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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, February 28, 2013
Review: Mating Instinct by Katie Reus
Mating Instinct
Author: Katie Reus
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Moon Shifters #3
ISBN: #978-0451239600
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs...
Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.
A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.
And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job…
What G & U are talking about:
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Mating Instinct is the fascinating third novel in the Moon Shifter series. There was a huge back-story and build up to this novel in that it is where Jayce and Kat finally fess up with each other and make a decision.
Although the series started a bit rough for Gikany and Una, as each book progresses we find ourselves drawn more into the world and its characters. So much so that we found the novella, Lover’s Instinct – bought it, downloaded it and read it after finishing Mating Instinct. Although it wasn’t necessary – we love the characters too much to skip the story of how a lovely beta female mated with one of the sexy warriors.
Jayce is not just a sexy warrior, he is the enforcer for the whole council. It is his job to put down wolves that go feral and solve issues that cause havoc in the pack – permanently. His sexiness comes from his rugged and scarred appearance. His face puts most people in a state of panic – but not Kat. Not only does she not fear him, she goes toe-to-toe with this dangerous wolf without batting an eye (but maybe armed with a baseball bat). However, Jayce broke Kat’s heart, and without telling him she ends their relationship before he can.
During the course of the previous book, Primal Possession, Kat is turned into a wolf shifter in order to save her life by one of Connor’s warriors. Jayce is haunted by the simple fact that he didn’t find her in time, didn’t save her and was not the one who gave her the gift of life. Kat is still angry with the lies that Jayce told her, and also angry that he failed in saving her. However what makes Kat the most frustrated is that her heart seems to forever bear Jayce’s name. Therefore Kat keeps her distance from Jayce and the pack in an effort to be left alone to find the one who gave the order that resulted in her torture and almost death. However, if Kat thinks she can hunt this higher-ranking Antiparanormal League (APL) member on her own – she is underestimating Jayce.
Mating Instinct is full of passion, poor communication and burning desire. Kat and Jayce had left the bridge between them burned and broken. To watch them deny the deep attraction and love they have for each other is heartbreaking. The most difficult issue between them is their silence and the refusal they have to be the first one to open up and talk. Jayce, being an enforcer, is a man of few words – something Kat seems to forget. Kat on the other hand desperately wants to save face from the one who crushed her heart so viciously. Yet, if they would just step out from the hurt and self-torment, they would be able to start healing – together.
As Kat and Jayce work through (or against) their attraction and desires, there is a horrible force at work. It seems members of the APL are taking vampire blood – making them stronger and therefore a greater threat. However, to make matters worse, it seems a shifter is on a killing spree and all the arrows seem to point to Jayce. Which means Jayce needs to find out who the killer is and stop them before the public finds out and turns fully against shifters.
Gikany and Una thoroughly enjoyed Mating Instinct. We anxiously anticipate the next novel in the Moon Shifter series. If you enjoy passionate, romantic paranormal stories filled with action and mystery – give this series a shot.
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Review: My Wicked Valentine by Ann Mayburn
My Wicked Valentine
Author: Ann Mayburn
Release Date: Feb. 12, 2013
Publisher: Loose ID
Club Wicked #1
ISBN: #978-1623002541
Genre: Contemporary Romance, BDSM, erotica
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Lucia Roa needs a miracle to keep her fledgeling event planning business from going under. When she gets word about the opportunity of a lifetime to do a Valentine's Day party for an elite club in Washington D.C. she jumps at the chance, only finding out that the party isn't for just any club, it is for the premier private BDSM club, Wicked. Desperate for a chance to make the social and professional connections that this job would offer, she agrees to a most unconventional business arrangement with the handsomest man she's ever met.
