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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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Showing posts with label 3.5 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3.5 stars. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Review: Dangerous Proposition by Jessica Lauryn
Dangerous Proposition
Author: Jessica Lauryn
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Pinnacles of Power #3
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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When Julia Dyson learns her father has been abducted, she believes his hidden profession may be to blame. But when she discovers a man’s name in her dad's caller history, a man suspected of shady business activity and also her teenage crush, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She confronts her father's presumed abductor, resulting in an unforgettable kiss.
In the course of one disastrous evening, diamond smuggling kingpin Colin Westwood learns that his best recruit is missing in action, and that the man has been keeping a secret for years—he has a twenty-six-year-old daughter. Determined to protect his identity, Colin vows to find the young woman, and keep her silent at any cost. Later intrigued to learn that she is actually the attractive woman he kissed, he makes Julia an offer. Come to New York City with him to search for her missing father…as his mistress.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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This is my third foray into the Pinnacles of Power series by Ms. Jessica Lauryn. I really loved the first two titles, and it’s logical that I liked Dangerous Proposition as well. I definitely enjoyed the entire journey we traveled with Colin and Julia!
Seriously. I’ll take a Dangerous Proposition from a hottie like Colin Westwood anytime! Doctor AND diamond smuggler? Mmmhm. Really, though. I was totally willing to take the leap of faith and believe that the Chief of Medicine or some other high-ranking doctor in a hospital setting was able to take enough time away from work to run a mafia-type operation. Julia Dyson, elementary school teacher, was totally right about him. She should have listened to herself sooner. Heat index: 3.5 out of 5.
While this title is the third in a series, I felt it could be read as a stand-alone, as there’s some pretty good reflection on prior events. Because the plot builds, I can’t really divulge too much info (isn’t that the way it always is with suspense?!?). Here’s the nitty-gritty though:
Julia Dyson is your typical run-of-the-mill elementary school teacher on summer vacation. Her dad is missing, and she decides to play Sherlock Holmes over the summer. Julia had periods where she annoyed me. A. Lot. She was second-guessing herself, her feelings, her emotions throughout the story. I understand that characters need to have flaws, but they usually resolve. I didn’t feel that this flaw resolved. As one of those strong, kick-ass women making it in society, I really get annoyed when women that have the potential to be fabulous role models end up a bowl of Jell-o over a dude. Seriously! Even though Julia kicked tush and took names later, she was in her own little world, trying to find a style that is easily mimicked when she should have been proud of who she was.
Dr. Colin Westwood, however, was one of the most beautifully written characters that I’ve seen in a while. The way he changed and evolved through the story was phenomenal. I was a bit dismayed at the way a few items played out, but no book is perfect, and not everyone can see things the way I see them! There are soooo many awesome things that happen to Colin that I can’t discuss! He is, however, the epitome of the brooding hero throughout the story.
I’m not quite sure why I wasn’t as into Dangerous Proposition as much as I was the previous titles in Jessica Lauryn’s Pinnacles of Power series. Great plot, execution. A few things that rubbed me the wrong way, but over-all worth the read if you follow the series. I’m always looking forward to Ms. Lauryn’s latest offering.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
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Friday, July 19, 2013
Review: The Midnight Breed Series Companion by Lara Adrian
The Midnight Breed Series Companion
Author: Lara Adrian
Release Date: May 29, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Midnight Breed Series
ISBN: #978-1939193926
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (332 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author/Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind in secret for thousands of years . . . and now fans of the popular, best-selling Midnight Breed Series can delve deeper than ever before into this hidden, seductive race of vampires and the dark, thrilling universe they inhabit.
A book that's been years in the making, the Midnight Breed Series Companion includes insider info on all of the novels, author notes on the creation of the story world and how the eleven-book (and counting!) series has evolved since its beginning as a contracted trilogy, a complete character guide, series trivia, questions from readers and more.
This special series companion also includes "A Touch of Midnight"--an all-new, never-before-published, original novella featuring Gideon and Savannah, which finally reveals the story of how this reader favorite couple met and fell in love, and answers many questions that fans have been curious about since the series began!
What I’m talking about:
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I’m going to put this out there - I adore the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. Ms. Adrian has created a world with a unique vampire mythology filled with exciting action, intricate storylines, and passionate romance. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend you pick up the first book, Kiss of Midnight, and get to know the males of the Breed Order.
