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Showing posts with label Entangled Publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entangled Publishing. Show all posts
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Book Spotlight: The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers
The Switched Baby Scandal
(Scandals of San Sebastian #1)
By Theresa Meyers
Entangled Publishing - June 10, 2013
His child. Her daughter. One monumental mix-up.
Single mom Taylor Lawrence just discovered that the hospital sent her home with the wrong infant five years ago. Now the headstrong and handsome biological father wants his child back. But Emily has always been her daughter, and Taylor won’t give her up without a fight.
Widower Reece Wallace believed his life was over when a drunk driver killed his wife and daughter. So when he learns of the baby switch, he sees this child as his ultimate salvation. But he never anticipated the fiery woman on the other side of this custody battle—or how she’d stir feelings in him long dormant.
As the media storm surrounding the hospital’s mistake intensifies, Taylor and Reece find there’s more to sort out than custody of Emily—they must work together to protect her while grappling with their growing attraction. Can they pick up the pieces of two broken families and meld them into something new?
About the Author:
Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories despite dyslexia that made it difficult for her to write and read until the fourth grade. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books.
She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, two cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd dog, a parakeet and an out-of-control herb garden.
She collects teapots, teddy bears and steampunk gadgetry, and when not writing can be found sewing, painting, canning, baking, or hiding out in a comfy chair reading a wonderful book. On occasion, you might find her scuba diving or riding her white quad with hot pink flames on the sand dunes. Her favorite television shows are Supernatural (Dean Girl), The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time and Grimm (is it any wonder she writes fiction?). You can find her online at her website www.Theresameyers.com or frequently on Twitter @Theresa_Meyers.
Author Website: http://www.theresameyers.com
Giveaway:
Theresa is hosting a tour wide giveaway, and one lucky reader will win a Scandalous Bliss Bath Experience, featuring a set of four bath bombs and bubble bars from LUSH, chocolates and candles to make their reading bliss complete! Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on 7/7. Please use the Rafflecopter form (below) to enter.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Review: Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy
Werewolves Be Damned
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Release Date: April 15, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Magic & Mayhem #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.
Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.
But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.
What I’m talking about:
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Nexi has lived her whole life unaware of the supernatural that surrounds her, that is until the day a rogue werewolf attacked and killed her adoptive parents in front of her. Nexi is rescued by half-naked warriors dressed in leather kilts (Guardians) who whisk her off to the Otherworld. It is there that she discovers her birth father is a Guardian and her birth mother was a witch. It was after her mother’s brutal death by a sadistic vampire that Nexi’s father placed her in hiding on Earth.
After a period of mourning, Nexi begins her journey of self-discovery. To help guide her are a handful of friends such as her “witch soul sister” BFF Haven, her birth father Drake, and a hunky Guardian, Kyden, who, we learn thanks to multiple POVs, has a major thing for Nexi. On a path to become a Guardian, Nexi’s sole motivation is revenge against the werewolf who killed her adoptive parents.
Werewolves Be Damned is an exciting new urban fantasy romance set in a unique world. Ms. Kennedy has created a distinctive new mythology, borrowing bits and pieces from traditional settings. There is a lot to digest (I had to take notes), but since Nexi is a new-comer to the Otherworld, we are given the chance to learn many of the details through her experiences. While most of the time the learning curve is smooth, at times I found myself a little confused and had to re-read small sections. In addition, the sheer volume of information eventually became overwhelming, and after a while I felt burned out.
Critical to the enjoyment of this novel is the understanding that supernaturals (witches, werewolves and vampires) all reside in a parallel realm known as the Otherworld. There is a primary ruling council, and in order to protect their secret way of life, there is a Guard. The Guard is comprised of a warrior paranormal race known as Guardians, who have increased strength and fighting abilities.
The story follows Nexi’s journey of self-discovery. She’s been thrust into a new life she didn’t even know existed, and she’s learning how to fit in. Her new role as a Guardian sends her off following clues of mysterious mortal deaths caused by rogue supernaturals which may be linked to her parents’ murders. The book reads like a mystery, with Nexi learning the rules on the job. The details spent into describing their investigation procedures is extremely interesting. There is quite an elaborate set up that begs you suspend reality for complete enjoyment.
