Follow Me
Grab my feed
Posts
All Comments
Wanna Shop?
2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
Sunday Snippets
More Blogs
original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
Showing posts with label Allyson James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allyson James. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Review: Nightwalker by Allyson James
Nightwalker
Author: Allyson James
Release Date: Oct. 11, 2012
Publisher: self-published
Stormwalker #4
ISBN: #978-0986023842
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (376 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
|
Stormwalker Janet Begay, proprietor of the Crossroads Hotel, a place where the paranormal stop for a safe night’s rest, discovers the hard way that a slayer is targeting Ansel, a Nightwalker who’s become a more-or-less permanent resident.
When Janet and her lover Mick intervene to save Ansel’s un-life, they find that the attack is the beginning of an oncoming storm. Janet has her hands full already with the upcoming marriage of her father, the return of a woman who claims to be Coyote’s wife, her crazy half-sister, a couple dragons on her back, and her worry about Mick, who’s behaving strangely again.
But it seems that everyone is after Ansel, who fears he killed the woman he loves in a Nightwalker frenzy. Janet must choose between protecting Ansel, or facing the most powerful magical beings in the world, who are willing to destroy Janet, Mick, her hotel, and everyone she cares about to get to Ansel and his secrets.
What I’m talking about:
|
Nightwalker is the fourth installment of Allyson James’ excellent Stormwalker urban fantasy series centering around Native American Janet Begay, born from half evil goddess and half storm magic. This series is one of my absolute favorites, and while you could start with Nightwalker, I highly recommend you start at the beginning. The overarching plot development and detailed character growth over the first three stories is phenomenal, making each story richer than the previous.
Our current story opens with Janet’s friend and resident nightwalker (vampire), Ansel, under attack from a professional slayer. It appears that Ansel may have killed his human girlfriend while in a blood frenzy, and now her sister has placed a bounty on Ansel’s head. And per usual, poor Janet can’t catch a break. As she takes off on her brand new motorcycle to investigate a lead, her bike becomes possessed, carrying her at high speeds down the highway. And to top it off, her magic mirror is broken - all darkened and unresponsive.
Nightwalker, like each book before it, had me hooked from the very start. First, the overall mystery is engrossing. Janet and her fiancé Mick work together to figure out if Ansel did kill his girlfriend, or if not him, who is hiding the truth. Along the way they uncover a web of secret magic and a battle to control ultimate power.
Janet is a strong woman, who unfortunately has a lot of negative things happen around her. She's matured a great deal since the first book - coming into her magic and accepting it all as part of her. With each story, Janet learns more about her magics - both the “evil” beneath and the Native American stormwalker magic, and she continues to embrace both sides of her nature. She continues to grow stronger as she battles darker, more menacing threats. I love reading the story from her POV; she's knowledgable, intuitive, smart and sensitive. She cares deeply for her friends and the world around her.
To make the great story even richer, there is a cast of diverse characters that I have grown to adore. Mick, Janet’s true love, is strong, sexy, and oh so good. He has come to love Janet with such fierceness, which is detailed more in Nightwalker. In addition, the cast of side characters who are always front and center, play important rolls throughout the story. Although Ansel is a focal point in the story, he never takes over the book. We learn more about his past and current life, creating a deeper connection with the reader.
I do adore Janet and Mick. I also love Janet’s evolving relationship with her family, especially her sister and grandmother. However, I started to get a little annoyed with the continuing secretive attitude that both Mick and Grandmother display around Janet. It comes across that they don't trust Janet or that they are treating her like a young child. But I do like Janet's attitude, especially with Mick. They have a solid relationship and she understands his need to sometimes be secretive. They trust each other completely, which is a wonderful thing to have when their world is constantly in peril.
In conclusion, it's a bit difficult to write a review for the fourth excellent book in one of my favorite series. I feel like I've said it all before, but it's worth repeating. Overall, Nightwalker is full of heart-stopping action, superb storytelling and marvelous characters. Each book builds upon revelations from the previous book, but you could get away with reading Nightwalker as a stand alone novel. But seriously, they are each so good, you wouldn't want to! The story line keeps strong throughout each book, and although each contains similar components, every story is unique and exciting.
My Rating:
|
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Jennifer Ashley
Hello Readers! Today I bring you romance author Jennifer Ashley. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley has lived and traveled all over the world, and now lives in the Southwest. She writes historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance as Jennifer Ashley; mysteries as Ashley Gardner; and paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Allyson James.
Jennifer enjoys writing and reading above all else, but her hobbies include cooking, hiking, playing flute and guitar, painting, and building miniature rooms and dollhouses.
Today Jennifer is going to tell us about her research for writing about Shifters. Please help me welcome Jennifer to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Thanks so much for asking me to post! I’m excited about the release of Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound Book 4).
If you’re new to the Shifter series, this is a contemporary paranormal romance series about shape-shifters who have revealed themselves to the world, only to be rounded up and made to live in Shiftertowns and wear shock collars to control their violence. Or so humans think. The Shifters know who’s really in charge.
In Mate Claimed, Eric Warden, the leader of his Shiftertown must round up a half-Shifter half-human woman who’s been passing for human all her life. She’s resistant, not wanting to reveal her Shifter side to the world, but her Shifter instincts are making her crazy, and Eric fears she’ll go feral if he doesn’t bring her in.
It’s a hot, sexy book. :-) But also has a meaty plot and lots of heart.
I’ve been asked how I do research for writing about the Shifters. I’ve always loved animals (horses, dogs, cats), and am very aware that they each have their own personalities, wants and needs. Even the cats I have now—twins—are completely different from each other (though the same in many entertaining ways—for “entertaining” read “exasperating.”)
