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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
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12) Denise L. Wyant
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Showing posts with label self-published. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-published. Show all posts
Friday, July 19, 2013
Review: The Midnight Breed Series Companion by Lara Adrian
The Midnight Breed Series Companion
Author: Lara Adrian
Release Date: May 29, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Midnight Breed Series
ISBN: #978-1939193926
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (332 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author/Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind in secret for thousands of years . . . and now fans of the popular, best-selling Midnight Breed Series can delve deeper than ever before into this hidden, seductive race of vampires and the dark, thrilling universe they inhabit.
A book that's been years in the making, the Midnight Breed Series Companion includes insider info on all of the novels, author notes on the creation of the story world and how the eleven-book (and counting!) series has evolved since its beginning as a contracted trilogy, a complete character guide, series trivia, questions from readers and more.
This special series companion also includes "A Touch of Midnight"--an all-new, never-before-published, original novella featuring Gideon and Savannah, which finally reveals the story of how this reader favorite couple met and fell in love, and answers many questions that fans have been curious about since the series began!
What I’m talking about:
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I’m going to put this out there - I adore the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. Ms. Adrian has created a world with a unique vampire mythology filled with exciting action, intricate storylines, and passionate romance. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend you pick up the first book, Kiss of Midnight, and get to know the males of the Breed Order.
With that said, The Midnight Breed Series Companion is NOT for newcomers to Ms. Adrian’s series. It contains a wonderful introspection of the first ten novels, and therefore, contains numerous spoilers for anyone that has not yet read the first ten books.
For series fans... This is a MUST buy. The Companion is an excellent go to guide for fans! Ms. Adrian does a marvelous job breaking down her initial series thoughts, and added a number of details now that she is eleven books in (she did cover a little of what happens in the eleventh book, Edge of Dawn.) I loved reading her preliminary write up of the mythology. The book by book synopsis section was a great look back. I didn’t realize how much I’d forgotten. After the synopsis of each book, Ms. Adrian treats us with a new novella featuring Order techie, Gideon, and his Breedmate, Savannah.
A Touch of Midnight
A Midnight Breed Prequel novella
Boston, MA, October 1974. Savannah is an art history major at Boston University where she is working on an extra credit project helping to log and analyze a recent donation. Savannah hides her ability to see an object's history when she touches it. In a back room she discovers a sword, and when she accidentally touches it, she witnesses a valiant warrior. Then she sees the deaths of two small boys at the hands of a monster.
Gideon works with the Breed Order, attempting to eliminate all Rogues from existence after his two young brothers were murdered by rogues long ago.
Like most of the other Breeds in the Order, Gideon does not meet his Breedmate-to-be in a calm, safe setting. Because of what she has seen via her ESP talent, Savannah is targeted by a powerful Breed bent on destroying Gideon. The peril forces a quick lesson in the paranormal for Savannah and opens the doors for a speedy courtship.
At times I felt the romance was rushed, and even a little creepy in one scene when Gideon is overcome with lust as Savannah is freaking out. But this is a novella and things need to move quickly. If I didn’t know the pair from reading the full series, I may have let this be a factor, but I adore this couple, so I let it slide.
Overall, even though the "I love you's" came fast, and I was a little bummed that Gideon needed to lie to Savannah for a while, I understand the need for speed in the shorter-length setting. It's a novella, and it was entertaining to get their backstory. The novella itself is a well-written story. In the end, it made me happy and I enjoyed it.
Rating for the novella: 3.5 stars: Liked it - recommend (B+)
After the novella was a VERY DETAILED character list. Again, it is a great reference tool for fans of series... And I will use it when reading books and trying to recall who someone is! I felt like I was looking at an old yearbook - fun to reminisce.
Next came the reader/fan submitted questions, which are entertaining. I had the surprise pleasure of seeing a question that I submitted in the Companion! I enjoyed all of the questions submitted, both those for Lara and those for her characters.
Following the questions was a trivia section. I read through some of the trivia, but the questions were hard (I have horrible memory), so I didn't actually test myself.
Overall, I enjoyed The Midnight Breed Series Companion, and it is a terrific read for fans of the Midnight Breed series. It's not really for newcomers, and as Ms. Adrian points out in the beginning of the book--it's full of spoilers.
