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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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Showing posts with label Earth Angels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Earth Angels. Show all posts
Thursday, May 16, 2013
ARC Review: Wounded Angel by Stacy Gail
Wounded Angel
Author: Stacy Gail
Release Date: May 27, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Earth Angels #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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A descendant of the Angel of Vengeance, Nate da Luca was gifted with an uncanny ability to find things. It made his job as a detective a breeze—until he learned the hard way that some things should remain hidden. After that, his powers vanished, along with his belief in himself. Which is going to make tracking down Gabriella Littlefield for his latest client a challenge.
Personal trainer Ella Little paid a hefty price for her life—now all she wants is to live it in peace. Then a sexy hulk of a man turns up in her gym, reigniting desires she thought she'd left behind along with her real name and hair color.
Desires she can't deny even after she discovers Nate's no stranger to her dark past.
Before he can convince her the attraction is mutual, Nate's going to have to earn Ella's trust. But a demon is playing for keeps in the world of humans, using Ella as bait, and the last thing they have is time.
What I’m talking about:
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Wounded Angel opens like a playful game of cat and mouse. We are introduced to Ella who is hiding deep undercover, running from something in her recent past. She's leery of everyone, but for some reason can't help herself control when it comes to her new client at the gym, Nate da Luca. Meanwhile, Nate is searching for someone, and he thinks Ella may be his prey. In the beginning, I can't tell if Nate is going to be the good or bad guy, and it’s a mystery as to why he’s hunting down Ella. What we do know is that he's experiencing a very strong attraction to Ella, regardless of who she may or may not be.
The opening of the story captured my interest quickly. I honestly couldn’t tell if Nate was good or bad, based on the story alone (although it is clear from the book blurb, he’s the hero). Ms. Gail reveals pieces of Ella and Nate’s shared past in little chunks, hooking the reader and driving them to learn more. It’s well played and makes for an exciting read. Even after the reader (and Ella) finds out Nate is good, the story remains suspenseful enough that I just couldn’t put down the book.
I like both main characters. Ella is spirited and a fighter. She survived a horrible ordeal and a messy aftermath only to come out stronger. Although she is pretty much alone, she’s found two trust-worthy friends at her place of employment. They help train and protect Ella so she’ll not be a victim again. So I found it a bit odd that Ella refused to trust the instincts of her comrades when they warn her something is up with Nate. I found Ella to be immature when she refused to be careful, which seemed against her character up to that point in the story. However, in the end, although their concerns were spot on, it all works out for the best.
Nate is a bit more difficult to follow and characterize. He knows what he is: a descendant of the Nephilim. But due to his mother’s crazy actions, he has been mentally and physically scarred. He’s lost most of his special abilities and is plagued by bizarre nightmares and waking dreams. I found the dream part a little confusing and odd for a while, which made reading a little difficult. However as the story progressed, all of the pieces fell into place. It took a few “ah-ha” moments until I had a better understanding of the big picture.
Together, the pair had good chemistry, but I found their banter detracted from the heat of the moment. Their first time felt awkward to me, but the intent was positive; both Ella and Nate admitted to and gave into their attraction. The big thing: Ella trusts Nate, which moved the story forward.
Wounded Angel is another entertaining story in the Earth Angels series. I am fascinated with the series mythology revolving around human descendants of Nephilim. I really liked that we got to see the Nephilim working together as a unit (via internet), bringing back the h/h from the earlier stories. It helped keep the overall story arc cohesive. I liked the slow reveal of the "bad guy," but am left wondering why he's so bent on destroying all of the Nephilim. Is it simply because they can potentially defeat him? I am eager to find out more…
I enjoyed both Ella and Nate. Individually they both were interesting characters and both underwent substantial emotional growth in the short timeframe. I adore how they realized that only together and in their mutual love could they overcome the evil. It was very touching. Their union/love also allowed for much of that emotional growth I mentioned. I do feel that their sexual chemistry felt a little flat. Their scenes were smexy, but I just didn't feel as deep of a connection as I wanted to. I think some of that was the silly banter. But in the end, their love felt natural and unforced.
