Follow Me

Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

Subscribe

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow on Bloglovin

Wanna Shop?

2013 Reading Challenge

2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide

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

Reading Now...

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Sunday Snippets

Archived Posts

Books I've Read

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Book Blogs

More Blogs

Parajunkee Design
Powered by Blogger.

Site Meter

UF Summer Reading Celebration...

original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy

WINNERS ANNOUNCED HERE! Be sure to check and email me if you are a winner!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Review: Flawless by Cat Grant

Flawless
Author: Cat Grant 
Release Date: April 22, 2013
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Irresistible Attraction #4
ISBN: # 978-1626490123
Genre: LGBTQ, M/M, Contemporary Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: NetGalley

About the book:
Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.

Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.

One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him. 

What B is talking about:
Having lived a seemingly sheltered existence until coming out at the age of thirty-eight, Steve Campbell has a lot to learn about his new life as a bisexual. Tired of one-night stands and the disappointment of looking for more in all the wrong places, what he wants most is to find someone special he can commit to. But, just when he’s almost ready to give up, he gets a helping hand from an attractive stranger, and realizes he has a chance at a love he never anticipated, and one that may never come along again. 

Passionate, talented, and determined, Gil Alvarez works hard to keep his auto repair shop afloat and his dreams alive. After the assistance he offers the poor, hapless car owner he met at the beach comes back to bite him, he’s determined not to let the man get under his skin. He’s got enough problems already, thanks. But, even though he knows it’s going to end in disaster, he can’t stay away from Steve, realizing too late that the secret he’s kept hidden could cost him the only real happiness he’s ever had. 

While Flawless works well as a standalone, I do wish I’d been able to read the other stories in the series in order to better understand Steve’s origins and his emotional evolution. Steve is certainly well meaning, but his social skills could use some work. He is aware of his own shortcomings well enough to seek outside counsel when he goofs up, at least, and readily owns up to his mistakes. When he realizes how badly he’s offended Gil, he attempts to make amends, rather than turn his back on their tentative relationship. He’s a work in progress, but I like where he’s headed.

I really loved Gil, though. He’s a fighter and a survivor. Though he doesn’t look much like most people think a mechanic should, he owns his own business and is very good at what he does. That Gil is hopeful about what he feels for Steve, understandable wariness aside, really pulled me in, and I very much wanted everything to be okay for him, even though I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. 

Flawless is a short, but very sweet story, especially once Steve and Gil work past their misunderstandings. Although I really loved Gil from the beginning, Steve grew on me, too, after a while; particularly as he began to piece together for himself just exactly how difficult Gil’s life has been to this point. Eventually, the two resolve their differences and realize that they don’t have to fit the rest of the world’s expectations in order to be happy. In Flawless, Ms. Grant gives welcome attention to a much-neglected topic, and does so with sincerity and heart. I only wish their story hadn’t ended quite so soon.

B’s Rating:

Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)






Purchase Info:
Flawless


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Review: Rebellion by Eleri Stone

Rebellion
Author: Eleri Stone  
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Lost City Shifters #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author

About the book:
Cole Brandt is a wolf shifter, sent by his pack to the Amazon jungle to negotiate a treaty. He's unaware that the kingdom of jaguar shifters he's meant to meet with has split—and Cole's suspicion that jaguars are selfish and deceitful is confirmed when he's seized by the rebel faction.

Taya Silveira, a jaguar shifter and fierce warrior loyal to the king, resents being assigned Cole's rescue. She doesn't approve of his pack's involvement in her jungle—to her, wolves are greedy, weak creatures who will exploit the resources the Yaguara protect.

Struggling against centuries of ill will and prejudice, Cole and Taya must work together to prevent a devastating civil war. They can't deny their physical attraction—with the heightened senses of shifters, their desires are plain. But if they give in to passion, they may be forced to choose between staying with their tribes, or staying together.

What VampBard’s talking about:
I'm not gonna lie.  I thought Rebellion by Eleri Stone was hot, well-written, and jumped in, paws first, using a previously unread (by me) plot premise:  a mixed (shifter) couple.  While there may be other titles out there that pair “animals” of different species, I've not had the pleasure of reading them.  And. I. LOVED. It!