I’m also lucky enough to live near a private wildlife refuge which rescues big cats, wolves, bears, and other animals that have been mistreated, illegally captured, or abandoned. The animals live in giant enclosures in the countryside, and the owners and caretakers do lectures on animal behavior. It is fascinating to watch big cats of different species interact with each other—the smallest cats, like leopards, often are the most dominant. Watching a giant tiger rub heads with a panther is an amazing thing.
My Shifters are very tactile—they touch and hug for reassurance (and for more fun things as well :-)). The humans who enter Shiftertown are often startled to see male Shifters hugging each other for comfort, or a whole family in a group cuddle. But the humans soon learn it’s not so bad!
When I’m writing about other kinds of shifters—such as dragons (see the Stormwalker series I write as Allyson James), I am free to make up whatever I want. Fun stuff! But I take as given that a dragon is an animal, and their human sides take on animal instincts (scent, ability to see in well in the dark, possessiveness of a mate).
Why do I like shapeshifters so much? I don’t know. When I first started reading fantasy way back when, I wasn’t always as fond of shapeshifters. How can you communicate with someone when they’re an animal? Or a dragon?
But the more I wrote about them, the more I liked them. Now, I can’t imagine not writing a shapeshifter book. Mine are hot, hunky males who can change in to warm, fuzzy animals. And it’s such fun to write about the cubs!
I hope you enjoy my shapeshifter world and Mate Claimed.
I’ll do a giveaway—comment on why you like shapeshifter books (or why you don’t!) and be qualified to win a signed book.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! For more about Mate Claimed and the giveaway, read below!
You can find Jennifer on line at
More on Mate Claimed
Shifters Unbound #4
Berkley, Oct. 2, 2012
Berkley, Oct. 2, 2012
To protect her, he will unleash the beast within…
Eric Warden knows that half-Shifter wildcat Iona is passing for human, living without a Collar in the human world. He also knows that if she does not acknowledge her Shifter nature and her mating hunger, it could kill her. Iona finds the mysterious and dangerous Eric, a wildcat and leader of his Shiftertown, haunting her dreams, but she vows never to "come out" and take the Collar, fearing backlash against her mother and sister for hiding the fact that she's Shifter. But Eric is a compelling Shifter male, and Iona's hunger calls to him.
GIVEAWAY:
Thank you to Jennifer Ashley for stopping by today and also thanks to Jennifer and Berkley for generously donating one (1) copy of Mate Claimed to giveaway. To be entered, please use the RAFFLECOPTER form below. As part of your entry, please leave a comment answering the question: Why do you like shapeshifter books (or why don’t you!)? You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from October 2, 2012 until Tuesday October 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM EDT. Contest is restricted to US mailing addresses only. One (1) winner will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A Look Ahead in books
With the year almost 3/4 over, we've had some really great books to read in 2011. My favorites so far this year have been:
But there are so many more great books that are still to come! At the top of my WANT list are the following:
Those are only a few of the many books I want this fall!
What have been your favorite books released in 2011? What titles are you still waiting for this fall?
ALSO.... I wanted to point out a new feature at That's What I'm Talking About... Do you see the new "STORE" link in my header? I've created a place at Amazon that includes some of my favorite things. Check it out!
And... don't forget to enter my END OF SUMMER BOOK giveaway, open until September 23, 2011. For details, click HERE.
Thanks and Happy Reading!
But there are so many more great books that are still to come! At the top of my WANT list are the following:
Those are only a few of the many books I want this fall!
What have been your favorite books released in 2011? What titles are you still waiting for this fall?
ALSO.... I wanted to point out a new feature at That's What I'm Talking About... Do you see the new "STORE" link in my header? I've created a place at Amazon that includes some of my favorite things. Check it out!
And... don't forget to enter my END OF SUMMER BOOK giveaway, open until September 23, 2011. For details, click HERE.
Thanks and Happy Reading!
Labels:
Allyson James,
books,
Ilona Andrews,
Larissa Ione,
Meljean Brook,
reading,
Sydney Croft
|
4
comments
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday Snippet #63
Shadow Walker
Berkley SensationJune 7, 2011
“Among dragons, it’s more common to be alone,” Mick said. “We need so much territory, and when humans overran the world, there wasn’t a lot of room left for us. We’ve been dying out for centuries.”
Mick didn’t talk much about his dragon background, only occasionally feeding me bits of information. He’d once told me about a lady dragon he’d planned to take as mate, long ago. She’d been stolen from him by another dragon, and she’d later died. He’d been alone since.
The dragon council, a triumvirate who enforced dragon law, had assigned Mick to watch over me. The original assignment had been to kill me, but Mick had turned things his own way. He was still watching over me.
“Dying out?” I repeated.
“Slowly. Nothing to worry about. Dragons live a long time.”
“Maybe, but do Stormwalkers?”
“Mick’s smile vanished, and I saw a deep and ageless pain in his eyes. “I don’t know. That’s why I want to enjoy every minute I can with you.”
I knew what he meant. He would watch me age and die before he changed much himself. He know he’d lose me, and he was already preparing himself for it.
“You should find a lady dragon,” I said, trying to make my voice light. “Someone who can be with you for another couple of centuries, someone who can live inside a volcano with you.”
Mick laced his fingers though mine. “A lady dragon hasn’t snared me. You have.” He leaned to me, his eyes darkening. “Mate isn’t just a word to me, Janet. It never has been. I want you as my mate in all ways, in bed and out of it. I want to give you all I have, all that I am.”
