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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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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Cover Love
AH! I can't believe another GREAT cover (we just saw Sydney Croft's upcoming a week ago)... This book also comes from the OH MY GOD I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS BOOK files...
Nalini Singh has released the cover for her 10th Psy-Changeling book... I give you Kiss of Snow. The Psy-Changeling series is probably my favorite paranormal series. This book features SnowDancer Alpha, Hawke, and his soon-to-be-named mate, and will conclude the current story arc. I seriously CANNOT wait for this book! Holy Hell is this cover HOT!
June 2011 is going to be one HOT month with all of the great books scheduled for release!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Review: Styx's Storm
Styx’s StormAuthor: Lora Leigh
Release Date: October 5, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
A Breeds Series Book (#22 according to Goodreads)
ISBN: #978-0425237397
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): mass market paperback (304 pgs), e-book
From the back cover:
When Storme Montague’s father and brother are killed by the Breeds, her father’s research is also destroyed--except for a crucial date chip that both the Council and the Breeds would kill to possess. Betrayed to the Council, she is rescued by Styx, a Wolf Breed who is different from most other Breeds she has ever known. Storme has something he wants too--but it’s not a data chip.
There’s never been a woman who bad boy Styx couldn’t seduce. But can the charmer of the Wolf Breeds charm the enemy?
Or has the enemy come up with a plan of her own? A plan that could destroy the tentative balance the Breeds have created in society and among their allies--and that may ultimately destroy them both...
What I’m talking about:
Lora Leigh’s Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. I admit it. I really enjoy the books. Yes, they tend to follow the same basic storyline. Yes, the males are bit hard-headed and dominate/possessive. Yes... I love it! And this story is no different.
Spoiler Alert (this contains information learned in previous Breed books and may be a spoiler if you haven’t read them)
Picking up about 6 weeks after the end of Lion’s Heat (my review HERE), we find out there there may be information out there to help Breed Director, Jonas Wyatt, figure out what was done to his infant daughter. That information is hidden by Storme Montague, who’s father and brother were Council scientists that helped create the Breed race. She was raised in a Breed laboratory setting and witnessed a rouge Breed murder her brother and father. Storme has been on the run for ten years and doesn’t trust ANYONE. The Breeds have followed Storme from afar, always protecting her without her knowledge, hoping she would come to them one day and share the secrets that her father and brother left with her. Unfortunately, time has run out and the Breeds send out Wolf Breed Styx to bring in Storme.
Styx is not your average Breed. He is known as quite the ladies man and for good reason. Even when scared, this is Storme’s first impression of her undiscovered mate:
Squared, strong features drew instant female attention, as did the exotic eyes that appeared to be lined with kohl. High cheekbones, well-molded male lips, broad shoulders, a strong chest and impressive biceps. He was larger and broader than the other men, and looked exactly like what he had been created to be. A Scots warrior. He would have looked at home in a kilt with a sword strapped to his waist.
Styx knows Storme is his mate, yet the mating process doesn’t complete after they have hot and steamy smex. He is perplexed and frustrated, and he cannot share the information with Storme until he knows if she will betray the Breeds or not. At first I thought this may be a repeat of either Mercury’s War or Tanner’s Scheme, but Ms. Leigh tweaks the story enough to make it a bit different. Unfortunately, we never really learn why the mating process was delayed, and I felt a bit let down by that.
What I did enjoy (besides the passionate and very hot romance) was that Storme got the chance to fall in love with Styx before the mating took hold. Although she is involuntarily taken and protected by the Breeds, she is treated with kindness and respect. Styx doesn’t try to force the mating and he doesn’t try to overtly dominate Storme. She does hate and fear the Breeds and her captor/mate, but she starts to observe that her perceptions may not be true. She struggles with her emotions and fights the dueling attraction and lust verses her long-held beliefs. This is a refreshing change from some of the earlier Breeds Series books.
We didn’t learn much about the overall story arc and conflict of Breed verses Council, and there were more unanswered or open questions (see earlier comment on delayed mating process). However, I enjoyed the focus on Storme and Styx. The romance was extremely hot and I felt more of a connection with this couple than I did in the previous couple of stories.
This is a must read for Breed fans. However, if you haven’t been following the series, I don’t know if this book would be well received. As I wrote in my review of Lion’s Heat, you can start with Megan’s Mark and get enough background and story to make the series worthwhile. But if you haven’t followed the series, you really should!
My Rating:
4: Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday Snippets #30
From Presumed Dead by Shirley Wells
Sandra had a quick glance at Mabel, decided that another five minutes under the dryer wouldn’t hurt her, and headed for the stairs.
“Won’t be a minute, love!”
Once upstairs, she picked up the phone and tapped in Yvonne’s number.