With that said, The Midnight Breed Series Companion is NOT for newcomers to Ms. Adrian’s series. It contains a wonderful introspection of the first ten novels, and therefore, contains numerous spoilers for anyone that has not yet read the first ten books.
For series fans... This is a MUST buy. The Companion is an excellent go to guide for fans! Ms. Adrian does a marvelous job breaking down her initial series thoughts, and added a number of details now that she is eleven books in (she did cover a little of what happens in the eleventh book, Edge of Dawn.) I loved reading her preliminary write up of the mythology. The book by book synopsis section was a great look back. I didn’t realize how much I’d forgotten. After the synopsis of each book, Ms. Adrian treats us with a new novella featuring Order techie, Gideon, and his Breedmate, Savannah.
A Touch of Midnight
A Midnight Breed Prequel novella
Boston, MA, October 1974. Savannah is an art history major at Boston University where she is working on an extra credit project helping to log and analyze a recent donation. Savannah hides her ability to see an object's history when she touches it. In a back room she discovers a sword, and when she accidentally touches it, she witnesses a valiant warrior. Then she sees the deaths of two small boys at the hands of a monster.
Gideon works with the Breed Order, attempting to eliminate all Rogues from existence after his two young brothers were murdered by rogues long ago.
Like most of the other Breeds in the Order, Gideon does not meet his Breedmate-to-be in a calm, safe setting. Because of what she has seen via her ESP talent, Savannah is targeted by a powerful Breed bent on destroying Gideon. The peril forces a quick lesson in the paranormal for Savannah and opens the doors for a speedy courtship.
At times I felt the romance was rushed, and even a little creepy in one scene when Gideon is overcome with lust as Savannah is freaking out. But this is a novella and things need to move quickly. If I didn’t know the pair from reading the full series, I may have let this be a factor, but I adore this couple, so I let it slide.
Overall, even though the "I love you's" came fast, and I was a little bummed that Gideon needed to lie to Savannah for a while, I understand the need for speed in the shorter-length setting. It's a novella, and it was entertaining to get their backstory. The novella itself is a well-written story. In the end, it made me happy and I enjoyed it.
Rating for the novella: 3.5 stars: Liked it - recommend (B+)
After the novella was a VERY DETAILED character list. Again, it is a great reference tool for fans of series... And I will use it when reading books and trying to recall who someone is! I felt like I was looking at an old yearbook - fun to reminisce.
Next came the reader/fan submitted questions, which are entertaining. I had the surprise pleasure of seeing a question that I submitted in the Companion! I enjoyed all of the questions submitted, both those for Lara and those for her characters.
Following the questions was a trivia section. I read through some of the trivia, but the questions were hard (I have horrible memory), so I didn't actually test myself.
Overall, I enjoyed The Midnight Breed Series Companion, and it is a terrific read for fans of the Midnight Breed series. It's not really for newcomers, and as Ms. Adrian points out in the beginning of the book--it's full of spoilers.
I would rate 3.5, B+ and a fun read for fans of the series. And even if you don't read right away, it's a great resource to have as the series grows.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Review: A Cursed Embrace by Cecy Robson
A Cursed Embrace
Author: Cecy Robson
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
The Weird Girls #2
ISBN: #978-0451416742
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other twenty-something girls—with one tiny exception: They are the products of a curse that backfired and gave each of them unique powers that made them, well, a little weird…
After Celia Wird and her sisters help master vampire Misha save his family, their powers are exposed to the supernatural community of the Lake Tahoe region. But fame comes at a price, and being “weird” isn’t always welcome.
To make matters worse, Celia desires the love of Alpha werewolf Aric, but his pack is bent on destroying their relationship to preserve his pureblood status. And once weres start turning up dead—with evidence pointing to the vampires—she must face the prospect of losing Aric forever. But the chaos only masks a new threat. An evil known as the Tribe has risen—and their sights are set on Celia and her sisters.
What G & U are talking about:
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Gikany and Una continue to enjoy the Weird Girls series. With the latest installment, A Cursed Embrace, we were stunned by the ending and feeling a little lost.