CEO Isaac O'Keefe swore off relationships years ago after having his heart broken and his bank account emptied by his gold digging first wife. He thought he'd managed to keep his heart under lock and key, but when Lucia walks into his office he is instantly drawn to the fiery beauty in a way he's never felt before. He convinces Lucia to take the position as event planner for Wicked's Valentine's Day Party, but in order to make the event a success, something he needs to happen to secure his place on the board at Wicked, he must give her a crash course at all the dark pleasures BDSM has to offer. What starts out as a business partnership quickly turns into something more as Lucia breaks down every wall around his heart without even trying. Isaac must then make a choice, push Lucia away and continue to live a safe, but lonely life, or open himself up again to the greatest pain and pleasure in the world. Love.
What I’m talking about:
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Lucia Roa is excited, but extremely nervous, for her interview to plan a major party for the rich and powerful Isaac O’Keefe. She is going in blind, at the urging of her mentor, Mrs. Florentine, not knowing who or what the party is for. So when Isaac tells Lucia that the party is at a BDSM club and that she’s too young and inexperienced, Lucia is determined to prove he’s wrong. And within a few pages, Isaac is determined to bring Lucia into the fold - with him showing her the ropes (pun intended).
The pair set up an unconventional business arrangement where they work on the party together, and Isaac teaches Lucia about the BDSM lifestyle. He pretends to be her Master in the club, and she is to do as he asks so that she will better understand the clientele at the club.
My Wicked Valentine is a delightful, sexy romance. Lucia is fresh, young and full of positive energy; I couldn’t help but get wrapped up in her charisma. She brings both an innocence and perceived life experience into the picture, which balances Isaac’s jaded heart perfectly.
The beginning of the story felt a little jumbled to me. The interview at the start was confusing because one minute Isaac was trying to talk Lucia out of the job, and the next moment he was doing everything he could to keep her. In addition, I felt their initial “arrangement” was a little too unconventional to work, plus their first two forays into Club Wicked felt stiff and awkward. And although I loved that Isaac was upfront that Mrs. Florentine (a friend from the club) was trying to set him up with Lucia, I felt there were too many personal issues going on to make the business aspects of the relationship successful. It just felt odd to me.
However, as the story progressed it really began to gel for me. Isaac goes off to run his company, which leaves Lucia to do her job as an event planner. I liked seeing them both do their respect jobs and give one another space. I also enjoyed getting POV from both characters, keeping me in the loop as to their budding feelings for the other. But it was when someone attempts to blackmail Lucia into leaving the job that I really began to connect with the couple. Isaac steps in and works hard to make things right - including meeting up with her parents. One of the best scenes occurs between Isaac and Lucia’s dad, who knows Isaac’s reputation with the ladies. Scenes such as this allow for deeper understanding of the characters, therefore increasing my connection with them.
Of course the couple has issues, mostly because Isaac creates distance. Whether it is because he feels Lucia deserves better or he’s scared of getting hurt, he turns his feelings off and on like a kitchen faucet. I admire that Lucia stands up for herself and doesn’t let Isaac get away with dragging around his emotional baggage.
Overall, My Wicked Valentine is a enjoyable little romantic story. The characters are likable and easy going. I love that there isn't any major drama. Sure, Isaac is jaded from his wife, but he's not messed up. And Lucia is happy. I simply adore her. She learns what it means to be a submissive while discovering why it is appealing for her and how it turns her on, but she never gives up her inner fire or changes herself. I love that Isaac respects and fosters that in her. Plus the mystery of who is blackmailing Lucia adds just enough tension to the story without overshadowing the love story.
Anyone new to the current BDSM “erotica” trend and wanting to try it out, My Wicked Valentine is the perfect choice. The sex is steamy but still fairly tame. The romance is real, light and fun. And as Isaac introduces the young Lucia to the lifestyle, a new-to-the-genre reader will get an education as well.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - recommend (A-)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Review: Before the Mission Begins by Christi Snow
Before The Mission Begins
Author: Christi Snow
Release Date: Feb. 11, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
When The Mission Ends Series, Prequel
Genre: Military Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Before his mission began, he went home. 24 hours to say goodbye to his twin sister.
Instead he found her. A girl that was nothing like the one he thought he knew.
