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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Quickie Review: "Primal Kiss"
“Primal Kiss”from the Anthology Primal
Author: Lora Leigh
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Breeds Series #23
ISBN: #978-0425239056
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback, e-book
I borrowed a copy of the book for my own reading pleasure. (thanks Mandi!)
From the author’s website:
When the bad boy lion breed, Creed Raines, crashes the family cabin while Pharmaceutical CEO Horace Engalls' daughter is vacationing, it sets off a series of events that even Creed couldn't have imagined beginning. Mating Heat blows sky high, hot and overwhelming, and reminding him of all the reasons he had fought to avoid it. Especially with the shy, though incredibly stubborn decidedly willful, much loved and cherished Engalls Princess, Kita Engalls.
But for Jonas Wyatt it could be a blessing in disguise, because only Horace Engalls knows the true scope of Phillip Brandenmore’s evil. And only by holding Kita hostage to the truth Jonas demands, will it ever come to light. But can mating heat bloom and became the fiery tendrils of love when Kita suspects her breed has betrayed her?
But for Jonas Wyatt it could be a blessing in disguise, because only Horace Engalls knows the true scope of Phillip Brandenmore’s evil. And only by holding Kita hostage to the truth Jonas demands, will it ever come to light. But can mating heat bloom and became the fiery tendrils of love when Kita suspects her breed has betrayed her?
What I’m talking about:
Once again, I stress to you all... The Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. Ms. Leigh writes some of the hottest erotic paranormal stories out there, and this novella is no exception! As an avid reader of this series, my review may not make sense to those of you that have not YET picked up this delicious series.
Chronologically, this story takes place after Styx’s Storm and prior to the recently released Navarro’s Promise (review later this week). As with most of Ms. Leigh’s novellas, “Primal Kiss” contains key plot development for the overall story arc. In this case, we find out more about Phillip Brandenmore and his evil plot to create a “fountain of youth” serum from mating Breed pairs. At risk, his niece, Kita Engalls, the unknown (at the time) mate of Breed Enforcer Creed Raines. She is wanted by both the Breeds and purest-human groups as leverage to get knowledge from Brandenmore.
The pace of this story is quick. There are few bumps in the road and both Kita and Creed readily accept their lot as mates including all of the complications that come with the Breed mating hormone. The primary focus of the story is the romance between Kita and Creed, which is erotic and sensual. The story climaxes with a showdown between the Breeds and Brandenmore, which was a bit sketchy with details and lacked emotional tension - but you can’t expect everything to be perfect in a novella-length story.
All-in-all another pleasurable read in The Breed Series. LOVE IT!! A must read for fans and a fun introduction for those that have missed out on this amazingly fun series.
My Rating:
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Labels:
Monday, April 18, 2011
Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s NightAuthor: Kresley Cole
Release Date: October 2007
Publisher: Pocket Star
Immortals After Dark #4
ISBN: #978-1416547037
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
From the author’s website:
Her breathless kiss haunts him.
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible.
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction.
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
What I’m talking about:
Hmmm... I have to say that the book summary on Kresley Cole’s website (above) isn’t what I would have said to summarize and describe the book. Anyhow...
Wicked Deeds opens during the Hie competition, the focus event of the the third story, No Rest for the Wicked (review HERE) Lykae Bowen MacRieve (Bowe) was the “runner up” of the Talisman’s Hie, a “deadly, immortal version of The Amazing Race.” The story backtracks a bit in the timeline to tell the reader about Bowe’s run-in with Mariketa the Awaited (Mari), the witch that cursed him with mortality during No Rest for the Wicked. The story quickly moves forward to events that occur immediately after the end of the Hie competition. (NOTE: I strongly recommend reading No Rest for the Wicked prior to reading Wicked Deeds.)