This urban fantasy series is from Celia’s point of view. In the last two books (well, the first novel, Sealed with a Curse and a prequel novella, The Weird Girls) we had a lot of interaction between Celia and her sisters; Taran, Shayna and Emme. One aspect that we love about this series is the connection and bond between these four very different sisters. Each one is not only unique in appearance, but in her particular curse (power) and personality. The way the sisters are able to live with one another is powerful – they even take each other’s moods and abrasiveness in stride. A Cursed Embrace, felt as if it didn’t have that. In some ways it parallels the feelings of Celia as she feels not just divided from Aric, but since she is no longer with the powerful Alpha, that she is apart from her happy wolf-dating sisters. The aloneness that comes across the pages is almost overpowering. We understand it and it is a powerful tool that Ms. Robson wields – but we didn’t like it. But isn’t that is the point?
There are two distinct moments in A Cursed Embrace where we hope (beg, plead, whine…) that Ms. Robson will give us novellas. The first is the relationship between Gem and Taran. Most notably where they finally connect – Taran and Gem are conflicted yet drawn together. The tension and release they experience in this novel (which is behind the scenes) would be a fun novella. The other is of course the events at the end of the novel. To avoid spoiling anything, there is a significant occurrence at the end that Celia is not privy to. It is that and the subsequent time after we would like to experience.
The world of A Cursed Embrace continues to keep us glued. The politics between the different groups of supernaturals – not to mention the inner politics, is fascinating. We appreciated that part of the overall conflict in this storyline was self-made. Because of internal politics and prejudice within the supernatural communities, they created the perfect environment for this new evil to rise. Yet in some ways it felt like they didn’t learn their lesson. This aspect along with the heartache Celia suffered at the close (along with the nature of her departure) creates a burning need in our desire for the next novel.
A Cursed Embrace also encompasses the love triangle that Celia has found herself in. We love the connection she has with Aric and that her inner tigress can relax. As much we love the passion and chemistry between them, we do not feel that Aric sees her as an equal. This grates on the ingrained personality that is Celia as the oldest sibling and most importantly her inner golden tigress (who has an overriding need to protect). Yet, there is no question that Celia is in love with Aric. Then we have the relationship between Celia and Misha. We love Misha and how he seems to respect her independent spirit. He allows her freedom of expression and her tigress the freedom to protect and hunt. However, he, too, has a need to protect her and wants more than friendship. The dichotomy between Misha and Aric is not lost on us. We know Aric cares deeply for Celia and we believe Misha does as well. For the first time in her life, Celia has options and it is heartbreaking to watch her choose. We would like to think that as the novel came to a close, Celia’s choice may not be binding…that maybe the future holds a glimmer of hope.
We apologize for the vagueness, but we certainly do not want to spoil this novel. Although we have a few reservations about certain aspects of A Cursed Embrace, we still liked the story. We really enjoy this urban fantasy. It is a great balance between light-hearted romance and gritty urban fantasy adventure and action. If you haven’t tried The Weird Sisters yet, please pick it up. You might be just as caught up as we are.
Their Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, July 1, 2013
Review: After Dark by Gena Showalter & Kait Ballenger
After Dark
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: #978-0373778256
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (# pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ Author
About the book:
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The Darkest Angel (Lords of the Underworld #4.5)
Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he's never known desire-until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long....
Shadow Hunter (Execution Underground #0.5)
Vampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo. But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs... and their newfound hearts.
What I’m talking about:
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Note: The Darkest Angel was originally released as part of the Heart of Darkness Anthology, published by Harlequin in December 2009. I did not read the story at this time; however, I read and reviewed the book on GoodReads in January 2010, and this was my review:
The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter
This is a fabulous tale set in Gena's Lords of the Underworld series. The primary characters are Lysander, a heavenly angel, and Bianka, a wicked Harpy. We met Bianka in a previous novel. Their story is fun! The romance is wonderful, and the novella sets up some of the story line for the next novel. This is a must read for any Lord fans.
My Rating: 4 stars
Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger
The Execution Underground is an elite group of genetically enhance humans trained to track and kill all things supernatural. Upon acceptance into EU, each hunter is given a serum injection that gives longer life and increased strength and healing abilities. Damon is a hunter for EU, determined to kill the evil vampire Caius in revenge over the death of fellow hunter and best friend, Mark.