I have now consumed the first three titles in Ms. Stone's series, Lost City Shifters consecutively.  I am entirely glad that I picked up the first two titles, Mercy and Redemption (reviews HERE), prior to reading Rebellion.  While this could function as a stand-alone title, I found that my appreciation of the world-building was greatly enhanced with the details from the other books. HEAT INDEX:  3.5 out of 5. Just enough to keep it interesting yet keep things completely blush-free in front of the family!

Cole and Taya were a fabulous duo from the start.  I immediately felt the chemistry between them, during their first meeting.  Even though neither would admit it to themselves.  As the chemistry grew into something more tangible, where the characters began to question whether the inter-species thing was 'right', I was completely able to identify with their internal conflicts.  Would they be ostracized for their relationship?  What if it turns in to more than a fling?  

I think that Taya, the confident warrior, had the most difficult time accepting that she wanted Cole.  He was, after all, a dog.  **eyeroll**  I can't believe that it was really even an issue.  The world-building Ms. Stone has carefully created stated that the shifters were all actually alike – the reason they took on these animal forms was due to their shifter selves taking on the likeness of the largest predator in the area when they made their transition.  That's the teeny tiny part that niggled at the back of my brain...but it was easily overcome by the major conflict:  Taya keeping Cole alive.  

Cole, an ambassador from the wolf shifters, was simply on a fact-finding mission before his king came to the rainforest to sign a treaty/pact with the big cats.  <enter your own snarky comment about petting felines here>  The wolves have a scientific, ulterior motive.  Cole has to decide whether he's willing to work within the parameters established for his safety by Taya, giving up a bit of his chest-beating, 'I'll protect the woman' perspective.  I liked that part.  A. Lot.  Cole's change of heart with regard to letting Taya, an expert in jungle warfare, ensure his and her own safety completely spoke to my inner Miss Independent, as I sang, “I am Woman”.  

I am completely enamored with Eleri Stone's Lost City Shifters series.  I cannot wait to read future books in the series, and plan to spread the word about these action-packed quick reads!

VampBard’s Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)






Purchase Info:

Reviews in the Series:

Monday, April 22, 2013

Review: Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Hot Blooded
Author: Amanda Carlson 
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Orbit
Jessica McClain #2
ISBN: #978-0316205214
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley

About the book:
It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

What I’m talking about:
The second book in Ms. Carlson’s Jessica McClain series starts of in the thick of things just days after the conclusion of the first book, Full Blooded. Jessica is busy fighting an imp and discovers yet another prophecy supposedly about her. After discussing it with her dad, it appears there may be some truth that she is the One True Lycan who will overcome the world’s evil. Jessica and her dad have a wonderful rapport, and their heart-to-heart is just one of the many moments I thoroughly enjoyed in Hot Blooded. 

Jessica, her brother twin Tyler, and friend Danny are preparing to search for Jessica's mate, Roarke, who was captured by the evil goddess Selena at the end of the last book. They will be working with two vampire trackers (all part of a deal brokered in the first book). In addition, Jessica is responsible for a human police officer, Ray: a man who hounded Jessica when she was human. By pack laws he needs to be killed since he knows about the paranormal. However Jessica doesn't feel that's right and fights to allow him to live, but she has to convince Ray to join them willingly and work for the pack. It's an excellent twist that allows Jessica to grow into a stronger, righteous woman that just may be the One True Lycan.

I really enjoyed Hot Blooded, especially after loving the premise but being a little disappointed with the first book. This time around, the plot and writing flow smoothly, and the book stays focused on the story, which didn’t always happen in the the first one. 

Jessica is a wonderful urban fantasy heroine. She has come into her own; she is assertive and aggressive but caring. The fact that she wants Ray to live and doesn't want to kill any being in cold blood is a testament to this. When reading Full Blooded, there was something about Jessica that bothered me; however that nagging feeling of something I didn't like is gone. She is smart, witty, and she embraces her new role and powers with confidence. Although the story begins shortly after the first book, it feels like an eternity. Jess is focused and mature. Also, I really like how Jessica and her wolf are two separate consciousnesses. They have to work together, which wonderfully demonstrates how she thinks and works through situations. I enjoy that the wolf knows things Jessica doesn't; however, I do wonder how the wolf knows so much.