Mari is a fiesty girl and it is enjoyable to watch her mature in this story. At the beginning of the book, she is 23-years-old and still mortal - that’s right... she entered the deadly competition and isn’t even immortal! Mari is predicted to be the most powerful witch in centuries, but it seems she cannot get a spell straight without blowing up something. She hides her true self, afraid she will be claimed by an immortal as his mate and forced to give up her magic. At times she is childish and acts out in haste. But she is open to the counsel of others, including Bowe, and fairly quickly calms down, displaying a maturity beyond her years.
Bowe has been around for a very long time. He entered the Hie in hopes of winning the prize of a magic key that allows the user to travel back in time. He lost his mate 180 years ago, and has been obsessed with bringing her back ever since. (Lykae’s only get one mate in their immortal existence.) He is rough around the edges and completely ALPHA!
Mari and Bowe are dynamite together. They are explosive (literally) and sexy. But their relationship is so much more than their physical actions and play. They are refreshingly open with one another, and even when they do keep secrets, the secrets don’t hijack the progress of the developing love. When mistakes are made (and Bowe makes a HUGE one when he calls Mari the WRONG NAME!), the situation is quickly addressed and the story moves forward.
There were a couple new world-building terms that were not mentioned in earlier stories. I have to admit, I was a bit put off by the use of the Lykae’s Instinct. It’s this really important “inner-voice” all Lykae have, yet it was never mentioned in A Hunger Like No Other, which focused on the Lykae king! I know it’s a small thing - but it bugged me!
I have to mention a fantastic supporting character, Rydstrom. He’s a demon with an amicable history with Bowe. He is gentle and kind - caring for Mari and the other members of their group. But he also imparts great wisdom to Bowe in a supportive and logical way - making Bowe assess his true situation and feelings. LOVE HIM! and can’t wait to read his book down the road.
Overall another great story in the Immortals After Dark series, and my favorite so far. Ms. Cole keeps the story moving along with her smart writing, exciting action and sharp wit. Mari’s friend Carrow had me laughing out loud at times. I adore that Ms. Cole doesn’t draw out misgivings and misunderstandings between characters, but rather addresses any issues straight on so the story can move forward. The conclusion was extremely satisfying and even had a few twists I wasn’t expecting. I cannot wait to read the next story in a month!
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Contest Winners - Rock Hard
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my review of Rock Hard and my interview with author Olivia Cunning. I especially want to thank Olivia for stopping by for the interview and Sourcebook Publishing for generously donating two (2) copies of Olivia’s newest release, Rock Hard, for my giveaway.
Every person that commented on the review or interview was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winners were selected using random.org.
The Winners:
Tara
Estella
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I’m sending both winners a message; please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so Sourcebook can send you the book! You have until Friday April 22, 2011 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading
Sunday Snippets #54
ROC Publishing
April 5, 2011
“What are you waiting for?” Maury demanded, as I trickled salt atop my chalk circle. This demon wasn’t going anywhere unless I willed it.“Almost finished. But I need her name now.”
He pronounced each syllable with great care, as if caressing his absent lover. I found it oddly endearing. “Dumah Porai Valyonatha.”
“It’s been a long time since you’ve seen her.”
“Only by your standards,” he muttered. “But I have been away longer than I expected. She will be missing me.”
I tried to sound casual as I finished spreading the salt. “You could go back. I could send you.”
“I think not. Your people call my world hell for a reason.”
“Very well.” Using my athame, I cut a narrow slice in my palm and let the blood drip inside the pentagram. I was careful not to break the circle, however. “By fire, earth, wind and rain, I call you forth, Dumah Porai Valyonatha. I offer sacrifice in your name. As I will, so mote it be. In the name of Solomon the Binder, whose blood I carry, you must obey.”
Unlike the spell I had used on Morales, this one required focus and repetition. My mother had once said: There are no true magic words, only your will behind them. Power sizzled through me, far more than I’d ever held before- more than it took to read a house or a patch of dirt. It felt as though my heart must cook inside my chest. I sent it to the circle and the salt ate it, blackening beneath the heat.
