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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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Saturday, September 22, 2012
Saturday Conversations 09/22/2012
Hello out there! I decided to try a new weekly feature called "Saturday Conversations." Let me know what you think about this new feature!
This week I want to talk about the new iPhone 5 and updated iOS 6 software from Apple. What are your thoughts?
I am an Apple user. I have a MacBook, an iPad and an iPhone. While the family uses the iPad more than I do, I rely heavily upon my iPhone and the laptop in my daily life. I do all of my blog work on the laptop, and I do everything else from the phone. I love my iPhone.
I have an iPhone 4 updated with the new iOS 6 software and 32GB memory. I purchased in January 2011 as an upgrade from the iPhone 3. The biggest reasons for that upgrade were 1) memory (I only had 8GB), 2) speed (the constant updates of new software had my little phone running SO SLOW), and 3) the camera (I no longer even use my "real" camera).
Apple just released it's newest phone, the iPhone 5, yesterday. I know some of my tweeps have already purchased it. I want to know... what do you think? Is it all that? If you upgraded - what phone did you have prior to the iPhone 5 and why did you upgrade? I am underwhelmed with the new features of the iOS 6 software on the iPhone 4... are the new features spectacular on the iPhone 4S or 5?
I'm debating upgrading to the new phone, but I want to hear more about it first. Honestly I don't need a new iPhone -- the reasons I had for my upgrade 20 months ago don't apply here - although I would LOVE the much improved camera.
Please drop by and give me your thoughts on the new Apple iPhone 5...
Happy Saturday!
I am an Apple user. I have a MacBook, an iPad and an iPhone. While the family uses the iPad more than I do, I rely heavily upon my iPhone and the laptop in my daily life. I do all of my blog work on the laptop, and I do everything else from the phone. I love my iPhone.
I have an iPhone 4 updated with the new iOS 6 software and 32GB memory. I purchased in January 2011 as an upgrade from the iPhone 3. The biggest reasons for that upgrade were 1) memory (I only had 8GB), 2) speed (the constant updates of new software had my little phone running SO SLOW), and 3) the camera (I no longer even use my "real" camera).Apple just released it's newest phone, the iPhone 5, yesterday. I know some of my tweeps have already purchased it. I want to know... what do you think? Is it all that? If you upgraded - what phone did you have prior to the iPhone 5 and why did you upgrade? I am underwhelmed with the new features of the iOS 6 software on the iPhone 4... are the new features spectacular on the iPhone 4S or 5?
I'm debating upgrading to the new phone, but I want to hear more about it first. Honestly I don't need a new iPhone -- the reasons I had for my upgrade 20 months ago don't apply here - although I would LOVE the much improved camera.
Please drop by and give me your thoughts on the new Apple iPhone 5...
Happy Saturday!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Review: Skies of Fire by Zoe Archer
Skies of Fire
Author: Zoë Archer
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Avon Impulse
The Ether Chronicles #1
ISBN: #978-0062184498
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (224 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author/Publisher/Edelweiss
About the book:
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Man made of metal and flesh
Captain Christopher Redmond has just one weakness: the alluring spy who loved and left him years before…when he was still just a man. Now he’s superhuman—a Man O’ War, made as part of the British Navy’s weapons program—and his responsibility is to protect the skies of Europe. If only he could forget Louisa Shaw.
A most inconvenient desire
Louisa, a British Naval Intelligence agent, has never left a job undone. But when her assignment is compromised, the one man who can help her complete her mission is also the only man ever to tempt her body and heart. As burning skies loom and passion ignites, Louisa and Christopher must slip behind enemy lines if they are to deliver a devastating strike against their foe . . . and still get out alive.
What I’m talking about:
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Our action-filled story starts with our brave Man O’War Captain, Christopher, and his ship, Demeter, waged in a sky battle with enemy airships. It’s Her Majesty’s Royal Navy against the Hapsburg (aka Huns) troops, and the odds are against the British. Although Christopher is completely engaged, his mind wanders to thoughts of his lost love, Louisa - the woman who left him three years prior.
Christopher’s vessel survives the skirmish only to end up in enemy territory, alone. After successfully hiding from the enemy, Christopher notices a distress signal coming from a nearby village. The crew prepares for and makes a daring rescue of the British Intelligence officer who was ambushed while undercover. The agent is none other than the captain’s long lost love, Louisa.
Right at the start of the book, the reader is tossed into heavy action. The scenes are intense and exciting, leaving little room for long, purposeful world-building. Instead, the reader enjoys an almost “on-the-job training,” learning bits and pieces of this steampunk world through the storyline. It’s extremely effective for allowing the reader to get caught up in the plot and become emotionally invested in the characters. Once the initial action quiets some, Ms. Archer takes time to fill in bits and pieces of her world. For example, in the beginning we are told that Christopher is a Man O’War ... a man who has been physically altered with metal plates of telumium implants. These implants power the batteries and ship. But it isn’t until later that we learn more about what it really means to become a Man O’War. The concept grabbed my attention in the beginning, and the further explanations later quenched my thirst for more information.
