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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, September 6, 2012
Review: Charming Blue by Kristine Grayson
Charming Blue
Author: Kristine Grayson
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc.
Charming Series #4
ISBN: #978-1402263743
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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He lived through ages with the curse of attracting women...who end up dead...
One upon a time, he was the most handsome of princes, destined for great things. But now he's a lonely legend, hobbled by a dark history. With too many dead in his wake, Bluebeard escapes the only way he knows how—through the evil spell of alcohol. But it's a far different kind of spell that's been ruining his life for centuries.
How will she survive this killer Prince Charming?
Jodi Walters is a fixer, someone who can put magic back in order. She's the best in Hollywood at her game. But Blue has a problem she's never encountered before—and worse, she finds herself perilously attractived to him.
What B is talking about:
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Jodi Walters, descendant of Chatelaines and the number one liaison between the magical creatures of LA and the Hollywood execs who employ them, has seen just about everything. Except, of course, a sober (and washed!) Bluebeard the Pirate. But, even her impressive ability to make things right may not be enough to compete with the sinister magic behind what’s troubling him.
Bluebeard (aka “Blue,” aka “John Franklin”) has spent his time in the Greater World either in rehab, or working hard to get there. Where else would a serial killer prince with a conscience want to be? As with most fairy tales, however, things are never what they seem. Now, with the help of his friend “Tank,” and the beautiful woman who believes in him despite the odds, he just might have a chance at a happily ever after all his own.
In this most recent addition to the Charming series, Ms. Grayson continues her merry stomp across familiar fairy tales, putting to rights the misinformation perpetuated by the slanderous Brothers Grimm along the way. She uses unpredictability to its best advantage, keeping Charming Blue entertaining by combining good storytelling with random doses of the funny and absurd. The story seems designed to keep the reader off balance; one of my favorite, and admittedly juvenile, examples being the interruption of a serious discussion about a stalker and murderer by the production of windshield-obscuring purple fairy farts.
Many of the high points of Charming Blue come from the secondary characters, Cantankerous Belle (or “Tank,” for short) and Ramon, in particular, who threaten to outshine the main characters on more than one occasion. Jodi and Blue are interesting characters, too, but they might have had stronger personalities if they had slightly less colorful friends. However, the story wouldn’t have been nearly so much fun without them just as they are.
As with the other novels in the series I’ve had the pleasure to read so far, Charming Blue is filled with comedy, suspense, romance, and quite a few hilariously awkward moments. While the ending wasn’t quite what I’d hoped it would be, I enjoyed the mystery behind crimes Jodi and Blue are trying to solve a great deal. With plenty more fairy tales just waiting for their turn, I’m certain it will be a hoot to see what Ms. Grayson comes up with next.
B’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Contest Winner - The Trouble with Magic
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About forThe Trouble with Magic giveaway. A special thanks goes out to Sourcebooks for hosting the giveaway!
The winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am sending the winner an email to contact me with their full name and mailing address. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your information so the author can send you the book. You have until Wednesday September 12, 2012 (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!
Review: A Lady and Her Magic by Tammy Falkner
A Lady and Her Magic
Author: Tammy Falkner
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
ISBN: #978-1402268120
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Rules Are Made To Be Disobeyed...
Sophia Thorne is new to the Regency's glittering high society, which resembles her magical homeland only insofar as both places are filled with ridiculous rules. Which means no matter where she goes, she's bound for trouble...
And Scandals Are Meant To Be Shocking...
The Duke of Robinsworth has flaunted and shocked society for years. In a moment of fateful mischief, Robinsworth encounters the enchanting and distinctly scandalous Sophia. Between her streak of magical mischief and his penchant for scandal, they're about to take rule-breaking to a whole new level...
What Una is talking about:
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A Lady and her Magic is the debut novel in a new crossover series by Tammy Falkner. It is a historical romance mixed with fantasy. Una found it to be an enjoyable and delightful, fluffy read.
A Lady and her Magic is said to be the first in a new series, although, truth be told, I cannot find for the life of me the name of the series. Imagine a historical romance that is crossed with fantasy and you will have the rich world that Ms. Falkner has created. The story begins with Sophia starting what may prove to be her last mission. It seems the Fae have a parallel world to ours and yet are involved in our world – whether solving issues or providing coins for children’s teeth. Although the worlds are similar, they are different in the mores that govern them. It was fun to read about Sophia being unladylike and yet how refreshing it was to the Duke. It seemed strange that for a lady, Sophia’s odd behavior was not more censured by Ashley. In fact, it seemed his attraction to her rather odd behavior was a bit of a juxtaposition for a man of this time period.