“Yvonne, it’s me. I can’t stop, I’ve got Miserable Mabel drying to a frazzle, but you’ll never guess what. Some bloke’s just been in and he were asking after—well, you’ll never guess.”
“Then you’d better tell me, hadn’t you?”
“Anita Bloody Champion!”
Silence met her statement. Sandra wasn’t surprised—it had been years since any of them had mentioned that name.
“You still there, Yvonne?”
“Yes. Course I am. You took me by surprise, that’s all.”
“It took me by surprise, too. Can you believe it? After all these years?”
“What did you tell him?”
“What do you think?” Sandra demanded. “I told him that she went out with you three one night and vanished. Said I’d have gone too but that my Eddie were home on leave.”
“God!”
“He were desperate to find someone who knew her. Preferably someone who were with her on that last night.”
“What? Oh, no!”
“What could I do? I tried to put him off, but it were looking suspicious.”
“Christ!”
“He’s all right. Nice enough to look at, the right side of forty, good tipper. He told me he had a bit of a fling with Anita and gave her a ring—another bloody sucker for a pair of legs and tits by the sound of it.”
“Please don’t tell me you gave him my name. Please!”
“I had to. It would have looked as if we had something to hide if I hadn’t. I gave him your phone number, not your address. Anyway, he’s okay. As I said, he’s not bad looking really. Just under six feet, dark hair, not overweight. Clothes are a bit creased, but nice enough. As you’re on your own now, you can get him to take you out for a meal or something.”
“Bloody hell, Sand! And what am I supposed to tell him?”
“The truth. Anita vanished, remember?” There was another long pause. “I can’t talk to him,” Yvonne said. “Why the hell did you have to give him my name? The very thought of that night makes me want to throw up.”
“She vanished, Yvonne. She went off with some bloke, like she always did—and usually one of our blokes at that—and didn’t come back. That weren’t our fault, were it?”
Yvonne didn’t answer.
“I’ll have to go,” Sandra said, “or Mabel’s hair’ll be dropping out. I’ll ring you later, okay?”
“God, Sand, I wish you hadn’t done this. I really do.”
“Yeah, well, I’ll speak to you later.”
Friday, October 15, 2010
Review: Fearless Desires
Fearless DesiresAuthor: Stacey Espino
Release Date: June 10, 2010
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Immortal Love Series Book #1
ISBN: #978-1606017371
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback (266 pages), e-book
I received an electronic copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Delius never asked for his fate, but in a world that placed all its faith in prophecy, he would be a fool to challenge it. He felt like a parasite, forced to live off the fear of humans.
From the first time Delius became trapped in Selina's mind and seduced by her provocative thoughts, he was drawn to her. She was a mystery that turned into an obsession. Yet, for them to have a life together, Delius would have to go against his own race that demanded he fulfill his destiny. One that did not include Selina.
From the first time Delius became trapped in Selina's mind and seduced by her provocative thoughts, he was drawn to her. She was a mystery that turned into an obsession. Yet, for them to have a life together, Delius would have to go against his own race that demanded he fulfill his destiny. One that did not include Selina.
What I’m talking about:
Delius and his five brothers are Fear Demons. But in Ms. Espino’s world, demons are not hideous creatures from hell. The Demons (Fear, Lust and Aggression) are immortal beings that look like humans (good looking ones, albeit) and feed off human energy. They (rarely) hurt humans, but they (are not supposed to) interfere with human activities.
Delius has never been happy with his lot in life - feeling like a leach and always witnessing the “evil” humanity has to offer. He is sent to investigate a human that doesn’t project fear, and as soon as he sees Selina, he is drawn to her. She is an enigma, but it’s more that the mystery that attracts him. He cannot help but feel possessive and the desire for both blooms. Soon, Selina is pulled into the unknown world of Demons, where faith in prophecy rule above all and an impending Demon War is looming.
This book was like CRACK for me. I seriously could not put it down. I was reading while at work, in my car (not while driving), while making dinner, in line and the grocery store, etc. It started with the unique and engrossing mythology. Then I couldn’t resist the smokin’ hot sex scenes. But Ms. Espino reeled me in with the love story. Delius and Selina are a great couple. They come from different worlds and they struggle to find their way together. They try to figure out if love can conquer all... can one choose love that is forbidden? What if it is not fated? What if choosing love means war and death? Their scenes were touching, heart-warming, and at times heart-wrenching.
I did get a bit annoyed with the brothers’ and Selena’s critical thinking abilities. There is no question that Selena is different, but when they all jump to the same (and wrong) conclusion about her origins I wanted to scream, because it was obvious that they were wrong! But luckily, they all figured out who is what and who belongs to whom in a fairly timely manner.