In the world of Jessica McClain, the different factions of supernatural beings do not get along. Despite this, or maybe because of it, the team and their vampire guide, Naomi, develop an exciting and refreshing relationship. Danny and Naomi have a wonderful connection, and I throughly enjoyed their banter and dialogue (and wonder where things may be headed *waggles eyebrows*). Overall, the group dynamics are entertaining and at times heart-warming. There is Ray (human) and Eamon (Naomi’s vampire brother) on the far sides of the fence with Naomi, Jessica, Tyler and Danny working for common ground in the middle. Their cooperation and information sharing all in the name of taking down the evil goddess Selena is fun to witness.

The journey to Selena’s lair to rescue Roarke is filled with difficult tasks and unnerving pitfalls. For the most part, the intensity remained high and the action was exciting. I enjoyed the demonstrations of Jessica’s new found abilities, but also her developing leadership skills and capacity to work with a team. There were a lot of traps and obstacles to overcome, and by the final hurdle, I was ready to move on, so I would say there was just the right amount of conflict.

Once the gang finally makes it into the lair, things are pretty dire. The story is violent without being overtly graphic. The final battle reveals some interesting developments and twists, and I for one cannot wait to find out what comes next for Jessica and her ragtag group.

Overall, I thoroughly adored Hot Blooded. The journey was exciting and kept my heart racing. I enjoyed the camaraderie of Jessica and her companions - something missing from the first book. Although there is a “cliff-hangerish” type ending, it is more about the start of the next story rather than leaving this one unfinished. It reminded me of how the TV show Quantum Leap always ended. I look forward to learning more about the mysterious prophecy, but also watching the budding relationships (both romantic and platonic) develop and mature. Balancing action and plot with romance and friendship is a sign of an excellent urban fantasy story, and that is what we see with Jessica McClain.

My Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)






Purchase Info:

Reviews in the Series:

Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Stacey Kennedy

Hello Readers! Today I bring you one of my favorite people, author Stacey Kennedy. Stacey is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

Stacey is here today to talk about tortured characters and her latest release, Werewolves be Damned. Keep reading for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! Please help me welcome Stacey to That’s What I’m Talking About. 

Tortured Characters

So, I got to thinking the other day about tortured characters. I’m not going to name certain books as examples, but there are books out there that have heroes who are the definition of an emotional mess. And  I fully admit I enjoy the tortured hero. 

Why? 

Good question.

Is it a woman’s caring nature that makes us want to somehow fix him? That makes us accept him, no matter how flawed he is? To be honest, I haven’t a clue. What I do know is that I like emotional journeys. I love seeing a character start out in one place and end up somewhere different by the end of their story. I don’t mean how they feel about something or someone, but I mean that their life comes full circle. That they find peace and happiness within themselves that couldn’t be achieved without the crazy adventure authors put their characters through. And for me, this can’t happen with one book, but needs a whole series to allow the character the time to grow. 

In the end, it gives me that appreciation of what a person has been through, and maybe makes their happily-ever-after more deserving, even if that person is imperfect for a little while. Really, that’s what makes us people. Haven’t we all been angry when we’ve lost something, or sad when things didn’t go our way? Or haven’t we all acted a certain why we wish we hadn’t at some point in our lives? 

Now, on the flipside, what happens when it’s the heroine who is tortured?

Nexi, from my newest release, Werewolves be Damned, is flawed. She’s the first heroine I’ve written who I’d consider tormented right from the get-go. Only a month has passed since she witnessed the murder of her family by a group of werewolves. Everything she’s known has been ripped out from under her and she’s been thrust into an uncertain supernatural world, leaving Nexi grieving, angry, and hungry for revenge. 

For me, writing emotional characters keeps ‘em real, and I enjoy watching them grow and change in their new life.

Luckily, for Nexi (and us), I’ve always believed true love is seeing into someone’s soul and accepting them regardless of their flaws. Maybe that’s the romantic is me. But that’s the one thing with Nexi and her hero, Kyden that honest-to-god melts my heart. He sees past the anger she feels, past the feelings of injustice she experiences toward the world, and he understands she is grieving. He’s patient and understanding, simply being supportive. He gives her a safe place to let go of all that “pain” that comes with her past and he’s there for her to fall safely into his arm. 

Yeah, and that makes him a hero in my eyes.

So, now, I ask you: are emotional journeys as important to you? And can you forgive a character for being flawed?

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about tortured characters, Stacey. Here is more about Werewolves be Damned:

Werewolves be Damned
Book 1 of the Magic & Mayhem series
Entangled Publishing, April 15, 2013

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull's-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

You can find Stacey online ... 

