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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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Sunday, June 30, 2013
Review: Viral Nation by Shaunta Grimes
Viral Nation
Author: Shaunta Grimes
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: #978-0425265130
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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After a virus claimed nearly the entire global population, the world changed. The United States splintered into fifty walled cities where the surviving citizens clustered to start over. The Company, which ended the plague by bringing a life-saving vaccine back from the future, controls everything. They ration the scant food and supplies through a lottery system, mandate daily doses of virus suppressant, and even monitor future timelines to stop crimes before they can be committed.
Brilliant but autistic, sixteen-year-old Clover Donovan has always dreamed of studying at the Waverly-Stead Academy. Her brother and caretaker, West, has done everything in his power to make her dream a reality. But Clover’s refusal to part with her beloved service dog denies her entry into the school. Instead, she is drafted into the Time Mariners, a team of Company operatives who travel through time to gather news about the future.
When one of Clover’s missions reveals that West’s life is in danger, the Donovans are shattered. To change West’s fate, they’ll have to take on the mysterious Company. But as its secrets are revealed, they realize that the Company’s rule may not be as benevolent as it seems. In saving her brother, Clover will face a more powerful force than she ever imagined and will team up with a band of fellow misfits and outsiders to incite a revolution that will change their destinies forever.
What G & U are talking about:
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Viral Nation is a new young adult novel in a post-apocalyptic world. Due to a nasty viral outbreak, populations were decimated; leaving survivors encamped in walled cities. The cure to the virus that saved the world turns out to be a future drug. The suppressant was brought back from the future, manufactured by the Company who then started to take over… everything.
It is an ominous world that Clover and West live in, although they don’t know it. This new world is what they grew up in. Children only attend primary school. After primary school they either work growing food for the government or they go work for the Company. If a child is particularly bright, they attend the Academy where, upon graduation, they are able to obtain high-level positions in either the Company or the government. Life within the walled cities is safe and crime is nonexistent. With the Company keeping tabs on future events, they are able to detain and execute criminals prior to committing the crimes.
Clover is an extremely intelligent young woman who just so happens to have Autism. West, her older brother, has cared for her since their father moved up the ranks within the Company and was required to live in the barracks. They have come to depend on each other.
West is looking forward to Clover going to the Academy. With her intellect it is a no brainer that she will certainly get in. This means West can follow his dream of working for the Company as soon as Clover leaves to live in the dorms. However nothing ever seems to go as planned. When Clover attends her interview for the Academy, she is sent to the Company to work instead. Strangely not only does she get sent directly from her interview to the Company, but straight on to her first training mission. From there, Clover’s future is changed, along with West’s and that of the few friends they meet on the way.
This is not the only strange issue Gikany and Una find while reading Viral Nation. We do not know anyone personally that is autistic. However, we felt that Clover’s autism was not severe. She seems far more social than what we would believe. Although Clover tenses and prefers to not be touched when under duress, she seemed more accepting of it when calmer. It felt like she would have an autistic moment and then continue on as a stubborn, seriously smart girl. Maybe it is due to her being only mildly Autistic, but we are given the impression that she is supposed to be more than mildly Autistic.
Another issue we found a bit off-putting was when Clover is on her mission (we are keeping this spoiler free). There is a portion when traveling that noise and vibration are an issue. Mango, a bulldog and her assistance dog, is subjected to the loud noise and vibration. Clover is up in a cushioned seat with her feet elevated on a board which minimizes the impact along with wearing hearing protection. From what we are allowed to believe, Clover lets Mango sit on the floor (getting full force vibration) and must endure the loud noises. With a dog’s sensitive ears, it must have been cruel. This really bothered us.
Although we felt Viral Nation had a few issues, we did find it to be an interesting world. Considering how we are left at the end of the novel, we would like to see what happens in the next installment. We do recommend Viral Nation to any age starting at seventh grade and above. It is a good mix of urban fantasy and light science fiction.
Their Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
3 stars,
Berkley Trade,
G-U Review,
paranormal YA,
Shaunta Grimes,
YA Literature
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1 comments
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Saturday Conversation 06/29/2013 - The Boss Finale
Today is the final chat for The Boss Read Along at our Saturday Conversation... I hope you've enjoyed this read along! It's been a treat to host Abigail Barnette (i.e. Jenny Trout) and our own Vampbard as they've shared the highs and lows of Sophie and Neil's story.
