Follow Me
Grab my feed
Posts
All Comments
Wanna Shop?
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
Sunday Snippets
More Blogs
original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Review: Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster
Heart of Iron
Author: Bec McMaster
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
London Steampunk #2
ISBN: #978-1402270307
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk
Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
|
In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…
Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…
Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.
With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…
What I’m talking about:
|
I want to open my review with a brief mention of Tarnished Night, a free novella from Ms. McMaster. You can find out how to download the novella HERE (for a limited time). This novella takes place two years after the conclusion of the first book, Kiss of Steel, and a year before Heart of Iron. Although one does not need to read the novella to understand the current release, there is a “prologue” to Heart of Iron found at the conclusion of the novella that adds a lot of value to the book. I highly recommend reading it first. With three years between the first two books, both the novella and the accompanying prologue do much to fill in the gaps, creating a smoother, richer transition from the first to second book.
Will Carver, protector of Blade - master of the rookeries, is a verwulfen with a bounty on his head. Known as the Beast of Whitechapel, he helps Blade keep order, something Will cannot find within his own life. For more than three long years he’s desired Ms. Lena Todd, but knows he can never have her, and that fact drives him crazy every day.
Meanwhile, Lena has moved back to live with her (secret) half-brother, Leo Barrons, a blue-blood member of the Echelon. Fleeing life in the rookeries after Will rebuffed her advances a year ago, she attempts to make her way through society, playing their games in hopes she will find a place to fit in. But when she learns about the Humanists, a group interested in overthrowing the ruling Echelon, she begins to help the illegal society - hoping someday she’ll find some sort of happiness.
It comes as a complete shock to both Will and Lena that the Prince Consort and four of the more “liberal” members of the council of Dukes want to form a treaty with the verwulfen clans of Scandinavia, and they want to enlist the help of Will to smooth the waters. In exchange for his aid, the council is willing to change the laws regarding the treatment of verwulfen. In order to learn proper etiquette and fit in, Will ropes Lena into tutoring him - bringing the pair together almost daily.
Heart of Iron is a suspenseful tale of political maneuvering among the classes with a paranormal twist that ups the ante. To try and describe the complexities and nuances of the blue bloods (pre-vampires), verwulfen and human factions in this review would be a great disservice to this book; however, it is not so intricate that one cannot easily read and enjoy this tale.
The entire mix of intrigue created an exciting read. I was leery of everyone except our main characters - but most especially of the slimy Alaric Colchester, Duke of Lannister. His intensions for Lena are anything but honest and pure, and I was on edge every time Lena thought he was near. Adding to the tension are the Humanist leaders who may or may not be threatening Lena with her brother’s life so that she’ll betray Will and her own heart. Knowing that this threat put Lena in an impossible situation in which she would have to destroy Will or see her brother hurt created a stressful circumstance. I enjoyed every moment!
Although the suspense makes Heart of Iron a thrilling read, it’s the budding romance between Lena and Will that make this book such a wonderful story. The pair long for each other, but each has a set of expectations and rules that govern they stay apart. For years, Lena would “test the waters” with flirtatious games - wanting Will to respond, but fear of rejection, or even acceptance, keeping her distanced. There was no honesty for so long, that when the barriers started to crumble, it was intense. Frankly, Will broke my heart a few times during the book, especially after Lena would open up her heart and he’d push away. Normally that kind of behavior in a romance is a turn off for me. Yet, Ms. McMaster spins a beautiful broken web that grows stronger over time. There are so many interactions between the pair that I just adored. Ms. McMaster was able to convey every emotional moment with such clarity that I laughed and cried right along side the characters. The lead up to the conclusion was an emotional masterpiece - bringing me to tears as the entire gang from Whitechapel came together.
The back and forth nature of Will and Lena’s relationship created intense sexual tension. Their first real kiss was passionate and needy and so wonderful. With every encounter, the heat ratcheted up a notch, and I swear my face flushed for a few moments.
