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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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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
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11) Kait Ballenger
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Showing posts with label 3 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 stars. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Review: A Spy to Die For by Kris DeLake
A Spy to Die For
Author: Kris DeLake
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Assassins Guild Series #2
ISBN: #978-1402262852
Genre: Sci-fi Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jack Hunter is a double agent. Skye Jones is a pirate...or is that just a cover? One thing is for sure—neither of them are competent assassins. Thrown together on the Krell space station during an important Assassins Guild meeting, each is determined to get to the truth and prevent catastrophe. But when Jack and Skye are matched against two master killers, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs between their willingness to trust each other and the undeniable attraction coursing through them. Both knows that a long-term relationship is tough in their profession, but the chemistry they've got is too good to deny. Now all they have to do is stay alive.
What Nima’s talking about:
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Kris DeLake is one of multiple pen names for multi-genre author Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Although it is the second book in the Assassins Guild Series, it does stand on its own as a single book read.
I felt the plot of A Spy to Die For was very weak. There is a single plot line which has a few periphery characters coming in and out of it, but we never leave the point of view of its two main characters, Sky and Jack. They are rival spies and they must decide if they should trust each other or not to survive and thwart and assassination plot. I wish I could say there were no spoilers there, but that’s the entire book in a nut shell. I wish there was more to review.
In lieu of the drama that could have been created by subplots, we get more sex. Was the sex good? Sure. Sweaty, playful, not overly graphic. Female-friendly. Overall, it is good—not bad, not great. It makes for a quick poolside read, but it was easy to put down and pick up again as was convenient. I was never compelled to get to the end or had to work at remembering where I was in the story.
Nima’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues (B)
Purchase Info:
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
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Entwined With You by Sylvia Day
Entwined With You
Author: Sylvia Day
Release Date: June 6, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Crossfire series #3
ISBN: 978-0425263921
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publicist
About the book:
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From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn't resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside--so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I'd been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession...
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I want to go on record saying that I was glad to see Gideon and Eva again. I absolutely adore them as a couple, and I have no doubt that they make the perfect couple. I see that. I feel that. Stuff happens in the lives of every person out there, and they manage. Why should we be surprised that a couple as perfect for one another as Gideon and Eva are managing? We shouldn't. Marriage and commitment has become something that appears disposable in today's society. It's not.
With that said, I had some issues with Ms. Day's latest offering in her Crossfire series, which has increased from three to five titles. I do adore the characters, but I feel:
- Gideon was a hot mess in this book. A wuss.
- Eva...Brett... grr.
- Conflict was unnecessarily increased. No couple should have to endure this much crap.
- Eva seems like she drank the Kool Aid. She normalizes thinking errors.
- Eva pushes past 'NO' and 'Stop'. Which pissed me off.
- Why add in the Cary drama? Oh... wait... I see now. Nevermind.
- Don't leave me hangin' about Megumi. I like the sassy receptionist.
- San Francisco. Foreshadowing book 4. That is all.
- Deanna. No one flips from ticked to helpful in 30 seconds flat. Over a glass of wine. Once scorned.
- Spying. Not attractive.
So, while there's a list of things that annoyed the crap out of me, I have to say that this was sweet sexy compared to the intense and smokin' hot encounters between Gideon and Eva in the first two titles. Entwined With You seems to be a transitional piece, and as 'that' book, I think it works. I liked the fact that Eva stopped worrying about what everyone else thought, and that she did something for her. For her heart and soul. It's no spoiler that Gideon and Eva end up together. A love like theirs is intense. It's a burning that draws in anyone observing, including readers. The slow simmer of their heat is undeniable. I don't know how many other euphemisms I can use to describe them. You get the idea. What I liked about the journey of this title was watching them basically tell the rest of the world to bugger off and seeing to their own happiness. There's several specific things that I really liked, but no spoilers!
Sure, we're left with stuff unresolved. There's 2 more books to work out the rest of the kinks, after all. I suppose I'm rather annoyed that I have to wait for 2 more books to see how the ultimate HEA plays out. As far as I'm concerned, we have a HEA now, but there's still some conflicts to resolve. Not quite sure why it's going to take two more books, though. It's obvious that Gideon and Eva can weather any storm. I'm interested to see how Ms. Day finishes up the series, but I don't know whether I'm interested enough to read the next two tiles in the series.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Review: Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy
Werewolves Be Damned
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Release Date: April 15, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Magic & Mayhem #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.
Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.
But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.
What I’m talking about:
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Nexi has lived her whole life unaware of the supernatural that surrounds her, that is until the day a rogue werewolf attacked and killed her adoptive parents in front of her. Nexi is rescued by half-naked warriors dressed in leather kilts (Guardians) who whisk her off to the Otherworld. It is there that she discovers her birth father is a Guardian and her birth mother was a witch. It was after her mother’s brutal death by a sadistic vampire that Nexi’s father placed her in hiding on Earth.
After a period of mourning, Nexi begins her journey of self-discovery. To help guide her are a handful of friends such as her “witch soul sister” BFF Haven, her birth father Drake, and a hunky Guardian, Kyden, who, we learn thanks to multiple POVs, has a major thing for Nexi. On a path to become a Guardian, Nexi’s sole motivation is revenge against the werewolf who killed her adoptive parents.
Werewolves Be Damned is an exciting new urban fantasy romance set in a unique world. Ms. Kennedy has created a distinctive new mythology, borrowing bits and pieces from traditional settings. There is a lot to digest (I had to take notes), but since Nexi is a new-comer to the Otherworld, we are given the chance to learn many of the details through her experiences. While most of the time the learning curve is smooth, at times I found myself a little confused and had to re-read small sections. In addition, the sheer volume of information eventually became overwhelming, and after a while I felt burned out.
Critical to the enjoyment of this novel is the understanding that supernaturals (witches, werewolves and vampires) all reside in a parallel realm known as the Otherworld. There is a primary ruling council, and in order to protect their secret way of life, there is a Guard. The Guard is comprised of a warrior paranormal race known as Guardians, who have increased strength and fighting abilities.
The story follows Nexi’s journey of self-discovery. She’s been thrust into a new life she didn’t even know existed, and she’s learning how to fit in. Her new role as a Guardian sends her off following clues of mysterious mortal deaths caused by rogue supernaturals which may be linked to her parents’ murders. The book reads like a mystery, with Nexi learning the rules on the job. The details spent into describing their investigation procedures is extremely interesting. There is quite an elaborate set up that begs you suspend reality for complete enjoyment.
Nexi starts out fairly immature, and I had to cringe a few times when she’d make silly mistakes or rookie errors. Her lust for Kyden also tends to preoccupy her brain during extremely inappropriate times. I also felt that she was a little too insecure, especially in her feelings/relationship with Kyden; however, that may be a reflection on the fact that with Kyden’s POV, I know she has nothing to worry about.
With that said, I enjoyed Nexi and Kyden together, both as friends and later as a couple. Even though I wanted to kick Kyden a few times for his caveman behavior, he genuinely cares about Nexi, which makes him all the more sexy. Near the climax of the book, they have some extremely touching moments that cemented their romance in my heart and mind.
The biggest issue I had with Werewolves Be Damned is that although there are some very dark moments, the whole mythology is very light and easy, and this juxtaposition bothered me. For example, Nexi had minimal training, including none with a sword, yet once she puts on her Xena uniform and handed a weapon, she can fight and move with natural grace. I can go with it because it’s fun and light and consistent with the story thus far. However, when the story attempts to turn somber and create moments that weigh heavy on your heart long after the title is over, I couldn’t connect with the gravity and magnitude of the situation. I wanted to care more about what was happening to Nexi, but I found that I wasn’t able.
The climatic scene is tense and exciting, bringing forth new information about Nexi and her heritage. I enjoyed the battle and its outcome. Not to mention I’m curiously interested as to where this series is headed. Nexi still has a lot to learn about her self, and I bet it will be interesting and action-packed.
Overall, I felt Werewolves Be Damned was entertaining and interesting, and I enjoyed the new mythology. I think I will like Nexi more and more as she develops and matures. While I enjoyed the themes and world-building, I felt it wasn't developed with enough seriousness to balance the intense, darker moments. However, I am curious to know what will happen next with Nexi and her companions.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Review: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard
The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Danaan Trilogy #1
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
What G & U are talking about:
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The Forgotten Ones is the debut novel of Laura Howard. This is the first book in Danaan Trilogy. We found this novel to have a few of the characteristics we seem to associate as new author issues; however, we did find the premise interesting and promising.
