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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
Sunday Snippets
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Friday, July 15, 2011
IAD Discussion
Dear Readers:
Today is the day for my monthly IAD Reading Challenge Book Review and Discussion. However, due to my vacation schedule, I have post-poned this month's discussion and review of KISS OF A DEMON KING until next month. I have been waiting to read Rydstrom's story for a few books now... I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you next month!
Thanks and Happy Reading!
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Review: Heartbreak Creek
Heartbreak Creek Author: Kaki Warner
Release Date: July 5, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Runaway Brides trilogy #1
ISBN: #978-0425241226
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
Honest, hard-working widower, age thirty-three, seeks sturdy English-speaking woman to help with mountain ranch and four children. Drinkers, whores, and gamblers need not apply.
Not very romantic, but after one disastrous marriage, widowed Edwina Ladoux isn’t looking for romance. What she wants is safety for herself and her half-sister, and a way out of the war-torn South, even if she has to offer herself up as a mail order bride to a stranger a thousand miles away in the Colorado Rockies. But she hadn’t reckoned on Declan Brodie.
Declan’s first wife ran off with a gambler and was later killed by Indians. He has no desire to saddle himself with another—and her mulatto “traveling companion”. But his children need a mother, and he needs help to keep his mountain ranch running, and the proxy papers are already signed. But there’s something odd about those two. A connection he doesn’t quite understand. But at least the companion can cook.
What Angela is talking about: |
Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner is the story of a young woman who leaves her home in the war-torn south to become a mail order bride in the wild frontier of Colorado to a widow with four children.
I this book to be a great beach bag read and a fun escape for an afternoon. It was a light easy read with fairly interesting characters and beautiful scenery that was so well described that I could picture everything from the overgrown gardens in war-torn Louisiana to the rugged beauty of the unsettle Colorado territory. It made me laugh out loud in a few places and had me holding my breath in others.
That being said I felt like parts of the book were lacking. The relationship between Edwina and Pru is something I expected to be more fully developed and instead I felt got shelved for other characters like Thomas and Sally. This might have worked had the author not also been trying to explore several other characters at the same time. Leaving a variety of unanswered questions which made it hard for me to continue moving forward, for example Lucinda's past is touched on but we never really get the back story behind her distrust of men and hate of the wealthy and Maddie's is portrayed as a starry eyed love struck widow who's husband, a war hero, is discussed throughout the novel but never fully discussed only to have hints dropped at the end suggesting that maybe it wasn't all rainbows and flowers after all. Maybe it was the author's attempt to throw a couple O'Henry twist our way or maybe she was attempting to have several well-rounded characters rather than flat ones but regardless it was unnecessary and distracting in my mind, pulling attention from the main story of Edwina and Declan and even from the secondary stories of Edwina and the kids and Edwina and Pru. Overall I felt as if none characters received the attention they deserved.
Given what I felt were the holes in the story line I can only give this book 3 out of 5 stars. Would I read it again, not likely. But could I recommend it to a friend, sure. If someone were looking for a light, easy, fun read perfect for a summer afternoon at the pool or beach then this book totally works.
Angela’s Rating: |
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Review: Burning Down the Spouse
Burning Down the SpouseAuthor: Dakota Cassidy
Release Date: July 5, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Ex-Trophy Wives Series #2
ISBN: #978-0425241080
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (356 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
After discovering that her famous chef husband was cheating, Frankie Bennett lost her mind-on live TV. Now Frankie is broke, unemployed, and hiding out in her aunt's retirement village. That is, until Maxine Henderson-Barker-reformed trophy wife and owner of Trophy Jobs Inc. employment agency-arrives to give Frankie a much needed kick in the pants.
Soon, Frankie lands a job as a prep chef at a Greek diner in New Jersey, home to the world's best meatloaf and an owner who resembles an exquisitely chiseled Greek statue. Falling into bed with Nikos isn't the best idea, but after years of living in a man's shadow, this ex- trophy wife is ready to get busy cooking...
What G & U are talking about: |
As Gikany and Una have expressed before, we are not big on contemporary romance, we prefer it have an element of urban fantasy or paranormal within it. That being said, since Una has read the Accidental Friends series by Dakota Cassidy, she thought it might be fun to give this book a try, especially with the catching title and synopsis. This book, however did not quite live up to our expectations.