Once again, Ms. McMaster ends her story with a bang that leaves this reader anxious for more. Although the primary story within Heart of Iron comes to a satisfying conclusion, the events of the climatic ending will have substantial impacts to the Echelon, verwulfen, humanists and our friends in the rookeries. Add to that an interesting epilogue, and I am hooked, wondering what will happen next.
Overall, I found Heart of Iron extremely well-written and highly entertaining. The story hit highs and lows, causing me to laugh, my heart to race, and I even shed some tears. Will and Lena's developing love was sweet and passionate. Their sexual tension was palatable. Even though the pair kept secrets, and I was frustrated with the number of times Will pushed Lena away after she opened her heart to him, it didn't ruin the story. Rather it surprisingly enhanced the overall outcome and made for a richer love story. The layers of mystery were complex but didn't weigh down the progress of the plot. And although the story isn't over, Heart of Iron had a fulfilling conclusion. I cannot wait to read My Lady Quicksilver, coming in October.
My Rating:
|
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, April 29, 2013
Review: Ivory by Lola Dodge
Ivory
Author: Lola Dodge
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Manhattan Ten Book 2
ISBN: #978-1619214415
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
|
That cold day in hell? It’s here…
If Ivory’s fellow flight attendants whisper that she has ice in her veins, they’d be right. She’s spent years ruthlessly suppressing her dangerous ice powers, pretending she didn’t grow up wild on the tundra.
Her legendary coolness has held solid—until a crazed attacker snaps her composure, unleashing her ice beast and blowing her cover. And she’s not sure if the man who defuses the situation is any less dangerous.
When Panther’s trans-Atlantic catnap is interrupted by Ivory’s ice spear through his mark’s gut, he doesn’t hesitate to claim her as one of the Manhattan Ten. It’s the only way to shield her from prosecution. It doesn’t hurt that the Nordic beauty puts his inner cat on the prowl.
Panther tempts Ivory in every smoldering way, but to let him melt her resistance is a risk she can’t afford. But when her past rises up to claim her, Pan is caught in the crossfire…and the only way to save him is to let the beast claim her, body and soul.
What B is talking about:
|
All ValdÃs, aka “Ivory,” wanted to do was to tend to the passengers aboard the sweltering airplane, keep her head down, and see the world. But, when she uses her powers to cool things down, she inadvertently sets off a chain of events that threatens to tear her carefully constructed life to shreds. Now, she’s torn between a future she doesn’t want, and a past she can’t escape. But, facing both with a gorgeously hot shifter by her side might not be so bad after all.
Panther was supposed to be tailing a murder suspect to a meeting with like-minded others, not recruiting a new member to the Ten. But, when the beautiful, fierce “super” who’d been a distraction from the moment he laid eyes on her takes out his mark in the middle of first-class with an ice spear formed by her own hand, he’s hooked. And if blackmailing her with immunity is what it takes to get her in his territory and on his team, he’s certainly not above using it.
Set in modern day New York, Ivory is the second Manhattan Ten story, a series revolving about a group of superheroes living out in the open, using their powers for good. They have their own PR team, a fan mail department, superhero hate groups who are out to get them, and a paparazzi following. Despite their unique abilities, the members of the team aren’t perfect, a detail I liked a lot, and something Ivory learns to appreciate as the story progresses.
One of the main things Ivory has in its favor is the sexual tension between the two main characters, who also share narrating duties. Ivory and Panther are very well-matched, both of them left unbalanced by the sudden depth of their attraction, yet incapable of resisting one another. Panther is all heat to Ivory’s ice, and when they get together, things get very steamy. The verbal sparring the two engage in for the majority of the story is really an entertaining bonus, as are the protests of the group’s resident mind reader over the pair’s mental imagery.
Not just a sensual romp between supernatural beings, Ivory has quite a lot of action in it, as well. Ms. Dodge packs a lot of fighting and suspense in this story, and does so without overwhelming its relatively short length. While the brevity of the narrative makes a certain amount of predictability a necessity, it works nicely in this case, letting the connection forming between Ivory and Panther take center stage, as it should.