The novel begins with our main character, Allison trying to ease her mother during one of her schizophrenic episodes. This sets the tone of Allison's character. She is completely devoted to her mother, to the point that she neglects not only herself but living. Even though she has a long-standing crush on Ethan, her cousin Nicole's boyfriend's brother, she refuses to acknowledge or pursue her feelings even when they seem to be reciprocated. Her sole goal is to be educated so she can care for her mother, nothing else matters. Her plans are derailed when her long lost father, Liam, returns, to see her mother and meets his unknown daughter instead.
The interesting mythology is centered on the Fae. Liam has returned in hopes of curing Beth's insanity, but Allison refuses to believe him and his crazy stories of the fair folk. Unfortunately she is dragged into this world when her mother goes missing. Allison will sacrifice anything to save her, even herself.
One of the issues we had with the writing was that as a first person narrative, the reader is being told what happens one instead of experiencing it through the main character's eyes. This did detract a bit from our enjoyment. We also feel that the story read more like a novella rather than a full novel. This may be due to the terse, compact nature of the story. Gikany and Una would have preferred to been given more meat in this novel. It was interesting and were intrigued, but we were left wanting for more. In some ways we felt that the novel ended where it started, thus giving it a more prequel feeling than being a first book in a trilogy.
All in all, our interest is piqued. We look forward to reading the next book in the Danaan Trilogy. If your are looking for a new and quick read, give The Forgotten Ones a try.
Their Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Review: Wuthering Nights by IJ Miller
Wuthering Nights: An Erotic Retelling of Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Bronte & I.J. Miller
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 978-1455573028
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Romantics everywhere have been enthralled by Emily Bronte's classic novel of the tragic love between beautiful, spirited Catherine Earnshaw and dark, brooding Heathcliff. The restrained desire between these two star-crossed lovers has always smoldered on the page. And now it ignites into an uncontrollable blaze. In WUTHERING NIGHTS, writer I.J. Miller reimagines this timeless story to reveal the passion between Catherine and Heathcliff--in all its forbidden glory.
Set against the stark, raw beauty of the English moors, Heathcliff, an abandoned orphan, recognizes his soulmate in wild, impulsive Catherine, the only woman who can tame his self-destructive nature. And Catherine cannot deny the all-consuming desire she feels for him, despite his low birth. Together they engage in a fiery affair--one that will possess them, enslave them, and change their destinies forever...
What VampBard’s talking about:
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So. I read Wuthering Nights. It took me a while to get in to the story, even though I've read Wuthering Heights multiple times. Either it wasn't the right time for a revisit to Heathcliff and Catherine, or I **really** missed some of Ms. Bronte's descriptions. Maybe what I missed was the fact that my imagination has probably conjured up some fervent fantasy about Heathcliff.
However, this title was seriously hot! However, the sex was used as an instrument for revenge & manipulation which was NOT ok with me, and is the primary reason for the lower rating. I did, however, like the introduction and conclusion of the story, but I felt that the author could have done much more with it.
Catherine and Heathcliff are the consummate romantic couple; star-crossed lovers on-par with Romeo & Juliette. If you've read the original and you're ready for the male-dominated play in this version, keep this read for home with no one else around. Blush alert!
Kind-of difficult to write an extended review of a spin-off from a piece of classic literature. I feel as though I'm critiquing the work of Ms. Bronte. However, I must say that I liked the vein in which the plot ran. I suggest to those who have not read Ms. Bronte’s classic, read the SparkNotes online for Wuthering Heights before reading this title. I think it makes it more meaningful to compare & contrast. And appreciate the described male physique of Heathcliff... **le sigh**
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Review: Crow Magic by Mary Quast
Crow Magic
Author: Mary Quast
Release Date: April 24, 2013
Publisher: Decadent
1 Night Stand series
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men. Hoping to overcome her fears and feel like a real woman, she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who will fulfill that goal. Eve arranges a one-night stand with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach Lucy to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.