GIVEAWAY:
Stacey is generously giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form at the end of today’s guest post. Contest ends May 20, 2013. Stacey will announce the winner on her website after the contest is over.




a Rafflecopter giveaway




If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com, and we can add you manually.
Saturday, April 20, 2013

Review: Children of the Underground by Trevor Shane

Children of the Underground
Author: Trevor Shane 
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: NAL Trade
Children of Paranoia #2
ISBN: #978-0451239297
Genre: Suspense
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher

About the book:
Even if you have choices, sometimes you have only one worth taking.

The war had been raging for as long as anyone could remember. The secret, endless war between two opposing sides—one good, one evil. Neither side knows which is which; it is kill or be killed in an invisible conflict where assassination is the weapon of choice. 

When she was just seventeen, Maria was pulled into this secret war and they killed her lover and stole her child. Now they are telling her to go home. To ignore what she knows is going on in the shadows all around her. They told Maria to forget all she’d lost. The trouble is, some things simply can’t be forgotten.

Now, with a loose-cannon killer at her side, Maria is going to do whatever it takes to get back what belongs to her. And that means starting a war of her own…

What B is talking about:
When we first met Maria in Children of Paranoia, she was a seventeen year old girl who’d fallen in love with a dangerous man, gotten pregnant, and realized, too late, that the world wasn’t what she thought it was. Instead of the rules she was used to (flirting with an attractive man, attending university, growing up), she discovered that a secret war, perpetuated by fear and vengeance, was being waged all around her, and had been for so many generations that no one could say for certain why the killing began in the first place. This war was dictated by an entirely different set of rules. Rules that quickly and brutally destroyed everything that she loved. No longer an innocent in “the War,” she’s now determined to take back what was stolen from her so long ago, no matter the cost. 

Although this isn’t a genre I typically choose for myself, I have very much enjoyed the novels in the Children of Paranoia series so far. Children of the Underground was even more clever and intricate than its predecessor, the characters’ stories unfolding via dual storylines playing out simultaneously, offering the reader a view of the future unfolding alongside the present, and tying both together within each chapter. It isn’t nearly as confusing as it sounds. By telling Maria’s story via her journal entries to her son, Mr. Shane continues what he began in Children of Paranoia, while opening the door for her son, Christopher, who may be a messiah in the making, to tell his story in the next book. 

Children of the Underground is not light reading. Nor should it be read as a standalone. There is simply too much story contained in the first novel in the series to fully appreciate the second without, and I wholeheartedly recommend starting this series from the beginning. Both sides of “the War” believe in their own righteousness, as well as the other side’s inherent evil, yet neither really knows which is which anymore. Innocence is lost. The “good guys” don’t always survive. There is plenty of death, and blood, and pain, yet there is always an undercurrent of determined hope. Maria’s hope for her son is pervasive, and is, in itself, a kind of salvation for those who are touched by it. And that salvation, while it doesn’t guarantee a happy ending, makes life worth living again for as long as it lasts. In the end, Maria’s story is one of sacrifice and love, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series. 

B’s Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Purchase Info:


Saturday Conversations 04/20/2013

Today we continue The Boss Read Along at our Saturday Conversation... this will be a reoccurring chat (see schedule below). I hope you enjoy this read along!


***NEWSFLASH***
In case you haven't heard... Due to popular demand, author Abigail Barnette is offering a new chapter of The Boss EVERY FRIDAY!! We will continue to have our discussion with Abigail (aka Jenny Trout) and Vampbard here every other week. Schedule is at the end of this post!
********************

The Boss is here! Twice per month, we will have author Abigail Barnette here on the blog to discuss the latest installment of her serial contemporary erotic romance, The Boss. Ms. Barnette is providing The Boss free to her readers, with new chapters WEEKLY. If you're new to our Read-Along, go to our first post HERE and see what all the fuss is about!

This week, we're sending you to read Chapter 11 HERE and Chapter 12 HERE, then come back to this post to discuss your thoughts on The Boss, and read what others have to say.  No.  Don't scroll to see what they're saying first.  Cheater.  Go. Read.  It's only about 40 pages total!  We’ve included a handy SCHEDULE below so you’ll be ready for the next installment discussion. Just bookmark Abigail’s site, and then you can devour the next chapter the moment it goes LIVE! 