Ivory is a quick, sexy story that makes good use of some of the more familiar devices in the paranormal genre. Ivory and Panther are both sweet and funny, especially when they don’t mean to be, and they compliment each other well. As much as I liked them as a couple, it was the moments that the team acted as a cohesive unit that I liked most of all about the story. Overall, I liked Ivory very much, and I hope, with plenty of other superheroes on the team to go, there’ll be more from the Manhatten Ten in the future. And soon.
B’s Rating:
|
Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Saturday Conversations 04/27/2013
Managing Social Media...
Today I had two reviews posted on That's What I'm Talking About, and with each post comes publicity. I recognize that without even modest exposure, my blog would collapse into obscurity. So I Tweet (2-3 times per day per post), use Facebook, Google +, Amazon, GoodReads and Shelfari. Also, if the book came from a publisher or author, I need to send them a link via email. And then there are sites like NetGalley and Edelweiss, where you post the review and a link to your post. Bottom line... posting reviews and publicizing them takes up a lot of time. Time I could be reading. Or writing new reviews. Or socializing. Or playing with my kids. :-)
So... what about you... How do you manage your social media? Bloggers: where do you post reviews and how do you publicize posts? Readers: where do you look for reviews? Those who use feed readers: do you ever link through to the site, or do you just get your views on the reader?
Thanks for stopping to chat!
Labels:
Amazon,
blogging,
Facebook,
GoodReads,
Google +,
Saturday Conversations,
Shelfari,
social media,
Twitter
|
4
comments
Friday, April 26, 2013
Review: Blood Trade by Faith Hunter
Blood Trade
Author: Faith Hunter
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: ROC
Jane Yellowrock Book 6
ISBN: #978-0451465061
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who’s always up for a fight—even if it means putting her life on the line…
The Master of Natchez, Mississippi has a nasty problem on his hands. Rogue vampires—those who follow the Naturaleza and believe that humans should be nothing more than prey to be hunted—are terrorizing his city. Luckily, he knows the perfect skinwalker to call in to take back the streets.
But what he doesn’t tell Jane is that there’s something different about these vamps. Something that makes them harder to kill—even for a pro like Jane. Now, her simple job has turned into a fight to stay alive…and to protect the desperately ill child left in her care.
What B is talking about:
|
When a string of missing persons cases coincides with the rise of Naturaleza vampire attacks in Natchez, Mississippi, Jane Yellowrock makes a deal with the Master of the City to come in and fix the problem. But, when some of the missing turn out to be witches, and Jane has an encounter with a more deadly form of vampire than has ever been encountered before, the situation spins out of control fast, leaving Jane wondering if, this time, she’s really in over her head, and whether the events she’s set in motion will mean losing everyone she holds dear.
When I first began reading the Jane Yellowrock series, I wasn’t sure what to think of Jane, except that I always liked her strength and determination, even though it often got her, as well as anyone close to her, in trouble. Jane has always taken big chances in these novels, and the consequences for everyone involved have often been severe. But, over the last couple of novels, Jane has grown a lot and learned plenty, and I’ve found myself enjoying these tales far more than I anticipated I would.
In Blood Trade, Jane takes an outside job, seemingly against her boss’s wishes, and is quickly immersed in a battle that’s far more deadly than she was originally led to believe. On top of that, two former acquaintances from her childhood become involved, further upping the stakes. And, for the first time in as long as she can remember, Jane is surprised to find that she’s part of a family, one that’s certainly worth dying for, but, more importantly, one she desperately wants to keep. It’s a new world for Jane, but she’s determined to make it work out.
One of my favorite things about Jane is her dual nature, the lineage that makes her a “Skinwalker,” and divides her into two entities: the human part of herself, and her “Beast,” the mountain lion whose soul lives within her, and occasionally takes her over entirely. Jane is a remarkably stubborn, snarky woman who is at her best when she’s throwing herself into battle, and driving her boss, Leo Pellissier, completely insane. The latter is a lot of fun, because he really deserves it. Beast, on the other hand, is more primitive and direct, but is beautiful in both her sincerity and unfettered view of the world. She likes to fight and play and love, and it’s often highly entertaining to see Jane dragged along for the ride.