Nexi starts out fairly immature, and I had to cringe a few times when she’d make silly mistakes or rookie errors. Her lust for Kyden also tends to preoccupy her brain during extremely inappropriate times. I also felt that she was a little too insecure, especially in her feelings/relationship with Kyden; however, that may be a reflection on the fact that with Kyden’s POV, I know she has nothing to worry about.
With that said, I enjoyed Nexi and Kyden together, both as friends and later as a couple. Even though I wanted to kick Kyden a few times for his caveman behavior, he genuinely cares about Nexi, which makes him all the more sexy. Near the climax of the book, they have some extremely touching moments that cemented their romance in my heart and mind.
The biggest issue I had with Werewolves Be Damned is that although there are some very dark moments, the whole mythology is very light and easy, and this juxtaposition bothered me. For example, Nexi had minimal training, including none with a sword, yet once she puts on her Xena uniform and handed a weapon, she can fight and move with natural grace. I can go with it because it’s fun and light and consistent with the story thus far. However, when the story attempts to turn somber and create moments that weigh heavy on your heart long after the title is over, I couldn’t connect with the gravity and magnitude of the situation. I wanted to care more about what was happening to Nexi, but I found that I wasn’t able.
The climatic scene is tense and exciting, bringing forth new information about Nexi and her heritage. I enjoyed the battle and its outcome. Not to mention I’m curiously interested as to where this series is headed. Nexi still has a lot to learn about her self, and I bet it will be interesting and action-packed.
Overall, I felt Werewolves Be Damned was entertaining and interesting, and I enjoyed the new mythology. I think I will like Nexi more and more as she develops and matures. While I enjoyed the themes and world-building, I felt it wasn't developed with enough seriousness to balance the intense, darker moments. However, I am curious to know what will happen next with Nexi and her companions.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Review: Merger to Marriage by Addison Fox
Merger to Marriage
Author: Addison Fox
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Publisher: Entangled
Boardrooms and Billionaires #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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One night of passion…
Mayson McBride has spent the last decade restoring her family’s magazine empire with her two sisters. She loves what she does, but she can’t shake the feeling something’s missing. Which is why she jumps at the chance–incognito–for a single night of no-strings-attached sex with Holt Turner.
A once in a lifetime connection…
Holt’s been unable to forget the woman he shared one night of explosive passion, and he’s thrilled to get reacquainted with her at a weekend house party. What he doesn’t expect are the immediate feelings of need and desire–emotions he keeps firmly in check–upon their reunion.
A forever commitment…
When Mayson and Holt’s single night together leads to unexpected consequences, both must decide what matters most. Especially when a threat from Holt’s past promises to ruin their relationship before it’s barely begun.
What Nima’s talking about:
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At under 150 pages, Merger to Marriage, the second book in Addison Fox’s Boardrooms and Billionaires series is better classified as a novella. It’s the perfect happy ending for an afternoon at the pool, two taekwondo classes, or three when-are-they-ever-going-to-let-them-out-of-this-show-choir-rehearsal’s?! Unfortunately, it also means that there isn’t a whole lot here to review.
The Boardrooms and Billionaires series follows the three McBride sisters. Merger to Marriage focuses on the youngest sister, Mayson McBride whose natural instincts for visual composition make her the perfect person to lead the design department of their family magazine empire. The story starts with instant chemistry between Mayson and Holt Turner at the wedding of Mayson’s oldest sister Keira to one time business rival Nathan Cooper. While this can be hold its own as a stand-alone book, I was missing some of the McBride family background I suspect was in book one, Tempting Acquisitions (which I did not read). Mayson often justifies keeping Holt at arm’s length based on this background and even though we are aware of it, I felt very little connection to it.
I wanted more connection. I liked these characters. They were genuine and real to me, especially Holt who had some significant mommy issues. Even if the resolution of the problems she caused was a little predictable, it was fun to see it come to fruition.
