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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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Thursday, December 9, 2010
Black Wings Giveaway - Winner
I would like to thank everyone that stopped by That’s What I’m Talking About and entered my contest to win a copy of the new Urban Fantasy, Black Wings, by Christina Henry.
Every person that commented on the blog post was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winner was selected using random.org.
The Winner:
Linda Henderson
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Linda, I’m sending you an email, please message me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so I can send you the book! You have until Tuesday December 14, 2010 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you!
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Review: Right-Hand Magic
Right Hand Magic
Author: Nancy A. Collins
Release Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Roc
A Novel of Golgotham Book #1
ISBN: #978-0451463661
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From Goodreads:
Like most Manhattanites, aspiring artist Tate can't resist a good rental deal-even if it's in the city's strangest neighborhood, Golgotham, where for centuries werewolves, centaurs, and countless other creatures have roamed the streets.
Her new landlord is a sorcerer name Hexe, who is determined to build his reputation without using dark, left-hand magic. As Tate is drawn into Hexe's fascinating world, they both find that the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing-and avoiding darkness is no easy trick...
GUEST REVIEW by Bells from Hanging with Bells:
After being told that the neighbors in her apartment building are complaining about her making too much noise as she is working, Tate has to find a new place to live. She is a sculpture artist living in New York and has just broken up with her boyfriend. She is ready for a change and decides to move to Golgotham. Golgotham is a city within New York that is inhabited by all kinds of non-humans. Tate's new landlord is an alien by the name of Hexe. He is a Kymerian and is a pretty interesting character. He has purple hair, cat eyed pupils, and 6 fingers on each hand. Tate eventually realizes that Hexe is someone she can trust and values any advice and help he can give her. Hexe and his family have very interesting history which is slowly revealed throughout the book. He practices Right Hand magic, which is good magic. And as you can guess, Left Hand magic is dark. Tate has much to learn about this new world and Hexe becomes her tour guide.
It was interesting to learn about all the different members of many supernatural races throughout the book. There is a lot of history between them and humans and most of it is not good. Tate faces lots of challenges being human and living in their world. We also get to see the flip side of that when Hexe and another friend Lukas come into the human world.
I'm giving Right Hand Magic *3* Bells!
Although Right Hand Magic wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be, I'm interested enough to read the next book when it is released. I also think there is more to Tate than meets the eye. I'm curious to see if I'm right. The author has given little clues here and there that make me think that Tate has more in common with her new supernatural friends than she thinks she does!
Thanks Bells!! Be sure to stop by her blog, Hanging with Bells, and visit!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Review & Giveaway: Black Wings
Black Wings
Author: Christina Henry Release Date: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Madeline Black Series Book #1
ISBN: #978-0441019632
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From GoodReads:
As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.
Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.
Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.
Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...
What I’m talking about:
Black Wings is an exciting new Urban Fantasy with a new twist on some familiar mythology. The story centers on a “who’s who” list of demons and angels - but adds several new faces to create a wonderful new world full of mystery, action and adventure. Set in modern day Chicago, the story focuses on the life of Agent Madeline Black (Maddy). Agents are humans with wings who born into their job helping souls of the departed cross through to the otherside. But it’s not a romantic job - full of paperwork and schedules. Even Agents of Death have to deal with bureaucracy.
Maddy lives on her own, with only the companionship of a gargole named Beezle. Her mom was killed when Maddy was a teen and her dad was never part of the picture. She lives a solitary life and doesn’t do anything to shake it up. So when a mysterious new tenant moves into her building and her best friend is killed by some unknown monster, Maddy’s life changes dramatically and drastically. She finds out that she is part of a much larger world that she never dared dream existed.
This story is full of action right from the get go, but it’s not inflated or overdone. Maddy is thrown into a world of powerful demons with intricate rules and she finds herself in many difficult situations. Luckily she has Gabriel on her side. Their relationship is sweet and sexy all at once. They have a star-crossed romance and can never be together, yet Gabriel stays by her side and together they face the threats against Maddy.
