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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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Thursday, April 5, 2012
Review: Hunter's Rise
Hunter’s Rise
Author: Shiloh Walker
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Hunters Series Book 14
ISBN: #978-0425248379
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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His past is a mystery, even to him—a werewolf with memories so lost in a fog that even the Hunter’s healers cannot help him. Two hundred years ago, Toronto awakened on an unfamiliar street, naked and alone. Dogged by the unanswered questions of his enigmatic existence, he fears he will never find the missing pieces of the puzzle that is his life.
The vampire Sylvia is no Hunter. She’s a take-no-prisoner mercenary that just barely skates this side of what the Hunters consider acceptable. She has no use for them, their laws, their rules. All she wants is to hunt her quarry, and make a lot of money. Her newest prey is a killer as devious as he is slippery. But her newest complication is of a more intimate sort: A blonde, blue-eyed werewolf who interferes with her plans in so many exquisite ways.
What B is talking about:
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Having been bitten by five werewolves when he was a teen, Toronto should be dead. Instead, he not only survived the attack and the violent hunger that consumed him afterward, but he’s become a master in his own right. Tied to a past he can’t remember, he lives his life as if his future is just as empty, fighting the monsters that roam the world out of a sense of obligation, rather than purpose.
Sylvia James is a vampire and a loner, and likes it that way just fine, thank you. She’s a killer for hire, taking vengeance on behalf of those that can pay her fee…and sometimes for the ones that touch her heart. For those victims, the blood of their enemies is payment enough. But, when her latest job puts her in the crosshairs of a werewolf that breaks down every wall she’s got, she knows she in serious trouble.
This is the first novel in the Hunters series I’ve had the pleasure of reading, but there’s a lot about it to like. Hunter’s Rise has a great assemblage of characters in the mix. I absolutely adore Toronto. He’s a pain and then some for the Master vampire he serves, he’s snarky and sarcastic, but he won’t turn his back on those that need him. He and Sylvia are perfect for one another; both wary and damaged, yet reluctantly hopeful despite the weight of their respective pasts. Walker successfully avoids dragging her story down with stereotypes, keeping the dynamics and characteristics within her story familiar without being clichéd.
Not just an erotic tale filled with the befanged and furry, Hunter’s Rise is a suspenseful whodunit with plenty of surprises to keep the action lively. I didn’t have any real suspicions about the outcome until much later in the novel, and very much enjoyed reading through to the end to see if I was right. There are a few disturbing passages throughout, but they fit perfectly within the story Walker is telling. The Hunters’ world is often a bleak one, but in this author’s hands it is engaging rather than oppressive.
The instant heat between Sylvia and Toronto is both erotic and amusing. Both are tough characters who believe themselves immune to the pull of the heart, and watching them wrestle with the reality of their feelings is highly entertaining, especially earlier in the novel. But as they fall deeper into the mystery they’re trying to solve, as well as each other, the complications gain momentum, the overall tone becoming ever more urgent.
Hunter’s Rise is, sadly, the final novel of the Hunters series, and I deeply regret having missed out on so many of the others. Both clever and sexy, it was a pleasure to read and extremely difficult to put down. If you’re new to the series, this addition reads very well as a standalone, with enough about the secondary characters to encourage plenty of curiosity about the other novels in the series. If you’re already familiar with the series, you will surely not be disappointed.
B’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
Author Interview: Shiloh Walker
Today I have the honor of bringing to you paranormal and suspense romance author Shiloh Walker. Shiloh has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious works of fiction. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance.
Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest. She writes paranormal and contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense. Please help me welcome Shiloh toThat’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Shiloh, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Shiloh: Thanks so much for having me...!
Twimom: I’m very excited to have this chance to chat. I’ve been a twitter follower for a couple years, but just recently read my first Shiloh Walker book, The Departed. I LOVED the story and started adding some of your books to my TBR pile. You have an EXTENSIVE backlist, do you have a favorite book or series? Can you pick one of your series and tell my readers a bit more about it?
Shiloh: Oh, that's hard...I'm partial to my Grimm series...I bastardize fairy tales in that one, but I know not everybody loves paranormal like I do. The Departed is one my FBI Psychic books and that's a good series to start with, I guess...it's more of a reality-based paranormal, the characters are psychics who work for a special task force for the FBI. So far, there are just two stories, The Missing and The Departed but there's a novella due out this summer in the Hot in Handcuffs anthology and then another full-length book due out next year, I believe.