Burning Down the Spouse is the second novel in the Ex-Trophy Wives series. You need not read the first book to jump into the series, and we didn’t realize this was the second book until we were getting this review ready. It is a lighthearted contemporary romance, and would definitely be considered a light and quick read. There is some funny banter and moments; however, we had some issues.
Burning Down the Spouse begins with seeing our main character, Frankie, in the middle of her “crazy” after finding out her husband of 18 years is cheating on her. She was forthright and wonderful in her “airing of the grievances.” Sadly, her character turned out to not be the strong, sassy character we were introduced to (and hoping for). She was actually quite timid, battling incredible low self-esteem and plagued by her own pessimism. While her character did seem to fight this through the course of the novel, the battle had a very black-or-white feeling.
One thing that Una would like to point out was the weak dialogue. It was something that normally she might overlook, but was very distracting while reading Burning Down the Spouse. The characters all used a high-school aged vocabulary. For men and women in their late 30s to speak with such, for lack of better term, “immature valley talk” was very annoying. Some may find it very humorous and lighthearted, but we found it not only distracting but annoying. It seems this just might be the author’s voice and it may appeal to some, however it did not appeal to us.
If you are interested in a lighthearted, funny read, give Burning Down the Spouse a try. However, read an excerpt first to see if the author’s voice will appeal to you.
Their Rating: |
Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Ebook Deals for July
Dear Readers... I want to share with you some SPECTACULAR eBook deals from SOURCEBOOK going on during July. Look for the deals wherever Sourcebook eBooks are sold, but please be patient if pages aren’t uploaded immediately on July 12, as it does take their eBook retail partners a little bit of time to update/upload their information.
Also—do you LOVE hearing about Sourcebooks' eBook deals and romance novels? Become a CasaVIP by clicking HERE.
Enjoy and Happy Reading!
Men in Kilts – eBooks for $0.99! (7/12/2011 – 7/18/2011)
Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita ClenneyA man from another time…
Faelan is from an ancient clan of Scottish Highland warriors, charged with shielding humanity from demonic forces. Betrayed and locked in a time vault, he has been sleeping for nearly two centuries when spunky historian Bree Kirkland inadvertently wakes him. She’s more fearsome than the demon trying to kill him, and if he’s not careful, she’ll uncover the secrets his clan has bled and died to protect…
Could be the treasure she’s been seeking all her life…
When Bree inherits an old treasure map, she discovers a warrior buried in her backyard. But the warrior isn’t dead. Bree shocks Faelan with her modern dress and her boldness, and he infuriates Bree every time he tries to protect her.
With demons suddenly on the move, Bree discovers that Faelan’s duty as protector is in his blood, and that her part in this fight was destined before she was born. But nothing is ever what it seems…
Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine
He wants a wife he can control…
Connor Lindsey is a Highland laird, but his clan’s loyalty is hard won and he takes nothing for granted. He’ll do whatever it takes to find a virtuous wife, even if he has to kidnap her…
She has a spirit that can’t be tamed…
Brina Chattan has always defied convention. She sees no reason to be docile now that she’s been captured by a powerful laird and taken to his storm-tossed castle in the Highlands, far from her home.
When a rival laird’s interference nearly tears them apart, Connor discovers that a woman with a wild streak suits him much better than he’d ever imagined…
The Highlander’s Sword by Amanda ForesterA quiet, flame-haired beauty with secrets of her own…
Lady Aila Graham is destined for the convent, until her brother’s death leaves her an heiress. Soon she is caught between hastily arranged marriage with a Highland warrior, the Abbot’s insistence that she take her vows, the Scottish Laird who kidnaps her, and the traitor from within who betrays them all.
She’s nothing he expected and everything he really needs…
Padyn MacLaren, a battled-hardened knight, returns home to the Highlands after years of fighting the English in France. MacLaren bears the physical scars of battle, but it is the deeper wounds of betrayal that have rocked his faith. Arriving with only a band of war-weary knights, MacLaren finds his land pillaged and his clan scattered. Determined to restore his clan, he sees Aila’s fortune as the answer to his problems…but maybe it’s the woman herself.
