1 Night Stand stories I’ve read so far, Ryann gets her wish and then some. As one of the stories in the series that isn’t about weres or other paranormal creatures it has a lot to offer. The sex scenes are relatively short, but oh so hot, and with the suggestion that the fun may not be limited to just one night after all, Jackson ends her tale on a very happy note.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Quickie Review: Magic Gifts
Magic Gifts
Author: Ilona Andrews
Release Date: Dec. 25, 2011
Publisher: n/a
Kate Daniels #5.5
Genre: Urban Fantasy, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author (A free ebook as a gift to her fans – only available for 2 weeks on her website)
NOTE: this story will be included as an extra in the upcoming Gunmetal Magic.
About the book:
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A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extreme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.
Read at your own risk.
What Una is talking about:
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Magic Gifts is a wonderful present for Ilona Andrews’ fans. It is a delightful tale that takes place during the next, highly anticipated novel, Gunmetal Magic: Andrea’s story. If you haven’t read the series, the story will be neither as magical, nor witty and wonderful as if you have. I seriously suggest you take up this series. Ilona Andrews is a must-read author for me. The Kate Daniels series is phenomenal and, as soon as I am able, I’m tying Gikany down so she has to read it.
In Magic Gifts, we get to glimpse behind the scenes as our beloved couple Kate and Curran try to have a date night that goes horribly, horribly wrong. Their give-and-take, witty banter, and the intricate adventure they go on are fundamentally Kate and Curran. Long-time fans also get a glimpse into what is happening with Andrea, which is set-up for the next book.
The series is a must read. This story is a must read for Kate and Curran fans – but be warned, as poor Ms. Andrews has talked about on her blog, it is a self-published story and therefore should be treated as an advanced reader copy. There are a few grammatical blips, but you should have NO trouble following along since you just KNOW what she is talking about! Yes folks, she (well, they, it’s a husband and wife writing team) is just awesome!
Una’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Labels:
4.5 stars,
Ilona Andrews,
Kate Daniels,
novella,
quickie review,
Una Review,
urban fantasy
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4
comments
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Review: Flashfire
Flashfire
Author: Deborah Cooke
Release Date: Jan. 3, 2012
Publisher: NAL
Dragonfire #7
ISBN: #978-0451235473
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (396 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Master illusionist Lorenzo wants nothing to do with the Pyr. His dragon nature is just another secret to hide and another detail to juggle, like ensuring that each of his Las Vegas magic shows is a true spectacle. Until he feels the burn of his firestorm and his whole world shifts....
Cassie Redmond is tired of photographing celebrities. She wants to pursue her dream of serious photography—despite the lucrative offer for a shot of a dragon shifter. Las Vegas is the last place she wants to be, but Lorenzo arouses more than her curiosity when he shifts shape as the finale of his show. Instead of forcing him to reveal his secrets, Cassie gets swept away by this illusionist’s masterful touch.
Lorenzo wants to satisfy the firestorm and put it behind him. But Cassie is hard to forget—and he can’t ignore the danger when Slayers target the mate Lorenzo didn’t believe he wanted....
What G & U are talking about:
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Flashfire is the seventh novel in the Dragonfire novels. The young adult series, The Dragon Diaries (reviews for Flying Blind here and Winging It here) is a spinoff of this series. Gikany and Una have read the two Dragon Diaries novels but have not read the main series it stemmed from. We jumped in and started with Flashfire and although you can tell you are missing some back-stories, you can jump in at this point. Understanding the overall mythology from our reading of the young adult series helped us fill in some of what we had missed by jumping into the middle of the series.
The beginning of Flashfire was a little slow and clunky but we think that is all due to the fact that we jumped in. The novel makes many references to past events and although it makes the reading a little slower, it did not detract from our overall enjoyment. The world and mythology are very intriguing and we enjoyed the interplay of dragon politics. The events we read about in the Dragonfire series take place years prior to the Dragon Diaries. So it is amusing to already have an idea what will happen since some of the characters we are reading about are the parents of Zoë’s dragon buddies.
Now to the yummy part, Lorenzo is hot. The chemistry between Cassie and him steamed off the pages. We enjoyed the interplay between them and their struggles. The pacing for the story was well done and nothing about their story felt rushed or too much. They are both very strong-willed individuals and independent so watching them dance around each other, as they come to compromise enriched the story greatly.
If you haven’t read the Dragonfire series, you might want to give it a shot. We enjoyed the mythology and world that Ms. Cooke has created and we also recommend her spin-off series, Dragon Diaries. Feel free to jump in with Flashfire; it is fun. However, if you want to have a better connection to the characters, start from the beginning. Either way, how can you go wrong with hot dragon shape-shifters?!