They have 24 hours. 24 hours before he deploys on an extremely dangerous mission. 24 hours together in a freak West Texas snowstorm. 24 hours that will have to get them both through the awful next year.
When the resident good-girl decides to take on the visiting bad-boy, 24 hours is all it takes to change their lives forever.
This is the story of the 24 hours that no one knew ever occurred…until now.
What B is talking about:
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Julie Hyatt’s OCD, as well as the shadows from her past, has controlled her for far too long. So, when an unfortunate kitchen mishap leads her sister to suggest she completely reinvent herself, Julie decides it’s advice worth taking. But, a physical metamorphosis can be far easier than changing who you truly are, and Julie discovers that for some things she’ll need the help of a good man. And when the gorgeous man she’s fantasized about for ages happens appear, quite literally, overnight, she knows she’d be a fool to let the opportunity slip away.
With only 48 hours left until he’s redeployed on a secret mission, Chris Robertson only intended to stay at his twin sister’s house long enough tell her goodbye in person. His plans take a decidedly more interesting turn, however, when his sister’s friend, who’s sexy, and funny, and nearly unrecognizable, happens to be house sitting instead. When Julie asks him for a favor that could change everything between them, though, he learns that what he wants most may not be the freedom he’s always found piloting jets, but someone warm and caring, and right in front of him.
I first saw Julie and Chris in the previous novel, Operation Endeavor, and their interactions were saturated with a deeper story than we were allowed to see. The two were clearly dealing with a shared history that left them both with much, much more to say to one another. This backstory is the perfect answer to those questions, while the knowledge of where they’re headed makes me hope they’ll both find happiness in the next book.
Chris and Julie fit together perfectly in this story, both in their personalities, as well as their desire for one another. Chris is a good guy, and has the patience to wait out the ghosts Julie has been carrying around with her for years. Once he decides that he’s the perfect one to give Julie what she needs, though, their situation begins to shift into something much more warm and satisfying.
Before the Mission Begins is a very short, sweet story that answers some longstanding questions about Julie and Chris’s past that I very much hoped would be addressed. It is a snapshot of an unexpectedly perfect day in the lives of two characters who both need and deserve it, especially given the trials that lay ahead for them both. Although it does provide a tender, sexy beginning for Julie and Chris, Ms. Snow has timed their tale perfectly to keep me anxious and eager to see where she’ll take them next. If you’re a fan of the series already, Before the Mission Begins is a must-read, and works well in the suggested reading order. If you’re new to the series, this story is a great prequel as well as an enjoyable standalone.
B’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, February 25, 2013
Review: A Cast of Shadows by Hailey Edwards
A Cast of Shadows
Author: Hailey Edwards
Release Date: Feb. 12, 2013
Publisher: Samhain
Araneae Nation, Book 2.5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: author
About the book
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Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on the traditional Deinopidae rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.
Now she has reached the age where she would strike out on her own to seek her fortune—if she were male. Instead, she is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.
Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.
Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis, his disembodied spirit inextricably bound to the wild canis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.
Compelled to step in when the canis suspect her of poaching one of their own, Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. And when the canis confront the real poachers, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers…or his own.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Readers of the Araneae Nation series won't want to miss this action-packed novella, set after A Feast of Souls, the second title in the series. Brynmor, former leader of Cathis and father to Vaughn, is running with the canis. He lives with them. They are now his family. We also are lucky enough to meet Daraja, an independent woman looking for what is clearly going to define who she is, upon return to her village.
Every story has a conflict. That's what makes us, as readers, invested in the plot. I struggled a little with figuring out the main conflict in A Cast of Shadows. Once I decided to step back and read this little 100-ish page novella for the entertainment value, and for furthering my knowledge of the Araneae, all was good. There's enough conflict in this novella that I'm hoping some will bleed into the next novel.
Daraja was on a journey that many of her clanswomen before her had taken down the river. She was looking for one of those defining moments. The clarity of what her future would be. I'm not going to mince words here. I really don't like the fact that women are expected to be married or contributing to the family in order to be valued. However, Ms. Edwards has established in her other novels that women ARE valued, and they don't necessarily need to be connected to a man. This is probably a tribal thing, and doesn't color my love for this series. If you're jumping in at this novella, however, keep in mind that this is **really** isolated.