With Louisa on board and Christopher determined to help her with her mission to destroy a hidden munitions operation deep in enemy territory, the pair must confront their past so that the mission can be successful. The close quarters, coupled with their possible and probable deaths while attempting this mission, heighten the tension and emotions - creating an ideal situation for some HOT and needy reunion sex! It also allows for the couple to quickly get over issues and move forward.
I love that although Christopher and Louisa have been apart for three years, both never let go of the amazing friendship and love that connected them. I enjoyed learning more about the couple as they each recalled pieces of their past lives together via both internal recollection and also via shared memories. It paints a warm picture without the need for lengthy backstory or flashbacks. It is evident that their love was mutual and deep, even though Louisa left him after he proposed.
The couple work extremely well together. They are each amazed at the other’s abilities to perform their duties (Man O'War and spy). They offer help one another, but back off when they recognize the other’s expertise. They understand each other’s strengths and never try to overrun the other. They both worry about the other, but again, trust the other to be able to handle the situation. Their mutual admiration is contagious.
The Ether Chronicles is an interesting concept - Zoe Archer wrote this first story, and her husband, Nico Rosso, wrote the second book, Night of Fire. The second book takes place in the United States, whereas the first takes place in Europe. The third book, Skies of Steel, is due out in October, and is written by Ms. Archer - and is back in Europe. It appears as if the books are loosely related - perhaps all taking place in the same world, but not following the same characters. I look forward to finding out!
Overall, I found Skies of Fire an enjoyable read. It is a lovely romance with an historical setting and a steampunky feel. There are equal parts wartime spy thriller, action-adventure, and love story. The book has a great tempo - moving seamlessly between the interpersonal stories and romance to the intensity of wartime. For those looking to test out the steampunk waters, or if you just want an entertaining story, I recommend Skies of Fire.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Review: Blood Forever by Mari Mancusi
Blood Forever
Author: Mari Mancusi
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Blood Coven Vampire #8
ISBN: #978-0425253038
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format(s): Paperback (256 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Sunny and Rayne McDonald have had their lives turned upside down thanks to the Blood Coven. But when the past itself is changed, the sisters will do anything to get back what they’ve lost...
After making a deal with the devil, Rayne and her twin sister Sunny have been given the chance to go back in time—preventing that fateful night when Sunny was bitten by Magnus from ever happening. But while Sunny has been offered a vampire-free existence, she finds she doesn’t want to live without Magnus by her side. And although Rayne puts up a stoic front, she secretly wishes that vampire Jareth was back in her arms.
To reclaim their lives, Sunny and Rayne team up to figure out a way to change history for the better. Problem is, Jareth and Magnus aren’t that eager to help two unfamiliar girls who somehow know everything about their vampiric organization. Now, if the twins can’t get the boys on their side, history may spiral out of control—destroying not only the Blood Coven, but quite possibly the entire human race...
What B is talking about:
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Once again, Sunny and Rayne McDonald are back, wreaking panic and mayhem on a level that would make the four horsemen of the apocalypse proud. Thanks to a bargain with Hades himself, Rayne has secured her twin another chance to live, and possibly an opportunity to make the world a better place for everyone they love. If they can just manage to stay away from their yummy vampire boyfriends, that is.
This is the final novel in the Blood Coven series, and Ms. Mancusi unleashes the twins on the world she’s created with something akin to unholy delight. Tampering with the past with disastrous consequences? Check. Zombie attacks that threaten all mankind? Oh yes. Being hailed as heroes when everything miraculously turns out all right (along with the groveling and heartfelt apologies of anyone who ever doubted them)? Certainly!
As with the other novels in this series, Blood Forever is best read when any expectations of consequences and life lessons are set aside in favor of watching from a safe distance while Sunny and Rayne try to save the world. After they’ve endangered it in the first place, of course. The twins are flighty and impetuous, but once I remembered that there’s no rulebook that could possibly apply to them, they were also pretty fun.
The main attraction in the Blood Forever is the twins’ relationships with their vampire boyfriends. These pairings don’t make sense if taken too seriously (centuries-old vampires wouldn’t logically be so handily maneuvered by two high school girls), but they work within the Blood Coven stories. Magnus and Jareth once again discover that they have not only underestimated the twins, but that, without the Sunny and Rayne, all of humanity would have been destroyed.