Jane’s support system has grown to include the Younger brothers, both of whom I like very much as well. A good deal of Blood Trade is spent letting Jane first adjust to, then be grateful for, then fight for the presence of these two in her life, giving a warmth to the story that I felt was lacking before. Theirs is a family chosen, not born, and I loved seeing their relationship evolve and settle into something humorous and comforting, as well as Jane’s repeated bouts of surprise at the changes that stealthily took place in her life without her really knowing. Moreover, I think Jane has simply become a better version of herself for it.
The suspense and action in Blood Trade is also some of the best I’ve read in the series yet. Jane is a vampire hunter, and it’s a deadly profession. Ms. Hunter’s enthusiasm for detail is evident in every description, be it of the arsenal Jane and Eli strap themselves into before each fight, or the battle to the death that seems to happen every time they leave their house. The language of these passages is rich and vivid, and even Jane’s visits to the spiritual realm are painted with a clarity that makes getting lost in the scene an easy thing to do.
Although it took me a while to warm to Jane, she’s easily one of the best female characters I’ve read in a long time. She is difficult, and a thorn in the side of the men around her, but I can’t imagine her any other way. Her curious mix of faith and heritage combine with a world filled with magics and mystical creatures to create a truly exciting backdrop for a story filled with action and mystery and just enough awkward romance to keep me hoping that Jane will find real happiness—and soon. The series continues to be pleasingly unpredictable, and while I have no idea what might be in store for Jane as the series progresses, I’m looking forward to continuing the journey.
B’s Rating:
|
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Review: Of Shadow Born by Dianne Sylvan
Of Shadow Born
Author: Dianne Sylvan
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Publisher: Ace
Shadow World #4
ISBN: # 978-0425259801
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
Spread throughout the dark corners of our world lies the Shadow World, a society of vampires who feed off the living. In Austin, Texas, one woman must rise from the ashes of tragedy and confront an ancient evil before it destroys everything she holds dear…
After a heartrending night of loss and blood, Miranda Grey-Solomon, vampire Queen of the South, now stands in the ruins of her life determined to pick up the pieces and move on. David, her husband and Prime, is missing and presumed dead, and Miranda is lost without her soul mate by her side…But she has little time to grieve as enemies both old and new emerge to test her yet again.
Between vampires trying to take advantage of a Queen without a Prime, incursions by a mysterious organization of humans calling themselves the Order of the Morningstar, and the continuing threat from those within the Shadow World who have already tried to destroy her, Miranda and her allies are running out of places to turn. In order to save her territory and the ones she loves, Miranda must look to the ancient past, to the first days of the vampire race, and uncover secrets about the Signets that could change the course of history…
What G & U are talking about:
|
Gikany and Una have just finished the latest novel in the Shadow Worlds series, Of Shadow Born. This book dawns on a definite new story arc; one that we are still trying to come to grips with.
**Please note there are series spoilers in this review. This series is best read from the beginning.
At the close of Shadow’s Fall, Miranda is seriously injured and David, well, we suspect he may be dead. The Awakening has come and yet nothing seems different. Except if David is indeed dead, why is Miranda still living – an unheard of situation between signets. The first half of Of Shadow Born answers the questions of David’s status and Miranda’s continued existence. The first part explores some of the heart-wrenching pain that Miranda experiences at David’s absence. It is not surprising. However, what is surprising is the care that is given to Miranda’s character and us, the readers. We are given a very heartfelt first chapter. We see new relationships begin and find out the fate and new plans for Jeremy – the one who brought about David’s demise. However, as the first part comes to a close, we were never prepared for what awaits in the second part.
Many avid series readers complain (especially in a very long running series) when the author seems to change the mythology or rules suddenly. There is some discussion that there is a change in the Shadow World mythology. However, we feel it is not a change…just additional information come to light. That being said, we really wonder where this discovery of another character/element will go. Please note; we are being vague in order to not spoil it for you. This interesting, and seemingly out of left field, tidbit seems outrageous and yet, depending on how it pans out in the next book could really enhance the world and story.