Twimom: During this month is the release of one of your Hunters Series books, Hunter's Rise. Can you share more about the book and this paranormal series? Is there a place for a “newbie” to jump into the series?
Shiloh: Actually, almost any of them...I try to write them to work on their own and Hunter's Rise would work completely fine as a stand-alone. The only ones that aren't quite as easy to follow without some idea of what's going on would be the ones involving the storyline about Nessa, a slightly crazy witch. There are some older stories that I'm reissuing digitally if somebody wants to get in at the very beginning, although those stories are hotter and the focus was a little different than what it is now.
Twimom: Review team member, B, has a review of Hunter’s Rise later today (4 Stars), and agrees that you can read it as a stand alone.
Your books include paranormal, contemporary and suspense romance. Do you prefer writing one genre over another? Is one easier to write from a technical or research side?
Shiloh: Suspense is a little harder because you want to keep the 'feel' of it more real, but I enjoy writing all of it. I get bored easy and writing everything feeds into my need for changing things up.
Twimom: What’s up next for Shiloh?
Shiloh: Who knows...I'm hoping to sell another romantic suspense trilogy and I've got another idea for some FBI psychics, but we'll just have to wait and see!
Twimom: I look forward to find out! I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What is your favorite read of 2011 or so far in 2012?
Shiloh: I tend to stick with romance and urban fantasy. Some of my favorite authors are SL Viehl/Lynn Viehl, Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Stacia Kane, Ilona Andrews... favorite reads? I've really loved Oracle's Moon by Thea Harrison and Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane. There are a couple of others I really loved but I don't know if I'm supposed to mention that I've read them yet!
Twimom: Oh Man! Now I’m dying to know what books you’ve gotten your hands on already! ;-) What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?
Shiloh: Chasing Magic by Stacia Kane, Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
Twimom: Oh! Gunmetal Magic is at the top of my list, too!
Shiloh, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you.
Shiloh: Thanks for having me!
You can find Shiloh Walker on line at
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Contest Winner - Playing Four Keeps
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my AAD Feature Author Spotlight with Kris Norris, and I want to specially thank Kris for stopping by and for graciously donating a copy of Playing Four Keeps for the giveaway.
Every person that commented was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winner was selected using random.org.
The Winner:
erin
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am emailing the winner. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com to verify your email address so that Kris can send you the book directly. If I do not hear from the winner by Monday April 9, 2012 by the end of the day, I will select another winner.
Thank you all so much for coming by and Happy Reading!
Review: Untouched
Untouched
Author: Sara Humphreys
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Amoveo Legend #2
ISBN: #9781402258466
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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From the outside, Kerry Smithson appears to have it all -- beauty, brains, money, and fame. However, Kerry harbors a crippling secret. One touch will tell her your deepest secrets and cause her mind-numbing pain. Adept at avoiding even the lightest of touches, isolation and loneliness has become her way of life. However, her world is turned upside down from the moment she encounters the disarmingly handsome Dante Coltari. Little does she know that Dante harbors a secret of his own. One that would change the course of their lives and intertwine their fates, forever.
What G & U are talking about:
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Untouched was a well-woven and nicely paced story. Gikany and Una enjoyed this second novel in the Amoveo Legacy. It has some humor and very touching moments. The action and mystery were a pleasant addition to the romance and we are already discussing whose story is next.
Dante and Kerry make a wonderful couple. They are able to laugh at not only themselves but also each other. There is only one moment that we found frustrating: Dante goes through the mating ceremony without telling Kerry. Once complete, she asks him what he said…and she finds out they are mated. This really bothered us. It does, however, go with her snarky comments throughout the story that refer to Dante as a Neanderthal. We just felt that Kerry should have been a little more upset, or angry about his actions.
We enjoyed seeing Malcom and Sam again and enjoyed their part in this story. Although we are not sure of the next pairing, we hope to see more of Malcom, Sam, Kerry and Dante in the next book. We would love to see Kerry meet Dante’s family. We would have enjoyed seeing it here, but can understand that it wouldn’t have been able to be inserted seamlessly.