Brynmor seems to be searching for some sort of defining moment for himself as well. Even though we have no idea how long he's been soul-bound (I think that crosses to a different series...) to Errol, a canis that leads the pack in the woods outside Cathis, Brynmor seems to be searching, and not completely satisfied with his 'life' as it currently stands. Enter Daraja. Without spoiling the story, let me just say that Brynmor starts off as the creepy stalker dude, but winds up the epic hero.
I think that anyone that's a fan of Hailey Edwards' Araneae Nation series will enjoy this explanation of what happened to Vaughn's father, Brynmor. It really does a fabulous job with filling-in that blank, without having a completely disconnected side plot in a longer novel. I'm glad Brynmor's story has been told, and I'm excited for the release of A Time of Dying, the third novel in this series, in July 2013!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Saturday Conversations 02/23/2013
Reading ebooks...
Earlier this week I received the following press release:
GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES
MAJOR EXPANSION OF FOREVER IMPRINT
New York, NY—February 21, 2013
Grand Central Publishing (GCP) announced today a major initiative to expand its romance publishing program over the next two years. Celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year, GCP’s romance imprint Forever and its year-old e-book only imprint Forever Yours will expand from a 2012 list of 64 titles to approximately 120 titles in 2013 and over 190 titles in 2014. As part of this growth initiative, Forever will be adding to its editorial and marketing staff.
Forever is the home of bestselling writers Elizabeth Hoyt, Jill Shalvis, and Larissa Ione and in recent months has acquired rising stars Jessica Sorensen, Kelli Maine, and J.A. Redmerski. It publishes its titles in a mix of trade paperback, mass market, e-book and audio formats.
Beth de Guzman, founding editor of Forever and VP, Digital and Paperback Publisher, GCP, said of the expansion, “From the beginning, Forever has always been dedicated to publishing the highest quality romance books. With the romance audience more robust and diverse than at any other time, we are thrilled to expand our program to match the insatiable demand in the marketplace for romance books in every format available.”
Amy Pierpont, Executive Editor, GCP, and Editorial Director, Forever and Forever Yours, said, “Romance readers are talking, and Forever is listening! Fans want more books from their favorite authors, they want them published more frequently, and they’re eager to discover new favorite authors and series. Forever’s expansion allows us to bring readers exactly what they’re asking for—and more.”
Jamie Raab, President and Publisher of GCP, said "We’ve always held a deep belief in the importance of the romance genre to our publishing program and Hachette Book Group is giving its full support to the expansion of Forever and Forever Yours. What we’ve accomplished in the last 10 years is remarkable and I’m sure will be even more impressive moving forward.”
First, congratulations to Grand Central Press! I am excited that the world of romance genre publishing is growing, because that means more choices for fans from which to select. But it got me wondering about the explosion of "ebook only" imprints. I pretty much only read ebooks - but most are electronic versions of published paperback or hard cover titles. Over the past year plus, I've been adding in ebook-only selections as well, but again, most of these are novellas from established series and/or authors that I currently read. With more and more "ebook only" books being published, I wondered how many folks are out there buying them.
What about you... Do you purchase "ebook only" titles? Do you generally buy them from a large site (Amazon, B&N) or from smaller sites and/or direct from publishers? Do you try new authors with ebooks? Do you purchase novellas or full-length books?
Thanks for stopping to chat!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Review: Marked for Vengeance by S.J. Pierce
Marked for Vengeance
Author: S.J. Pierce
Release Date: Oct. 10, 2012
Publisher: Self-published
Publisher: Self-published
Alyx Rayer Chronicles #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): E-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Alyx Rayer’s existence in Atlanta, the eternally bustling capital of Georgia, is one of routine and blending in among the worker bees. But her ‘normal’ life is actually a façade for a higher calling; she's a three hundred year old soul, encased in a human vessel and sent from the darkness between heaven and Earth to capture her Marked when summoned by her superiors.