Something I found odd was the lack of power and wealth displayed as assumed by the series title. This is a romance, no question, and that is where the focus is, but for a billionaire courting a magazine magnet, there were no helicopter rides, or outrageously expensive fashions. The most we got was some very pricey wine which was critical to Mayson and Holt’s initial meeting and a mansion in the country. If we’re going to have this kind of fantasy set-up, then flaunt it.
Addison Fox proved that she’s a good writer in her Alaskan Nights series, capable of creating wonderful interactions and relationships. The intimate scenes are sexy, well done. I would have been very happy to have another 150 pages, however, to add the overall depth that was lacking for me. What is there is good, liked it a lot. I just wanted more.
Nima’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Robin Covington
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Robin Covington. Robin, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romances.
A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut novel earned 4.5 stars and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she’s not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.
Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today. Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppy.
Robin is here today to talk about her latest release, His Southern Temptation and the Top 5 Signs that a friends-with-benefits is more than a hook-up. She’s also offering an ebook copy of her newest book. Please help me welcome Robin to That’s What I’m Talking About.
The Top 5 Signs Your Friends With Benefits Hook-Up is More.
My latest release, His Southern Temptation, is about Lucky, a guy who has been hooking up with his best friend’s little sister off and on for years. Now, Lucky has decided that Taylor is the one for him but he’s got to convince her that he’s worth the risk.
Taylor is surprised when Lucky starts talking about a future but I think I could have told her what was happening . . . here’s my top 5 signs that your FWB hook-up is becoming something more . . . .
1) You don’t leave after the sex is done. At first your feet would hit the floor before the orgasms were over but now you stay to cuddle, talk, or even have breakfast. *gasp*
2) You compare your “real” dates to the FWB. Sometimes you even do this with your FWB partner. Imagine the hours of fun you can have making fun of the loser who took you to dinner . . . after the sex with your FWP . . . when you’re cuddling. HINT: This is cuddling with a side of bonding.
3) You don’t always have sex. At first it was all about the sex but now you go over to their place and watch TV or just have dinner . . . HINT: this is cuddling with your clothes on.
4) You text them with info other than hook-up details. It used to be that your texts consisted of the when and where of the place to have sex. Now, you spend more time texting pics or cute info about your day. HINT: This is cuddling via electronic device.
5) You get mad when you see them with someone else. The little green monster rears its head even though you’ve established that you have an open relationship. When you fight about it the sex is amazing . . . and so is the cuddling. HINT: This is post-fight cuddling and will usually lead to sharing secrets.
So – do you have any signs to add to my list?
Robin, thank you so much for sharing your top five signs a FWB hook-up has become more. Here is more about Robin’s latest book, His Southern Temptation:
His Southern Temptation
The Boys are Back in Town Book 2
Entangled Publishing, April 2013
Some women are bad. Some women are a bad idea. The best ones are both…
A former Black Ops assassin, “Lucky” Landon has had more near-misses than a man should ever have. Now he’s out of that business and settling into the simple life in his small hometown. So the last thing he ever expected was to end up at gunpoint. Or that the woman holding the gun would be his best friend’s little sister and Lucky’s on-again/off-again lover.
Taylor Elliott is Trouble, and she likes it that way. And seeing Lucky again? Well, he’s been her dirty little secret for the past few years and everyone knows that secrets in a small town are almost impossible to keep. But Taylor has bigger problems on her plate. Like the local mob boss who wants her dead.
And right now the only thing standing between Trouble and disaster is a hottie named Lucky…
You can find Robin online ...
GIVEAWAY:
Robin is generously giving away an ebook copy of His SouthernTemptation. To enter, please leave a comment for Robin telling her your thoughts of a sign a FWB has moved to more at the end of today’s guest post. Contest is open until April 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM EDT. One winner will be selected from eligible comments. Please include your email if it is not part of your profile so I may contact the winner. Contest open to all, where not prohibited by law.