Ashley, the Duke of Robinsworth, is scandalized by the death (most importantly the circumstances surrounding it) of his wife. He lives a fairly secluded life for being a Duke, with his only child, his daughter, Anne. For as rough a reputation he has, Ashley is surprisingly warm and kind. I enjoyed his characterization and his good-heartedness. The flirtations between Ashley and Sophia are sweet and candid. However, their romance is strictly forbidden by Fae law. Sophia, sadly, is right on the line of being irrevocably punished, her wings being removed along with her magic. It is akin to a death sentence for a Fae. It is vital for her to resolve the mission – she must save Anne from the terrible night terrors that plague her.
The mythology is very similar to some of the tales I have heard growing up. I enjoyed the world of A Lady and her Magic and felt it was simply and yet richly described. Although it feels as if the plot moved a bit slowly, it was not painfully slow. The world-building was scattered throughout, as the plot moved. Some moments and resolutions were predictable; however the overall ending of the novel was surprising. It is this cliffhanging event that makes me curious as to what the next novel will hold. I will say that the gnome, Ronald, was a bit of a scene-stealer. The interactions involving him were hilarious but did have a tendency to overshadow the other characters.
If you are looking for a fun and entertaining blend of historical romance and fantasy, you might want to give A Lady and her Magic a try. You may find it an enjoyable and fluffy Saturday afternoon read.
Una’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Review: Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh
Archangel’s Storm
Author: Nalini Singh
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Guild Hunter #5
ISBN: #978-0425246580
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.
Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.
With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.
What I’m talking about:
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Archangel’s Storm opens with the memories of Jason, one of Archangel Raphael’s elite guard and his spymaster. It paints a gruesome picture of a terrifying event that shaped Jason’s entire life -something that created an angel of few words and full of a fierce darkness. Once we jump forward to present day, we discover these memories constantly haunt the warrior angel, continuing to mold his persona, and therefore, this story.
Taking place immediately after the previous novel, Archangel’s Blade, we find ourselves at the wedding of Dmitri (Raphael’s second) and Honor (the couple were the primary focus of the last book). While at the celebration, Jason discovers that Eris, the imprisoned consort and husband of Neha, one of the Ruling Archangels known as the Cadre of Ten, has been murdered. Jason is best suited to help solve this mystery, which is necessary to prevent Neha from complete madness and the needless destruction of any territory or loss or lives.
Right from the start I was intrigued by Jason, an angel we know little about. He has a sixth sense which helps him perfect his spying skills. He also has the ability to blend in with the shadows, making him nearly invisible. Through intermittent flashbacks, we find out that Jason was loved by his parents, but something went horribly wrong when he was young, leaving him on his own. He's is an enigma and a riddle worth solving.
The same can be said of Neha’s adopted daughter, the Princess Mahiya. Mahiya is Neha's niece, born of Neha's sister Nivriti, and her father is Eris (Neha’s husband). Although Neha raised Mahiya as her daughter, the betrayal of her sister and husband left Neha bitter and angry. Mahiya was hated by both Neha and Eris as a reminder of past sins and the reason Eris was imprisoned for over three centuries. Yet, Mahiya is unbroken, even after decades of torment and hatred from her powerful Archangel aunt. We learn early on that instead of falling victim to Neha’s mistreatment, Mahiya remains determined to find love and live free.
The pace and feel of Archangel’s Storm is different than the previous books in the Guild Hunter series. However, it is reflective of the main character, Jason. He's a shadow with force - a waiting storm. Instead of focusing most of the attention on our hero and heroine falling in love, the primary storyline that drives this book is the mystery of who killed Eris (and a few others) and what motives are behind the seemingly unrelated deaths. Although I correctly guessed early on who was behind the grisly murders, I was still drawn in and unable to put the book down. And thanks to Ms. Singh ability to write in a way (sentence structure, language, prose) that just feels so sensual, the book flows beautifully -- even the violent scenes.
The romance in this story is very subdued. The first hints of any sexual attraction between Mahiya and Jason didn’t even occur until after the 40% mark (according to my Kindle). But it’s okay. The mystery of who is killing off angels is completely captivating. Meanwhile, Jason and Mahiya play a carefully calculated game of chess, wondering who will break first--who will gain the advantage. Neither are cruel, but both have the skills to be. That’s what I love about the pair - they haven’t given into the darkness that surrounds them. And I enjoyed seeing both Jason and Mahiya recognize the spark of a greater person and purpose within themselves. It's about two people on two journeys of self-discovery that are tied to one another.
One part of the book that I wasn’t a big fan of is the side story of Honor and Dmitri as we follow her decision to become and begin the transition to a vampire. It is always interesting and exciting to find out what happens to favorite couples after their book ends, but in this case, their sections were disruptive to the intensity and flow of the primary storyline. I was hoping the two plots would come together in the end, but they remained as two separate stories.
I love that in the end, Jason is still Jason - no dramatic changes because he fell in love. And that Mahiya accepts this. The pair are so honest with one another. I love that both fought for goodness rather than falling into despair. It's not your typical HEA, but you know that in their way they have found "forever happy."