We're excited to have Abigail here, sharing her serial, The Boss, with us.  

The Boss Read-Along


Let's start our discussion of Chapters 11 and 12... I think the most poignant moment in Chapter 11, for me, was when Sophie switched on the iPad and found the message from Neil.  What were YOUR thoughts when Neil said he was missing Sophie already?


We have to talk about Holli and Deja.  I honestly love them together!  Where do you hope this relationship goes?  Will they be besties or will there be a love connection?

Discuss amongst yourselves!  Abigail and VampBard will be around to kick in their 2 cents until Tuesday!



About the Author

The alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Jenny Trout (Jennifer Armintrout), Abigail Barnette was born during a conversation with author Bronwyn Green, who encouraged Jenny to develop an elaborate fantasy persona-- complete with nom de plume-- under which to pen erotic romance. Abigail enjoys long naps in fairy-filled glades, running through corridors in tragically romantic haunted castles, and drinking goblet after goblet of spiced wine.

REVISED RELEASE SCHEDULE

Chapter #
Release Date
Read-Along Date
01/15/13
01/30/13
02/15/13
02/28/13
03/08/13
03/08/13
03/15/13
03/22/13
03/29/13
04/05/13
04/12/13
04/20/13
04/19/13
04/20/13
Chapter 13
04/26/13
05/04/13
Chapter 14
05/03/13
05/04/13
Chapter 15
05/10/13
05/18/13
Chapter 16
05/17/13
05/18/13
Chapter 17
05/24/13
06/01/13
Chapter 18
05/31/13
06/01/13
Chapter 19
06/07/13
06/15/13
Chapter 20
06/14/13
06/15/13
Chapter 21
06/21/13
06/29/13
Chapter 22
06/28/13
06/29/13
Chapter 23
07/05/13
07/13/13



Friday, April 19, 2013

Review: Sharp by Alex Hughes

Sharp
Author:  Alex Hughes
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Roc
Mindspace Investigations #2
ISBN: 978-0451465047
Genre: Science Fiction
Format(s):  Paperback (339 pages), E-book
Book Source: Publisher

About the book:
HISTORY HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF, EVEN FOR TELEPATHS.…



As a Level Eight telepath, I am the best police interrogator in the department. But I’m not a cop—I never will be—and my only friend on the force, Homicide Detective Isabella Cherabino, is avoiding me because of a telepathic link I created by accident.

And I might not even be an interrogator for much longer. Our boss says unless I pull out a miracle, I’ll be gone before Christmas. I need this job, damn it. It’s the only thing keeping me sane.

Parts for illegal Tech—the same parts used to bring the world to its knees in the Tech Wars sixty years ago—are being hijacked all over the city. Plus Cherabino's longtime nemesis, a cop killer, has resurfaced with a vengeance. If I can stay alive long enough, I just might be able to prove my worth, once and for all...

What G & U are talking about:

Gikany and Una are so excited about this new-to-us series.  In order to start off on the right foot, we started with the first book, Clean in this Mindspace Investigations series.  Do yourself a favor and read the first book – it’s awesome!  It is also the best introduction into Sharp – a truly gritty and gripping novel.



This series is told from the first person perspective of the Telepath.  He is disavowed from the Guild (the group that trains and controls those with Ability) and barely holding on to a clean existence as it is.  If it wasn’t for Cherabino, Bellury, and Swartz, we feel he would dive into the abyss until he winked out of Mindspace forever.

Gikany and Una cannot stress what a fascinating world that Ms. Hughes has created.  We are riveted by this futurestic view of our world.  The past Tech Wars which has caused a reversal in the use of technology, the pollution, the seemingly precious real resources left (like fresh produce and meat) and the abundance of those with Ability.  This world is gritty and seen through the eyes of our recovering addict – who stays alive and sober by true grit and gumption.  Not to mention – his safety net of those cops and his sponsor who know what he will be capable of if he can just keep on the straight and narrow. 