Please visit Robin at the other stops on her blog tour:
4/9 - Christi Barth
4/12 - Caribbean Accent Reviews
4/15 - Bistro on Blog Talk Radio
4/17 - Get Lost in a Story
4/22 - Book Lovers Inc
4/24 - Chicklets in the Kitchen
4/25 - That's What I'm Talking About
4/26 - Manga Maniac Cafe
4/29 - Feeling Fictional
5/1 - Cynthia Woolf
5/2 - The Romanceaholic
5/7 - Cocktails and Books
5/9 - Reading Reality
5/16 - Rom Con
4/12 - Caribbean Accent Reviews
4/15 - Bistro on Blog Talk Radio
4/17 - Get Lost in a Story
4/22 - Book Lovers Inc
4/24 - Chicklets in the Kitchen
4/25 - That's What I'm Talking About
4/26 - Manga Maniac Cafe
4/29 - Feeling Fictional
5/1 - Cynthia Woolf
5/2 - The Romanceaholic
5/7 - Cocktails and Books
5/9 - Reading Reality
5/16 - Rom Con
Monday, April 22, 2013
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Stacey Kennedy
Hello Readers! Today I bring you one of my favorite people, author Stacey Kennedy. Stacey is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.
Stacey is here today to talk about tortured characters and her latest release, Werewolves be Damned. Keep reading for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! Please help me welcome Stacey to That’s What I’m Talking About. Tortured Characters
So, I got to thinking the other day about tortured characters. I’m not going to name certain books as examples, but there are books out there that have heroes who are the definition of an emotional mess. And I fully admit I enjoy the tortured hero.
Why?
Good question.
Is it a woman’s caring nature that makes us want to somehow fix him? That makes us accept him, no matter how flawed he is? To be honest, I haven’t a clue. What I do know is that I like emotional journeys. I love seeing a character start out in one place and end up somewhere different by the end of their story. I don’t mean how they feel about something or someone, but I mean that their life comes full circle. That they find peace and happiness within themselves that couldn’t be achieved without the crazy adventure authors put their characters through. And for me, this can’t happen with one book, but needs a whole series to allow the character the time to grow.
In the end, it gives me that appreciation of what a person has been through, and maybe makes their happily-ever-after more deserving, even if that person is imperfect for a little while. Really, that’s what makes us people. Haven’t we all been angry when we’ve lost something, or sad when things didn’t go our way? Or haven’t we all acted a certain why we wish we hadn’t at some point in our lives?
Now, on the flipside, what happens when it’s the heroine who is tortured?
Nexi, from my newest release, Werewolves be Damned, is flawed. She’s the first heroine I’ve written who I’d consider tormented right from the get-go. Only a month has passed since she witnessed the murder of her family by a group of werewolves. Everything she’s known has been ripped out from under her and she’s been thrust into an uncertain supernatural world, leaving Nexi grieving, angry, and hungry for revenge.
For me, writing emotional characters keeps ‘em real, and I enjoy watching them grow and change in their new life.
Luckily, for Nexi (and us), I’ve always believed true love is seeing into someone’s soul and accepting them regardless of their flaws. Maybe that’s the romantic is me. But that’s the one thing with Nexi and her hero, Kyden that honest-to-god melts my heart. He sees past the anger she feels, past the feelings of injustice she experiences toward the world, and he understands she is grieving. He’s patient and understanding, simply being supportive. He gives her a safe place to let go of all that “pain” that comes with her past and he’s there for her to fall safely into his arm.
Yeah, and that makes him a hero in my eyes.
So, now, I ask you: are emotional journeys as important to you? And can you forgive a character for being flawed?
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about tortured characters, Stacey. Here is more about Werewolves be Damned:
Werewolves be DamnedBook 1 of the Magic & Mayhem series
Entangled Publishing, April 15, 2013
Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.
Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.
But when a vampire paints a bull's-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.
You can find Stacey online ...
Website - Facebook - Facebook Fan Page - Twitter - Goodreads
GIVEAWAY:
Stacey is generously giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form at the end of today’s guest post. Contest ends May 20, 2013. Stacey will announce the winner on her website after the contest is over.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com, and we can add you manually.
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Thursday, January 3, 2013
Review: The Cat's Meow by Stacey Kennedy
The Cat’s Meow
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Release Date: Dec. 13, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Witch’s Brew Series Book 1
ISBN: #978-1622668571
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A good witch always has a kick-ass back-up plan.
Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.
While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.
Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.