Overall, I recommend Wounded Angel and the Earth Angels series… Interesting, exciting and sexy!
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
Carina Press,
Earth Angels,
paranormal romance,
Stacy Gail,
Twimom Review
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Author Guest Post: Stacy Gail
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Stacy Gail. A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro. Now with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.
Stacy is here today to talk about her wonderful Earth Angels series (published by Carina Press). Please help me welcome Stacy to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Before I begin, I’d like to thank Jen at That’s What I’m Talking About for letting me chat about my paranormal series, The Earth Angels, and its latest installment, WOUNDED ANGEL, releasing May 27th. Thanks so much, Jen!
Confession—I’m crazy about the paranormal. From the time I was nine years old and picked up my first Stephen King novel, I’ve been in love with the idea of the supernatural hiding in our seemingly ordinary world. I’m also hooked on mythology and folklore. Fuse these two loves with my romantic heart, and you’ve got the four-part Earth Angels series!
When I sat down to outline the overall story arc of The Earth Angels, I started by putting the spotlight on my favorite heroic types—the haunted superhero, the dedicated but emotionally isolated soldier, the broken/powerless survivor, and the lover-turned-fighter. I wanted my heroes to be as different from each other in personality as possible, despite the fact that their powers spring from the same source. And what source would that be?
Why, the Nephilim, of course. ;)
Right about now some of you are asking, what are the Nephilim? *dons scholarly mortar board* According to biblical text, the Nephilim were angel-human hybrids considered to be “heroes of old.” But another ancient text, The Book of Enoch, claims they were the bad guys in the eyes of heaven. Question is, which is true?
Truth be told, no one knows. That’s why I wanted to use the Nephilim mythology as a basis for this series. As I mapped out each character (FYI, I do character essays/backstories on each MC before plunging into the story itself) it was exciting to watch them define themselves through their actions. Yes, the angelic DNA screws with their otherwise-human lives. And it’s definitely a drag to believe a celestial smiting is how you’re going to kick the bucket. But when these super-powered, almost-human beings find love, they move heaven and earth to protect those who make their lonely lives complete, while fighting to make their world a safer place.
And oh, do they fight. In the first book, NOBODY’S ANGEL, the hero and heroine struggle to stay alive while we get a fleeting glimpse of something evil. In SAVAGE ANGEL, the nature of that evil begins to take shape while the two protagonists discover strength in trusting each other. In my latest release, WOUNDED ANGEL, the enemy finally steps into the light, while the H/h help each other overcome scars from their pasts (special thanks to my psychologist buddy, Dr. Patti Metzger, PhD, for helping me understand PTSD. This book wouldn’t have been written without her expertise). And I can’t even talk about how it all winds up in the fourth and final book in the series, DANGEROUS ANGEL (out 3/31/14, published by Carina Press).
Throughout each of these stories, the strength of loyalty and love are put to the test. While super powers help when it comes to the war between good and evil, the all-too human ability to love—and to sacrifice everything for it—will always be the unconquerable force that wins the day.
Stacy, thank you so much for stopping by and tell us all about your new series. I have enjoyed the first three books in the series, and cannot wait to see how it all concludes. Here is more about the upcoming Earth Angel series release:
Wounded Angel
Earth Angels Book 3
Carina Press, May 27, 2013
A descendant of the Angel of Vengeance, Nate da Luca was gifted with an uncanny ability to find things. It made his job as a detective a breeze—until he learned the hard way that some things should remain hidden. After that, his powers vanished, along with his belief in himself. Which is going to make tracking down Gabriella Littlefield for his latest client a challenge.
Personal trainer Ella Little paid a hefty price for her life—now all she wants is to live it in peace. Then a sexy hulk of a man turns up in her gym, reigniting desires she thought she'd left behind along with her real name and hair color.