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Review: The Departed
The Departed
Author: Shiloh Walker
Release Date: Jan. 3, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
FBI Psychics Book 2
ISBN: #978-0425245217
Genre: Suspense Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A LIFELONG OBSESSION
FBI Special Agent Taylor Jones has made it his mission to save those in harm’s way by any means necessary—including employing psychic agents like Desiree “Dez” Lincoln, who can communicate with the disembodied spirits of the dead. Taylor is haunted by his own ghost, his kid sister, gone missing at age six. For a quarter of a century he has been tortured by her loss and the mystery of her disappearance.
A NIGHT’S INDISCRETION
When Dez is seriously wounded, Taylor can no longer hide his feelings for her. Getting involved could spell disaster for both of them—not to mention those who rely on them for help—but once Dez lays her hands on him, he can’t resist the fierce attraction. But after giving in to his desires, Taylor pulls back, and Dez strikes out on her own.
AN INESCAPABLE PASSION
Responding to the call of another anguished spirit, Dez is led to Taylor’s old hometown. As the two are forced to come together to save a girl in peril, Dez may be able to help Taylor finally find the answers he’s been looking for…
What I’m talking about:
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When Dez Lincoln is seriously injured while saving a child from a horrible predator, her boss, Taylor Jones cannot get the gruesome images out of his mind. Although he is as cold as they come, inside Taylor is a wreck - trying to control a situation that is beyond his reach. The fear of losing Dez pushes Taylor to act out his inner-most desires and makes Dez’s fantasies come true. Until the next day... When Taylor does the unthinkable and orders Dez on a mandatory leave of absence. Dez knows that he’s doing it to put distance between the two so Taylor can rebuild his walls. But Dez isn’t going to take it and walks.
Fast forward fourteen months. Dez is working free-lance and overwhelmed with the spirits of those that have passed. Taylor is making his annual visit home to pay tribute to his baby sister, who was abducted when she was six. Both individuals are near their breaking points when they find each other again. Now they have to work together to unscramble cryptic clues left by the ghosts of French Lick, Indiana before someone else is murdered.
The Departed is a gripping, suspenseful story. I was immediately drawn in by Ms. Walker’s talented storytelling and could not put the book down until the very last stone was turned. There were several twists and turns, but never did the volume of clues or characters become overwhelming. Nothing felt contrived. I was guessing what would come next, who was behind what, and how the story would be resolved though out the story.
Although this story is about solving a series of crimes, there is much more at stake than the lives of the citizens of French Lick. At the heart of this story is the fragile existence of two fiercely independent and strong individuals. Both Dez and Taylor are flawed, and doing the best that they can, even when confronted with horrible situations. Both are close to the end of their respective ropes, and in Taylor’s case, maybe even close to taking his own life.
Dez and Taylor fit together perfectly. Ms. Walker creates a couple that needed each other, but were not needy. They are able to get past the rough edges (and there are a lot) to find a way to heal and be whole. They complement one another so well. I was cheering whole-heartedly for Dez and Taylor, and they held my heart in their hands. I cheered their successes and I shed tears in their pain. I love a story that can evoke a wide range of emotions within me.
Although this book is the second in the FBI Psychics Series, I did not read the first, and it is not necessary. This book can be read and appreciated as a stand alone. However, after enjoying this book so very much, I’m adding more of Ms. Walker’s books to my wish list. The Departed has that perfect mix of spectacular plot line, engaging characters and a wide-ranging emotional impact.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Review: Onyx Moon
Onyx Moon
Author: Ann Mayburn
Release Date: Nov. 21, 2011
Publisher: Decadent
Prides of the Moon #4
ISBN: #978-1613331644
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Novella, GLBT
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Marcus Galin has searched the world for a very special kind of werepuma, a Beta who has also been blessed by the Goddess as a shaman. His prayers are finally answered when Madame Eve of the 1 Night Stand matchmaking service arranges for him to meet a man in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica that fits his requirements. Only problem is that Marcus is terrified of magic and doesn't know if he can overcome his fear enough to open his heart to a stranger that his pride and his heart desperately need.
Vashan Dulphin has spent all of his life as an outcast among his people. By a twist of fate and gentics at puberty he became a werejaguar much to his family and pride's disgust. Since then he has lived in solitude among his people, barely tolerated only because of his power as both a Beta and a shaman. Desperate for a chance to find a home where he will be loved, he calls on the aid of Madame Eve who sends him Marcus.
Together the men will have to overcome their fear and self-doubt for a one in a million chance at love.
What B is talking about:
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As the alpha werepuma destined to take over his pack, Onyx Moon, Marcus is already shouldering much of the responsibility he owes his people. We first met Marcus at the end of Turquoise Moon, the third story in the series, while he was under the spell of the magically-aided, but crazed, Stephen, who was pursuing Kara as she tried to bond with her true mates. Marcus’ own pack has been without a shaman for too long, and it’s his duty to find one young and strong enough to protect the pride. The new shaman must also be a beta who will bond with Marcus, so that there can be no doubt as to the spiritual guide’s motives and loyalty. That alone is no small task, but combine it with Marcus’ fear of magic, and it seems impossible.