What B is talking about:
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Libby Jenkins has never been one to play nice with others, the leaders of her coven and warlocks, in particular, frequently being the subjects of her ire. So, when an unknown warlock shows up at the scene she’s currently investigating, unannounced and trying to take control, Libby braces herself for a fight. But, when a war far bigger than any she could have ever anticipated lands on her doorstep, Libby must learn to adapt if she wants to survive.
Though she is the most accomplished Enchantress in Charleston, Libby has never realized just how capable she is of doing even more with her gifts until now. In the face of a brewing rebellion against the witches’ ruling body, the Alchemy, Libby is both tested and entrusted with tremendous power, and the survival of the world as she knows it is dependent on what she chooses to do with it. It’s an enormous responsibility for a young witch with an aversion to authority, a characteristic that, naturally, makes her perfect for the job.
Libby is referred to as a “smart-ass,” as well, launching quips and barbs at her target, which is most often the warlock, Kale, without any observable hesitation or forethought. It’s a trait that’s entertaining most of the time, and very likely all that keeps Libby from going insane while she is dragged along by Kale on their mutual quest, whatever that may be. Although his silence is later attributed to an oath he’s made to the Alchemy, Kale is clearly testing Libby, and he makes her scratch and fight so hard for every tiny piece of information that her fury towards him is quite understandable.
On the romantic front, Libby and Kale are a good pairing, even though the strain his secrecy places on their potential relationship goes too far on occasion. While all of the mysteries surrounding their purpose are eventually explained, the frequency of his evasions sometimes disrupts the otherwise enjoyable building of tension between the two characters. Aside from that distraction, the desire they share is palpable, alternating between defensive snarkiness, affectionate concern, and pure, sexual heat.
As the first book in a new series, The Cat’s Meow is a fine beginning and Ms. Kennedy has created a good foundation for the books to follow. There were a few instances where phrasing distanced me from the action of the story, but overall, the dialog remained witty and the pacing kept me guessing. Libby is a headstrong, capable heroine, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she’ll do as she accepts her destiny and faces the battles still to come.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Monday, April 16, 2012
Review: Heart of the Incubus
Heart of the Incubus
Author: Rosalie Lario
Release Date: Jan. 2, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Demons of Infernum Series #3.5
ISBN: #978-1937044824
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Biochemist Cresso Taylor lives the sort of lifestyle most men would envy—he has wealth, natural incubus charm, and more women than he can handle. But it’s not enough anymore. Not after meeting Genevieve Russell, the sexy scientist who works with him at Elcorp Laboratory. And she wants absolutely nothing to do with him.
After her fiancé broke her heart, Genevieve has had enough of womanizers. She’s determined to steer clear of sexy-as-sin Dr. Taylor, despite the fact that his incubus allure makes her want to rip his clothes off. But when a secret admirer’s affection turns to the macabre with threatening notes and grisly gifts, Cresso appoints himself her protector. As she and Cresso hunt her stalker, she discovers there’s a lot more to the sensual incubus than she ever imagined.
What I’m talking about:
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The story opens with Incubus demon, Cresso admitting to himself that he’d done the unthinkable - he’s fallen in love. Unfortunately for him, the object of his desire human scientist, Genevieve, wants nothing to do with him. Cresso and Gen work together at Elcorp Laboratory, where they find cures and treatments for different demon species. (Side note: Incubus demons emit a toxin during sex that will kill any creature not of their own species. Elcorp has developed an immunization so that Incubus demons can safely have sex with humans.) Gen, knowing Cresso must have sex to survive -- and that he is a notorious playboy -- refuses to give in to her attraction to Cresso. However, when Gen’s life is threatened by a mysterious stalker, she turns to Cresso and a friendship develops.
I jumped into Heart of the Incubus without any prior knowledge of the series nor expectations of what would happen. I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Lario’s novella. The story was fun and different from anything I’ve read in recent history. Although there are familiar elements - heroine hating hero after being hurt in her past, strong heroine taking solace in arms of hero, etc. - the mythology is clever and interesting. Ms. Lario does an excellent job bring a newbie like me up to speed and giving me enough details to feel comfortable without over-burdening me with minutia.