Shape shifter Seth Crowe is a Keeper of the Spiritual Law who carries souls from darkness to light, and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic.
Tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort, Seth helps Lucy find spiritual and sexual freedom, never dreaming he might find his own mate in the bargain.
What I’m talking about:
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Our story opens with Seth (aka Tecumseh), who is a caretaker of sorts for lost souls. He is the Crow of legend, leading a solitary and lonely life. In order that his own soul does not fill with darkness, he needs to find his mate. Knowing this, him mom and brother ambush Seth and set him up on a date via Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand (1NS) because his brother Kam had much success with the dating service.
After a history of abuse, Lucy feels awkward around men and is not comfortable with her own sexuality. She hopes that Madame Eve and 1NS can help her overcome her fears and maybe find something she feels is missing from her life.
Crow Magic is a story filled with spirituality and self-awareness. The author uses Native American culture and beliefs to spin her own tale of romance centered around inner peace and freedom. While I found much of the culture presented entertaining, at times I felt the spirituality of the story was heavy-handed and overshadowed the romance.
In the beginning of the book, Lucy finds herself alone with an attentive crow at the secluded resort. She begins a dialogue with the alert bird that was a bit goofy and silly. Personally, I'd be freaking out if a crow pulled out my hair band and stared at me. However, after a while, her odd behavior is attributed to a history of abuse and the scene makes more sense in that light.
The overall “courtship” between Seth and Lucy was based on her spiritual and sexual awakening. Seth uses his powers to free her mind and body, allowing her to become centered and at peace with her own self. Because of this, I felt that the story wasn’t very romantic in the traditional sense of the genre. However, Seth realizes almost immediately that his connection to Lucy is deeper than that of previous charges, so he pursues her more intimately.
Overall, Crow Magic is an enjoyable story with an interesting concept. It is filled, and at times overfilled, with spiritual awakening, using sex as part of the process. The connection between the primary couple isn't as steamy as in other 1NS stories, because the focus of the relationship is equally physical and spiritual. I liked that Lucy was able to shed her past and let out the awakened spirit inside of her. I think that those with an interest in Native American culture will enjoy this novella; however, if you are turned off by spirituality, you probably won't like the novella as much.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Reviews in the Series:
Review: Time Thief by Katie MacAlister
Time Thief
Author: Katie MacAlister
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Traveller #1
Time Thief #1
ISBN: #978-0451417428
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Outcast due to their ability to manipulate time, shunned by the mortal and immortal worlds alike, a Traveller’s life is anything but easy.
Peter Faa is a member of the Watch tracking down a murderer, and unfortunately, all clues seem to point toward his own estranged family of Travellers. Any of his cousins could be guilty, but which one? They’re all experts in the art of stealing time...
After surviving a lightning strike, Kiya Mortenson is determined to get just one thing in her life right. And if that means taking a job as nanny to five pugs on a campsite in the Oregon wilderness, then so be it. It doesn’t hurt that the job comes with some spectacular male eye candy, including her new boss’s gorgeous grandson. If only she didn’t keep having this strange sense of deja vu...
When Peter discovers his own family is stealing time from Kiya, all bets are off. While she may drive him crazy at times, it’s clear that it’s not just lightning that’s creating some serious sparks between them. And he’s not going to let secrets, lies, or a devious murderer keep Kiya from where she belongs: at his side.
What G & U are talking about:
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Time Thief is the debut novel in the new Traveller series. Overall, Gikany and Una enjoyed this campy paranormal romance with some detective drama on the side.
Maybe it is the similarities that Una has to the heroine, Kiya, but the light-hearted and rambling dialogue did not frustrate us during our read. It is actually quite comical to see our heroes, Peter and Kiya, go completely off topic bantering while in pressing danger. It reminds us of those silly slap-stick comedies we loved as we were growing up. The characters are in many ways stereotypical and occasionally lacking depth… but oddly it adds to the story rather than detracts. We feel it is because there are the one dimensional “bad” or “evil” characters, the one dimensional “good” characters and then there is a group of one dimensional characters that could be good or could be bad – we just aren’t sure. With this variety, it allows the reader to suspend reality and just enjoy the story.