Desires she can't deny even after she discovers Nate's no stranger to her dark past.
Before he can convince her the attraction is mutual, Nate's going to have to earn Ella's trust. But a demon is playing for keeps in the world of humans, using Ella as bait, and the last thing they have is time.
You can find Stacy online ...
Be sure to stop back later today for my early review of Wounded Angel!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Review: Savage Angel by Stacy Gail
Savage Angel
Author: Stacy Gail
Release Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Earth Angels #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Feel nothing. Sara Savitch's personal mantra has been hard to live by ever since her torrid one-night stand with army doctor Gideon Mandeville. Descended from the Seraphim, angels known as heaven's soldiers, Sara may be an expert fighter, but she's an amateur when it comes to relationships.
Physically unharmed, but still battle-scarred, Gideon has returned to Dallas in the hopes of regaining his faith in humanity—and in himself. Instead he's walked into a nightmare. His father is on a serial killer's hit list, and has hired a personal bodyguard—the very woman who has haunted Gideon's dreams for a year.
As Sara works to build an impenetrable fortress around her client, she yearns to tear down the one around Gideon's heart. With his bitter rejection of warriors, will he ever be able to accept her true nature? Sara must find a way to trust Gideon with her secret as the killer closes in.
What I’m talking about:
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Sara Savitch is a top-notch security expert and next in line to take over her family business, Lynchpin Security International. Unbeknownst to anyone but family and the trusted inner circle at LSI, Sara is descended from a warrior angel, which really gives her the edge when it comes to protecting her clients. Unfortunately for Sara, her next assignment, protecting her father’s wealthy friend, Noah Mandeville, will involve more than her cunning skills as a guardian.
Gideon Mandeville, Noah’s son, is back from a traumatic tour overseas as a battlefield doctor with the Army. Feeling survivor’s remorse and suffering PTSD, Gideon has distanced himself from those that care about him. So when the one woman that rocked his world (including a steamy one-night-stand the night before he deployed) shows up as his father’s body guard and head of security, Gideon attempts to discredit her and get her to leave.
I am going to say right up front that I really enjoyed Savage Angel. The mythology is unique and captivating, the action quick and entertaining, the romance sweet and passionate, and the plot completely captivating. At times the descriptive detail provided by Ms. Gail paints such a realistic visual that felt I was right there, along side the characters.
First the storyline... Noah is recipient of heart from woman who was murdered suspiciously. Now the people who received her organs are also being killed. I was completely hooked right from the get go. Although I was able to identify the culprit almost immediately, the reason behind the attacks was a pleasantly surprising twist.
I adore the primary female lead in Savage Angel, Sara. I cracked up and simultaneously empathized with her inner monologue spiels about how she is clueless when it comes male/female relationships and how she wonders if she is a psycho-stalker! Sara is an extremely strong woman, and I am not just referring to her physical prowess. She stands up for herself and defends those close to her. For a large chunk of the story, Gideon sends all sorts of mixed signals, and I like that Sara, although internally hurt and confused, holds Gideon to the fire and doesn’t let him play her. Gideon was being a total jerk on purpose, and Sara wouldn’t take it. She’s the kind of girl I’d want for a best friend.
Then we have Gideon, a man who is emotionally scarred from his time in combat. He sends out mixed signals because he isn’t certain what he wants - or rather - what he deserves. I was disappointed that Gideon dismissed Sara as Noah’s bodyguard because she is a female. However, once I got to know him, it became clear how he was pushing hard on Sara as a defense mechanism. At times Gideon was such a tortured soul, so when he pleaded with Sara and asked if he’s done too much damage to their budding relationship, I totally swooned. And their first kiss... it knocked me off my feet. There is a lot of emotional intensity between Sara and Gideon.
Gideon and Sara are great together. They really are two halves of a whole. They compliment each other well and help the other to be a stronger, more complete individual. They aren't needy or codependent. I do think that Gideon may have healed from his PTSD quickly, but at the same time, he did emphasize that the scars will always be there.