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Review: Shadow Walker
Shadow Walker Author: Allyson James
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: #978-0425241820
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
I purchased this book with my own money because I LOVE this series!
From the author’s website:
Winter descends on the town of Magellan, and new evil comes to call.
Racing her motorcycle down a lonely winter highway, Stormwalker Janet Begay feels the ground collapse beneath her feet. After tumbling two hundred feet into an underground cavern, she manages to escape with help from her sexy dragon-shifter boyfriend, Mick—but not before they disturb dark forces.
As Janet contends with a hotel inspector intent on putting her out of business, and her grandmother, who’s taken up residence, Mick’s behavior becomes strange and erratic, until he is a clear danger to Janet and her friends. Janet's drag-queen, attitude-ridden magic mirror insists that Mick has been "touched by shadows," and Janet realizes that someone is out to enslave her dragon. Now she must free Mick before he kills her…
Racing her motorcycle down a lonely winter highway, Stormwalker Janet Begay feels the ground collapse beneath her feet. After tumbling two hundred feet into an underground cavern, she manages to escape with help from her sexy dragon-shifter boyfriend, Mick—but not before they disturb dark forces.
As Janet contends with a hotel inspector intent on putting her out of business, and her grandmother, who’s taken up residence, Mick’s behavior becomes strange and erratic, until he is a clear danger to Janet and her friends. Janet's drag-queen, attitude-ridden magic mirror insists that Mick has been "touched by shadows," and Janet realizes that someone is out to enslave her dragon. Now she must free Mick before he kills her…
What I’m talking about:
AH! I cannot stop talking about how much I adore this wonderful (still fairly new) series by Allyson James! For those not familiar, the series followers half-Navajo Janet Begay, a Stormwalker who can bend the power of storms to her will. Oh, and she also is the daughter of an evil goddess who has passed on dangerous Beneath magic to Janet. She lives in a small Arizona town, owns a quaint hotel, has a ridiculously hot and sweet boyfriend, Mick, and trouble seems to follow Janet where ever she goes.
The third story picks up shortly after the end of the second book, Firewalker, and opens with Janet finding herself in danger once again when she plummets to the bottom of a sinkhole while being tailed by Sheriff Nash Jones for speeding. Janet finds herself under attack from dozens of mysterious petroglyphs and once again, she finds herself at the center of another dangerous mystery. Soon, the story deepens with Mick acting strange, the pipes and wiring in her newly renovated hotel suddenly corroding, and the appearance of her “sister” who seems bent on destroying Janet.
One thing I love about this story is that Janet has matured. She has always been a mighty kick-ass heroine, but by now she has gone through many trials, including saving the world, and she is embracing all of her magic - even the dark Beneath magic. She has stared at the face of death and no longer fears dying. In addition, she has wholly given herself to boyfriend/mate Mick. Their love has deepened, the emotions stronger, and their relationship is amazing. They aren’t perfect, but believe (and know) that their love can help them concur all that comes their way. And it is because of this love that the pain of Mick’s apparent betrayal is magnified a hundred-fold. My heart actually ached and I had tears in my eyes while reading Mick’s repeated attempts at killing Janet.
The overall plot of the third book is another fantastic mystery. This time, Janet needs to find out why an evil witch, a Shadow Walker, wants to claim Janet’s hotel, how her evil “sister” (same goddess mom) is involved, and how to save Mick from potential enslavement, all while entertaining 2 dragon shifters who would rather kill Mick than allow others to be enslaved, and her grandmother who is keeping secrets with the cook while sending Janet’s one big ally, the trickster god, Coyote on errands. Janet has her hands full, but she never gives up. I love that she gets frustrated and mad, and she may fall and fail. But in the end, her beliefs and inner-strength, along with the support of her friends, keep Janet going. I never felt that Janet and company’s problems or the peril they faced was over the top or contrived.
Finally, I have to reiterate how important the supporting cast of characters is in the function and enjoyment of the book(s). There are several, but each is written so organically that every one has his/her place and is an important cog in the machinery of this series. The supporting characters are nothing short of stupendous. From the magically “void,” Unbeliever sheriff - Nash Jones, his girlfriend - Maya, Janet’s father and grandmother, all the folks that work at the hotel, Janet’s sister to the tricker god, Coyote... no matter what size roll is actually written, each plays a big part in making the story complete. Even the crazy bi-sexual magic mirror is more than comic relief!
No matter what I write in this review, I cannot give justice to this story or series. Ms. James has created an amazing world with such intricate details and comprehensive characters that I feel as though I could go to Magellan and discover Janet and her friends having a bite to eat at the hotel. I find as much pleasure in reading the descriptive sections - learning about the land and heritage of the people - as I do when reading the base story line and trying to solve the mystery or problem along side Janet. My heart races during this story during several sections - whether it’s due to the race against the clock and the thrill of the action, or because of Mick and Janet’s heart-felt love for one another - and that is why this book is one of ...
My Rating:
Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Year in Review - 2010
Welcome to the end of another year. This is my first year blogging, and it was interesting to see how my book list panned out. I read fewer books in 2010 than 2009, but that is understandable now that I’m writing reviews, completing author interviews, blog hopping and chatting with my gals (and guys) and Twitter.
I read 83 books;
Published in 2010:
Stormwalker Series by Allyson James
I really enjoyed blogging and discussing books with all of you. I hope you have enjoyed our time together as well! I've listed some of my highlights and stats from 2010 below. How did 2010 go for you? What were your favorite reads during the year?