I would rate 3.5, B+ and a fun read for fans of the series. And even if you don't read right away, it's a great resource to have as the series grows.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Review: Kiss Across Chains by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Kiss Across Chains
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: June 29, 2013
Kiss Across Time #3
Publisher: self-published
ISBN: 978-1927423967
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (318 pgs), e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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When dying becomes an act of love.
It is four years since Taylor and Brody almost lost Veris during the First Crusade. Now they know how to control time jumps, they have settled into a very nearly perfect, nearly human life, raising their daughter Marit.
When Brody defies Queen Tira to protect Marit, the three of them jump back three days in time to collect evidence the queen set up Brody for a drug bust in retribution. The jump sends them back to Brody's personal nightmare: Fifth century Constantinople.
While Brody survives as a flogged slave, Taylor masquerades as the wife of an aristocrat and searches for Brody to release him. They must wait for Veris to find them before jumping home and Taylor watches each brutal chariot race, wondering if this will be Brody's last. Brody once died in the Hippodrome and he is human this time, too....
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Ms. Cooper-Posey creates the perfect blend of present-day paranormal menage romance with history. Intriguing and indulgent of my desire to know the details, I found myself longing for stolen moments from ‘real life’ to spend with Taylor, Veris and Brody.
I was completely captivated with the third book in the Kiss Across Time series. Much like the first two. While I believe that Kiss Across Chains could work as a stand-alone title, I definitely would recommend the backstory that goes along with the series. Read. Them. In. Order. Ms. Cooper-Posey has done a phenomenal job weaving present-day and history in a seamless, silken web that keeps the readers ensnared.
I think what keeps me so engrossed in this trio is the inner conflict that the characters need to overcome in order to restore the timeline to some semblance of their present-day once they time travel. I really like their ‘today’. Marit, biological daughter of Veris and Taylor – conceived during a jump – is growing up, and naturally she has a nanny, Mia. Mia is definitely able to take care of herself as well as Marit. Alexander joins us from the last title. It seems as though Veris and Brody have created for themselves a tight-knit family, with Taylor as the matriarch.
Honestly, there’s nothing I didn’t like about this title. It took me up and down the roller coaster of emotions. It’s smokin’ hot!!! I’d rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for hotness factor; however, don’t pick up the series if you’re uncomfortable with M/M, or M/M/F menage action.
Veris was the ultimate savior. He literally saved Brody. Even though he had a lot to overcome in order to make that happen, Veris was able to keep it together when it really counted. Even though he wasn’t totally in the headspace to accomplish the task. He knew he had to do it for the greater good…for the present-day Veris-Brody-Taylor (and Marit).
Taylor, as usual, was the level-headed, quick-on-her-feet matriarch that seemed to be the glue that held everyone together. Even when it seemed like things were darkest. What I like the most about Taylor is that she is able to reign in her emotions and not broadcast them. I epically fail at that. The way she is able to quickly and seamlessly adapt to whatever is thrown at her is nothing short of amazing.
This book, for the most part, was Brody’s backstory. I absolutely felt for him. As a slave in Constantinople, as one forced to race the chariots… the beatings, and the moments of solace he found when he was with Taylor. They were all so vivid for me. Ms. Cooper-Posey painted a detailed portrait of Brody in this time in his life. By acknowledging his weaknesses, Brody was setting himself up for his future. With Veris and Taylor. His resolve to live with gusto – to go into the races and slave pits with the same tenacity he possessed during that time period, was nothing short of bravery at its finest. Brody knew what was going to happen. He suspected when, as well. If I knew the future, I don’t know whether I would be able to ensure that the timeline was as uninterrupted as possible.
Over-all, I really love this series. I know it’s going in my favorite of 2013. As much as I liked the previous titles in the Kiss Across Time series, I do believe that Kiss Across Chains might just have the dubious distinction of being my favorite title in the series thus far. Kudos to Ms. Cooper-Posey.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Against the Dark by Carolyn Crane
Against the Dark
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: April 17, 2013
Publisher: self-published
The Associates #1
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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SHE’S AN EX-SAFECRACKER FORCED INTO ONE LAST HEIST
Angel Ramirez left the safecracking game five years ago, and she’s worked hard to make amends and build an honest life. But when a beloved aunt is kidnapped, she must reunite with her girl gang to acquire the unique ransom: Walter Borgola’s prized diamonds. It’s a simple job that turns into a nightmare, thanks to a surprisingly clever—and searingly sexy—security guard named Cole Hawkins.