Tiffany Solow is working undercover as a (blood) Host for Caius. She is the baby sister of Mark, and like Damon, she is determined to destroy Caius for his roll in Mark’s death. She also blames Mark’s best friend, only known as “B” to her, for his death because B left Mark during battle to hunt down vampires. B (aka Damon) and Tiffany have a history as letter-writing friends who have fallen for one another, even though they’ve never met.
Shadow Hunter opens with a bang and the action rarely slows down. Although both Damon and Tiffany are focused on bringing down Caius, there is a big mystery concerning what appears to be new behavior from vampires. The story really picks up as the mystery becomes more involved and complex, creating an engrossing tale.
Damon and Tiffany experience immediate lust and a deep attraction for one another. The heat between the pair is smokin. However, I did get briefly annoyed that Damon kept reminding himself that Tiffany is Mark's little sister, and therefore, he should leave her alone. Luckily, his desire for Tiffany overrides his sense of honor for his friendship with Mark, and the pair give into their passion. Also, I was frustrated that Damon keeps the truth of his identity, and later what happened to Mark, from Tiffany.
One thing I enjoyed about Twilight Hunter is that this PNR is about humans falling in love, and all of the paranormals are bad guys. That doesn’t happen much any longer. It is a refreshing change of pace.
I do feel it necessary to warn readers, without spilling spoilers, that Twilight Hunter has a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of the book. The story didn't finish, and that is such a huge pet peeve of mine, especially since this is listed as a PNR (paranormal romance). The entire story was well-developed, especially for the shortened length; however, the ending felt like a nightmarish Urban Fantasy (UF).
Bottom line... Although there was a lot of information presented in the front end of the book, overall the story read smoothly, the romance was well-developed, and the action was exciting. The initial tension between Tiffany and Damon was fun to read. However, the book ended with too much unresolved for my liking, and I sincerely hope issues get wrapped up quickly.*
My Rating: 3 Stars
*I had the chance to correspond with the author about how this book ended, and I am happy to report that subsequent books in this series will have traditional paranormal romance HEA endings. She also told me that Damon and Tiffany will have a book in the future.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Friday, June 21, 2013
Review: The Havoc Machine by Steven Harper
The Havoc Machine
Author: Steven Harper
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: ROC
Clockwork Empire Book 4
ISBN: #978-0451417046
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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In a world riddled with the destruction of men and machines alike, Thaddeus Sharpe takes to the streets of St. Petersburg, geared toward the hunt of his life….
Thaddeus Sharpe’s life is dedicated to the hunting and killing of clockworkers. When a mysterious young woman named Sofiya Ekk approaches him with a proposition from a powerful employer, he cannot refuse. A man who calls himself Mr. Griffin seeks Thad’s help with mad clockwork scientist Lord Havoc, who has molded a dangerous machine. Mr. Griffin cares little if the evil Lord lives or dies; all he desires is Havoc’s invention.
Upon Thad’s arrival at Havoc’s laboratory, he is met with a chilling discovery. Havoc is not only concealing his precious machine; he has been using a young child by the name of Nikolai for cruel experiments. Locked into a clockwork web of intrigue, Thad must decipher the dangerous truth surrounding Nikolai and the chaos contraption before havoc reigns….
What B is talking about:
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Since the murder of his son, Thaddeus Sharpe has cared about only one thing: relieving the world of its population of clockworkers. Revered by those who have suffered at the hands of these madmen, he is ruthless in his pursuit of them, and quick to dispatch justice once he finds them. But, when a beautiful woman enlists him to recover a special invention for a secretive benefactor, he inadvertently embarks on a journey that will make him question every step he takes, and turn everything he believes in upside down.
The Havoc Machine takes place during the reign of tsar Alexander III of Russia and the unrest caused by the oppression that went largely unchecked at the time. As has been true with previous novels in this series, Mr. Harper takes great care to weave the more fantastical elements of his story around historical fact. While the clockwork plague is central to the problems facing Thaddeus and Sofiya, it is the underlying, irrefutable conflict between the classes that is truly in need of attention. The Havoc Machine is part social commentary which, while told through the lens of history, is still relevant, and isn’t wrong in its implication that we don’t learn nearly as much from that history as we should.