What truly rounds out the Sharp is the continuing pressure, guidance and opportunities that the police force give our Telepath.  Paulson (his boss) seems to want to see him succeed – she must have something for hardluck/impossible cases and our Telepath could be the poster boy.  However the interactions between him and Kara – his ex-fiance, Cherabino – his sometimes partner and certain crush, Swartz – the stubborn sponsor, and Bellury – the aloof but supporting babysitter, they all combine to make his own true but complicated family.  The great contrast seen between Clean and Sharp is the self-sacrificing our Telepath makes this time.  He sees how precarious and precious his life is and wants to keep his job, his family and not lose everything to the addiction his body and mind still crave.  It is difficult to not root for this underdog – to hope something comes from his tentative and rocky relationship with Cherabino.  We are also fascinated to know there are other Guilds and would like to know more.  This is a fresh and intriguing world that we cannot wait to visit again.

We apologize for this review being a little vague.  There are nuances in the first book that really stuck a chord with Gikany and Una.  These nuances are so subtle and genius we would hate to spoil you.  Since we just discovered this series, we hope there are others reading this review that will be intrigued and pick it up.  We found the unveiling of the story very well done.  Therefore in order to have the full impact of Sharp, please read Clean.   We eagerly look forward to what adventures and cases await in the Mindspace Investigations.

Their Rating:

Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)



Purchase Info:
GIVEAWAY: for a chance to win a copy of the first Mindspace Investigations book, Clean, please see the guest post from author Alex Hughes HERE.

Coming Up...

Review: Making It Last by Ruthie Knox

Review: Dangerous Proposition by Jessica Lauryn

Review: Vicious Moon by Lee Roland

Review: The Thing About Weres by Leigh Evans

Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Review: Marine with Benefits by Heather Long

About My Blog...

WELCOME to my blog! At That's What I'm Talking About, we discuss romance books and generally review the paranormal and urban fantasy genres, with some other fun topics tossed in. I hope you will stay and visit for a while!

Happy Reading!

Jen
aka Twimom227

Disclaimer

About our reviews: The reviews posted here are the writer's own honest opinion of the book, not a judgement on the subject matter or author. We read for pleasure and at the request of authors and publishers. We do not receive compensation for our reviews, other than the copy of the book to read for the review.

----------

We try to keep posts on the blog PG-13, however the material reviewed and discussed is intended for adults (18 years and older). Please consider this if you choose to read and/or follow my blog. Thanks for stopping by!

Awesome Peeps

Grab My Button

Photobucket

I Want To Read!