Thank you all for stopping by and supporting me and That's What I'm Talking About. Joyous New Year and Happy Reading!!
The Summary:
I read 83 books;I read 21 comic books;
I read 4 partial books (i.e. one novella out of an anthology);
I read 4 free short stories;
I had 1 DNF.
Favorites of 2010:
Published in 2010:
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
Published prior to 2010:
Demon Moon by Meljean Brook
Seduced by the Storm by Sydney Croft
New series (2010):
Stormwalker Series by Allyson JamesSeries prior to 2010:
ACRO Series by Sydney Croft
Guardian Series by Meljean Brook
Favorite Non-Paranormal read in 2010:
Decadent Deceptions by Keta Diablo
Favorite Guilty Pleasure:
Black Wade by Franze & Andaerle
So without further ado, here is the LIST for 2010:
Book #1: Heart of Darkness, anthology (January 2, 2010)
Book #2: Wild Thing, anthology (January 3, 2010)
Book #3: Lone Wolf, Teresa D'Amario (Janunary 7, 2010)
Book #4: Shades of Midnight, Lara Adrian (January 9, 2010)
Book #5: Gentlemen Prefer Succubi, Jill Myles (January 11, 2010)
Book #6: Passion Unleashed (2nd read), Larissa Ione (January 16, 2010)
Book #7: Wicked Enchantment, Anya Bast (January 19, 2010)
Book #8: Succubi Like It Hot, Jill Myles (January 21, 2010)
Book #9: Esctasy Unveiled, Larissa Ione (January 24, 2010)
Book #10: Taken, Anya Bast (January 25, 2010)
Book #11: Demon Moon, Meljean Brook (January 28, 2010)
Book #12: Demon Night, Meljean Brook (February 6, 2010)
Book #12.1: “Thicker Than Blood" from the anthology First Blood, Meljean Brook (February 6, 2010)
Book #13: Demon Bound, Meljean Brook (February 12, 2010)
Book #14: Demon Forged, Meljean Brook (February 21, 2010)
Book #14.1: "Blind Spot," Meljean Brook from the anthology Must Love Hellhounds (February 21, 2010)
Book #15: Of Crimson and Collars, Audrey and Stella Price (February 22, 2010)
Book #16: Archangel's Kiss, Nalini Singh (February 25, 2010)
Book #17: Without Reservations, J. L. Langley (February 27, 2010)
Book #18: With Caution, J. L. Langley (March 1, 2010)
Book #19: With Love, J. L. Langley (March 2, 2010)
Books #19.1: Buffy, Season 8 Comic Books: Volumes 26-31 plus Willow one-shot (7 total) (March 5, 2010)
Books #19.2: Angel Comic Books: Volumes 24-27 (4 total) (March 6, 2010)
Book #20: Born of Night, Sherrilyn Kenyon (March 13, 2010)
Book #21: Born of Fire, Sherrilyn Kenyon (March 18, 2010)
Book #22: The Darkest Passion, Gena Showalter (March 22, 2010)
Book #23: Atlantis Redeemed, Alyssa Day (March 24, 2010)
Book #24: Riding the Storm, Sydney Croft (April 1, 2010)
Book #25: Unleashing the Storm, Sydney Croft (April 4, 2010)
Book #26: Lion's Heat, Lora Leigh (April 8, 2010)
Book #27: Seduced by the Storm, Sydney Croft (April 18, 2010)
Book #28: Lover Mine, JR Ward (April 25, 2010)
Book #29: Taming the Fire, Sydney Croft (May 3, 2010)
Book #30: Mortal Temptations, Allyson James (May 8, 2010)
Book #31: She Wolf, Teresa D'Amario (May 11, 2010)
Book #32: Dark Succession, Teresa D'Amario (May 19, 2010)
Book #32.1: "The Faery Prince's Mate" Free novella Teresa D'Amario (May 25, 2010)
Book #33: Magic Bleeds, Ilona Andrews (May 30, 2010)
Book #33.1: The Darkest Facts: A Lords of the Underworld Companion, Gena Showalter (May 30, 2010)
Book #34: My Blood Approves, Amanda Hocking (June 5, 2010)
Book #35: Siren's Call, Devyn Quinn (June 12, 2010)
Book #36: Bound By Rebellion, Christa Paige (June 15, 2010)
Book #36.1: "Succubus Diaries: Foreplay" Free novella by Jill Myles (June 15, 2010)
Book #37: Deadly Fear, Cynthia Eden (June 21, 2010)
Book #38: Black Wade, Franze & Andaerle (June 21, 2010)
Book #39: Sin Eater's Prince, Keta Diablo (June 24, 2010)
Book #39.1: Buffy, Season 8 Comic Books: Volumes 32-35: Twilight Story Arc (4 total) (June 25, 2010)
Book #39.2: "In Sheep's Clothing" Free novella by Meljean Brook (June 26, 2010)
Book #39.3: Angel Comic Books: Volumes 28-33 (6 total) (June 26, 2010)
Book #40: Bound By Deception, Christa Paige (June 28, 2010)
Book #41: The Darkest Lie, Gena Showalter (July 2, 2010)
Book #42: Eve of Samhain, Lisa Sanchez (July 9, 2010)
Book #43: Demon Blood, Meljean Brook (July 13, 2010)
Book #44: Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (July 21, 2010)
Book #45: Tempting the Fire, Sydney Croft (July 23, 2010)
Book #46: Decadent Deceptions, Keta Diablo (July 26, 2010)
Book #47: Captive Spirit, Liz Fichera (July 31, 2010)