As it is primarily a work of fantasy, there isn’t a great deal of romance in The Havoc Machine. Thaddeus and Sofiya have moments of true tenderness during the course of the story, but even that serves a greater purpose in the end. Still, there are quite a few moments when they seem to really like antagonizing each other, which I enjoyed. Their connection beyond the job they’re hired to do is obvious, however, and I found myself hoping they’d find a way to make something more of their relationship before the story’s end.
While not my favorite novel of the Clockwork Empire in terms of science and adventure, The Havoc Machine was very effective in that it led me to do some research of my own, as well tugging at my heart. This novel is quite dark in places, but so are history and science, both of which we still stand to learn a lot from. Thad’s loss is what fuels his hate, yet is by turns the thing that allows him to change. He finds in himself a kind of empathy that is only possible through the infliction of wounds that are unbearably slow to heal, yet which may be the only thing that ties us to our own humanity. Regardless, I still think this is a fascinating series, and, as long as Mr. Harper continues to explore all the possibilities within it, I’ll be more than happy to continue the journey.
B’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Against the Dark by Carolyn Crane
Against the Dark
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: April 17, 2013
Publisher: self-published
The Associates #1
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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SHE’S AN EX-SAFECRACKER FORCED INTO ONE LAST HEIST
Angel Ramirez left the safecracking game five years ago, and she’s worked hard to make amends and build an honest life. But when a beloved aunt is kidnapped, she must reunite with her girl gang to acquire the unique ransom: Walter Borgola’s prized diamonds. It’s a simple job that turns into a nightmare, thanks to a surprisingly clever—and searingly sexy—security guard named Cole Hawkins.
HE’S AN UNDERCOVER AGENT WITH BIG PLANS FOR HIS GORGEOUS THIEF
Cole is one of the Association’s most brilliant agents, under deep cover investigating a ruthless killer. He’s also running out of time: hundreds will die if he doesn’t stop the plan Borgola’s set into motion. Catching Angel is the break he needed--he promises not to turn her in if she poses as his lover and uses her unique talents to unlock the sociopath’s dungeon vaults.
But as pretend passions turn real, Cole regrets drawing Angel into his deadly game…and danger is closer than either of them could ever imagine.
What I’m talking about:
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Angel Ramirez lead life of crime from the time she was a young woman. However, the life of a thief didn’t sit right with her, so she went on the straight and narrow path as an interior designer five years ago. That is until her old gang and friends pull her out of retirement to steal gems from a nasty bad guy to save one of her friend's aunt. Posing as a prostitute to work at Borgola’s party, Angel is immediately drawn to security guard, Cole.
Cole Hawkins is a secrets man... He can crack any puzzle. He’s a super genius and great with logistics - but he’s also a dangerous killer. Posing as an inside security man, Cole is desperately trying to stop Borgola, who has kidnapped and is smuggling in a group of foreign teens to make sex films and then kill them on camera. Cole works for The Association--an undercover anti-crime unit without ties to any government. They pose as help-for-hire bad guys so that they can infiltrate and do good.
Right from the get go, Against the Dark is exciting and sexy. Angel and her friends risk everything to steal some gems from Borgola. The atmosphere is intense, but fun for the three women who are longtime friends. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Angel’s excitement of being back with her friends and the thrill of the heist side-by-side with the magnitude of the moment and danger if they are caught. They are attempting something near impossible, but their confidence ensures that they will not get caught... hopefully. The jewel heist was fun, and the idea that Angel may have left DNA on the scene is thrilling... Leaving just enough doubt in the reader’s mind that something could happen, and they could track her down. But it was the women’s camaraderie and Angel’s sense of loss at being away from her gang that made the entire scene all the more outstanding.
Of course Cole puts two and two together and finds Angel. She has a skill set that he needs in order to save those children headed to Borgola - she can crack safes that are impossible to crack. Assuming she’s just a lowly thief, he blackmails her into helping him return to the scene of the crime, posing as his girlfriend, so that she can help him bring down Borgola. I really enjoyed the banter between Cole and Angel as they set their stories of how they first met. It was like they were already are that "cute couple." And Cole... wow! Let’s just say he gets into the details of their first time, and it isn’t just Angel that is left turned on by his words *fans self*.