HE’S AN UNDERCOVER AGENT WITH BIG PLANS FOR HIS GORGEOUS THIEF
Cole is one of the Association’s most brilliant agents, under deep cover investigating a ruthless killer. He’s also running out of time: hundreds will die if he doesn’t stop the plan Borgola’s set into motion. Catching Angel is the break he needed--he promises not to turn her in if she poses as his lover and uses her unique talents to unlock the sociopath’s dungeon vaults.
But as pretend passions turn real, Cole regrets drawing Angel into his deadly game…and danger is closer than either of them could ever imagine.
What I’m talking about:
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Angel Ramirez lead life of crime from the time she was a young woman. However, the life of a thief didn’t sit right with her, so she went on the straight and narrow path as an interior designer five years ago. That is until her old gang and friends pull her out of retirement to steal gems from a nasty bad guy to save one of her friend's aunt. Posing as a prostitute to work at Borgola’s party, Angel is immediately drawn to security guard, Cole.
Cole Hawkins is a secrets man... He can crack any puzzle. He’s a super genius and great with logistics - but he’s also a dangerous killer. Posing as an inside security man, Cole is desperately trying to stop Borgola, who has kidnapped and is smuggling in a group of foreign teens to make sex films and then kill them on camera. Cole works for The Association--an undercover anti-crime unit without ties to any government. They pose as help-for-hire bad guys so that they can infiltrate and do good.
Right from the get go, Against the Dark is exciting and sexy. Angel and her friends risk everything to steal some gems from Borgola. The atmosphere is intense, but fun for the three women who are longtime friends. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Angel’s excitement of being back with her friends and the thrill of the heist side-by-side with the magnitude of the moment and danger if they are caught. They are attempting something near impossible, but their confidence ensures that they will not get caught... hopefully. The jewel heist was fun, and the idea that Angel may have left DNA on the scene is thrilling... Leaving just enough doubt in the reader’s mind that something could happen, and they could track her down. But it was the women’s camaraderie and Angel’s sense of loss at being away from her gang that made the entire scene all the more outstanding.
Of course Cole puts two and two together and finds Angel. She has a skill set that he needs in order to save those children headed to Borgola - she can crack safes that are impossible to crack. Assuming she’s just a lowly thief, he blackmails her into helping him return to the scene of the crime, posing as his girlfriend, so that she can help him bring down Borgola. I really enjoyed the banter between Cole and Angel as they set their stories of how they first met. It was like they were already are that "cute couple." And Cole... wow! Let’s just say he gets into the details of their first time, and it isn’t just Angel that is left turned on by his words *fans self*.
Both Angel and Cole have histories. She lead a life of crime, but came from a good home. He had absentee parents that died from a drug overdose when he was a teen, and then he was recruited by the Association. They portray their characters of a jewel thief and a brutal security man so well, neither can see past the exterior into who the other person truly is inside. Yet, they fall for each other immediately. It’s almost comical how Cole has to constantly remind himself “she’s just a common thief” to prevent himself from falling too deep. It tugged at my heartstrings because I knew the truth of who each was inside. Cole and Angel needed the chance to be honest about who they are, and they needed to fall for the real person inside and not the perceived stereotype.
With that, Angel and Cole make a great team, as Cole points out when they are forced by situation to work together. Each brings their own personality and experiences to the table, and together their individual histories blend together like pieces in a puzzle. Their physical attraction is undeniable and extremely steamy as well. What I adore about the pair is that they are also attracted on a mental level, which is equality as sexy. They just click and it works.
The storyline intensifies and Cole must decide if Angel is still an acceptable loss in order to save the children. With as much emotion as there is action, Against the Dark is a thrill to read. There are twists and turns, some of which I didn’t expect. The story kept me on my toes.
Against the Dark is an exciting first story in what promises to be a wonderful new series from Ms. Crane. The story is filled intense, nail-biting action that isn't over-the-top crazy. The characters aren't perfect, which makes them all the more likable. Angel and Cole make a great pair, with their romance sweet as often as it is steamy. Overall, Against the Dark is an entertaining romantic suspense that I suggest you pick up for some enjoyable summer reading.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Review: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard
The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Danaan Trilogy #1
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
What G & U are talking about:
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The Forgotten Ones is the debut novel of Laura Howard. This is the first book in Danaan Trilogy. We found this novel to have a few of the characteristics we seem to associate as new author issues; however, we did find the premise interesting and promising.