Book #48: Infinity: The Chronicles of Nick, Sherrilyn Kenyon (August 6, 2010)
Book #49: Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, J.A. Saare (August 9, 2010)
Book #50: Sins of the Heart, Eve Silver (August 14, 2010)
Book #51: Sin Undone, Larissa Ione (August 18, 2010)
Book #52: The Moon: Tigress by the Tail, Teresa D'Amario (August 23, 2010)
Book #53: Sins of the Soul, Eve Silver (August 26, 2010)
Book #54: Cruel Enchantment, Anya Bast (August 29, 2010)
Book #55: Dust, Joan Frances Turner (September 3, 2010)
Book #56: Burning Up, anthology (September 6, 2010)
Book #57: Atlantis Betrayed, Alyssa Day (September 12, 2010)
Book #57.1: read 55% of Where The Rain Is Made, Keta Diablo (September 14, 2010) - DNF
Book #58: Taken By Midnight, Lara Adrian (September 17, 2010)
Book #59: Sins of the Flesh, Eve Silver (September 21, 2010)
Book #59.1: "A Tangled Web," Mercedes Lackey from the anthology Harvest Moon (September 24, 2010)
Book #60: The Iron Duke, Meljean Brook (September 28, 2010)
Book #61: No Mercy, Sherrilyn Kenyon (September 30, 2010)
Book #62: Presumed Dead, Shirley Wells (October 4, 2010)
Book #63: Styx's Storm, Lora Leigh (October 6, 2010)
Book #64: Fearless Desires, Stacey Espino (October 9, 2010)
Book #65: Play of Passion, Nalini Singh (October 10, 2010)
Book #3: Lone Wolf, Teresa D'Amario (Janunary 7, 2010)
Book #4: Shades of Midnight, Lara Adrian (January 9, 2010)
Book #5: Gentlemen Prefer Succubi, Jill Myles (January 11, 2010)
Book #6: Passion Unleashed (2nd read), Larissa Ione (January 16, 2010)
Book #7: Wicked Enchantment, Anya Bast (January 19, 2010)
Book #8: Succubi Like It Hot, Jill Myles (January 21, 2010)
Book #9: Esctasy Unveiled, Larissa Ione (January 24, 2010)
Book #10: Taken, Anya Bast (January 25, 2010)
Book #11: Demon Moon, Meljean Brook (January 28, 2010)
Book #12: Demon Night, Meljean Brook (February 6, 2010)
Book #12.1: “Thicker Than Blood" from the anthology First Blood, Meljean Brook (February 6, 2010)
Book #13: Demon Bound, Meljean Brook (February 12, 2010)
Book #14: Demon Forged, Meljean Brook (February 21, 2010)
Book #14.1: "Blind Spot," Meljean Brook from the anthology Must Love Hellhounds (February 21, 2010)
Book #15: Of Crimson and Collars, Audrey and Stella Price (February 22, 2010)
Book #16: Archangel's Kiss, Nalini Singh (February 25, 2010)
Book #17: Without Reservations, J. L. Langley (February 27, 2010)
Book #18: With Caution, J. L. Langley (March 1, 2010)
Book #19: With Love, J. L. Langley (March 2, 2010)
Books #19.1: Buffy, Season 8 Comic Books: Volumes 26-31 plus Willow one-shot (7 total) (March 5, 2010)
Books #19.2: Angel Comic Books: Volumes 24-27 (4 total) (March 6, 2010)
Book #20: Born of Night, Sherrilyn Kenyon (March 13, 2010)
Book #21: Born of Fire, Sherrilyn Kenyon (March 18, 2010)
Book #22: The Darkest Passion, Gena Showalter (March 22, 2010)
Book #23: Atlantis Redeemed, Alyssa Day (March 24, 2010)
Book #24: Riding the Storm, Sydney Croft (April 1, 2010)
Book #25: Unleashing the Storm, Sydney Croft (April 4, 2010)
Book #26: Lion's Heat, Lora Leigh (April 8, 2010)
Book #27: Seduced by the Storm, Sydney Croft (April 18, 2010)
Book #28: Lover Mine, JR Ward (April 25, 2010)
Book #29: Taming the Fire, Sydney Croft (May 3, 2010)
Book #30: Mortal Temptations, Allyson James (May 8, 2010)
Book #31: She Wolf, Teresa D'Amario (May 11, 2010)
Book #32: Dark Succession, Teresa D'Amario (May 19, 2010)
Book #32.1: "The Faery Prince's Mate" Free novella Teresa D'Amario (May 25, 2010)
Book #33: Magic Bleeds, Ilona Andrews (May 30, 2010)
Book #33.1: The Darkest Facts: A Lords of the Underworld Companion, Gena Showalter (May 30, 2010)
Book #34: My Blood Approves, Amanda Hocking (June 5, 2010)
Book #35: Siren's Call, Devyn Quinn (June 12, 2010)
Book #36: Bound By Rebellion, Christa Paige (June 15, 2010)
Book #36.1: "Succubus Diaries: Foreplay" Free novella by Jill Myles (June 15, 2010)
Book #37: Deadly Fear, Cynthia Eden (June 21, 2010)
Book #38: Black Wade, Franze & Andaerle (June 21, 2010)
Book #39: Sin Eater's Prince, Keta Diablo (June 24, 2010)
Book #39.1: Buffy, Season 8 Comic Books: Volumes 32-35: Twilight Story Arc (4 total) (June 25, 2010)
Book #39.2: "In Sheep's Clothing" Free novella by Meljean Brook (June 26, 2010)
Book #39.3: Angel Comic Books: Volumes 28-33 (6 total) (June 26, 2010)
Book #40: Bound By Deception, Christa Paige (June 28, 2010)
Book #41: The Darkest Lie, Gena Showalter (July 2, 2010)