The Boss is over! The Boss is a free contemporary erotic romance serial novel by Abigail Barnette. New chapters of the story were posted every Friday, and the entire book is now available. Twice per month, we hosted author Abigail Barnette (aka Jenny Trout) here on the blog to discuss the latest installment of The Boss. Check the end of this post for a complete schedule! If you're new to our Read-Along, go to our first post HERE and see what all the fuss is about!
This week, we're sending you to read the final two exciting Chapters! Check out Chapter 22 HERE and Chapter 23 HERE, then come back to this post to discuss your thoughts on The Boss, and read what others have to say.
We've reached the end of The Boss. The full book will be available in .pdf, .mobi, and .epub format on July 15th. Details on the paperback to follow on Abigail's website. Both versions will include an exclusive first look at The Girlfriend, the sequel to The Boss that will be available in August.
Jenny (aka Abigail) says, "This has been an amazing experience for me. Thank you all so much for your comments and your support and just for reading it. I appreciate it more than I can possibly express- which sounds weird coming from a writer, but just go with it. I have never enjoyed writing a book as much as I enjoyed writing The Boss, and your participation and enthusiasm has been overwhelming. From the bottom of my withered, bitter little heart, thank you, thank you, thank you."
We say... Thank you, Jenny, for sharing THE BOSS with us!
The Boss Read-Along
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Let's start our discussion of the final chapters of the book...
The Boss is over... but Neil and Sophie's story is just beginning. What are your thoughts about how the story finished?
What were your favorite moments from The Boss?
Discuss amongst yourselves! Abigail and VampBard will be around to kick in their 2 cents until Tuesday!
About the Author
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The alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Jenny Trout (Jennifer Armintrout), Abigail Barnette was born during a conversation with author Bronwyn Green, who encouraged Jenny to develop an elaborate fantasy persona-- complete with nom de plume-- under which to pen erotic romance. Abigail enjoys long naps in fairy-filled glades, running through corridors in tragically romantic haunted castles, and drinking goblet after goblet of spiced wine.
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Thursday, June 27, 2013
Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #4
ISBN: #978-1250014467
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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In Darynda Jones's Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.
In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
What I’m talking about:
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*Note: In this series, each book builds upon story lines revealed in the previous releases. Therefore, there will be spoilers from the prior three titles in this review. This series is best enjoyed when the books are read in order.
It's been over two months of pajama-wearing, home-shopping-network-watching, never-leaving-her-apartment for our heroine Charley Davison. After being horribly tortured by a crazed killer, then abandoned by her sort-of boyfriend, and finally, at the request of her father, arrested while in the hospital, Charley has spent some downtime avoiding her problems, and who would blame her?
Charley’s life starts to pick up again, in baby steps, after she decides to take a case from a women who thinks someone is trying to kill her. Working on the mystery gets Charley out of her apartment, and we witness her spark begin to return once she starts using her brain for something other than watching TV.
Of course with Charley, nothing is ever linear, and although her case is not tied to her personal life, the two begin to intermingle. She’s got a score to settle with Reyes, she is actively avoiding her father, and she knows something is up with a set of bank robbers she views on the news. Oh, and it seems that there are a bunch of demons taking possession of humans and then trying to kill her.
Fans of Ms. Jones’ Charley Davidson series will be delighted with Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet. We get a lot more of what we love! First, there is Charley’s insanely brilliant humor. Although there are some serious moments, and Charley has been beaten down, she still dishes out the barbs at herself and those around her. Her view and critiques of life are laugh-out-loud hilarious. The humor allows an intimate bond to develop between Charley and the reader, allowing one to empathize with her condition and cause one to root for Charley to succeed. I don’t think I’ve read a more humorous character than Charley Davidson. But beware - her snark isn’t for everyone.
We also get more of Cookie, Charley’s best friend and assistant. Their relationship is so special - the kind one hopes to form in real life. The pair fit together so well - able to lift one another up and laugh at the insanity of life. In addition, there is more of Charley’s once estranged sister, Gemma. Charley is at her best when interacting with those she cares about.