During the initial, routine stake-out of her Marked, a dream prophet named Isaac Walsh, Alyx is thrown for an emotional loop when his allure captivates her heart from two rooftops away. The event marks the very instance when her sense of what’s right and what’s wrong is brutally challenged as her contact with him is strictly forbidden.
While already trapped between honor and desire, her emotional struggles are further challenged by a man in a black suit who continually pops up when she least expects it, his presence evoking a strange response from the scar she was branded with at birth. The scar tingles like a warning beacon, alerting her that something is amiss. Because her superiors never told her what this would mean, or much of anything except what to do when they summon, she can only conclude to try and keep her sanity, and her life, from completely shattering to pieces.
This engaging first book of the series is a Paranormal Romance novel interlaced with twists, turns, and thrilling suspense that is sure to satisfy readers of any genre.
May not be suitable for YA.
What G & U are talking about:
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Marked for Vengeance is the first book in the new Alyx Rayer Chronicles. It is an intriguing concept that was not flushed out well. Gikany and Una were left with more questions than answers and some of these questions detracted from our satisfaction with the ending.
In the “About the Book” section, they do say it may not be suitable for YA. We agree. We would be comfortable recommending this book for juniors/seniors in high school, but no younger. Due to implied domestic violence and adult situations (involving sex and alcohol), we do not recommend this as a full young adult novel.
The mysterious prologue of Marked for Vengeance is what kick starts this intriguing but faulty mythology. We discover that Alyx, and others like her, are created and sent to Earth as adults. They are given three tours of duty before they are retired. What this retirement is, they do not tell us. During their tours of duty they are responsible for watching one person, their Marked, and waiting to be activated. Upon activation, they must capture their Marked. If that person dies, they die. This is Alyx’s final tour of duty. In her past two tours of duty, she kept a watchful eye on her Marked until their natural deaths without being summoned.
As we mentioned above, we thought there are some holes in the mythology of the Alyx Rayer Chronicles. We will attempt to discuss these holes without giving anything away. Alyx and others like her have stringent rules to follow – rules that seem to be without punishment if broken. It also seems that Alyx is very different from her counterparts and we are left wondering why. What compounds this is that Alyx’s superiors seem oblivious to her differences. Another intriguing concept is that she is the only one of her “group” to have had previous tours of duty. It makes Gikany and Una wonder why? Why do there appear to be so few of her kind and, if they need more, why can’t they make more? If Alyx is on her final tour of duty, why would she be frightened of her Superiors? Why is she unable to ask those vital questions? We have other questions but fear we would give away the plot if we did.
Speaking of giving something away, Marked for Vengeance is a mystery of who and what Alyx is – and what her purpose for her Marked is. We felt that it was unnecessary to have this mystery. It actually detracted from our enjoyment because we interpreted the story a completely different way which leads us to be a little disappointed in the end. The story is told mainly from Alyx’s and her Marked, Isaac’s, points of view. Most of they story is from Alyx’s point of view. This added to our confusion, because wouldn’t she know what she is? This detracted from our ability to connect with Alyx. The preservation of the mystery of whether Alyx is good or evil was unnecessary, in our opinion.
Another unnecessary aspect dealt with Alyx’s boyfriend, Benjamin. He was an interesting character and added something to the overall story and intrigue of Alyx. However, the foreshadowing anger management issues and the implied beginnings of domestic violence between the two – were entirely unnecessary. We felt it was an insult to his character. If they were used as a way to explain why such an eligible man was still single – there are much better ways of doing so without it being a violence issue. Considering that Benjamin was a very attractive and successful surgeon, it made sense to Gikany and Una that he was being very selective about whom he would want to date seriously.