The novel begins with our main character, Allison trying to ease her mother during one of her schizophrenic episodes. This sets the tone of Allison's character. She is completely devoted to her mother, to the point that she neglects not only herself but living. Even though she has a long-standing crush on Ethan, her cousin Nicole's boyfriend's brother, she refuses to acknowledge or pursue her feelings even when they seem to be reciprocated. Her sole goal is to be educated so she can care for her mother, nothing else matters. Her plans are derailed when her long lost father, Liam, returns, to see her mother and meets his unknown daughter instead.
The interesting mythology is centered on the Fae. Liam has returned in hopes of curing Beth's insanity, but Allison refuses to believe him and his crazy stories of the fair folk. Unfortunately she is dragged into this world when her mother goes missing. Allison will sacrifice anything to save her, even herself.
One of the issues we had with the writing was that as a first person narrative, the reader is being told what happens one instead of experiencing it through the main character's eyes. This did detract a bit from our enjoyment. We also feel that the story read more like a novella rather than a full novel. This may be due to the terse, compact nature of the story. Gikany and Una would have preferred to been given more meat in this novel. It was interesting and were intrigued, but we were left wanting for more. In some ways we felt that the novel ended where it started, thus giving it a more prequel feeling than being a first book in a trilogy.
All in all, our interest is piqued. We look forward to reading the next book in the Danaan Trilogy. If your are looking for a new and quick read, give The Forgotten Ones a try.
Their Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Monday, June 3, 2013
Review: Kiss Across Swords by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Kiss Across Swords
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Kiss Across Time #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic, Historical Elements
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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To save them all they must win back one reluctant heart…again.
Taylor Yates never dreamed growing up she would end up happily living with two drop-dead sexy vampires and time-hopping through their thousand years of personal history. Her life is complete…or is it?
When she finds herself at the siege of Jerusalem during the first crusade, Veris doesn’t know her at all and doesn’t want to. Worst of all, he and Brody are total strangers, and Taylor drives a wedge in deep between them by trying to seduce Veris at their first meeting—not something a lady of the day does if she wants to keep her head.
Taylor and Brody must woo Veris using the customs of medieval England, win his heart and his full commitment before Jerusalem falls in four days’ time—or when they return to their own time, their lives as they know them will be gone…
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Ohhh Emmmm Geeee! This was my mantra as I burned through the second book in the Kiss Across Time series. I couldn't get enough of the sensuality and intimacy between Brody, Veris and Taylor. Kiss Across Swords is definitely a must-buy for connoisseurs of paranormal menage with a historical bent. Pretty specific audience, huh? Not really. The series would be a great introduction to any of these genres for the novice reader. I'll walk y'all through my thought process on this one!
We definitely have to classify the series as paranormal. Veris and Brody are centuries old vampires. However, even if you're not into paranormal/ vampires, don't worry. It's really not something that is 'in-your-face' throughout the storyline. Some biting, some feeding (and feedings are off-stage), but nothing obnoxious. Historical elements. Um. Hello?!?! this story takes place, almost in its entirety, during the Crusades! There is DEFINITELY a historical influence to this title, and Ms. Cooper-Posey did some great research with regard to garments of the time, and available resources. Menage erotica is a gimme. Threesome in detail. Even when it's just M/M or M/F, the well-written scenes bring something to the story – their purpose is clearly to get the reader further immersed in the relationship between the partners. Which can be tricky, as intimacy is something shared between the three main characters, but not exclusively with all three at once. The M/M/F, M/M, and M/F content is flaming hot, earning 4.5 out of 5 for Heat Index.
There's a strange twist that I never expected to happen when I was reading the first title in the series, Kiss Across Time. Taylor is pregnant. Even though the present-day Veris and Brody are unable to father children, and Taylor would never dream of straying, the time-traveling escapades of this trio has landed them in unexpected waters. I found it especially emotional when both Brody and Veris found out about the pregnancy.