And for those who want it... yes, there is more of the sexy Son of Satan, Reyes. While the pair share some extremely sensual and erotic moments (and yes, they finally get to interact in person!), I have to admit, I'm still not a big Reyes fan. It's not that I want to see Charley with anyone else, although she does have some promising would-be suitors. It's just that Reyes knows Charley can't control herself and her hormones around him, and he uses that - uses her - to suit his own needs. And while he may care deeply about what happens to her - let’s face it: he's an a$$. He expects a certain type of behavior from her, but won't give her the same courtesy with his actions. They have heat, but I just don't feel the emotions, and that is what I want from the pair as a couple.
In addition, there are lots of fun nuggets for those who read the series - we see prophet Sister Mary Elizabeth again. Aunt Lil is over-the-top this time around. And there is some interaction with the sexy motorcycle gang lead by Donovan. But I am disappointed at the lack of face time for one of my favorite characters, Garrett Swopes. Although their scenes were powerful and well-written, I was let down that there wasn’t more resolution over what has happened (read to find out!). I hope his near-death experience from the third book, and any subsequent fallout, gets more play time in the next book.
As Charley goes through the motions of solving the case, she begins her healing, but she still has a ways to go. The case itself was extremely gripping and full of twists that frankly, I just did not see coming. Although the surprises don’t have any ramifications on the overall plot arc, they made for exciting reading!
Importantly, both Charley and Reyes develop and grow. New powers/talents emerge for both Charley and Reyes. We see Charley take charge of her shattered life once again. Because of of these things, Charley takes some questionable actions. In the end, I like Charley, a lot. She's snarky, smart and loving. Her crazy ADD brain and way of thinking are engrossing and entertaining.
Overall, I completely adore the writing style of Darynda Jones. I devoured Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet in a day. It is a funny and smart read, with interesting and well-woven plots. Sure, I guessed early on who was trying to kill Charley's newest client… but I didn't know why. And while I did figure out who Charley’s new neighbor was going to be, it sure was fun watching Charley figure it out. The entire story from beginning to end was a complete joy.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Review: Smoking Hot by Karen Kelley
Smoking Hot
Author: Karen Kelley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Good Girl series #3
ISBN: 978-1402263927
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
Note: according to GoodReads, this book also goes by the title Where There’s Heat
About the book:
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Everything She Wants...
Working the night shift at the sheriff's office has given deputy Raine McCandless more than enough time to fantasize about the kind of man she'd like to take prisoner, so when she arrives home to find a sexy intruder waiting for her, she's pretty sure she must be dreaming.
...Can and Will Be Held Against Her
But Dillon Taylor, with his stunning blue eyes and killer tan, is 100% real, just not 100% human. Half-man, half-angel, he'd love to answer every naughty prayer Raine has ever had. But Raine is in serious danger. And Dillon can only fulfill her every fantasy if he can keep her alive.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Caveat: This is apparently the third title in Ms. Kelley’s Good Girl series. Had I know this prior to reading and writing this review, I may have viewed the title differently, or chosen to read the other two books prior to reading this one. I do that crazy kind of stuff. The information that this is in fact the third title in a series is not readily available via Amazon nor the author’s website, which is where I look for information about books. One shouldn’t have to look THAT hard to find this information, and it should be consistent across standard informational sites!
Smoking Hot by Karen Kelley was creatively told from the perspective of the leading lady, Raine. There was some pretty steamy scenes, as well. Dillon – OK. He was hot. The plot? Meh.
What I liked: Raine was a seriously flawed character. The way she was set-up as a character, she didn’t have a chance to be redeemed by the time the plot arc played out. I’m OK with that, though. I also liked the way Raine’s grandfather was involved, and he was hooking – up with someone. Go Gramps! Dillon – the one thing I liked about him was his smartarse-ness. This was a no-brainer read for me. I didn’t have to worry about keeping up with anything.
What I was ‘meh’ about: The plot. OK. This wasn’t about solving the bank heist AT. ALL. This was about ‘fixing’ Raine. I’m not cool with that. When it’s obvious to me that the main conflict in the story is taking a backseat to the character’s inner conflict, when in reality, they should be woven together seamlessly, it’s an issue. Dillon is ignoring his ‘rules’, and he knows the consequences. Mr. I-am-selfless-because-I-love-her was clearly pushing the limits with Raine and his boss. I felt that the characters were pretty flat.