What I noticed immediately is that Ms. Lario has an excellent grasp of creating a scene. She provides amazing descriptive details, while working them in seamlessly into the plot. The story opens so crisp and sharp... I felt like I was there in the lab.
Both Cresso and Gen are fairly predictable characters, but that doesn’t make them boring. His need to protect, their mutual internal conflicts over “should I or shouldn’t I?”, her self-doubt and anger... they flow together and kept me reading. And just when I started getting tired with some of the drama, Ms. Lario moves on. Well done!
Overall Heart of the Incubus is a very pleasant and sexy story. The tempo stayed fairly fast-paced, and there was a bit of a suspenseful whodunit. I enjoyed the characters, especially their inner monologues and the romance. I definitely would like to check out more of the Demons of Infernum Series books.
My Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
GIVEAWAY: Stop by and meet author Rosalie Lario and enter HERE for a chance to win Heart of the Incubus.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Review: The Fallen Queen
The Fallen Queen
Author: Jane Kindred
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
The House of Arkhangel'sk, #1
ISBN: 978-1937044534
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book, paperback.
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Heaven can go to hell.
Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia’s father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House of Arkhangel’sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.
Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with two Fallen thieves—fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda—who hide her in the world of Man. The line between vice and virtue soon blurs, and when Belphagor is imprisoned, the unexpected passion of Vasily warms her through the Russian winter.
Heaven seems a distant dream, but when Anazakia learns the truth behind the celestial coup, she will have to return to fight for the throne—even if it means saving the man who murdered everyone she loved.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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The Fallen Queen is the first book in Ms. Kindred's series, of which I can already tell that I'm going to be a HUGE fan. My initial reaction, at 20% of the book read, was: This is like Dune (Herbert) meets Singh's Guild Hunters! What a win-win for me!
The beginning of The Fallen Queen revealed a bit of history, as well as Anazakia doing her best to 'test the limits' regarding the rules of her station, as an heir to the throne of Arkhangel'sk. Kindred did a phenomenal job of setting-up her world. What can only be described as a coup, masterminded by the Evil Queen, as I came to call her, left Anazakia the only surviving heir...and only because she was acting 'slightly' outside the expected societal norm. Luckily, Anazakia's Nurse/confidante/governess (whatever you want to call her...) knew about Anazakia's penchant for livin' on the edge, found her with a necessary item, and paid a demon to keep her hidden. Really enjoyed the Russian language, as well.
As we get further into the story, it becomes painfully obvious that Anazakia is someone important, and there are those that are willing to 'obtain' her. It seems that it's not simply her station that creates her importance. Unfortunately, one of her 'captors' was injured, although she was able to assist with his rapid healing...to a certain point, and concurrently learned about her own powers in the world of Man. Anazakia also learned a secret from those 'Unseen' when she leaves the hotel because Vasily and Belphagor were engaging in act with which she was unfamiliar. MMMmmmhhmmm... a little M/M tossed into the mix. It's interesting watching the tension between Vasily and Belphagor, as well. But wait! Vasily isn't only into Belphagor! A twisted (in a good way!) love triangle develops, increasing the already intense tension between our three main characters.
Tensions rise as Belphagor does something totally out of character...he's selfless. In order to protect Anazakia and Vasily, Belphagor leaves to find a way to get the reigning queen to give him an audience. Long story short, Belphagor gets the audience, and fails to leave for an extended period of time. Hatin' on the Queen. She's the resident baddie, and we're supposed to hate her. We all know someone like her – self-centered and self-serving.
I could tell, at the end of the title, that other titles are planned for this storyline, as there really wasn't much resolution, nor a concrete HEA. Usually, that bugs me, but it didn't this time. For me, even a series needs to provide some significant resolution at the conclusion of each title. Personal preference, and the only thing keeping me from giving this title the highest rating.
This was a very nice paranormal romance, light on the romance, heavy on the action in the final third of the story. I enjoyed the way The Fallen Queen was written. The languages used were quite appropriate, and added a lot to the story for me. Ms. Kindred surely has created a beautiful world, and I look forward to reading future installments of her House of Arkhangel'sk series.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
The Fallen Queen (The House of Arkhangel'sk, #1)
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