While looking back at the overall story arc, we thought it may have dragged a little, but we still enjoyed the story. The twist of the “big bad” and the involvement of some of the new characters were interesting. The mythology is still very fascinating and enjoyable. Although the ending is a bit vague and wide open, we do look forward to the next novel in this Amoveo series.
Their Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews of other books in the series:
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Review: The Wolf Who Loved Me
The Wolf Who Loved Me
Author: Lydia Dare
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Hadley Brothers #1
(Westfield Brothers/Regency #8)
ISBN: #978-1402263460
Genre: Regency Romance, Paranormal
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A new sexy Regency paranormal trilogy by bestselling author Lydia Dare features hunky werewolves who need to learn how to behave in polite society. Can this pack of 'gentlemen' be trained in the ways of the ton, or is it too late to teach an old Lycan new tricks?
Lady Madeline Hayburn Has Money Problems...
Specifically, she has so much of it that she's dogged by fortune hunters, including her bewilderingly attractive, penniless neighbor, with his wild nature and uncouth manners...
Weston Hadley Has An Identity Crisis...
Specifically, he's just turned into a wolf while Madeline was watching. Now it's up to the regal lady to tame the wild beast...if she can...
What I’m talking about:
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Welcome to Regency-period England, where ladies are excitable and men are werewolves. The Wolf Who Loved Me kicks off the third set of books in Lydia Dare’s enjoyable paranormal/historical setting. The current series, dubbed the Hadley Brothers Trilogy, follows the three (secret) brothers of Lord Dashiel Thorpe, who was the hero from The Taming of the Wolf. The Wolf Who Loved Me is a “fresh start” to the overall series and can be read as a stand alone. For those that follow the Westfield Brothers books - this book takes place about 3 years after the start of the last book, Never Been Bit (but four years prior to the epilogue in that book).
Wes Hadley is the youngest of the three Hadley brothers - but only by a few minutes, although his twin, Gray, likes to constantly remind Wes that he is the younger of the pair. The Hadley brothers are not part of the upper-crust crowd that their brother, Dash, lives in. They are misfits and a bit rebellious. Yet, they are forced to attend the social gatherings from time to time, even if they don’t always behave. It is at one of these gatherings that Lady Madeline Hayburn catches the eye of young Wes.
Fast forward three years (and the start of this book), Lady Madeline (aka Maddie), is being preened and shown to suitors in hopes to attract the “right sort of man” to wed. She is not happy and does not want to marry someone “proper” because that is what she’s supposed to do. When Wes gives her a much needed reprieve from her admirers, Maddie realizes that there may be more to Wes that meets the eye.
Late one night she follows Wes into the stables where she witnesses him transform into a wolf. When she tries to return home, Wes kidnaps Maddie and takes off to Scotland where they will elope -- the reasoning is that only mates are allowed to know the true nature of Lycans.
The Wolf Who Loved Me had some great moments and an enjoyable story line. This was the first book that I’ve read in the series (I’ve read book #4-8) where the couple actually married early on (and before sex!) and subsequently faced much conflict. I loved the drama surrounding Maddie witnessing Wes shift. They are both innocent in so many ways, it was amusing to see them both indecisive as to what course of action to take.
Maddie and Wes are very sweet together. Although he did kidnap her, Maddie had several chances to return home, but she chose to stay with Wes and follow through on the marriage. One of the best moments in the book is when Maddie was faced with her father pounding on her room at the inn’s door and her future husband standing a floor below, outside her window, hoping she’ll jump. My heart stopped for a few moments - I didn’t think she’d do it.
Along the way Maddie and Wes meet up with a fellow Lycan, Dovenby (“Dove”), and his mistress, Lucy Reed. I wasn’t sure at first why the interlopers were introduced and was extremely frustrated to find out that the “fun-loving” Lucy and Wes shared a past. So when newly married Maddie witnesses Lucy and Wes sharing a kiss, I was a bit annoyed. Of course it wasn’t as it appeared, but Maddie runs and wants to return home. She seeks solace with Dove, who plays along and agrees to take Lucy home. I am not a fan of these type storylines - where a simple misunderstanding throws a wrench into the flow of the story. It always seems contrived and unnecessary. I actually had to put the book down for a while because I was so annoyed.