Vashan has his share of problems, too. Being the only werejaguar in his insular pack has been a burden; one that’s nearly become too much to carry. If it weren’t for his powers as a shaman, his pride would have killed him long ago. Now, he wants to find a new home where he’ll be welcome, and someone who’ll love him for who he is. Luckily, and at the urging of Madame Eve from the 1 Night Stand dating service, he decides to give Marcus a chance. While I enjoyed reading each male’s perspective throughout the story, it is Vashan’s that tugged most strongly at my heart.
Mayburn gives Marcus and Vashan a lot of obstacles and poor odds on the path to becoming mates, as she’s done with most of her characters that I’ve read to date, but it’s a contrivance that works well in the Prides of the Moon series. Thanks to their inner animals, these shifters recognize a potential mate on sight, and the reaction is instantaneous and thoroughly sexual.
These two shifters are a very good fit for one another, even from their erotically charged initial meeting. Marcus’ puma is immediately drawn to Vashan, his need to claim and mark the shaman a jolt of pure, sexy goodness that grows quickly as they begin the “mating games” that will bond them to one another forever. The bonding process is an incredibly sensual one; each man’s perspective melding with the other’s as they give themselves fully to their mating.
The Prides of the Moon stories are satisfying reads on their own, but I recommend reading the series in order. Each chronicle leads directly to the next by either a single character or a pair, and having all the details from the previous tale increased my sense of familiarity and overall enjoyment as the story progressed. Marcus and Vashan are generous and loving, and utterly sexy as they work their way towards the love and happiness they crave; and I have no doubt that whatever Mayburn has in store for her cats next will be just as satisfying.
B’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Review: The Fallen Queen
The Fallen Queen
Author: Jane Kindred
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
The House of Arkhangel'sk, #1
ISBN: 978-1937044534
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book, paperback.
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Heaven can go to hell.
Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia’s father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House of Arkhangel’sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.
Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with two Fallen thieves—fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda—who hide her in the world of Man. The line between vice and virtue soon blurs, and when Belphagor is imprisoned, the unexpected passion of Vasily warms her through the Russian winter.
Heaven seems a distant dream, but when Anazakia learns the truth behind the celestial coup, she will have to return to fight for the throne—even if it means saving the man who murdered everyone she loved.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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The Fallen Queen is the first book in Ms. Kindred's series, of which I can already tell that I'm going to be a HUGE fan. My initial reaction, at 20% of the book read, was: This is like Dune (Herbert) meets Singh's Guild Hunters! What a win-win for me!
The beginning of The Fallen Queen revealed a bit of history, as well as Anazakia doing her best to 'test the limits' regarding the rules of her station, as an heir to the throne of Arkhangel'sk. Kindred did a phenomenal job of setting-up her world. What can only be described as a coup, masterminded by the Evil Queen, as I came to call her, left Anazakia the only surviving heir...and only because she was acting 'slightly' outside the expected societal norm. Luckily, Anazakia's Nurse/confidante/governess (whatever you want to call her...) knew about Anazakia's penchant for livin' on the edge, found her with a necessary item, and paid a demon to keep her hidden. Really enjoyed the Russian language, as well.
As we get further into the story, it becomes painfully obvious that Anazakia is someone important, and there are those that are willing to 'obtain' her. It seems that it's not simply her station that creates her importance. Unfortunately, one of her 'captors' was injured, although she was able to assist with his rapid healing...to a certain point, and concurrently learned about her own powers in the world of Man. Anazakia also learned a secret from those 'Unseen' when she leaves the hotel because Vasily and Belphagor were engaging in act with which she was unfamiliar. MMMmmmhhmmm... a little M/M tossed into the mix. It's interesting watching the tension between Vasily and Belphagor, as well. But wait! Vasily isn't only into Belphagor! A twisted (in a good way!) love triangle develops, increasing the already intense tension between our three main characters.
Tensions rise as Belphagor does something totally out of character...he's selfless. In order to protect Anazakia and Vasily, Belphagor leaves to find a way to get the reigning queen to give him an audience. Long story short, Belphagor gets the audience, and fails to leave for an extended period of time. Hatin' on the Queen. She's the resident baddie, and we're supposed to hate her. We all know someone like her – self-centered and self-serving.
I could tell, at the end of the title, that other titles are planned for this storyline, as there really wasn't much resolution, nor a concrete HEA. Usually, that bugs me, but it didn't this time. For me, even a series needs to provide some significant resolution at the conclusion of each title. Personal preference, and the only thing keeping me from giving this title the highest rating.
This was a very nice paranormal romance, light on the romance, heavy on the action in the final third of the story. I enjoyed the way The Fallen Queen was written. The languages used were quite appropriate, and added a lot to the story for me. Ms. Kindred surely has created a beautiful world, and I look forward to reading future installments of her House of Arkhangel'sk series.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
The Fallen Queen (The House of Arkhangel'sk, #1)
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