Wild Highland Magic by Kendra Leigh CastleShe's a Scottish Highlands werewolf, but no one's ever shown her how to use her powers…
Growing up in America with a father who hates his own nature, Catrionna MacInnes has always tried desperately to control her powers and pretend to be normal. Now her father has brought her and her sisters to Scotland to reunite with the pack they fled years ago…
He's a wizard prince with a devastating secret…
Bastian an Morgaine has found sanctuary among the MacInnes werewolf clan but no relief from the soul-searing curse that haunts him. The minute Cat lays eyes on Bastian, she knows she's met her destiny. In their first encounter, she unwittingly binds him to her for life, and now they're both targets for the evil enemies that are out to destroy their very souls…
Highland Rebel by Judith James
Amidst the upheaval of Cromwell's Britain, Jamie Sinclair's wit and military prowess have served him well. Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the woman Jamie believes her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie goes to recapture his hellcat of a new wife...
In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of loyalty, friendship, and trust...
Monday, July 11, 2011
Review: Spectyr
SpectyrAuthor: Philippa Ballantine
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: ACE Fantasy
Book of the Order #2
ISBN: #978-0441020515
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
| About the book: |
Though one of the most powerful Deacons, Sorcha Faris has a tarnished reputation to overcome. She and her partner, Deacon Merrick Chambers, find themselves chasing down rumors of geists, but long for a return to real action. So they jump at the chance to escort a delegation sent to negotiate the terms of the Emperor’s engagement. Their destination: the exotic city of Orinthal.
But a string of murders has Orinthal on edge, and Sorcha and Merrick are asked to investigate. Meanwhile the Emperor’s sister has unwittingly released a cruel and vengeful goddess, one who it bent on destroying her enemies, including the geistlord who resides inside the shapeshifting rival to the throne—Sorcha’s lover….
| What I’m talking about: |
Wow - another great story in Ms. Ballantine’s richly-detailed, exotic world of Arkaym! Spectyr picks up shortly after the explosive conclusion of the first Book of the Order, Geist (my review HERE), with the return of key characters and the addition of a few new players. Deacons Sorcha Faris and Merrick Chambers are dealing with the blows of betrayal from within the Order, meanwhile, geist (paranormal) activity has been slow, leaving the pair with little to do. (In Ms. Ballantine’s world, intrusions by creatures from the “otherside” are commonplace and the Order’s Deacons are the “ghostbusters” of society.) Suddenly, strange events begin to occur, leading the Deacons, and a slew of other important players to the desert city of Orinthal.
Just like its predecessor, Spectyr, is full of amazing details, distinctive locals and unique lexicon. It is a beautifully crafted and involving story that requires a reader’s full attention. The action is intense, and the plotlines are elaborately crafted. I will admit that I had forgotten several details from Geist, but Ms. Ballantine did a marvelous job “reminding me” of key events.
Once again, the three-way bond of Sorcha, Merrick and Raed, the ousted heir to the Empire and Sorcha’s lover, was a focal part of the story. The bond penetrated the threesome’s actions and grew in sometimes unexpected ways. The emotional impact of their deep connection reverberated throughout the story, leaving me wanting more.
Ms. Ballantine used their bond as a starting point for this story and then expanded the emotional ties to include new characters and situations. The ramifications of the newer bonds pulled on the threesome, causing emotional dilemmas between old and new friends, family and duty. I believe I held my breath more than once!
As events unfold, sections of the Empire began to crumble and I was left wondering what will happen next. Although this book didn’t have what I would term a “cliff-hanger” ending, it did leave many unresolved issues and open-ended plot lines. I cannot wait to find out what will happen to Sorcha, Merrick and Raed, along with the fate of several new an returning characters. I will warn you, this story is NOT a quick read, and while it may take a bit longer to complete, it is addictive and worth the time!
| My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday Snippet #66
Cold Touch
Signet Eclipse
July 5, 2011
Oh, yeah. They’d hit pay dirt.
“How many” she asked, not sure she wanted to know.
“Three so far.”
Three people murdered in this small, innocent-looking patch of woods. And those were just the ones Derek could see on the bike.
What a strange world he must live in and how cautiously he had to tread in it. Derek never knew when he rounded a corner if he was going to be presented with the violent images of a phantom body flying through a car windshield or someone being flung back after being shot in the chest. Deaths happened everywhere. The quiet ones eluded his sight, but the violent ones, oh, they left their mark.