I don’t know how long I chanted, but the air churned inside the pentacle. Not like Caim’s manifestation, but it grew dark with smoke that writhed with signs of life. I saw a glimmer of eyes, a suggestion of a face.
“She’s here,” the demon breathed beside me.
Maury started to go to her, only to be brought up short by the power of my wards. I smiled “My part of the bargain is fulfilled, and you are repaid.”
“That wasn’t the deal!”
“In fact, it was. You specified I had to summon her, not set her free.”
“No, I wouldn’t consent to that. The last part was implicit in the agreement.”
And now I gambled everything. “If you have the power, if I have invalidated our deal, kill me now. Take the knife from my wound. I’m willing to risk it.”
Friday, April 15, 2011
IAD Discussion: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (#4)
Hello friends and welcome to the this month’s Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion. The idea is for this to be an “open thread” to discuss the fourth IAD story (third book):
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
About the book:
Her breathless kiss haunts him.
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible.
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.No deed is too wicked for her seduction.
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
So... Who knew that starting this book Monday night, on a week when my husband is out of town, and I had 3 meetings (for the 2 days I am in my office) would result in me NOT finishing the book by Thursday night so I could write and post my review?! *head desk* I am sorry folks...
IF YOU HAVE A REVIEW for Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, please include a link below in the comment section. I will be posting my review soon.
I am about halfway through the book and I am really enjoying it so far. I would like for those that have finished the book to please discuss the story. What did you like? Dislike? Which of the new characters is your favorite? Where there new pieces of the “mythology” that you liked/disliked?
Okay folks... discuss away... I’ll be back soon with my own discussion and review! Thanks and Happy Reading!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Author Interview & Giveaway - Olivia Cunning
Today I have the honor of bringing to you author Olivia Cunning. Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians.
Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own. Her first Sinners on Tour novel, Backstage Pass was named a Top Read of 2010 by Love Romance Passion, Alpha Reader, The Fiction Vixen, Loves Romance and Smexy Books. She currently lives in Nebraska, where she is working on her next book! Please help me welcome Olivia toThat’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Olivia, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Olivia: Thanks for having me!
Twimom: Rockers and romance... seems like women have been swooning over musicians since Elvis first appeared. Can you tell my readers a little more about your inspirations and how you began writing?
Olivia: I’ve been a music fan my entire life. I became obsessed with rock stars as a teen. My walls were literally covered with pictures I’d carefully clipped from every imaginable music magazine. I wanted to be a rock star when I grew up. I tried to teach myself to play the guitar, with little success. Music consumed the majority of my days. And then I had a kid, worked on my education and my obsession for music settled a bit. When the kid started to become obsessed with music about five years ago, we started going to tons of concerts and I remembered why I’d been obsessed as a teenager. There’s nothing I love more than music, except maybe writing. I started writing in high school, too. I had big dreams of becoming an author. When that didn’t pan-out immediately, I realized I had to pay the bills and pursued a “normal” job and gave up my aspiration to be a rock star/writer. I never stopped writing. I just continued working on it on the side. So my two greatest passions are rock music (and nummins musicians) and writing. It only took me sixteen years to combine the two. You’d think it would be a no brainer.
Twimom: Do you have any rock star crushes or stories you want to share? What’s the best concert you’ve been to see?
Olivia: Rock star crushes... I’ve had too many to name. My first was Rudy Sarzo when he was the bassist for Whitesnake. The man licked the neck of his guitar and did this hip gyration thing that had my 15-year-old hormones coursing through my arteries like water in a flood-stage river. I went to see Whitesnake and Motley Crue in concert that year and I screamed Rudy so loud and so long that I couldn’t talk for two days afterward. The best concert I’ve been to was the first time I saw Avenged Sevenfold live. I’ve since seen them five times. They’re now my favorite live band and whenever they tour within 300 miles of my house, I’m there. As a matter of fact, I’m driving 4 hours to go see them next month with Bullet for My Valentine and Three Days Grace. CAN. NOT. WAIT!! Another thing that made that concert so good was the opening band, Papa Roach. You must see these guys live. Jacoby Shaddix works a crowd like no other front man on the planet. I once drove 1100 miles to see Tool in concert. Was it worth it? Oh yeah! Thanks for taking me to my happy place by asking that question.