Book #42: Eve of Samhain, Lisa Sanchez (July 9, 2010)
Book #43: Demon Blood, Meljean Brook (July 13, 2010)
Book #44: Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (July 21, 2010)
Book #45: Tempting the Fire, Sydney Croft (July 23, 2010)
Book #46: Decadent Deceptions, Keta Diablo (July 26, 2010)
Book #47: Captive Spirit, Liz Fichera (July 31, 2010)
Book #48: Infinity: The Chronicles of Nick, Sherrilyn Kenyon (August 6, 2010)
Book #49: Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, J.A. Saare (August 9, 2010)
Book #50: Sins of the Heart, Eve Silver (August 14, 2010)
Book #51: Sin Undone, Larissa Ione (August 18, 2010)
Book #52: The Moon: Tigress by the Tail, Teresa D'Amario (August 23, 2010)
Book #53: Sins of the Soul, Eve Silver (August 26, 2010)
Book #54: Cruel Enchantment, Anya Bast (August 29, 2010)
Book #55: Dust, Joan Frances Turner (September 3, 2010)
Book #56: Burning Up, anthology (September 6, 2010)
Book #57: Atlantis Betrayed, Alyssa Day (September 12, 2010)
Book #57.1: read 55% of Where The Rain Is Made, Keta Diablo (September 14, 2010) - DNF
Book #58: Taken By Midnight, Lara Adrian (September 17, 2010)
Book #59: Sins of the Flesh, Eve Silver (September 21, 2010)
Book #59.1: "A Tangled Web," Mercedes Lackey from the anthology Harvest Moon (September 24, 2010)
Book #60: The Iron Duke, Meljean Brook (September 28, 2010)
Book #61: No Mercy, Sherrilyn Kenyon (September 30, 2010)
Book #62: Presumed Dead, Shirley Wells (October 4, 2010)
Book #63: Styx's Storm, Lora Leigh (October 6, 2010)
Book #64: Fearless Desires, Stacey Espino (October 9, 2010)
Book #65: Play of Passion, Nalini Singh (October 10, 2010)
Book #65.1: “Zane’s Tale” Free novella by Jill Myles (October 11, 2010)
Book #66: Lie With Me, Stephanie Tyler (October 16, 2010)
Book #67: Geist, Philippa Ballantine (October 21, 2010)
Book #68: Ghost Town, Rachel Caine (October 24, 2010)
Book #69: Magic at the Gate, Devon Monk (October 28, 2010)
Book #70: Immortal Awakenings, KC Randell (October 31, 2010)
Book #71: The Taming of the Wolf, Lydia Dare (November 4, 2010)
Book #72: Fearless Love, Stacey Espino (November 6, 2010)
Book #73: Promises in the Dark, Stephanie Tyler (November 8, 2010)
Book #74: Stormwalker, Allyson James (November 12, 2010)
Book #75: Firewalker, Allyson James (November 20, 2010)
Book #76: Real Vampires Have More to Love, Gerry Bartlett (November 25, 2010)
Book #77: Beneath the Thirteen Moons, Kathryne Kennedy (November 30, 2010)
Book #78: Black Wings, Christina Henry (December 4, 2010)
Book #79: Blood Moon Betrayed, Teresa D'Amario (BETA READ December 11, 2010)
Book #80: Size Matters, Stephanie Julian (December 13, 2010)
Book #81: The Prince's Groom, KT Grant (December 18, 2010)
Book #82: Wolf Fever, Terry Spear (December 26, 2010)
Book #66: Lie With Me, Stephanie Tyler (October 16, 2010)
Book #67: Geist, Philippa Ballantine (October 21, 2010)
Book #68: Ghost Town, Rachel Caine (October 24, 2010)
Book #69: Magic at the Gate, Devon Monk (October 28, 2010)
Book #70: Immortal Awakenings, KC Randell (October 31, 2010)
Book #71: The Taming of the Wolf, Lydia Dare (November 4, 2010)
Book #72: Fearless Love, Stacey Espino (November 6, 2010)
Book #73: Promises in the Dark, Stephanie Tyler (November 8, 2010)
Book #74: Stormwalker, Allyson James (November 12, 2010)
Book #75: Firewalker, Allyson James (November 20, 2010)
Book #76: Real Vampires Have More to Love, Gerry Bartlett (November 25, 2010)
Book #77: Beneath the Thirteen Moons, Kathryne Kennedy (November 30, 2010)
Book #78: Black Wings, Christina Henry (December 4, 2010)
Book #79: Blood Moon Betrayed, Teresa D'Amario (BETA READ December 11, 2010)
Book #80: Size Matters, Stephanie Julian (December 13, 2010)
Book #81: The Prince's Groom, KT Grant (December 18, 2010)
Book #82: Wolf Fever, Terry Spear (December 26, 2010)
Book #83: I Dream of Genies, Judi Fennell (still reading...)
Labels:
2010,
Allyson James,
blogging,
Ilona Andrews,
Keta Diablo,
Meljean Brook,
reading,
Sydney Croft
|
6
comments
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday Snippets #39
Stormwalker by Allyson James
I rested my forehead on the table. “How did you get to be sheriff when you have PTSD?”
I knew I shouldn’t have asked such a dangerous question, but I didn’t have the energy to care.
“Because I do the job better than anyone else,” Nash answered. I believed him, somehow. “I haven’t had an episode in a year.”