However, to my enjoyment, the plot quickly changed with a twist that I didn’t really see coming until too late. It added new life to the story and kept me up into the night so I could finish reading!
Overall the story was entertaining. However, the paranormal aspects of this world were sorely lacking. It was used as a device to get the couple together, and that I liked. But other than describing the quick healing abilities and some of the other extra sensory properties, being a Lycan meant very little in the book. I would have liked to see more paranormal in the romance.
The ending of the book was tidy and neat. I have to say I usually don't like the long build up towards the end, with a one or two page climatic finale, but it worked here. I loved how Mattie took charge of her future and ran towards what she loved.
Overall, The Wolf Who Loved Me is an enjoyable and quick read. Although I was a little annoyed over the mess and misunderstandings with Lucy, I ended up enjoying her character. I look forward to find more about Lucy (and Gray) in an upcoming story.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Monday, April 2, 2012
AAD Author Spotlight: Kris Norris
Hello Readers! Today I bring you romance author, Kris Norris. Kris sees herself as somewhat obsessive and feels she tends to push the boundaries of common sense sometimes. Her friends graciously see her as passionate and adventurous. After all, speed limits are only a guideline and shouting is just her way of rising above the chaos.
She loves the outdoors. If she’s not on her computer— or chasing after her three kids— you’ll find her out on a trail somewhere, either running or riding her mountain bike. She loves trying new challenges and completed the TransRockies Race this past year.
She started writing some years back, and it took her a while to realize she wasn’t destined for the padded room, and the voices chattering away in her head were really other characters trying to take shape. (And since they weren’t telling her to conquer the human race, she went with it. Though if they had...)
She loves writing erotic novels. She loves heroines who kick butt, heroes who are larger than life, and sizzling love scenes that leave you feeling just a bit breathless. So stay tuned, and, as always, enjoy the ride...
Kris is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.
Also, keep reading to learn more about Kris’s release, Playing Four Keeps, and enter to win a copy! GIVEAWAY details are below.
Please help me welcome Kris to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Smart is Sexy…
First off, thanks to Jen for having me here today…it’s great to be part of this fabulous blog. Now, when she originally asked me if I’d be interested, I was terrified... honestly, I’m horrible at coming up with blog ideas. It’s like every creative thought in my body just freezes and I’m left blabbering on about some inane topic no one really wants to read about. But Jen assured me I’d find something to chat about… so, consider yourself warned! (But there is a contest, so bare with me.)
There are lots of topics I thought about covering, but one stuck out. And it’s the basis behind my new novel, Playing Four Keeps. Smart is sexy. And I’m not just talking about a gal who can balance her cheque book…no honey, I mean photographic memory, statistic loving, could do your taxes in her sleep smart. All this, and she can shoot, too.
Now I realize times have changed, but it seems that some stereotypes still linger on. Let’s face it…when I say smart, most of us picture thick glasses, greasy hair and pimples. You know the look…the same kids you avoided in high school unless you needed help in algebra…those kids. But like most things, smart has a whole new look, and I’m here to tell you it will blow the old images out of the water.
To be honest, I was one of those brainy kids…now I don’t wear glasses (no, not yet, despite the increase in age, lol) and I’d like to think my shampoo doesn’t leave my hair greasy, but I know I was in that group as a teenager. Even today, my kids kind of give me that look when I do math in my head or glance at their homework and smile, the answer already poised on my tongue. But I no longer hide it. I embrace it, and quite honestly, I have Hollywood to thank for it.
I know…how on Earth did Hollywood break the nerd mold? In a word…Numbers. Now you may not be familiar with this TV show…it aired for 6 seasons and was cancelled a few years back, but in my opinion, it brought smart into the realm of sexy for an entire generation of viewers. The premise was simple…genius mathematician helps his FBI brother solve cases using math. Far-fetched you may say, but in reality, not so much. You’d be surprised how ingrained math, statistics, probability and the like are in our lives…but what was truly amazing was that for one of the first times, it made being smart attractive… heroic even. And I was hooked. I mean, after Revenge of the Nerds, it was such a huge step in the right direction. Smart was on the frontline, fighting the good fight—and it was winning.