One element that has plagued Gikany and Una in this series is the author’s apparent love of killing beloved characters – sometimes many characters at a time. We are happily granted a reprieve in Of Shadow Born. We are still stunned and delighted that a character we met and started to like was not killed in some terribly painful and dramatic way. Not that many “people” didn’t die in the book, but luckily for us, they are mostly nameless extras.
Gikany and Una continue to enjoy the banter between the primes. We love the role that Stella took in Of Shadow Born. We hope to see more of Stella in the upcoming novels to watch her continue to grow in her abilities. The politics and the world continue to evolve and we enjoy watching how it changes. With the new cliffhanger information – we eagerly anticipate how this will impact the Shadow World. However, we do agree that although much is revealed and happens in Of Shadow Born, it does have a transitional novel feel. Not surprising considering what has happened, but in many ways we enjoyed this book more, although we are still very unsure of where things are headed. Either way, we anxiously await the next novel in the Shadows World.
Their Rating:
|
Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Review: This Magic Moment by Patricia Rice
This Magic Moment
Author: Patricia Rice
Release Date: April 2, 2013 (reprint)
Publisher: Sourcebook Casablanca
Magic Book #4
ISBN: #978-1402251962
Genre: Historical Romance, paranormal elements
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
|
Duke Harry of Sommersville indulged in a carefree, comfortable life— until a sudden inheritance leaves him plagued with a crumbling family manor and hungry debtors. What's a desperate duke to do but marry the well-heeled woman betrothed to him for years?
Christina Malcolm Childe soon discovers the heavy demands of her new title and the dilapidated and haunted mansion that is her new home. To make matters worse, her magical gift of reading auras reveals that her laughing Harry has become a dark and bitter man. But this mischievous Malcolm has a plan of retaliation: to refuse to consummate their marriage until Harry learns to love her truly.
If only she can resist his raw masculinity long enough to determine the cause of his unhappiness and the mansion's neglect. She must find her answers quickly, before the worm-eaten floors fall from beneath her very feet. That is, if Harry doesn't sweep her off them first...
What I’m talking about:
|
Harry is a frugal man living modestly in London when his father, the Duke of Sommerset, and and the heir, his brother Edward passed away in an accident on the family estate. Suddenly Harry finds himself the new Duke with an impossibly high debt and no way to pay it off. In order to gain some leverage, he hopes to marry his betrothed and collect her dowry.
As a Malcolm, Christina has inherited a special magical talent: she can see and communicate with ghosts. Harry is the only man who doesn't chastise her for her antics. And she cannot forget their stolen kiss in the gardens one night, long ago. However, she is utterly shocked that Harry not only wants to uphold the betrothal he made five years ago, but he wants to wed her immediately. Christina and Harry have been friends for years and she cannot understand why he has changed so much and has a blackened aura these days. Fearful she's lost the “real” Harry - the only man she knows she can ever love, she agrees to marry him but gives him two weeks to court her and learn to love her (again) after the fact.
In the early parts of This Magic Moment, we watch two characters who live their respective lives according to their own rules of what they feel is befitting of his/her station. As the new Duke, Harry has a sense of protectiveness and the need to take care of those around him. He is driven to save the estate, even though it appears mortgaged and impossible to keep without a large influx of funds. He realizes as the Duke, he can no longer afford petty disagreements nor fanciful ideas. The stress of holding it all together while maintaining the facade of calmness and trying to hide his financial state from Christina has made Harry a bit unfriendly and cold.
On the other hand, Christina is a carefree spirit who feels that she can demand true love and happy endings. She is blind to what is happening around her--more interested in chasing the ghosts that inhabit the Sommerset manner. Because she senses darkness within Harry, she pushes and commands him to change his ways without taking stock of what is at the root of the problem.
Due to the fact that the story is written from both Christina and Harry’s point-of-view, the reader is privy to the true nature of both characters. This is important and makes for a richer tale. Through Harry we realize his guilt for asking for Christina's hand because of her dowry, and that although he doesn’t realize it, he does love Christina.