“Are you alright?” She asked.
“Yeah, fine.” Shaking his head as if to clear it, Derek finally turned to look at the ruins of the old barn, which she’d pointed out to him.
That didn’t help. His whole body stiffened, his head jerked and a small groan emerged from his throat before he muttered, “Well fuck me.”
“What is it?”
“It’s Liv,” he said, his deep voice not much more than a whisper. “Young. Just a kid. But it’s her, no doubt about it.”
Shocked, Julia followed his stare, even though she knew she’d see nothing.
But Derek definitely did. He focused on what once had been the side of the barn. Where, she knew from hearing Olivia’s story, there had once stood a large barrel full of water. His eyes were narrowed, his teeth clenched, judging by the stiffness of his jaw, but he wouldn’t look away.
“I don’t understand. She’s not dead,” Julia said, confused, as she often was by the abilities of these people she worked with day in and day out.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Review: Green-Eyed Envy
Green-Eyed Envy
Author: Kasey MacKenzie Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: Ace
Shades of Fury #2
ISBN: #978-0441020492
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (304 pages), e-book
We received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Jealousy can be a killer…
As a Fury, Marissa Holloway belongs to an Arcane race that has meted out justice since time immemorial. As Boston’s chief magical investigator, it’s her duty to solve any crimes committed by or against supernaturals.
Months have gone by since Riss discovered some unwelcome truths about her past—and managed to stop a supernatural war. Since then things have been quiet. Too quiet. But that all changes when the bodies of Bastai, shapeshifters also known as Cats, begin piling up in Boston’s magical underbelly—even though the legendary shifters are supposed to have ninety-nine lives.
One common thread ties the victims together: all were old flames of FBI Agent Harper Cruz. And since Harper and Riss’s lover Scott Murphy enjoyed a one-night stand before he and Riss reunited, the Fury has twice the incentive to crack the case wide open, before the killer’s green-eyed gaze turns in Scott’s direction…
What Gikany & Una are talking about:
Green-Eyed Envy is the second book in the Shades of Fury series. Gikany has read the previous novel, Red-Hot Fury while Una jumped into the series with this novel. That being said, we strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series. Quite a lot of world-building takes place in the first novel and there is quite a bit you should have under your belt before you start Green-Eyed Envy. As Una was reading, she could tell that Green-Eyed Envy deals with some important ramifications of what occurred in the previous novel and there is quite a bit of fury politics (and arcane politics) that are very confusing if you haven’t read the first book. Luckily, Una had Gikany to fill her in (after the fact, sadly, but still) on what she missed in the first book, however, Una looks forward to going back and reading the first book.
The Shades of Fury series follows the fury, Marissa Holloway, who is Boston’s Chief Magical Investigator. She is a fascinating and complex character. This alternate world that Ms. MacKenzie has created is enthralling and her writing style is fairly exciting. In this world, a fury is a powder keg of emotion ready to blow when her Rage is ignited. A member of the Sisterhood of the Furies uses this Rage to fuel her magic. Another tool in a fury’s arsenal are her amphisbaena, which are the serpent tattoos that come to life, similar to a witch’s familiar, to do her bidding. They help to attack, defend, and/or enhance the fury’s senses. This world is very interesting with the different types of arcanes or magical creatures that exist, including shapeshifters, giants, etc.
Green-Eyed Envy is a witty and exciting urban fantasy. The story flows smoothly, however, there are moments when it seems our main character is a tad…not dense but lacking some observational skills. However, we need to cut her a little slack, she does have quite a bit of stress on her plate, which, combined with the jealousy she hasn’t quite gotten over, could make her a little less than on top of her game. Our criminal in this novel was very clever and that truly strengthened the novel. However, the resolution of the main conflict seemed strangely swift and straightforward compared to getting to the true identity of our criminal mastermind. That being said, it is not a large negative to the story. The banter between the characters, the world in general and the overlying plot lines keep the story fresh and engaging.
There are plot lines that begin in this Green-Eyed Envy we assume will be resolved in the next novel. Due to that fact, we highly recommend that you read the series from the beginning. Una is still a little confused as to the politics and groups of Furies. There is available for download on the author’s website is a pdf that gives a very good summary for the groups or you can click HERE. As for Gikany and Una, they look forward to the next novel in this series.
Their Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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