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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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Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday Snippets #109
Author: Catherine Mann
Elite Forces #3
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Released: May 1, 2012
REVIEW HERE
Rachel tipped her face into the stinging spray, needing to melt away the hellish tension from carrying around the burden of what she knew. Finally, she had someone who was willing to listen to her, to help her. And not just anyone.
Liam.
Her skin tingled with a heat beyond anything coming out of the shower head. The bathroom steam was so thick it almost muted the avocado green tile of the outdated bathroom. Rivulets streaked down the brown striped shower curtain. Everywhere around her, she confronted reminders of Liam, packing her brain with images of him standing in this shower.
The scent of his aftershave clung to the air. Reminders of Liam greeted her eyes no matter which way she turned - his shaving gel, razor, shampoo, and sport body wash. The space was as clean as the rest of the neatly kept house.
A crack of thunder split the air, startling her. Maybe she should have just stood out in the rain and let it wash her clean. She'd certainly done so in the past on SAR missions - rain, storms, waterfalls.
Thunder pounded again. Louder. So close it sounded nearly on top of her. She shrieked in surprise before she could finish registering it was only someone knocking. Knocking mighty hard.
"Liam?" she called out as the door exploded open. His broad shoulders filled the door, his dark blond hair backlit by illumination from the hall. "Are you okay? You screamed."
She yanked the shower curtain to her body and said again, "Liam!"
Disco head-butted the back of Liam's leg, whining. He moved deeper into the bathroom.
Her hands fisted around the brown vinyl curtain. "I screamed because you scared the crap out of me."
"Sorry. Here." He yanked an oversized towel from the rack and tossed it to her. "You need to get dressed."
She snagged the towel with one hand while her other still clutched tightly to the shower curtain. "I'm almost through. I'll be out soon."
"We don't have any more time-" He stopped in his tracks. His eyes went wide, the sea green tint going stormy deep. His throat moved in a slow swallow before his gaze shot back up to her face.
She been attracted to him before, more than any man since her fiance. But Liam had mentioned that love word back in the Bahamas. Such a beautiful, pain-filled word. Although he could have only been half serious about the whole love thing, she couldn't go there again, not even partially. She'd resisted the sensual draw during the three weeks they'd worked together on the earthquake relief. Although right now, with her defenses stripped even barer than her body at the moment, she found it almost impossible to resist stepping into his arms again.
"Liam?" Clutching the towel to her breasts, she swayed.
He scrubbed a hand over his square jaw, his eyes locked on her face. "Someone blew up your town house."
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Saturday, June 23, 2012
Contest Winner - Benedict Jacka
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for the guest post by urban fantasy author, Bendict Jacka. I also want to give a special thanks to the publisher, ACE/Penguin, for sponsoring the giveaway of CURSED by Benedict Jacka.
Every person that commented was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winner were selected using random.org.
The Winner is:
Carin
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am emailing the winner. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your full name and mailing address so that the publisher may send you the book. If I do not hear from the winner by Thursday June 28, 2012 by the end of the day, I will select another winner.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Review: Bride of the High County by Kaki Warner
Please welcome Ang, who brings you today’s Guest Review of...
Bride of the High County
Author: Kaki Warner
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Runaway Bride #3
ISBN: #978-0425247501
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Snatched from unspeakable abuse at the age of twelve and given a new identity as the ward of a Manhattan society widow, Margaret Hamilton thinks the safety and security she craves is at last within her reach. But as she exchanges wedding vows with a ruthless and charismatic railroad mogul, a shocking revelation sends her fleeing her own wedding…with a valise full of railroad stock certificates.
Now calling herself Lucinda Hathaway, she follows the rails west, determined to make a new start. But her pursuers are not far behind—one man who wants vengeance—one who wants to silence her about events long in the past—and a third who only wants the truth.
But the truth is too ugly to share, so Lucinda keeps running…all the way to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado where she finds three other women struggling to start new lives. Deciding she’s finally found the home and family she so desperately needs, she puts her ill-gotten railroad shares to use, determined to make their crusty little town a place they can all call home. But it’s never that easy, and as her pursuers close in on her, Lucinda finds that her new start comes with a higher price, but a greater reward, than she ever expected.
What Ang is talking about:
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When it comes to any book romance or otherwise first and foremost I want a strong story line. I want characters that are strong and illicit emotions, a hot and steamy love scenes are a bonus, but it can't carry a story line. Bride of the High County delivers on all these fronts. The villains are vile, and the hero well, let's just say I'd like to take a big ole spoon to that yummy dish. Our main character, Margaret, is fierce and independent making our hero, Tait, work for her love and attention in addition to figuring out her baggage and helping her to discard it so they can move on together.