And in the middle of all of this hot romance, mating and action is a mystery. There is a rogue Fear Demon killing humans through nightmares (which is against the rules). It was fun to try and put together all of the pieces and watch them unfold (I was wrong with my guesses!) This story is a wonderful mix of paranormal fantasy, erotic romance, action and mystery. I cannot wait to read Ms. Espino’s follow up book, Fearless Love (which I will review next month).
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Presumed Dead - Winner
First and foremost I want to thank author Shirley Wells for visiting with me this week and for generously donating a copy of her fabulous mystery, Presumed Dead. It was a treat to break from my normal paranormal romance and UF reading to enjoy a new story!
Second, I would like to thank each of you that stopped by and entered the contest or just commented on the posts.
THE WINNER:
The winner of Presumed Dead is:
Estella
Estella... please email me with your email address at twimom227 at gmail dot com. Ms. Wells will email you the e-book directly. If I do not hear from Estella by the end of the day Monday October 18, I will select another winner.
Thank you all!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Cover Love
This comes from the OH MY GOD I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS BOOK files...
Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler have released the cover for the upcoming (and final *sob*) ACRO book... I give you Taken by Fire by Sydney Croft. For those that follow my blog, you know that I adore this series and can't wait to get my hands on this book...
Isn't this just SO INCREDIBLY HOT? *sigh* June 2011 is a LONG wait!
Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler have released the cover for the upcoming (and final *sob*) ACRO book... I give you Taken by Fire by Sydney Croft. For those that follow my blog, you know that I adore this series and can't wait to get my hands on this book...
Isn't this just SO INCREDIBLY HOT? *sigh* June 2011 is a LONG wait!
Review: Presumed Dead
Presumed DeadAuthor: Shirley Wells
Release Date: July 26, 2010
Publisher: Carina Press
Dylan Scott Mysteries Book #1
ISBN: #978-1426890444
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Format(s): e-book
I received a e-copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Dylan Scott has problems. Dismissed in disgrace from the police force for assaulting a suspect, he has no job, his wife has thrown him out and—worse luck—his mother has moved in. So when Holly Champion begs him to investigate the disappearance of her mother thirteen years ago, he can't say no, even though it means taking up residence in the dreary Lancashire town of Dawson's Clough for the duration.
Although the local police still believe Anita Champion took off for a better life, Dylan's inquiries turn up plenty of potential suspects: the drug-dealing, muscle-bound bouncer at the club where Anita was last seen; the missing woman's four girlfriends, out for revenge; the local landowner with rumored mob connections—the list goes on. But no one is telling Dylan all they know—and he soon finds that one sleepy Northern town can keep a lot of secrets.
What I’m talking about:
Heads up and note: THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE. THIS IS NOT A PARANORMAL-THEMED BOOK! *shock* I know... I can expand my horizons!
Okay, so now that I have that out of the way, I want to tell you about this great mystery I just read... First of all, we have our hero, Dylan Scott. The poor man has had a bit of a tough run and we catch him trying to pull his life back to some normalcy. After being kicked off the police force and spending time in jail, his self-esteem and pride have taken a huge hit. His wife is tired of his attitude and kicks him out. Dylan’s chance to turn himself around falls to Holly Champion. He is contacted by Holly to find her missing mother and she persuades him by insisting he is the only one for the job. In order to repair some of the problems in his life, Dylan decides to take on the case, even though he is convinced that nothing good will come of it.
I like Dylan. He’s a good man. His investigative technics are not unusual, but he is so personable that he gets the information he needs from complete strangers. I enjoyed following him around as he searched for the truth. In addition, he is convinced that his wife, Bev, will see the errors of her ways and allow him back into the marital home. His ignorance of their problems, his honest desire to return home and his interactions with his son, Luke, helped shape Dylan and create a lovable character. I found myself pulling for this poor, deluded man the whole time. I shared his enthusiasm for his work and his desire to return home.
The mystery itself is captivating. The story pulled me in quickly, using multiple point-of-views to tell the tale. We are not only privy to Dylan’s thought-process, but we are able to see what the suspects and other players are up to with this very effective writing style. Each turn of events had me guessing and re-writing theories in my mind.
The side characters are also enjoyable. Dylan’s mom doesn’t make much of an appearance, but she is a hoot (or at least how she bothers Dylan is). Simple Stevie is one of those observant, mis-treated, pleasant characters that everyone overlooks except Dylan. And again, Dylan shines in his relationship with Stevie. All of the suspects are plausible and interesting. All-in-all, this is an enjoyable story!
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
READERS: Don’t forget... The author, Shirley Wells, has generously donated an electronic copy of her book, Presumed Dead to giveaway to you. Please leave a comment on this review or on yesterday’s interview with Ms. Wells. The contest is open to everyone (international). Comments must be posted by Thursday October 14, 2010 at 9:00PM EDT.
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