Twimom: Wow! I cannot even being to compare concert stories! LOL! Your first series, Sinners on Tour, follows the romantic exploits of a rock band. Can you tell my readers more about the series and your future plans for the Sinners?
Olivia: Sinners is a rock band with five sexy single men. Each book in the series focuses on one of the band members and how he finds his happily ever after with the right woman. The first book, Backstage Pass, is about lead guitarist Brian Sinclair. He’s the sweet, romantic of the group. The second book, Rock Hard, is about vocalist Sed Lionheart. He’s pretty much Brian’s polar opposite. The thing about Sed is that when he falls in love, he falls hard and he falls forever. The other guys of the band (Jace, Eric and Trey) will each get their chance at love, too. And one thing that’s great about the series is that because these guys all live on a tour bus together most of the time, you’ll see your favorite character reappear in each and every book. You also get to know them quite well and see how their relationships (friendships and love) evolve over time.
Twimom: Sounds fantastic! Do you write any other genres and/or have plans for any future stories outside of the Sinners?
Olivia: I think I’ve written a novel in every imaginable genre. I’ve been thinking of digging some of those out, polishing them up a little and self-publishing them under different pen names. My agent wants me to pursue my medical/scientific thrillers (I had one semifinal in Amazon’s Novel Breakthrough Awards a couple of years ago.) under a different name, after I get my Olivia Cunning pen name well-established. But the YA science fiction? The fantasy? The YA contemporary romance? The horror? The series length romance? Time travel erotic romance? Etc, etc, etc... I don’t want to confuse readers by releasing all those under Olivia Cunning and most of them aren’t ever going to sell to a traditional publisher, so I might publish them myself in my “free” time. As for the Olivia Cunning “brand”, I’ll keep writing erotic romance about rock stars forever, if I can. I hope to write a spinoff series about Exodus End (a band mentioned in the Sinners on Tour series) and just had a great idea in the shower this morning about another, young band that is discovered by Sinners (the Sinners hear them play in a bar and introduce them to their manager, Jerry), but it will never be mentioned the Sinners on Tour series. I’m a prolific writer, if you can’t tell. LOL!
Twimom: Wow! Can’t wait to see where you go. I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What was your favorite read during 2010? Olivia: I read a little bit of everything (like I write a little bit of everything – ADD-much, Olivia?). And I’m a slow reader. At a few pages a day, it usually takes me a month to get through a book. I wish I had more time to read. I seriously love YA fantasy. The Harry Potter series. The Percy Jackson series. (I’ve never read Twilight—don’t hit me!) I think I like them because they are so different from what I write. I do read romance of all kinds. I do read thrillers. I do read classics and literary fiction. A little horror. Some fantasy. A bit of erotica. I like variety! I read a Lacey Alexander book this year, What See Needs, that I lost sleep to finish. Very sexy!
Twimom: What upcoming 2011 releases are you most excited to read?
Olivia: I can’t wait to read Virgin by Cheryl Brooks. It’s the 7th book in her Cat Star Chronicles series, and comes out in June. Love those Zetithian men. MEOW!
Twimom: Olivia, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourselves and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you.
Olivia: My pleasure!