Thus, when my gal pal, Bronwyn Green dared me to write a four-way ménage, I knew it’d take more than a pretty face to go up against three men. My heroine needed smarts, and she wasn’t going to be afraid to use them. Enter Reese Bailey. A woman after my own heart. With an IQ off the chart, and enough gall to stare down any Alpha male, she’s in a league all her own…one she’ll share with the right guy…or guys. She’s far from perfect, but she’s definitely a new brand of heroine. One where intelligence replaces lingerie and outsmarting the bad guy is a mathematical certainty.
Below is the blurb to my new novel…just out with Resplendence Publishing and available at ARe. Click HERE for more information.
Thanks again to Jen for having me stop by. And now that you’ve made it through the entire post, I’m happy to offer a copy of my latest novel…Playing Four Keeps… Good luck and hope to meet many of you at AAD in NOLA this summer.
You can find Kris on line at
More on Playing Four Keeps (Resplendence Publishing, March 2012)
If two’s company and three’s a crowd, then four is bound to be…deadly.
Special Agent Reese Bailey has a new assignment…one not under the jurisdiction of the federal bureau. She’s been hired to identify the person trying to kill the members of one of the hottest rock bands hitting the charts, and three of the hottest men she’s ever laid eyes on. Keeping her distance would be hard if she wasn’t certain they’d come to the same conclusion as all her past encounters…she’s just too different to make the cut.
Mace, Nash and Landon aren’t sure what to think of the incredibly smart federal agent who walks into their life, and into their hearts, they only know she’s the one they’ve been waiting for. It’s clear she’s a professional, not to mention a child protégé who can read their body language while figuring projectile paths in her head. And she’s not one to mix duty with pleasure.
But they aren’t taking no for an answer, not when their souls are on the line. Reese proves to be everything they've ever imagined and more. But the stakes are higher than any of them realize and if she can’t track down the stalker in time, the boys won’t be the only ones playing for keeps.
GIVEAWAY Thank you, Kris, for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About. Kris is graciously giving away one (1) e-copy of Playing Four Keeps. Please leave your comments for Kris by Wednesday April 4, 2012, at 9:00 PM EDT to be eligible for the contest. One entry per person, the winner will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open internationally; please leave your email address so I can contact you. Thank you to Kris for this fun giveaway!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday Snippet #98
Alpha Intinct
Author: Katie Reus
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
7 February 2012
Shaking her head, she started to leave them when a gray wolf cub tumbled past her. “What the …?”
A second later, a female jaguar cub followed hot on his tail. The spotted animal raced past her so quickly, it took a moment for her to digest what she was seeing. Ana turned and started after them, to find Ryan scooping them up, one in each hand.
“What the hell is going on?” She hadn’t meant to shout but the words flew out.
The few horses whinnied nervously. By now they were used to wolves, but the scent of a jaguar was something else entirely. A new predator – tiny as she was – would take some getting used to.
Both cubs buried their faces against Ryan’s neck. He grinned and held out the tiny jaguar. “This is Vivian.” She tried to scramble away but he held her tight. Then he held out the gray wolf, who attempted to wiggle out of Ryan’s hand. “And this is Lucas.”
Her heart instantly warmed at the sight of the two cubs. Even the jaguar. It had been a long time since their family had any little ones running around. Most of her packmates were younger than her and weren’t interested in settling down yet. And all the pregnant shifters, with the exception of her mother, had died from the poisoning. Almost on cue, an ache sparked in her chest at the thought of her mother dying from a broken heart, unable to live without her mate. But Ana pushed past the pain as she eyed the little ones. Seeing them somehow made the ache inside her easier. Life was treasured among her kind and, well, the cubs were totally adorable. “This might sound like an obvious question, but who are they and where did they come from?”
“Uh…” Ryan looked down and for the first time since she’d met him, he seemed uncomfortable. His neck turned a dark shade of red.
Behind Ana, Teresa chuckled at his obvious discomfort, which earned her a glare from Ryan.
Okay, if he wasn’t going to answer, she’d try another tactic. “Were they with you guys the other night in the woods?”
He shrugged and the jaguar tried to burrow deeper against his neck. “Sort of.”
“That’s not an answer,” she said through gritted teeth.
“I think you should talk to Connor about this.”
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