The conflict was so high throughout this title I felt like I expelled a huge sigh of relief when this installment of the Kiss Across Time trilogy ended. There's definitely a different 'feel' to Kiss Across Swords when compared to Kiss Across Time. Swords is more intense, whereas Time was giving us a quick introduction to the vampiric society and getting our buy-in as readers for the plot. We also became invested in the relationship between Veris, Brody and Taylor. Swords is definitely a continuation of the first installment, but is heavier in feel in comparison.
There are major implications should Brody and Taylor fail to cause Veris to fall in love with Brody again. This is one of those times where I'm pretty sure, were I in Taylor's position, I'd be pretty pissed about the time-travel thing, even if it allows her to catch a glimpse and live side-by-side with Brody and Veris in their past. The potential for unraveling the current space-time continuum is entirely too high for me. And, I'm pretty sure that Brody and Taylor never watched Star Trek, because they completely ignored the Prime Directive during their time-travel escapade. At the end of the story, there IS a HFN – the promise of a third book leads me to believe that there will be a HEA, and that the 'present-day' appeared to be nearly as they left it prior to their leap to 1066 Jerusalem.
Veris. He is definitely the logical thinker. It's always difficult to get someone that thinks logically to ditch that way of thinking and follow their heart. Veris is definitely not an exception to the rule. I liked the fact that Veris needed to be wooed by Brody for time-space to be restored. After all, some wooing would have taken place in the past, right? The last comment I want to make about Veris is a personal observation. I. Adore. Veris. The silent, thoughtful warrior is the type of person that seems to be wary of others, but once he lets them in, he is whole-heartedly committed to a relationship. I think that is why is was so difficult for Taylor (and Brody) to miss him. They knew he was committed to them, but didn't want him to necessarily have to work through his inner conflict on his own.
Brody. I think Brody is definitely the temperamental musician. He appears to lead with his emotions, but that occasional quiet, brooding exterior shouldn't fool us. He's a deep-thinker and capable of so much more than anyone can see on the surface. He loves with all his heart, and doesn't enter into a relationship unless he's going in with his all. I had a few 'awww' moments when Brody was with Taylor. He is SOOOO sweet! I look forward to hopefully seeing a LOT more about Brody in the next title.
Taylor. I'm going to be honest. I wasn't all 'Team Taylor' for this book. While she still remains a strong, positive heroine, I think that hers was the first story. I was meant to dote on her during the first title, and this time, it's Veris's turn to shine. Taylor, however, remains the intelligent, quick-witted, and creative woman that needs to simply figure out how to get her little family back together. With Veris away in Europe in the present, the travel back to the Crusades was one way that she could see him. And, I think that it was kind-of cool that she got to see how Brody and Veris met. It was even more awesome for the reader to watch!
I truly adored Kiss Across Swords. One of my personal quirks is that I bog myself down in keeping timelines straight, and ensuring that I understand how things align. Ms. Cooper-Posey did a fantastic job with the various timelines and resolving them back to present-day. Discrepancies in the present-day reality were explained so that I didn't feel as though they were continuity issues. I am infinitely happy with the Kiss Across Time series thus far, and I can't wait to dive in to the third title, Kiss Across Chains in a few weeks. Look for it July 1st!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Review: Fire & Frost Anthology
Fire & Frost
Authors: Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk Romance, Anthology
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims – Estrella may be going into heat, but she’s determined to remain in control. Just because she’s ovulating doesn’t mean she has to settle for just any man (or his beast). Her sexy alpha’s determined to find her a tiger to take care of her heat and father her child…but no one seems to look quite as good as the man in charge. Will giving in to her need for her alpha ruin her tenuous relationship with her clan or be a match made in heaven?
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane – The witches of the world ridiculed and rejected nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything…or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. Maybe Veronica can finally get some peace and quiet so she can work on her computer. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.
Wrecked by Meljean Brook – Elizabeth has spent the past five years running from her father; her father’s huntsman, Caius, has spent the past five years pursuing her. But when he finally catches up to her on an airship flying above Europe’s zombie-infested cities, Elizabeth discovers that Caius isn’t the only danger she has to fear—and now that he’s found her, Caius doesn’t intend to let her go…
What I’m talking about:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims
Midnight Liaisons series
Estrella is an anomaly in her pack--she is a liger: half tiger, half lion. While she doesn't really fit in with her tiger pack, she is not accepted at all by the lion pack. Estrella had always been told she was sterile, and she believed that right up until she realized that she was going into heat. Now with only a week's notice, she needs to find someone she likes to service her needs and be the father of her child.