What down-right confused me: It felt like there was a book or two that I missed. It would make sense that each of the nephilim would have their own book as they met their Daddy Dearests. If this is a stand-alone, I’m wondering what the purpose of introducing the sperm donors of the other nephilim that were Dillon’s ‘brothers’. Yes. That’s the kind of stuff that makes me go, “hmmm…”
I’m pretty take it or leave it with this title. I thought there was a lot of ground that could have been covered, and felt this title fell flat with a phenomenal concept potential.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Review: Carolina Girl by Virginia Kantra
Carolina Girl
Author: Virginia Kantra
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Dare Island #2
ISBN: #978-0425251225
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Meg Fletcher spent her childhood dreaming of escaping Dare Island-her family's home for generations. So after she landed a high-powered job in New York City, she left and never looked back. But when she loses both her job and the support of her long-term, live-in boyfriend, she returns home to lick her wounds and reevaluate her life.
Helping out her parents at the family inn, she can't avoid the reminders of the past she'd rather forget-especially charming and successful Sam Grady, her brother's best friend.Their one, disastrous night of teenage passion should have forever killed their childhood attraction, but Sam seems determined to reignite those long-buried embers. As Meg discovers the man he's become, she's tempted to open her vulnerable heart to him. But she has no intention of staying on Dare Island-no matter how seductive Sam's embrace might be.
What Ang is talking about:
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Carolina Girl is a fun, smart, sassy story about second chances, learning to compromise and ultimately learning to trust oneself and those they love. The characters are completely realistic and charming in their own rights; even the secondary characters are well rounded and engaging, adding depth and color to the story without taking anything away. A rarity in the novels I have read lately. For example, I adore Tom, the dad and his no nonsense way about things. Of course this could be because I grew up in a ARMY home and totally relate to 'the all for one' attitude throughout Ms. Kantra's Carolina novels. I also found sweet, shy Taylor completely engaging and am anxious to learn more about her in the next book.
Another thing that I thoroughly enjoyed about this novel was the ebb and flow of the writing. Much like the tide of the ocean that the town is centered around, the descriptions and scenery pull you in allowing to see and taste every aspect of this hamlet of a community. For example, there is a place in the novel when Ms. Kantra describes the clouds as the mother of pearl found in an oyster shell, and immediately I found myself sitting on the front porch watching these clouds hover in the sky, tasting the salt air as the tide came in and being sung a lullaby by the gulls as they flew overhead searching for their evening meal. I would venture to say that Ms. Kantra has mastered the art of showing not telling in this novel and I loved it. Anytime I read I want to be transported to a different place, I want to walk the streets with the characters, I want to take a piece of their world way with me and I was given the opportunity to do that with this book.
I also completely loved the banter and tension between Sam and Meg as they find steady footing and explore what exactly they mean to one another after twenty years. The chemistry is apparent from the moment their hands touch at the luggage carousel. However, the fight Meg puts up to push Sam away as she discovers that allowing herself to have one dream doesn't mean giving jump another is well written, funny and something I think most can relate too. The idea that there must be balance, and sometimes you have to work for and make your own balance, is a path of discovery we all take at some point.
I also appreciated that as Meg walks her path of self discovery and works crazy hard at holding on to her present world, Sam works equally hard at helping her discover that sometimes your future is right where you left it, and in this case it is with him. He is not about to let her get away again, and I give him major props for that. I like that we are allowed to see Sam's vulnerability without it weighing the novel down, but I would have liked to have been inside his head just a bit more. I also would have appreciated slightly more information on his relationship with his dad. It goes from cold to hot so fast that it felt almost fake to me. This could have easily been fixed with a well placed conversation but was glazed over instead making it feel a bit unrealistic to me.
My one hope for this family is that they all learn to communicate their feelings a bit more. The use of the word “fine” was getting under my skin by the novel's end. I relate to it because you learn early in a military family to just deal with whatever the issue is without bring the family down or up with your feelings, because emotions can prevent people from doing their job and put them in danger. However, it's been more than 20 years since they left the Marines, and it is time they learn that emotions aren't good or bad--they are just feelings, and talking about them with someone can be helpful. I'm hoping Taylor might be the one to bring this about in the next novel.