Kaki Warner weaves just enough suspense to keep the pages turning while sprinkling in the prefect amount of romance to keep the reader's temperature up.
My one complaint was with the ending.... it was about 100 pages too long. As a writer I understand that sometimes you are looking at your work and know where you need to end up but aren't sure how to get there so you ramble around until you end up in the right spot, and so I am not faulting Kaki for the length of the ending. I am, however, faulting her editor. Someone should have reeled in this ending. Someone should have said I see where you are going but you need to find a more direct path.
All that being said I would give this book a solid B. I enjoyed it despite this issue, and I am fairly certain anyone who has read the other books in the series or who enjoys historical romance will enjoy a trip to Heartbreak Creek.
Ang’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Also in the Series:
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Review: Colters' Promise by Maya Banks
Colters' Promise
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Colters' Legacy Book #3
ISBN: 978-0425258620
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (256 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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When it came to overcoming the odds of a tragic past, Lily was determined to move on. The three Colter brothers helped her do it. They taught her new ways to love, new dreams to share, and offered her a new life that she never thought possible.
Now is a time for celebration, and what better way than with a long-awaited family reunion, a homecoming that will bring together the entire Colter family and a few surprises no one anticipated.
But first, there's still something from Lily's past she still needs to reconcile--even when all the while she is holding close to her heart a newfound secret that will change her future, forever enrich the Colter legacy, and make every promise come true.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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While I haven't read the first two books in Ms. Banks' Colters' Legacy series, I must admit that Ms. Banks did a pretty decent job filling in the blanks for readers new to her series. I didn't feel too lost, but there are some remaining questions.
I **really** liked Holly, Lily and Callie. The appear to be strong female characters, and y'all know how I like the strong women! Seems as though each of them have struggled through a rough time in their lives, they've come out no worse for wear on the other side. Looks like they're pretty competent at pulling others through rough times, as well. It also looks as though they really like to take care of their men. That's where it gets a bit non-traditional.
The Colter brothers – senior – appear to completely dote on Holly. They seem to be totally OK with the lifestyle they've chosen, which happens to be three brothers sharing one wife. Hrm. OK. Interestingly enough, their SONS share one wife as well. The Colter brothers – junior – also dote on their wife, Lily. These husbands seem to be very intuitive and nurturing when it comes to their wives.
So. The plot. The conflict seemed to center around Lily finding out she was pregnant, Holly's appendicitis, and Callie dealing with her sister-in-law's abuse at the hands of someone she loved. Nothing earth-shattering. Nothing that isn't normal, every-day life. I can relate to every one of these things, and while I may have lived through similar events in my own life, I don't want to see it in the fiction I read to escape. Maybe I'm not the right girl to read titles of this nature. Over-all, I wasn't impressed. In actuality, there's only 208 pages in the title; the last 40-ish are the first chapter of another book. Additionally, I love my sister to pieces, but there's no way in hell I'd share my man with her. While the singular sex scene was kinda hawt, in a porn-like way, it was tainted (for me) by the fact that the three guys were brothers.
I did like the sweet parts of the storyline, however. Holly learned to cook from Lily. Callie forced Lauren to return back to the mountain. Holly bonded with Lauren over their former relationships. Truth be told, it felt as though the men in this story were tertiary to the females and plot development.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Purchase Info:
Review: Hunting Kat by PJ Schnyder
Hunting Kat
Author: PJ Schnyder
Release Date: July 4, 2011
Publisher: Carina Press
The Triton Experiment #1
Genre: Sci-fi Romance, novella
Format(s): E-book, Audible Audio
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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As a mercenary, Kat Darah doesn't have to pass for a normal human. On the edge of the solar system, she's just another biped. Most of the time.
Nearing the end of his military tour, Lt. Christopher Rygard debates the idea of hanging up his uniform for good. Looking for answers at the bottom of a glass of scotch, he meets Kat. One shared night of mutual desire seems harmless. But when their tryst is interrupted by attackers hunting Rygard, Kat must reveal her other form, the predator beneath the human façade.
Together they embark on a dangerous mission—a race against time to meet the enemy's demands, while trying to deny the passion between them. Rygard is faced with a terrible choice in the face of duty: Report the existence of a human turned shape-shifter. Or forget he ever met her.
What G & U are talking about:
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Hunting Kat is a well written and exciting new world wrapped up in a novella. Thankfully, there will be a book two, however, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Ms. Schnyder was gracious enough to offer this ebook for us to review. We had read the premise and thought it sounded right up our alley. Una did not realize it was a novella and you can image her shock when she reached the end. While researching for this review, we discovered (well, Ms. Schnyder mentioned on Twitter) that there will be a second book. Hunting Kat is an excellent introduction to this science-fiction world. In this world, not all Shapeshifters are paranormal creatures; some are the result of a DNA virus from another alien species.