I like the overall relationships between the characters - Sara with her dad, Gideon and his dad, and the Lynchpin team cohesion. I would love to stay and explore many of these characters, but based on how things were left in this book, I think that the focus of subsequent books will be on other "earthy angels" that we have yet to meet.
Savage Angel is a wonderful story in what promises to be an exciting new series. I look forward to learning more about other descendants of the Nephilim and what lurks in the shadows...
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, January 21, 2013
Review: Nobody's Angel by Stacy Gail
Nobody’s Angel
Author: Stacy Gail
Release Date: Jan. 21, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Earth Angels #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Investigative journalist Kendall Glynn is horrified when a friend and colleague signs off permanently during a live newscast, jabbing a pen into his jugular. Kendall's no expert, but judging by the strange white veil in the anchorman's eyes, she would swear he was a man possessed.
A descendant of the accursed Nephilim, Zeke Reece prowls San Francisco by night, keeping the city free from paranormal phenomena. But even he is no match for whatever malevolent force is behind a recent rash of murder-suicides. And when a beautiful tenacious reporter becomes the next target, Zeke has no choice but to stay close to her, until he can find the evil spirit and cross it over.
The closer Kendall gets to the truth, the more danger she's in. Fortunately, a sexy and mysterious masked stranger keeps swooping in to the rescue. Kendall's life depends on finding who or what is responsible for the killings, before it finds her.
What I’m talking about:
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Evil is among us, and investigative reporter Kendall Glynn has just enough para in her normal to realize things are not as they should be. When she witnesses firsthand her coworker and friend attempt to kill his co-anchor and then end his own life while on air, Kendall notices a strange veil of color in his eyes. Then when EMT Zeke Reece questions her about the apparently freaky eyes, Kendall starts to put her investigative skills to good use, trying to uncover what is happening.
Zeke seemingly knows more than he’s letting on, yet he attempts to discredit Kendall and turn her away from the story. He was aloof and tried to make Kendall feel stupid for believing she saw something out of the ordinary. This bothered me - knowing that Zeke and Kendall would eventually become a couple. However, I enjoyed that Kendall recognized Zeke’s attempts to discredit her, and instead of letting it bring her down, she fought harder for the truth.
The reader (and eventually Kendall) discovers that Zeke is a human descendant of the Nephilim (children of angels and human women). Due to the particular Nephilim from which Zeke originated, he has extraordinary abilities, which he uses to protect humans under the guise of the Guardian Angel - a superhero-like, mysterious man. One of the things I enjoyed about the world-building in Nobody’s Angel is how Kendall learns about the Guardian Angel (Zeke) via reading newspaper clippings on the web. It fits the feel of the story since Kendall is a reporter, while affectively giving the reader a tremendous amount of background without it being "told" the information.
Kendall meets the Guardian Angel and feels an inexplicable attraction, although he keeps his identity well masked. Then as Zeke and Kendall begin spending more time together, their mutual attraction gets the better of the pair. They share a sexy kiss in a coffee shop, and it was easy to get wrapped up in the emotions surrounding a really good first kiss. I also liked how Kendall pulled away, questioning her feelings towards the Guardian Angel while kissing Zeke.
Kendall is a smart woman and eventually pieces everything together (including Zeke’s identity). I felt that Zeke and Kendall worked well together, when he wasn’t trying to sabotage himself. I continued to be frustrated throughout the story at Zeke’s treatment of Kendall’s theories, claiming he knows more that she. I felt he belittled her one too many times.
Nobody’s Angel is an excellent introduction to Ms. Gail’s Earth Angels series. The novella-length story provides a good foundation for the series, which continues with the second book, Savage Angel (February 2013). Although sometimes the characters felt a tad over-the-top and slightly dramatic, I was impressed with the mythology, and the smexy times were hot. I look forward to more mischief from this new world created by Ms. Gail.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Nobody's Angel (The Earth Angels 1)
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