“Not since Amy.”
As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I knew I’d just blown any chance of getting out of here today. I peeled open my eyes and looked up, wincing when I saw Nash’s gray ones.
“You give up this so-called investigation and go home,” he said in a hard voice, “or I’ll bust you for fraud and expose you for the con artist you are.”
I started to answer that I had the right to live in any town I wanted to, but my stomach decided just then to punish me for the night of storm magic. I pressed my arm over my abdomen, but it didn’t help.
I staggered to my feet and made it to the trash can in the corner before my morning coffee and a gob of bile came up.
“Damn it, Begay--”
Nash’s diatribe was cut off by a deputy outside saying quickly and worriedly, “You can’t go in there.”
The door banged open, and a man shouldered his way in, shoving aside the deputy who tried to get in his way. He was six-feet-six of solid muscle in jeans, a black T-shirt, and motorcycle boots, had a silver earring dangling from one ear, and dragon tattoos snaking down both arms. His hair was black, the wild curls of it just contained in a ponytail. He had the blues eyes I’d ever seen, and I vividly recalled staring into them the night I lost my virginity.
My mouth formed the name, “Mick,” at the same time Nash rose to his feet and aimed his nine-millimeter right and Mick’s head.
“Stop.”
Nash might as well have tried to stop a freight train. Mick came on.
“I said, stop.”
Nash’s voice was ice-hard. He might have scared the hell out of insurgents in Iraq, but he didn’t know Mick. Mick ignored him, and Nash fired.
The sound exploded in my head. I screamed. The bullet hit Mick in the shoulder, and he grunted with the impact, but it barely slowed him down. He made it to me and scooped me up.
“Hey, baby,” he said, grinning. “Miss me?”
Friday, November 26, 2010
Review: Firewalker
Firewalker
Author: Allyson James Release Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Stormwalker Series Book #2
ISBN: #978-0425237823
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
I won an ARC copy of this book from the author.
From the author’s website:
Mick must face the dragon council for breaking their laws, and while he doesn't seem too worried about his upcoming trial, but Janet will do anything to keep him safe. She'll need a little help from her friends, old and new: Nash and Coyote; Cassandra, a powerful witch turned hotel manager; Colby a sort-of-trustworthy dragon. But now a new, dark power is stirring in Magellan that Janet must face, but even more frightening, one is stirring within herself.
What I’m talking about:
**This review contains minor spoilers from the first book, Stormwalker.
Firewalker is the second book in Ms. James’ Stormwalker series, and it starts a short time after the end of the first book. Janet Begay, a Native American stormwalker, with the power of Beneath magic from her goddess mother, has settled down in Megellan and opened up the hotel she was renovating throughout all of book one. She’s hired a witch, Cassandra, to manager her place and business is good. Mick’s been missing for three weeks, and although he has been more open with Janet since she found out he is a dragon, it still isn’t completely odd for him to be gone without notice. But when a shifter comes into the hotel demanding to speak with her, Janet realizes that Mick is in trouble.
Mick is guilty of breaking Dragon law when he allowed Janet to live (backstory in Stormwalker). Dragons are honorable, and he intends to stand trial - even when the verdict is already known. But before he can get there, a new evil finds its way into Megellan - one with a familiarity that reminds Janet of her evil mother. Now Janet, Mick, Nash and their new friends must figure out who is responsible for the gruesome death of an unknown hiker before more innocent people are killed - and in time to save Mick from the dragons and his own honor.
Once again, Ms. James weaves together an amazing Paranormal Romance/Mystery-Suspense story. At the core of her work is a complex “whodunit,” full of twists and turns, that keeps the reader engaged until the conclusion. But what makes the book truly superb is the cast of characters that inhabit this marvelous world.
Tragedy and trouble follow Janet everywhere she goes. She wants to “just be normal,” yet time and time again, she picks the difficult path. When faced with death if she continues to use her “evil” Beneath magic, she doesn’t let her own mortality stop her from making the “right” (and difficult) decisions. One of the most special and poignant parts of the story occurs when Janet is faced with the decision to keep her Beneath half or let it go completely. It is heart-wrenching and emotionally draining to witness her as she contemplates what is truly important in her life. I love that Janet may give in here and there but NEVER gives up the fight and always has a snarky comment or two for those that rub her the wrong way.
Then there is Mick. He loves Janet with all of his soul, but not being human, he doesn’t always express his love in conventional ways - except for the fantastic (and completely hot) sex that he showers upon Janet! He worships her body, he protects her as only he understands and he expresses his love in his own ways. The fact that he was originally sent to kill Janet, but instead fell in love is not a new tale in the world of romance. But what makes his story special is that even with his love, he is afraid that he still may have to kill Janet someday if the Beneath magic gets too strong. In this story we observe Mick’s love deepen and his resolve to love and save her strengthen.
We also have Nash... I think I developed a bit of a crush on him during this book. He’s a “by-the-rules” kind of hard-headed ass that challenges Janet to be better. The friendship developing between Nash and Janet is a worthwhile investment, and I want to see where it leads (and for Nash to be happy with Maya!). With Nash’s mysterious “void” magic and Janet’s magics - I have a feeling that they will make an unstoppable pair against the powers of evil.
Finally, I want to mention Cassandra - because I think there is something about her that will come out down the road. I’m not sure why she’s at the hotel, but she definitely has a secret or two. And there is Coyote - trickster god that is wise and a bit of comic relief. Both characters have more minor parts, but add incredible value to the story.