The world that Time Thief takes place in is an interesting one. We found the idea of the Traveller intriguing along with the usual cast of “otherworldlies”. The mythology is not terribly complex but it is fascinating in regards to Travellers – we are quite ignorant on the subject. The existence of the Watch and their role in this alternate world is not surprising. However, how they work is a little strange. Also, Gikany and Una have to question the training program their agents endure since there were moments we had to question Peter’s powers of observation and his ability to connect the dots. Yet again, these little “elements” add to the relaxed and light-hearted feel of the novel. We would say it is akin to situational comedies like Friends, Three’s Company, Frasier, etc.
Although the mystery in Time Thief was very easy to figure out, we doubt anyone would have imagined the convoluted way our heroes finally figure it all out and save the day. Suffice to say, it is pretty funny as they all bumble around with the clues being fairly obvious. But the mystery is not the focal point. The crazy romance between Peter and Kiya is the main driving force. Gikany and Una had a difficult time in classifying this new series. We are unsure of what the next book holds, but we were torn between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Due to our statement above, we feel this is a paranormal romance series and should be delightful to anyone looking for an irreverent, paranormal detective romp.
Time Thief is a quick and fun read for anyone looking for light literature – something to while away an afternoon or evening. We would also recommend it as a break between the more gritty urban fantasies. Gikany and Una found this series to be a bit refreshing and look forward to the next novel in the Traveller series.
Their Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Review: Whisper's Edge by LuAnn McLane
Whisper's Edge
Author: LuAnn McLane
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Cricket Creek #4
ISBN: #978-0451415578
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Cricket Creek, Kentucky, is a sweet river town known for its theater, shopping, and cuisine. But tough times are affecting the residents of the local retirement community—until a handsome hero shows up
Savannah Perry loves her job as social director of Whisper’s Edge, a retirement community on the picturesque waterfront of Cricket Creek. Raised in foster care, twenty-nine-year-old Savannah feels treasured and loved by the retired residents, who treat her as their adopted granddaughter and rotate having her over for dinner. But the community is struggling to stay afloat financially—until Tristan McMillan swoops into town, rescues a dog, and, well, saves the day
Business-minded Tristan bought Whisper’s Edge from his estranged grandfather to prove his worth to the curmudgeon and to turn a quick profit. He never expected to fall for the charms of a village of crafty retirees—or to fall hard for a small town girl like Savannah. Suddenly the man who knows all about making money finds himself needing lessons in love and what really matters in life
What Ang is talking about:
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Whisper's Edge is part of the Cricket Creek Series, and although I was completely unfamiliar with the series it didn't keep this novel from being fun and engaging. The back stories of the other characters weren't overwhelming or distracting from the main storyline, always a plus when one comes in in the middle of something.
The synopsis tells us this story is about Savannah and Tristan; however, I felt like Kate and Ben's tale was just as strong of a storyline, which was why I was disappointed when Kate and Ben's story stopped so suddenly, and why I found it frustrating that we never really deal with their story completely. Maybe Ms. McLane is planning to save them for her next novel, but if that's the case then they should have been introduced and given the role of secondary characters rather then having so much of the novel focus on them.
Another issue I had with the book is the lack of in-depth background for many of the characters. For example, we never really understand Tristan's issues with his grandfather or his lack of a father, or why it is that Savannah, despite a difficult youth in foster care is so optimistic and upbeat. There were a lot of holes in the background that I would have like to have seen addressed. I would have better understood them being glossed over if the novel was running long or a slow read, but neither were the case with Whisper’s Edge. So it felt like Ms. McLane teases us without really giving us any answers, something that never sits overly well with me in a book.
Despite all of my issues, I must admit the book was enjoyable, light-heated and a perfect pool side read. It was super sweet, surprisingly funny, and poignantly real in its depth of emotion. I felt like it captured the struggle of life and love, and the baggage of both without getting overly heavy. It made me laugh out loud several times and was a lovely diversion into a quaint southern town for an afternoon. If you're looking for something to take to the beach, pool or read while waiting for the kids’ summer activities to finish, then this Cricket Creek Novel will work perfectly. Enjoy!
Ang’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
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