The pace of Hunting Kat is simple and exciting. We felt it flowed nicely, and because of its fluidity, it was incredibly difficult to put down. The passion and connection between Kat and Rygard is sizzling. Even though there are several minor characters we were introduced to, it was easy to fall into the camaraderie they have. It felt as if we were reuniting with old friends.
Gikany and Una look forward to the next book in this Triton Experiment series. We encourage you to pick up Hunting Kat and enjoy this science-fiction romance!
Their Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Review: Hunting the Shadows by Alexia Reed
Hunting the Shadows
Author: Alexia Reed
Release Date: May 7, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Shadow Ops #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi
Format(s): E-book, Audible Audio
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Amy has spent her entire life in isolation. Locked away in the Centre, a secret government facility where children with extraordinary abilities are raised as highly skilled fighters, she longs for a normal life. A life where being around people doesn’t overload her sensitive telepathic mind. A life where she can’t see through the eyes of a murderer as he hunts his next victim…
J.C. Nikolaiev was a top researcher, but when his conscience got the better of him, he tried to destroy his work and free his subjects–and was imprisoned as a traitor. To save himself and prevent more people from dying, J.C. must catch the serial killer stalking the halls of the facility. But his only leads come from a woman whose thoughts have invaded his mind…
Finally out of the psych ward, Amy joins forces with J.C. to find the killer before he closes in on them. Can their growing attraction withstand the truths they uncover?
What G & U are talking about:
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Hunting the Shadows is the exciting debut novel in the Shadow Ops series. Ms. Reed delivers a nail biting, rich and adventurous new world. Gikany and Una cannot wait until the next novel in this series comes out.
If you have ever liked or followed X-Men or other superhero type novels, this may be the series for you. The world building is seamlessly woven into a whodunit plot. A covert government agency has developed physically advanced assassins and uses them until they are no longer useful. They develop these assassins by culling children and altering their DNA. Then they put them through tests and trials to hone them into powerful weapons. However, if they fail, well, let’s just say they do not get to return home or get a desk job.
JC is one of these assassins, raised to be a powerful weapon as well as a scientist who works to train more. However, his conscience can no longer take the stress of the fate of those students who fail. He tries to make a dramatic statement and free the children under him – and fails. “Reprogrammed,” he is returned to duty to finish finding a killer that is a traitor to the ops. It seems one of their own is preying on his teammates – and he or she must be found.
Amy is a telepathic-empath who is so sensitive she was never able to develop shields as a child. Overwhelmed by the emotions and thoughts of others, she had her first seizure at three years of age. Imprisoned in the Psych Ward – she continues to be tested and “trained” to be a powerful weapon for the Council. However, she strives not to be what they wish her to become. To prevent herself from becoming a monster to be used and abused, she reaches out to JC – the only person who seems receptive to her telepathic “pages.” As JC is the chief investigator trying to find the killer and Amy, unfortunately, is able to meld with the killer’s mind, they team up to try to find the killer before it is too late.
This is a fairly dark world where the hero and heroine work hard to find some semblance of happiness amidst what is a very depressing existence. Well, depressing if you possess a conscience and some-what mainstream moral code. Hunting the Shadows is a fast read simply because it is difficult to put down. The relationship that develops between Amy and JC is touching but not without its obstacles. The drama of trying to find the killer is just as intriguing. Even with the resolution of the ending, there are still a few lingering questions about some characters.
We are excited that there is already a book 2 (tentatively titled Unleashing the Shadows) and possibly a book 3. Una scoured the author’s website (which has some fun facts and character extras if you are so inclined) but cannot determine who are the leading characters in the next book. However, Gikany and Una look forward to finding out. Check out this new world and writer, especially if you enjoy a little sci-fi in your paranormal romance. You won’t be disappointed!
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Meet Brock at GraveTells...
Hi there! Just a quick note to tell you I'm over at GraveTells.com and participating in their Midnight Breed (by Lara Adrian) Week.
I am introducing one of my FAVORITE Breeds... BROCK! He is tall, dark and handsome! Come meet Brock and enter to win! Click the image above or HERE to meet Brock!
Happy Reading!
What is Midnight Breed Week, you say? MBW is a special week-long event hosted by GraveTells that will introduce… or RE-introduce… the heroes of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series to all of you guys, then tell you a little more about each warrior and his spotlight book.
Why do an event for a whole week for one series? Well, they found that that had a box full of promotional copies of Kiss of Midnight (the first book in the series) and wanted a creative way to give them away!
Happy Reading!
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