Maddy is a superb heroine who recognizes her own faults, but stays true to herself. She may be emotionally immature and not quiet prepared to deal with the changes in her life, but she takes it all in stride and continually moves forward. I love that she always wants to fight, but recognizes the time when politicking is necessary.
The story did leave me with some unanswered questions, but had a satisfying conclusion. I also felt that there were a few unnecessary holes or gaps in the mythology, but like all great UF series - I’ll probably have to wait a few books to get all of the answers. I look forward to the next installment of the story, and unfortunately, we have a long wait (Autumn 2011).
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away one (1) copy of Black Wings by Christina Henry starting today. All you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this post to enter. Contest is open to United States residents/mailing addresses only. Contest runs until December 9, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on December 9, 2010.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday Snippets #37
Black Wings by Christina Henry
“Mrs. Luccardi, you’re dead,” I said. “You can’t take care of your cats anymore. Someone else will have to do that now.”
I fought the urge to cover my nose as I said this. Mrs. Luccardi was recently deceased and therefore immune to the reek of cat piss that permeated her doily-covered living room, but I was very much alive and getting tired of breathing through my mouth.
Aside from my burning need to breathe air unscented by eau de cat urine, I had two other pressing reasons for getting Mrs. Luccardi out of there. First, I had a potential tenant coming to look at the empty apartment in my building in twenty minutes, and I didn’t want to piss off a possible source of income by showing up late. Second, some of Mrs. Luccardi’s precious darlings were contemplating her cooling body with “buffet” in their eyes. I did not want Mrs. Luccardi to see her babies gnawing through her flowered housedress to flesh and bone. That kind of thing tends to traumatize the newly dead and prevents and Agent from an efficient escort to the Door.
If the soul doesn’t enter the Door, then it becomes a ghost. Agents don’t like ghosts. They’re untidy. The presence of a ghost means you can’t close your list, and if you can’t close your list, you have to file extra paperwork to explain why you can’t, and I absolutely hate doing any paperwork at all, period. So I really wanted Mrs. Luccardi to leave her carnivorous little fuzzballs and come with me, pronto.
GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away one (1) copy of Black Wings by Christina Henry starting tomorrow, along with my review of the book. Contest is open to United States residents/mailing addresses only. Contest starts Monday December 6, 2010 and runs until December 9, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on December 9, 2010. Be sure to check back on Monday and enter the contest!
Friday, December 3, 2010
She Wolf Giveaway - Winner
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About to help me celebrate the paperback release of She Wolf by Teresa D’Amario. And a big thanks to Teresa for stopping by to say hello to everyone!
Every person that commented on the blog post was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winner was selected using random.org.
The Winner:
Marq
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Marq, I’m sending you a message, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so I can send you the book! You have until Wednesday December 8, 2010 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you!
Immortals After Dark Reading Challenge
KRESLEY COLE 2011 READING CHALLENGE
Yep, you’ve read that correctly! I’m hosting my first ever reading challenge. But me being me, I’m doing it in my own way!
Kresley Cole’s fabulous (so I’ve been told) IAD series has been on my wish list since I started reading paranormal romance books two years ago. But to date, I still haven’t made the time to read the books. It’s tough carving out time to read a well-established series such as IAD. There are TEN stories out to date (8 full-length books and 2 anthology/novellas), with the 11th book coming in February 2011. For more information about this series, please visit Ms. Cole's website HERE.
THE PLAN. Since I am crazy busy just trying to read and review the books I already have, and I know that there are others out there in the same boat, I wanted to have a plan to read the stories and not get overwhelmed. So I plan to read one book/story per month starting January 2011. I will post my review and lead an online discussion of the book on the THIRD FRIDAY of each month (schedule posted below).
I am very excited about this reading challenge and I hope that YOU will join me - whether you are a newbie like me, someone that’s read a few of the books, or you are looking to do a re-read of the series.
HOW TO JOIN IN THE FUN. Please use the “linky” tool below to sign up for the challenge. If you have a blog, include a link so others can find you. You do NOT have to be a book blogger to join in - you can use a GoodReads or Shelfari account as your link. I ask that if you participate that you 1) read the stories according to the schedule, 2) on the day listed below, post a review or commentary about the book at your blog or “linky site,” 3) HAVE FUN!