Fortunately, the truth about the family estate’s financial problems comes out at about the halfway mark. I’m glad that the pretense did not carry on throughout the entire story. Harry’s brutal honesty (I married you for your money) was harsh, but once the truth was revealed, things could only get better. This is when Christina really came through. I was extremely glad that she was wise enough to realize the truth in Harry's heart rather than complain and lament “woe is me.” Her self-reflection after Harry’s admission was touching and heart-warming, as was her determination to help him and her understanding of the issues. This part of the story was well done and perfectly timed.
Interlaced within the romance is the mystery of what happened to the manor and Harry’s inheritance. It becomes apparent over time that Harry’s father was not the (sole) cause for the current financial situation. Christina enlists the aid of the manor’s ghosts to help her figure out who is behind the shenanigans, which makes her a target. As the story moves towards its climax, there is quite a bit of suspense, and I have to say my heart was racing. The plot line was exciting and well played.
This Magic Moment is a wonderfully written, delightful tale. The phrase “happily ever after” befits this historical fairy tale about friends that had gone their separate ways only to find love amidst death, ghosts and poverty. I adore how both Christina and Harry each looks hard at their situation and identifies how they can be a better partner rather than set in his/her own ways. Their mutual joy and love is heart-warming. I really enjoyed this magical story.
My Rating:
|
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
The Trouble with Magic (Book 3) - not reviewed
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Robin Covington
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Robin Covington. Robin, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romances.
A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut novel earned 4.5 stars and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she’s not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.
Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today. Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppy.
Robin is here today to talk about her latest release, His Southern Temptation and the Top 5 Signs that a friends-with-benefits is more than a hook-up. She’s also offering an ebook copy of her newest book. Please help me welcome Robin to That’s What I’m Talking About.
The Top 5 Signs Your Friends With Benefits Hook-Up is More.
My latest release, His Southern Temptation, is about Lucky, a guy who has been hooking up with his best friend’s little sister off and on for years. Now, Lucky has decided that Taylor is the one for him but he’s got to convince her that he’s worth the risk.
Taylor is surprised when Lucky starts talking about a future but I think I could have told her what was happening . . . here’s my top 5 signs that your FWB hook-up is becoming something more . . . .
1) You don’t leave after the sex is done. At first your feet would hit the floor before the orgasms were over but now you stay to cuddle, talk, or even have breakfast. *gasp*
2) You compare your “real” dates to the FWB. Sometimes you even do this with your FWB partner. Imagine the hours of fun you can have making fun of the loser who took you to dinner . . . after the sex with your FWP . . . when you’re cuddling. HINT: This is cuddling with a side of bonding.
3) You don’t always have sex. At first it was all about the sex but now you go over to their place and watch TV or just have dinner . . . HINT: this is cuddling with your clothes on.
4) You text them with info other than hook-up details. It used to be that your texts consisted of the when and where of the place to have sex. Now, you spend more time texting pics or cute info about your day. HINT: This is cuddling via electronic device.
5) You get mad when you see them with someone else. The little green monster rears its head even though you’ve established that you have an open relationship. When you fight about it the sex is amazing . . . and so is the cuddling. HINT: This is post-fight cuddling and will usually lead to sharing secrets.
So – do you have any signs to add to my list?
Robin, thank you so much for sharing your top five signs a FWB hook-up has become more. Here is more about Robin’s latest book, His Southern Temptation:
His Southern Temptation
The Boys are Back in Town Book 2
Entangled Publishing, April 2013
Some women are bad. Some women are a bad idea. The best ones are both…
A former Black Ops assassin, “Lucky” Landon has had more near-misses than a man should ever have. Now he’s out of that business and settling into the simple life in his small hometown. So the last thing he ever expected was to end up at gunpoint. Or that the woman holding the gun would be his best friend’s little sister and Lucky’s on-again/off-again lover.
Taylor Elliott is Trouble, and she likes it that way. And seeing Lucky again? Well, he’s been her dirty little secret for the past few years and everyone knows that secrets in a small town are almost impossible to keep. But Taylor has bigger problems on her plate. Like the local mob boss who wants her dead.
And right now the only thing standing between Trouble and disaster is a hottie named Lucky…
You can find Robin online ...