Firewalker is another amazing book in the Stormwalker series! I highly recommend reading both books because the stories are fabulous, the action is intense, the world-building is phenomenal and both are emotionally satisfying tales.
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Review: Stormwalker
StormwalkerAuthor: Allyson James
Release Date: May 4, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Stormwalker Series Book #1
ISBN: #978-0425234693
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
From the author’s website:
Half-Navajo Janet Begay possesses extraordinary power which is tied to the storms that waft across the desert. The only person who can control her when she's caught in the storm's evocative power is Mick, a dark-haired, blue-eyed biker Janet can't seem to touch with her powers. He can wield fire and not get burned, and Janet's never sure where he goes when they're not together.
Together they investigate mysterious disappearances, which Janet fears are tied to her mother's people, the mythical gods from below the earth. They are helped along the way by Coyote and Crow, but these shapeshifting gods have their own agendas.
What I’m talking about:
Janet Begay is a stormwalker: she can utilize the power of a storm, bending and controlling it to meet her desires. But this magic comes at a price - it leaves her physically drained and sick. Only her mysterious ex-boyfriend, Mick, can absorb the excess magic and help Janet stay sane. But Mick isn’t always around and Janet has learned to stand on her own. So when Mick rides into town wanting to pick up where their relationship left off 5 years ago, Janet doesn’t know what to do. She misses him. She wants him. But he broke her heart.
Janet is sexy and a strong heroine-just the kind I like. She’s tough - renovating a hotel in a town full of folks that don’t necessarily accept her. Oh, and she is willing to stay in town to face off against the dark forces from Beneath, controlled by her evil goddess of a mother. She takes hit after hit, but doesn’t give up. Yet Janet is also vulnerable - she wants to run away with Mick, but knows she can’t. She wants to take the easy road, but won’t. It is these two sides of Janet that make her such a compelling character. She is a super hero and a normal gal all rolled into one.
Janet isn’t the only great character in Stormwalker. Mick, her on-again, off-again lover/boyfriend is an enigma. He’s sexy, and his love for Janet is sweet. Even though he is a valiant protecter and seems to know everything, there are somethings he just doesn’t understand when it comes to Janet. Or he may get it, but chooses to remain aloof and a mystery. I can understand why Janet is so torn - attracted and frustrated all at once.
There is also Sheriff Nash Jones who is an Unbeliever, and really doesn’t care for Janet. Yet he seems to possess something that makes him a bit different than the average human. His actions are frustrating at times, but he adds a powerful dimension to the story. And I have to mention the Mirror - a bisexual magic mirror that injects humor into the story. There are also several other minor characters that together make this book special.
Stormwalker is a fabulous book. It is one of the most creative and engrossing stories that I have read this year. Containing an ideal mix of world building/mythology, action, mystery, romance and smex, this book was enjoyable from cover to cover!
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mortal Temptations-Review
Mortal Temptations
Author: Allyson James
Release Date: available now
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Mortal Series Book #1
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Mortal Series Book #1
ISBN: #0425223698
Genre: Erotic Romance (Paranormal)
From the author’s website:
When Patricia Lake finds the man with the black wings in her antique store, she little knows that she will be the key to setting him free from bondage to a vengeful goddess. Nico is to-die-for sexy with his dark hair and soul-searching black eyes--not to mention the wings--but his friend Andreas, a were-leopard with ice-blue eyes, turns Patricia's safe little world inside out.
What I’m talking about:
The story involves two demi-gods from the Greek pantheon, one a “winged man” - Nico, the other a shifter - Andreas. They have spent millennia trapped in a wicked curse placed on them by Hera. The premise of the curse: when a women is attracted to one or the other, a bond forms and the gods must become the female’s sexual slave. The women will use the men up while the men fall in love with the females. Once the woman is tired of the gods, the curse will cause her to leave the male and forget him, while the gods wither in pain from a broken heart. Not a bad idea to “get back” at ones who were careless with women’s hearts.
But of course, this time around, things are different... Nico and Andreas think that they have discovered a means to end the curse. And wouldn’t you know that along the way they meet Patricia and Rebecca... two women that may have been drawn to the gods because of the curse, but fall in love despite of it.
The story takes the group to London and Egypt on a search for answers. They meet other deities and duel with Hera’s demon fighters. The story is fairly fast paced and the plot not too bad.
I’ll admit that I picked up this book specifically looking for an “erotic” story. I have been enjoying paranormal romance books for well over a year now, and recently learned of the “erotic” sub-genre. I wondered... what would make a book erotic, and in this book’s case it is a lot of m/m/f and m/m sex. And as much of a fan of great smut that I am, I have to tell you, this book’s sex scenes didn’t do it for me. It wasn’t because of the erotic nature or multiple partners. It was that they didn’t have heart in them. Romance novels revolve around “true love” or “happily ever afters” and the sex is usually a result of that core principle. In this story, there was a lot of passionate-less sex that did not promote the love story of the book. And this became tiresome quickly.
One annoying thing that I have to quickly mention... Are you familiar with the word quim? Well, I had never heard the term, and it is used frequently in the book. It didn’t take long to figure out what it meant, but this word is obsure and dated... My Kindle didn’t even have it in it’s dictionary! It wasn’t found in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary! I found this definition at dictionary.com:
quim [kwim] –nounSlang: Vulgar. vagina; vulva.
Origin: 1725–35; orig. obscure
So now you know.
Overall a quick read. If you want some adventurous m/m/f sex, check it out. The plot is a fairly good one.
My Rating:
-------------
And don't forget... There is still time to enter my giveaway. Contest entry and rules HERE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Grab My Button