Besides our intrigue at the mythology and our desire to see where it goes, there is a strong positive element in Marked for Vengeance and that is Isaac, Alyx’s Marked. Isaac and his son, Micah, have a very positive relationship. Isaac is a widower and a strong, compassionate and loving father. The relationship between him and his son, along with the relationship he has with his own father are touching. Isaac is a well-balanced character. We enjoyed immensely the handling of Isaac’s grief. He lost his wife five years prior to the beginning of the novel. The way he recognizes his grief and processes it was refreshing. We eagerly anticipate seeing more of him as well as his son, Micah and learning more about them.
Although we had some issues with Marked for Vengeance, we are intrigued by the ending and want to see where it all goes. Gikany and Una are especially interested in seeing some of our mythology questions answered. We again apologize for some of our vagueness, but we would hate to spoil a major plot point.
Their Rating:
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Liked it, but had some issues (B)
Purchase Info:
Review: Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter
Beauty Awakened
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Angels of the Dark #2
ISBN: #978-0373777433
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.
She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own...
What I’m talking about:
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Beauty Awakened opens with brief prologue that offers a slice of life from our hero, Koldo’s childhood. The images aren’t pretty. His mom is a Sent One (like an angel) and his dad is a Nefas, a barbaric, demon-esque race. Koldo’s mother physically, emotionally, and mentally abused him, culminating with the cutting off of his wings at the age of seven. Then she sent him to his father where he was brutally tortured for eleven years.
Flash forward to present day where Koldo is one of the members of the heavenly “Army of Disgrace,” a group of desperate and dangerous beings known as Sent Ones, each whose status with the heavenly plane is in serious jeopardy. Koldo is dispatched on a mission to kill a specific demon tormenting a man in a hospital when he sees and becomes captivated by Nicola Lane, a woman who has two demons attached to her. Nicola is visiting her very ill twin, who has been infested by a demon. One look and he knew he had to help save her.
There is a lot that happens within the course of Beauty Awakened. First, there is Koldo and Nicola’s budding romance and his attempts to save Nicola and her sister. Then there is Koldo’s desire for revenge against his mother and the sudden reappearance of his father’s people--messing with Koldo and those he cares about. Finally, the story follows a handful of the other members of the “Army of Disgrace” as they try and track down some very nasty killers. Although it feels like a lot to keep straight, Ms. Showalter does a pretty good job of keeping the story moving forward, with most of the pieces coming together for a satisfying conclusion. The one exception to this is the side story centering on three of the Sent Ones: Thane, Xerxes and Bjorn. While I felt that the events surrounding the trio will ultimately prove critical to the overall story arc and future stories, it felt out of place in Koldo’s story.
I enjoyed watching Koldo and Nicola grow as individuals and witness their budding romance. Koldo has a clear plan for Nicola... teaching her to live with joy and not focus on negativity. He tells her all about demons and the Sent Ones. (In fact, there is a rather lengthy explanation of the series mythology, which has its roots in Christianity.) Yet for most of the book, he walked a fine line himself, and he didn’t seem to realize it. It was Nicola that helped him learn to love and forgive just as much as he helped her - which made reading about their relationship very enjoyable.
Koldo is completely open and honest, and isn’t too wise when it comes to dealing with human emotions. Again, this actually makes the book better when Koldo and Nicola have a heart-to-heart. In one particular instance, Nicola had agreed to go on a date with a coworker, more for the benefit of getting her sister out and about. Instead of it ending up as a huge misunderstanding and a contrived way to introduce conflict, Nicola and Koldo were honest about their budding feelings. It gave me hope and allowed me to care for them and become emotionally invested.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a lot happening in this book. One key plot line centers around Koldo’s mother. In the previous book, Wicked Nights, Koldo hunted down and captured his mother. This storyline continues in Beauty Awakened, and Koldo must decide if his revenge is worth his own happiness. Although the story played out fairly predictably, it was Nicola’s reaction and actions that stood out and made the journey more intimate in the end.
There are other excellent character interactions, with my favorite being between Koldo and Axel. The pair learned how to have fun and be lighthearted during serious times. And speaking of Axel... there is a hint about a potential reveal dealing with one of my favorite Lord of the Underworld characters, William! And William isn’t the only LotU character to make an appearance in this story.