The one man she truly desires is her alpha, Vic. But since she thinks he could never be interested, she goes through the motions of dating and looking for a mate.
Speed Mating is a fun and sexy little story. There is a bit of humor and light-heartedness throughout the novella. I liked that the story stayed in Estrella's POV for the duration of the tale because it elevated the tension without knowing Vic’s true feelings. The pair are a joy to watch as they come together.
Bottom line: Cute, sexy shifter story. Lots of fun.
4 stars.
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane
Code of Shadows 0.5
Readers of Ms. Crane’s first release in this series, Mr. Real, will recognize Vicky as Alix’s Great Aunt who left Alix all of her worldly possessions - including a computer program that brings to life objects from photos. One need not have read Mr. Real to enjoy this novella.
Vicky is in danger and in hiding from crime syndicate boss, Salvo. She’s used her knowledge of witchcraft and computer programing to bring to life Max, former Chicago police officer recently killed in the line of duty, to be her bodyguard.
The story opens about three months after Vicky first conjured Max. I liked that Max knows he's been conjured from a photo (and the “real” Max is dead). Max is more human that most as he contemplates life, the existence of a soul, falls in love with Vicky, and learns to let go of the daughter he orphaned after his murder.
The opening of the novella is very exciting. We have no idea why Salvo is after Vicky, only that he is relentless in his pursuit. The action is suspensefully written, keeping this reader glued to the pages. In addition, the book has a heart and tackles powerful emotions. The concepts of life, death and love are wonderfully interwoven into the thrilling tale.
The story switches POV between Vicky and Max. We learn of their mutual yet secret desire and admiration for the other. I loved how Vicky pushes Max and how Max teaches Vicky to learn to let go. As the story progresses you learn how perfectly matched the pair is. It's lovely to see the give and take between the individuals.
Bottom line: Exciting action with heart. As a fan of Mr. Real, I enjoyed “history lesson” about how the computer codes came to be.
4 stars
Wrecked by Meljean Brook
Iron Seas series
Five years ago, Elizabeth Jannsen ran from her powerful father, who subsequently sent highly-trained hunters to collect her and bring her home. Caius Trachter was the only one to ever capture her, but she was able to make a dangerous escape. (2 years prior to the start of this story.)
Now Elizabeth's father has caught up to her, and she must make a quick exit. Little does she know that Caius is watching, nor does she know that he has loved her since the day he met her.
I must share with you that I am completely in awe of Ms. Brook’s storytelling and of the tales she spins. She is simply a master at her craft. Wrecked is no exception, further cementing the Iron Seas series as one of the Top 5 series among the current romance genre.
Elizabeth has every reason to run from her father, and when you find out why, I imagine your jaw will drop just like mine. Knowing that she has little chance to escape Caius, Elizabeth makes the decision to trust the man that once tried to turn her in. The pain and heartache, loneliness and internal torment of both Elizabeth and Caius is portrayed with an absolute care for detail. Elizabeth loves her father, but he is a madman and she cannot see a way out of her situation without someone's death. She wants to trust and believe Caius, but she isn't certain how. This creates emotional conflict and amazing tension. The emotional depth of the novella is on par with a story two to three times its length.
In addition, the details of the ship, voyage and world are wonderfully woven into the tale. The action--hunt and chase--are thrilling and suspenseful.
The story reaches beyond the two primary characters without stretching thin the plot of and time allotted to the primary tale. For example, I adore Captain Harker who is the captain of the ship on which Elizabeth attempts her escape. He is a supporting character with a ton of integrity. His actions give Elizabeth the ability to trust another human. It is endearing how he cares for her in his own polite way.
The ending of the story was “perfect” for the situation and again brought forward an array of emotions, but this time a bit different from the earlier scenes. It was a touching, albeit simple, way to wrap up the tale... perfect.
I absolutely loved this novella. *sigh* I cannot say enough about how great the Iron Seas series is. This novella is a stand alone and can be enjoyed by all. It is a sweet romance, suspenseful action, exquisite steampunk world and all around wonderful story.
Bottom line: Amazing adventure full of rich detail and complex storytelling that will blow you away.
5 stars
Overall, Fire & Frost offers three wonderful tales, each very different, but all exciting, romantic and fun!
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Midnight Liaisons
Code of Shadows:
Iron Seas:
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