I’ve created a button for the challenge, and I hope you will add it to your blog/website if you have one. I look forward to jumping in with both feet and hope you will join me. Let me know if you are interested (no obligations) or if you have any suggestions.
Thanks and Happy Reading!
READING CHALLENGE SCHEDULE:
January 21: "The Warlord Wants Forever"
in PLAYING EASY TO GET
in PLAYING EASY TO GET
February 18: A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER
March 18: NO REST FOR THE WICKED
April 15: WICKED DEEDS ON A WINTER'S NIGHT
May 20: DARK NEEDS AT NIGHT'S EDGE
June 17: DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK
July 15: KISS OF A DEMON KING
August 19: "Untouchable" in DEEP KISS OF WINTER
September 16: PLEASURE OF A DARK PRINCE
October 21: DEMON FROM THE DARK
November 18: DREAMS OF A DARK WARRIOR
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Review: Beneath the Thirteen Moons
Beneath the Thirteen MoonsAuthor: Kathryne Kennedy
Release Date: Hardcover December 2003
re-release December 1, 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks
ISBN: #978-1402236518
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
I received an ARC copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
He's a ruler in a divided world...
In a magical watery world of the Sea Forest, the divide between the rulers and the people is an uncrossable chasm. Handsome, arrogant prince Korl Com'nder has lived a life of luxury that is nothing more than a fantasy to the people he rules. Until the day he is accidentally kidnapped by a beautiful outlaw smuggler and is forced to open his eyes to the world outside his palace walls.
She's an outcast, but at least she has her independence...
Mahri Zin would stop at nothing to save her village, and when they needed a healer she didn't think twice about kidnapping one. But when she realizes that the healer she so impulsively stole is none other than the crown prince of Sea Forest, Mahri knows that she has a chance to change the fate of her people...
What I’m talking about:
The Sea Forest world is magical land that is completely covered in water, where massive trees grow up from the ocean floor to support an entire eco-system within their branches. There is no ground: only roots, branches, and channels. Dwellings are carved into these magnificent trees. In this world there are two classes of humans: the Royals and the Water-rats. The Royals control everything, including the sacred zabbaroot, which gives those with tolerance to its poison, special mental abilities.
Mahri is a Wilding, a non-Royal with an extremely high-tolerance of the zabbaroot, which gives her amazing Sight and abilities to control the movement of water and in some situations, human muscles. Wildings are hunted by the Royals because they are viewed as a threat to their control over the planet.
When Mahri’s village is threatened by a horrible disease, she kidnaps the first Healer she can locate, only to find out later that he is Korl, the crown prince of the Sea Forest. Each feel a strong and undeniable connection from the start. As the two make the long trip back to Mahri’s village, they learn more about each other and the culture in which they are trapped.
Ms. Kennedy has created an amazing and original mythology. The planet is lush, full of beautiful flora and fauna, unique creatures, and fascinating abilities. Mahri and Korl share a sexy and passionate bond. Both have faults - he is ignorant at times and completely arrogant, she is equally as willful and refuses to trust Korl - yet they both are genuine and likable. He is persistent in his demands for her body, mind, heart and soul. But Mahri doesn’t trust the Royal with her heart--thinking he only wants to control her. However, her physical attraction for Korl is undeniable, and when she eventually gives into her desires the sparks fly!
At times the descriptions of the world, actions and sensations were overwhelming and slightly confusing, but once I “got situated,” the story flowed beautifully. This story has the aura of the epic science fiction classic, DUNE by Frank Herbert - the division of classes, the secret natives, which may or may not have a direct hand in the joining of Korl and Mahri, control over the zabbaroot, and battle between ultimate power and perfect peace. It is full of wonder and excitement, but extremely personal throughout the story. The emotional connection between Mahri and Korl - their personal struggles for freedom and equality and for love and trust - make this a book worth reading. The characters climb in and out of their own darkness, which makes the conclusion a triumph of the heart. I truly enjoyed this entertaining tale.
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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