Blood Forever is a fitting close to an entertaining series. While over-the-top in a few places, it’s that very implausibility that makes the story such free spirited, fast-paced fun. Although Rayne and Sunny are hard to keep up with on occasion, they are very much the heroes of the novel, and they own the story from beginning to end. Ms. Mancusi finishes her series with a doozy of a happy ending, and practically ties the whole thing off with a big, shiny bow. The world is safe, and Sunny and Rayne have finally found their places in it, which, I believe, makes for a perfectly fine ending.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Review: A Perfect Knight for Love by Jackie Ivie
A Perfect Knight for Love
Author: Jackie Ivie
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
ISBN: 978-1420124002
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (342 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher via AAD con
About the book:
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With his reckless, drunken brother bringing ruin to the clan, and the lass he's loved all his life in the clutches of a violent husband, the last thing Thayne MacGowan needs is a spirited, sharp-tongued damsel to contend with - no matter how enticing she may be. Having narrowly escaped an objectionable arranged marriage, Amalie is starting a new life - with a new identity. But her freedom is cut short when a surly but irresistibly handsome Highlander is forced to take her as his bride. If only he knew who she really was. Fate designs an improbable match, and a battle of wills ensues. As Amalie struggles to protect her identity, Thayne finds himself fighting for an unexpected love - and a passion neither can refuse.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Men. In. Kilts. Pass me a fan! The heat Jackie Ivie has created in A Perfect Knight for Love will make the mercury rise! This title was a bit odd for me, but the sexual tension between the main characters made it worth the read.
I really did adore the main characters, Amalie and Thayne! It was an amazing turn-of-events that threw the will-be lovers into one another's arms. As this is my first go-round with one of Ms. Ivie's titles, I may not be used to her writing voice. I though that some of the 'inner monologue' for the characters was a bit 'in the now' for 1600's Scotland. It annoyed me enough to run a couple lines past one of my daughters...nope. Not just me. HOWEVER...I looked beyond the vernacular and became involved with the two main characters.
Thayne is next in line to be Chieftain for their clan. His older brother is busy debauching the job at present. We hate his brother, Jamie, BTW. Oftentimes ruled by his heart, Thayne has helped what he considered to be the love of his life, Mary, escape the dishonorable beast that she married. She dies in her birthing bed, in a pub. The girl-child survives. Thane is crushed by Mary's death. He, and his Honor Guard, commandeer Amalie to pose as the child's mother. Thayne begins the story as the protector – protecting Amelie from the horrors of having her virtue stolen by a man that would bag & tag her as a trophy for his misguided sense of self. Somewhere along the way, he found himself enjoying Amalie's company. Thayne had a brief bout of doubt with about 70 pages left, but remained true to his word and his heart. I did think that we could have seen something more powerful as Thayne bid farewell to his lost love, Mary. Didn't seem like he had emotions unlinked to Amalie even though he'd proven to be a highly emotional character. I'd have liked to see more from him. The character was well-written and had much room for growth and further development. Thayne is HOT! Just reading Ms. Ivie's descriptions. Mmmmhmmm. Perfectly muscled, and a verra large Highlander. Nothing wrong with a man in a kilt. Evah.
Amelie, our duplicitous female lead, began the story by requiring rescue so she didn't fall into the street, to her possible death. Thayne rescued her. She was described as a lil thing, and it appeared as though she required assistance for various tasks. Amelie was escaping from an arranged marriage, and was posing as a governess that she saw gravely injured and die on her flight from her home and the … icky dude to which she was promised. Assuming her identity and leaving behind her courtly upbringing, Amelie traveled to become the governess/teacher for a Scottish clan. Initially, she fought traveling with Thayne and his clan. When the traveling party was confronted with the husband of the recently deceased Mary, she easily lied that the child with which the party was traveling was hers and Thayne's. In effect, she publicly announced she was wed to Thayne, bore his child. By Scottish law, at the time, that was as good as a wedding. Much to Amelie's horror...initially. Through the long hours astride a horse, traveling to the MacGowan lands, Amelie's heart softened for the handsome brute, even though she was terrified of consummating their marriage.
One of Amelie's most endearing traits is her bull-headedness. She appeared to argue as often as possible with Thayne, when the matter wasn't life and death. I appreciate a sassy female lead. **Nods head sagely** The end of the novel found Amelie stepping into her role as the wife of a Scottish laird. Without spoiling the end, she seems to flip from being the woman that despised being cared for, to a woman that no one seemed to feel the need to coddle. The transition from one to the other was overnight. I liked Amelie, with her quick wit and sharp tongue. Watching her use her wit for good things was refreshing.