GIVEAWAY:
Robin is generously giving away an ebook copy of His SouthernTemptation. To enter, please leave a comment for Robin telling her your thoughts of a sign a FWB has moved to more at the end of today’s guest post. Contest is open until April 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM EDT. One winner will be selected from eligible comments. Please include your email if it is not part of your profile so I may contact the winner. Contest open to all, where not prohibited by law.
Please visit Robin at the other stops on her blog tour:
4/9 - Christi Barth
4/12 - Caribbean Accent Reviews
4/15 - Bistro on Blog Talk Radio
4/17 - Get Lost in a Story
4/22 - Book Lovers Inc
4/24 - Chicklets in the Kitchen
4/25 - That's What I'm Talking About
4/26 - Manga Maniac Cafe
4/29 - Feeling Fictional
5/1 - Cynthia Woolf
5/2 - The Romanceaholic
5/7 - Cocktails and Books
5/9 - Reading Reality
5/16 - Rom Con
4/12 - Caribbean Accent Reviews
4/15 - Bistro on Blog Talk Radio
4/17 - Get Lost in a Story
4/22 - Book Lovers Inc
4/24 - Chicklets in the Kitchen
4/25 - That's What I'm Talking About
4/26 - Manga Maniac Cafe
4/29 - Feeling Fictional
5/1 - Cynthia Woolf
5/2 - The Romanceaholic
5/7 - Cocktails and Books
5/9 - Reading Reality
5/16 - Rom Con
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Review: Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison
Rising Darkness
Author: Thea Harrison
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Game of Shadows #1
ISBN: #978-0425248454
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
|
In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…
Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.
Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.
What I’m talking about:
|
The story opens with a dream of a life from the very distant past, in a “galaxy far, far away,” although our heroine, Mary, doesn’t realize this until later in the story. She dreams of a criminal escaping and of comrades dying in one life to be reborn in another in order to find him and bring justice. To try and shake the dream and the stress of her life as an ER doctor in a nearby hospital, she goes for a run. When she thinks she sees and hears the wind talking, Mary becomes even more confused and a little concerned, starting to question her sanity. However, when her ex-husband (but still good friend) tries to get her to the doctor, she runs from the appointment and his help.
Rising Darkness unfolds slowly, giving the reader different point-of-views and sides to the same story. We learn about our hero, Michael and meet “Grandmother,” along with a few humans who know some of the secrets hidden among the naive population of Earth. I was a bit confused for a while, trying to piece together all of the sections and understand what had happened in the past and what it meant for this book. Although the story is revealed gradually, it is mostly necessary to convey the rather involved backstory and history of Michael, Mary and their companions. As the story progresses and the reader becomes more familiar with the nuances of the tale, the pace picks up a bit.
Mary is one of the original aliens/beings that transcended time and space to chase after the evil being who escaped to Earth; however, she has no clue who she is. After meeting a friendly psychic, experiencing an unexplainable encounter with the Virgin Mary and surviving a frightening confrontation with some deadly men, Mary beings to think that there is something more going on. I adore how the author has Mary compare her situation to that of Sarah Connor in the movie The Terminator as she begins to process what is happening to her. It was very relevant because it’s something we all do in our every day lives - relate our situation to something we’ve seen in a TV show or hear in a song. It was a well written sequence in the book.
Whereas Mary was always a little frantic, for over half of the book, Michael appeared emotionless and stoic. It was enjoyable to get some answers via Michael’s POV about halfway through the book when we finally became privy to his inner feelings about finding his long-lost mate. It was sorely needed because 1) Mary doesn't recognize him and 2) his actions seem so cold and calculated.
Overall the mythology behind the Game of Shadows series is interesting and unique. However, this first story dragged on for most of the book. While there was need to relate an intricate backstory to the reader, at times it was too confusing and/or not able to hold my interest. Mary and Michael had little emotional connection for the majority of the book; although they did manage to create a small spark closer to the end of the story. In addition, I was not satisfied with the conclusion of Rising Darkness. It’s not a cliffhanger per se, but it sort of just ended at a “break in the action,” and the journey is far from over. I just never could fully care about the characters, even though I liked the premise.
My Rating:
|
Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Grab My Button