Ultimately I love the idea that we can all go home again. Home is different for each of us, It maybe a place, a moment in time or a person, but if we are willing to pay the price and fight for it, we can all go home again and make peace with the past. In that process, we may even get a chance to fix the past and discover our happily ever after. Carolina Girl gives us hope that it is possible if we work for and at it.
Ang’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, June 24, 2013
Review: Bite Me by PJ Schnyder
Bite Me
Author: PJ Schnyder
Release Date: June 24, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
London Undead #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Few people walk the streets of London since the zombie outbreak, but that's not an issue for Seth. As a werewolf, he can handle himself and save humans reckless enough to take a nighttime stroll. While on patrol he comes across a group of people under attack. The one woman brave enough to take a stand against the zombies catches his eye—and not just because of her way with a gun. Learning the beautiful woman is homeless and fends for herself only intensifies his urge to protect and care for her.
Maisie can't help but admit that she's attracted to her werewolf rescuer. She's drawn to Seth's strength and ferocity, and finds herself opening up to him in ways she never imagined, even though she's determined to not rely on Seth or anyone else. She doesn't want another person to get hurt—or die—for her sake. She has enough scars, physical and emotional, from the last time…
But when Seth realizes something is drawing the zombies to Maisie, there may be nothing he can do to save her…
What I’m talking about:
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Enjoyable, entertaining, fun! All words I use to describe Bite Me by PJ Schnyder. The first book in her new London Undead series sets the stage for what promises to be an interesting new series. The book describes a modern day London that is run down and desolate since a zombie epidemic started some time in the past, prior to the start of this story. The zombies are those from myth and legend - mindless, decaying creatures that seek out fresh "meat" in an endless quest to quench its hunger.
Left in London are those who didn't have enough money to escape before the quarantine, zombie-hunting "tourists" and those who profit from the "tourism." Somewhere along the way, werewolves also outed themselves to the humans. The werewolves work with the human police to help eradicate the zombies, as they are immune to the zombie virus and exceptionally strong.
Seth is the alpha of the local London wolf pack. He has an easy, unspoken relationship with the local constables, working in tandem to keep the streets safe. Under Seth, and one of his confidants, is Danny, a werewolf scientist trying to uncover what causes zombieism. While out on rounds one night, Seth comes across a captivating young woman, full of spirit, trying to save a family from some unusually fast and well-orchestrated zombies. After helping her with the rescue, Seth escorts Maisie to her clinic, where the pair become fast friends. They also indulge a bit in their immediate and intense attraction.
Bite Me focuses much of the story on the budding relationship between Seth and Maisie. Theirs is a passionate, yet sweet romance. Maisie was crippled in the past after a zombie attack, and her affliction brings out Seth’s need to protect and take care of her, even though he knows she is more than capable. At first it was sweet how much he wanted to help her, but I have to say, having Seth carry Maisie everywhere began to be a bit off-putting after a while. She is a grown women who can obviously hold her own and has balls made of steel. So why so much carrying?!
Regardless of Seth’s “pampering,” the pair share an intense attraction. They have that immediate "I need to rip all your clothes off and start sexing you up now" kind of powerful draw. Yet Seth remains the consummate gentlemen when he shows extraordinary restraint after Maisie gets him all worked up. I enjoyed their moments together - both the sweet and the sexy.
Wrapped around the love story is the mystery of why groups of zombies have become more systematic in their attacks. The wolves notice that instead of mindless creatures that feed as the opportunity presents itself, they are coordinating attack efforts and searching out prey. Trying to figure out the cause and who is masterminding the strikes, especially as it hits close to home for Maisie, adds a bit of thrill to the story.
All-in-all, Bite Me is a delightful story that hits all the important aspects I enjoy when reading: humor, a bit of intrigue, and a sweet romance with a bit of fire. Ms. Schnyder has created an interesting new world with hints of so much more to come. I look forward to finding out more about the werewolves, but also I want to know who is controlling the zombies and why. I strongly recommend this title for those looking for an entertaining new paranormal series.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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