I really loved Thayne and Amelie as a couple. It was evident from about page 100 that they would have a phenomenal relationship once they got past the rocky part at the beginning. It was evident that they had a special spark between themselves, and furthermore, they not only appreciated the other's physical form, but they appreciated the other's mind and other talents. While Thayne was highly respectful, in a Highlander-sort-of way, it WAS the 1600s, and women were expected to blindly obey their husbands. Which is always an adventure, especially with one as high-spirited as Amelie. I think they're a perfect match, but wish that there had been a few things explored in a different manner, and other less consequential things (in my opinion), left to a passing mention. Ms. Ivie weaves an intriguing tale of deceit, protectiveness and passion in A Perfect Knight for Love that is a good read for one of those cool fall nights, curled up in front of a fire; the blaze in the hearth isn't the only thing with heat!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Contest Winner - Kiss of Steel
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my interview with steampunk author Bec McMaster and my review of her newest title, Kiss of Steel. A special thanks goes to Sourcebooks for hosting the giveaway of Ms. McMaster’s book!
a Rafflecopter 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 Friday September 28, 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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Quickie Review: Gimme Shelter Anthology
Gimme Shelter
Editor: J.R. Blackwell
Release Date: Jan. 15, 2012
Publisher: Galileo Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Anthology, Horror
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased
About the book:
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The Zombies Are Here!
Gimme Shelter, the anthology of the zombie Apocalypse, is about zombies, survival, fathers and daughters, teenagers making out, guns, awkward third dates, reality TV gone wrong, and having a sense of humor in the face of impending disaster. It’s a love letter to horror, zombies and the apocalypse.
Gimme Shelter features all-new fiction from Filamena Young, Jared Axelrod, PJ Schnyder, Christiana Ellis, Peter Woodworth, Tee Morris, Mur Lafferty, Rob Wieland, David A. Hill Jr., Phillipa Ballentine, Chuck Wendig, and J.R. Blackwell.
The fiction in Gimme Shelter was created as a special thank you to the Kickstarter supporters of Shelter in Place.
What Una is talking about:
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Gimme Shelter is a collection of vignettes. Each is few pages that describe a moment or event in an aspect of post-apocalyptic zombie earth. A different author crafted each one and they give a different point of view of the zombie apocalypse. The contributions range from heartbreaking to touching to downright creepy! There is a wide range of pathos while reading Gimme Shelter. I found it hauntingly wonderful.
Although I was gifted Gimme Shelter as a paperback copy, my research for this quick review showed that it is only available in e-book format. However, it is the perfect companion for a short wait at the doctor’s office, to board a plane, or while away an hour. The moments captured by each author may linger in your thoughts. They certainly did mine, as did several questions some posed. What would you do in a similar situation? How would you react?
All in all, it was an incredibly entertaining and witty read. If you are interested in zombie urban fantasy but are unsure, you might want to pick up Gimme Shelter as a way to test out the genre.
Una’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Monday, September 17, 2012
Review: Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Blooded: A Jessica McClain Novella
Author: Amanda Carlson
Release Date: April 11, 2012
Publisher: Orbit
Jessica McClain #0.5
ISBN: #978-0316225090
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.
When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .
What I’m talking about:
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Blooded is a prequel novella set in a new urban fantasy series by Amanda Carlson. The short story outlines a few days in our heroine’s life just after her nineteenth birthday. Jessica is the only female to be born into a shifter wolf clan. To top it off, she’s human. The wolves all believe she is the evil female of legend who will bring about the wolves’ destruction. Since Jessica’s father is the alpha leader of the pack, the threats to her life were kept to a minimum until her eighteenth birthday. But there is a strong contingency of wolves who are willing to die to see Jessica’s life ended, so Jessica hopes to hold them off some by picking a fight with a hot-head wolf. When that doesn’t work, Jessica begs her father to have her sent away so that the wolves will settle down.
I really like the premise of this new series. It’s original and holds a lot of potential. I want to find out more about Jessica’s history and how she will do out in the world. I hope to learn more about the legend that paints her as a witch - and find out if she is in fact, the Daughter of Evil. The story flowed smoothly and quickly. It was action-packed and a bit bloody.
Blooded is a world-building, set-up novella. The shortness of the story gives the reader just a small taste of what is to come, but it felt incomplete to me. I felt that there are a few points in the world-building that were unfinished and left me with questions. For example, we learn how Jessica wants to be sent away so that the wolves can live in peace. What I don't get is if the wolves are all males, don’t they have to mate... with human females? So why doesn’t Jessica spend time with the other females?
I was also confused about why her dad was so concerned about sending her away. His reasoning is that as a human, she will need extraordinary protection. Yet, it’s my understanding that the supernatural beings in this world are hidden from humans. So why can't she just live as a human?
In my opinion, the novella isn't a complete story and would have worked better condensed into a chapter or two at the start of the upcoming book. With that said, the story that Ms. Carlson begins in Blooded is exhilarating and fascinating, and I cannot wait to read the first full-length book in the series, Full Blooded. Although I have unanswered questions and wished for more information in Blooded, it works for a set-up book--just not so much as a stand alone story.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
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