You can find Olivia Cunning on line at
GIVEAWAY: I have two (2) copies (two winners) of Rock Hard to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Sourcebooks (www.sourcebooks.com) for sponsoring the giveaway of Olivia’s newest release. To enter, please leave a comment and your email at the end of today’s interview or yesterday’s review of Rock Hard. One entry per person. Winners are restricted to US and Canada mailing addresses, only. Contest open from April 12, 2011 until Sunday April 17, 2011 at 9:00 PM EDT. Two (2) winners will be selected from the comment entries using random.org.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Review & Giveaway: Rock Hard
Rock Hard
Author: Olivia CunningRelease Date: April 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Sinners on Tour Book 2
ISBN: #978-1402245770
Genre: Erotic Romance
Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), ebook
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Sinners’ lead singer, Sed, had his heart shredded when Jessica left him to pursue her dreams,so when she dances her way back into his life, he's not sure he's ready for her brand of pain, or pleasure, again. When she convinces Sed to engage in a benefits with benefits relationship, things seem to be going his way, until one of his fans catches their explicit public display of affection on film and posts it all over the internet. Will Jessica ever trust Sed again? And has Sed become the man of Jessica’s dreams or is he just posing to get what he wants?
What B is talking about:
Jessica Chase has the brains to become a first-rate lawyer, but the body of the perfect pinup. Her heart still aches for the ex-fiancé she left behind when she had to choose between him and her career, and a chance meeting is about set her world on fire all over again.
Sed Lionheart has never gotten over Jessica leaving him like she did, and meaningless sex on the road with groupies can never fill the emptiness that remains. Once Jessica reenters his life, though, he is complete again, and he’ll risk everything for the chance to hold on to her forever.
Jumping right to the heart of the matter, break out the ice cubes. Or a high-powered fan. This novel solidly lives up to its genre. There’s sex. Lots and lots of sex. Sex indoors, out of doors, and even far above the city of Las Vegas. Never mind what happens literally under the table, and in the band’s tour bus. Sed and Jessica have a penchant for sex in public, and they indulge it as often as they can. Cunning has a great imagination, though, so each encounter stays erotic and edgy.
I did have a few issues with the story itself, mostly the length of time Jessica is subjected to the distrust and hatred for her breakup with Sed. While it’s true the rest of the band only had Sed’s version of their breakup to base their opinions on in her absence, I was ready for her to set the story straight much sooner. Sed’s firm belief in his own version of events made things much more difficult for Jessica than they needed to be. His continual depiction by others close to the band, as well as the other members, as a lovable teddy bear of a guy is a little irksome. Everything gets sorted out in time though, and Sed is forced to accept his role in the difficulties he experiences in his relationships.
Rock Hard doesn’t make excuses for, nor does it attempt to sanitize, the potential lifestyles of rockers on tour. Sed is a star, and after Jessica leaves him and his band becomes famous, he partakes of what’s offered. He doesn’t particularly enjoy his sexual escapades, of course, comparing each to what he had with Jessica, and being completely unsurprised when they don’t measure up. Jessica, likewise, has no illusions that he’s been waiting for her. She just chooses not to dwell on that part of his life, and sets new rules of faithfulness once they’re back together.
The love story was very sweet in the end, and one I enjoyed a lot. Cunning doesn’t try to turn the novel into an overly thought provoking analysis of modern romance. In fact, the deepest thing about Rock Hard is the penetration. But, it’s an incredibly sexy read with a well-earned happy ending. I’m very tempted to go pick up the first novel in the series, Backstage Pass, to learn more about all the guys in the band, and will be looking forward to what’s in store for the guys next.
B's Rating:
Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
GIVEAWAY: Sourcebooks has generously donated two (2) copies (two winners) of Rock Hard to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Sourcebooks (www.sourcebooks.com) for sponsoring the giveaway of Olivia Cunning’s latest book. To enter, please leave a comment and your email at the end of today’s review or tomorrow’s interview with author Olivia Cunning. Only one entry per person. Winners are restricted to US and Canada mailing addresses, only. Contest open from April 12, 2011 until Sunday April 17, 2011 at 9:00 PM EDT. Two (2) winners will be selected from the comment entries using random.org.
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