Both Angel and Cole have histories. She lead a life of crime, but came from a good home. He had absentee parents that died from a drug overdose when he was a teen, and then he was recruited by the Association. They portray their characters of a jewel thief and a brutal security man so well, neither can see past the exterior into who the other person truly is inside. Yet, they fall for each other immediately. It’s almost comical how Cole has to constantly remind himself “she’s just a common thief” to prevent himself from falling too deep. It tugged at my heartstrings because I knew the truth of who each was inside. Cole and Angel needed the chance to be honest about who they are, and they needed to fall for the real person inside and not the perceived stereotype.
With that, Angel and Cole make a great team, as Cole points out when they are forced by situation to work together. Each brings their own personality and experiences to the table, and together their individual histories blend together like pieces in a puzzle. Their physical attraction is undeniable and extremely steamy as well. What I adore about the pair is that they are also attracted on a mental level, which is equality as sexy. They just click and it works.
The storyline intensifies and Cole must decide if Angel is still an acceptable loss in order to save the children. With as much emotion as there is action, Against the Dark is a thrill to read. There are twists and turns, some of which I didn’t expect. The story kept me on my toes.
Against the Dark is an exciting first story in what promises to be a wonderful new series from Ms. Crane. The story is filled intense, nail-biting action that isn't over-the-top crazy. The characters aren't perfect, which makes them all the more likable. Angel and Cole make a great pair, with their romance sweet as often as it is steamy. Overall, Against the Dark is an entertaining romantic suspense that I suggest you pick up for some enjoyable summer reading.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Review: Shades of Moonlight by Stephanie Julian
Shades of Moonlight
Author: Stephanie Julian
Release Date: May 17, 2013
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Lucani Lovers #6
ISBN: #978-1419946561
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Wolf shifter Race Aragon knows Mara Marrucini is meant to be his, in bed and out. And he’s not about to let anyone or anything get in his way of protecting her and her baby. She’d been the prisoner of a madman and has the emotional scars to prove it. Now that she’s free, he’s going to make damn sure she gets to live her life—with him at her side.
Mara adores Race. He’s the first man to make her feel like a woman. To make her feel protected. His touch ignites her desire but she fears for his safety. Her presence in his life puts him in the crosshairs.
But with her son’s life on the line, Mara trusts no one but Race to keep them both safe. And to care for her heart—always.
What B is talking about:
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The first glimpse we’re given of the potential for a relationship between Race and Mara comes at the end of book 5, Grace in Moonlight, which I also recommend. It is a sweet little tidbit about the future mates, and sets up their interactions in Shades of Moonlight nicely. As is common for Ms. Julian’s shifters, Race’s attachment to Mara is evident from the very beginning of her time with the versipelli (“skin shifters”), even if he doesn’t understand it. One my favorite things about this story is that Race doesn’t really care why he feels so strongly for Mara, he simply throws himself into an endearing devotion to her happiness and well-being. Mara similarly trusts Race when she hardly trusts anyone else, and worries that any contact with her will put him in danger.
The ongoing build up to war with the “Malandante” (evil descendants of the Etruscans who care only for money and power) provides plenty of action throughout the series, Shades of Moonlight included. An unwilling former breeder for the Mal, Mara lives in fear for the safety of both herself and her infant son, Arin, and worries that her time with the wolves is a temporary arrangement at best. Arin, meanwhile, has a special gift of his own that throws the shifters, as well as their deities, into a further state of alarm. And if all that wasn’t enough, Race is confronted with a crisis close to home that puts his and Mara’s faith in one another to the test.
I’ve had the privilege of following the Lucani Lovers series for a long time now, and I believe it is a fine addition to the collection of any fan of shifter erotic romance. As a novella-length story, Shades of Moonlight advances the tension between the wolves and the Mal, while telling the story of an unlikely pair of misfits discovering a loving and undeniable bond with one another. Neither Race nor Mara believes they’re good enough for the other, but they can’t resist their mutual attraction, either. It isn’t logical, but it’s extremely romantic and absolutely sexy. While this story can stand alone, it is better when read within the series, as quite a few of the secondary characters already have novels of their own. While fairly simple in its execution, this story has plenty of action and sensuality to make up for it. Sometimes, the best parts of a narrative lie in not having to worry about all the details in favor of simply enjoying the story as it is, and Shades of Moonlight does that and more just fine.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
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