Overall, I enjoyed Beauty Awakened, but the ending kind of ruined it some. The whole battle scene was just too easy. And, while I have no issues with what happened to Nicola (spoiler-free), things happened way too quickly. (Nicola was always a fighter throughout her life, so it was good to see that manifest in her new role established at the end of the book.) Then toss into the mix a scene referencing Kane (LotU) and the “extra” scenes dealing with Thane, Xerxes and Bjorn (which left the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger ending). Finally, I felt let down with how things ended involving Axel because I felt his importance throughout the story was diminished by the final scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed Koldo and Nicola. Their romance was sweet, and I liked the pace, which was on the slower side, but appropriate given the circumstances. I loved how honest they were with each other. I admired the message of joy defeating the "toxins" from the demons. Honestly, we could all use some happiness!
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Review: Blood Oranges by Kathleen Tierney
Blood Oranges
Publisher: Roc Trade
ISBN: #978-0451465016
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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My name’s Quinn.
If you buy into my reputation, I’m the most notorious demon hunter in New England. But rumors of my badassery have been slightly exaggerated. Instead of having kung-fu skills and a closet full of medieval weapons, I’m an ex-junkie with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time. Or the right place at the wrong time. Or…whatever.
Wanted for crimes against inhumanity I (mostly) didn’t commit, I was nearly a midnight snack for a werewolf until I was “saved” by a vampire calling itself the Bride of Quiet. Already cursed by a werewolf bite, the vamp took a pint out of me too.
So now…now, well, you wouldn’t think it could get worse, but you’d be dead wrong.
What B is talking about:
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Siobhan Quinn (but don’t ever call her anything but “Quinn”) is a foul-mouthed junkie runaway whose greatest allegiance was previously only to her next fix. Now, she’s pulling double-duty as a lupus garou and a vampire, and staying alive while finding a way out of the mess she’s currently in has taken center stage. Not that she is without skills, but it’s fair to say that a heavy dose of luck would certainly come in handy if she’s going to survive. Oh, and you can’t believe much of what she says, because the first rule you learn on the streets where Quinn’s from is a simple one: junkies lie.
Blood Oranges is the first story I’ve ever read that led me to simultaneously consult Google Earth and undertake some fairly in-depth research into the world of Mr. William S. Boroughs, patron saint of junkies everywhere. Quinn is as unique a narrator as I’ve ever read, flinging out obscenities and fabrications with abandon, the latter justified by repeated early warnings that any revisions to the story would be done entirely at Quinn’s discretion. Toss in a trail of bodies, a couple of trolls, demon prostitutes, and a British handler who goes by random names beginning with the letter “B,” and you have quite a unique tale. In short, this story can be classified as “weird,” but, if you like Urban Fantasy novels, it’s the good kind of weird, I think.
Certainly not for those looking for something warm and sweet to snuggle up with before turning in, Blood Oranges is fast-paced and thoroughly graphic. Quinn’s inner beast is ravenous and undisciplined, and, while she laments any harm befalling those she counts as friends, she is impressively conscience-free when it comes to her own kills. Feeding her vampire side does burden her with a modicum of guilt, but Quinn is nothing if not a survivor. It’s a disposition that suits her, though, and I couldn’t help rooting for her while she stumbles her way towards some sort of resolution.
Blood Oranges is a unique work of Urban Fantasy that lets its anti-hero shine without any “pesky” romantic entanglements. Quinn is, in fact, as romantic as an acid bath, yet I couldn’t help but be morbidly fascinated by her story. Ms. Tierney has crafted an enjoyably frustrating suspense with Blood Oranges, providing hardly any clues to follow, the first person narrative guaranteeing that the reader is only privy to whatever Quinn sees fit to tell us. If it were possible to have any sort of faith in our narrator, as is typical of most novels, the story might have been more predictable, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun. However, as mentioned before, Quinn lies. And I wouldn’t have her any other way.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
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