As I stated, the romance in this book was secondary to the murder mystery and subsequent battle. That may put off some, but I felt the romance infused the story with such subtlety that I unconsciously perceived it much of the time. The slower pace of the story resonated with the characters, and I was completely drawn into the plot. Archangel’s Storm did not blaze off the pages, but its quiet influence touched my inner being.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
"Angel's Wolf" (Book #4.5)
Monday, September 3, 2012
Contest Winner - Primal Possession
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for the guest post from the always charming Katie Reus and entering the giveaway. A special thanks goes out to Katie!
The Winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am sending the winner an email to contact me with their full name and mailing address. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your information so the author can send you the book. You have until Monday September 10, 2012 (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!
Summer Lovin' Reads ala VampBard
It's been a GREAT summer for reading! Besides the titles that she's reviewed for That's What I'm Talking About, VampBard has read many other books. To cap off this summer of reading, she’s put together a summary of some of the titles she’s read, but didn’t review. VampBard has enjoyed most, awarding them high ratings and bestowing a quirky award or two. We hope you enjoy this end-of-summer treat!
A Shiver at Twilight (Halloween-themed novella)
Erin Quinn. October 26, 2011, Books We Love.
Wow! This one definitely fed my Stephen King factor! Psychological horror with some romance added in. Pulls together my past reader and my present-day reader. Perfect!
Award: Best Horror/Ghost Story
Darker After Midnight (Midnight Breed 10)
Lara Adrian. January 24, 2012, Dell.
I can't believe this is the end of the series! Ms. Adrian did a really great job tying up loose ends. I hope to see more of the Breed from her in the future...I'll miss them!
Award: Best Series Ending EVER!
EDITED TO ADD (by Twimom): This ISN’T the end of the series! Edge of Dawn, the 11th MB book is set to release in January, 2013.
A Taste of Midnight (Midnight Breed 9.5)
Lara Adrian. December 5, 2011, Dell.
I think that reading this novella increased my experience in reading the series-culmination, Darker after Midnight. I think it's definitely a MUST READ, for fans of the Midnight Breed series.
The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld 9)
Gena Showalter. February 28, 2012, HQN Books.
I adored Paris' book. I thought that it was a great addition to Ms. Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series, one of my absolute favorites.
Award: Best Title from Long-Standing Series
Magic Mike starring Channing Tatum
This was the best movie to attend with one of your Girls that actually GET your penchant for smut & eyecandy! I was lucky enough to attend with Twimom!
Award: Hottest (Chick) Flick of the Summer
Butterfly
Katherine Harvey. 1989, Guild.
I NEVER predicted the outcome of this story! Great read for the lover of suspense and psychological thrillers.
Award: Best Romantic Suspense
The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1)
Tarryn Fisher. November 14, 2011, Self-Published.
This was a great story...especially from one of my first ventures into reading a self-published author.
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1)
Deborah Harkness. February 8, 2011, Viking.
What I loved the most about A Discovery of Witches is that Ms. Harkness wrote about something with which I was familiar. Researching. Her description, while not overboard, made me feel as though I was right there!
Award: Best New-To-Me & Breakout
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Gennifer Choldenko. September 1, 2007, Harcourt Books.
Great read for 8-12 year-olds. Provides a unique and realistic perspective to get these kids asking the all-important 'Who am I?' question.
Award: Best Young Adult in a LONG time!
All That Bleeds (Etherlin #1)
Kimberley Frost. January 3, 2012, Berkley Sensation.
This initial book of Ms. Frost's Etherlin series integrates paranormal and mythology in a seamless manner, without hiding the paranormal from the human population. Unique approach. Superior execution.
Award: Best Integration of Paranormal Elements
50 Shades of Grey
E.L. James. May 26, 2011, Vintage.
Pop lit for Summer 2012. I've read better 'mommy porn'. Tugged at my Twilight heart-strings.
50 Shades Darker
E.L. James. September 15, 2011, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
50 Shades Darker was my favorite book in the 50 Shades Trilogy. I think it was my favorite because we learned the most about Christian, and saw his character evolve so much.
50 Shades Freed
E.L. James. January 19, 2012, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
The ending of the 50 Shades Trilogy was definitely a let-down and felt like a cop-out. I was definitely hoping for something more than sunshine, flowers, rainbows and unicorns.
Award: Lamest Ending to a Series
So what was on your summer reading list? Were there any breakouts for you? What about disappointments?
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Contest Winner - Widow’s Web
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my interview with the amazing Jennifer Estep and entering the giveaway. A special thanks goes out to my new and continuing Google Connect Followers.
The Winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am sending the winner an email to contact me with their full name and mailing address. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your information so the author can send you the book. You have until Monday September 10, 2012 (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!
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