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

I'm Talking About

1 Night Stand series 1 Star 2 Stars 2.5 stars 200 Follower 2010 2011 2012 3 stars 3.5 stars 300 Follower 4 stars 4.5 stars 5 stars A F***ed-Up Fairy Tale A.A. Aguirre AAD Featured Author AADNola AADPhilly AADSav Abby Sinclair Series Abigail Barnette Abigail Roux Abstrus ACE ACRO Addison Fox Adrian Phoenix adventure Affairs by Moonlight Age of Steam Series Alaskan Nights Aleksandr Voinov Alex Craft Novels Alex Hughes Alex Taylor Alex Verus Series Alexandra Ivy Alexia Reed Alexis Morgan Alissa Johnson All Souls Trilogy Allay Series Allie Beckstrom Series Allie Mackay Allison Brennan Allison Chase Allison Pang Allyson James Alpha and Omega series Alpha Pack Series Always a Marine series Alyssa Day Alyx Rayer Chronicles Amanda Bonilla Amanda Carlson Amanda Hocking Amanda J Greene Amazon Amoveo Legend Amy Lane Amy Raby Andrea Speed Ang Review Angela Knight angels Angels of Dark series Animal Magnetism series Anita Clenney Ann Aguirre Ann Mayburn Anna Hackett Anna Strong Chronicles Anne Bishop Anne Gracie anthology Anton Strout Anya Bast Apparatus Infernum series Apple Araneae Nation series Arcana Love series Arcane Shot Series Arlene Webb Ashley March Ashlyn Chase Assassins Guild Series Augusta Blythe Author Interview authors Authors After Dark Authors Photo Dog Fight Ava Gray Ava Riley Avery Aster Avon Books Awakened by Blood Series Awakening Series Awards Ballantine Books Bantam/Spectra Barbara Bretton BB Griffith BBAW BDB BDSM BDSM Bingo Bec McMaster Benedict Jacka Berkley Sensation Berkley Trade Beth Ciotta Beth Kery Beyond Human Bigtime Superheroes Birthday Black Dagger Brotherhood Black Friday Black Wade Black Wings Series Blog hop blog tour blogger blogging blogiversary Blood Coven Series Blood Kissed Series Blood-Vine Series Bloodlands Boardrooms and Billionaires Book Blogger Hop book boyfriends Book Covers book heroines Book of the Order Book Rhythm Publishing book signing Book Spotlight books BookStrand Publishing Boone Brux Bottled Magic Bound by Magick series Brava/Kensington Publishing Breathless Trilogy Breeds Bridget Midway Britt Bury Broken Heart Vampires Brotherhood of the Damned series Bs-review Buffy the Vampire Slayer C-man Review Caitlyn R. Kiernan Camelot Series cancer Cari Quinn Carina Press Carnality Series Carolyn Crane Carolyn Jewel Carrie Lofty cartoons Casey Holloway Cassandra Clare Cassandra Palmer Series Cassie Alexander Castle of Dark Dreams Cat Grant Cat Johnson Cate Masters Catherine Mann Cecy Robson celebrating Celestial Blues series Celta's Heartmates Chance Sisters Chaos Series charity Charles David Clasman Charley Davidson Series Charming Series chat Cheryl Ann Smith chic-lit Chicagoland Vampires Children of Paranoia Children of the Moon children's fiction Chimera Novels Chloe Kayne Chloe Neill Chris Dolley Christa Paige Christi Snow Christina Dodd Christina Henry Christine Cody Christine Trent Christine Wenrick Christopher Golden City Harvest CJ Barry Claire Ashgrove Clement Clarke Moore Clockwork Agents series Clockwork Empire Club Wicked Code of Shadows series Colbana Files Colters Legacy Series comic book Coming Home Series coming soon computers conferences Connor Grey Series contemporary romance contest conventions copy-cat covers Corine Solomon Council Series Country Mouse series Cover Love Coveted Series Cricket Creek Crossfire series Cut and Run Series cycling Cynthia Eden Dakota Cassidy Danaan Trilogy Dara Young Dare Island series Dark Age Dawning Dark Hunters Dark Ink Chronicles Dark Magick Series Dark Ops Series Dark Protectors series Dark Tide Series Darkly Enchanted Series Darynda Jones Daughters of the Jaguar series David Anthony DAW Deadtown Series deals Deanna Wadsworth death Deborah Cooke Deborah Harkness Decadent Publishing Decadent's Edge Series Deep Freeze Blog Tour Delacorte Press Dell Books Demonica Demons of Infernum Demons Unleashed depression Devices of War Trilogy Devon Monk Devyn Quinn Dianne Sylvan Disenchanted Publishing Disillusionists Trilogy DL Jackson DNF Dog Days Series Donna MacMeans Dorina Basarab Series Dragon Diaries Dragonfire Series Dreamspinner Press Dylan Scott Mystery Earth Angels ebooks Edie Spence series EL James Elaine Coffman Elemental Assassin Series Eleri Stone Elisabeth Naughton Elise Hepner Elite Forces Series Eliza Gayle Elizabeth Bevarly Elizabeth Jennings Elle Jasper Elle Kennedy Ellen Connor Ellora's Cave email subscriptions Emily Bronte Emily Cale Emily McKay Emma Wildes Ender's Game Entangled Publishing ereader Erica Hayes Erin Kellison Erin McCarthy Erin Quinn erotic romance Eternal Guardians Eternal Wolf Clan series Etherlin Series Eve Silver everafter series Eververse Ex Trophy Wives series Execution Underground Extrasensory Agents series F***ed-Up Fairy Tale Facebook Faith Hunter Falling Under Series Fantastic Fiction Publishing FBI Psychics series FBI-US Attorney Series feed readers FeedBurner FemDom Fifty Shades of Grey first crush first day of school First Gifts first kiss Fitzhugh Trilogy Flirting with Fangs Flying Gang Legacy For the Love of Evil series Forever Publishing Forever Yours Publishing Forgotten Goddesses Forsaken by the Others Blog Tour Fortitude Scott series Frostbite Series Fuller Center series G-U Review Galileo Publishing Game of Shadows Games of Love Series Gayle Donnelly Gena Showalter Genevieve Graham genies Gerry Bartlett Ghost Finders Series gift card Gikany review Gimme Shelter giveaway GLBT Glory St. Clair Glory St. Clare goals Goddess Unbound series Golgotham Good Girl series GoodReads google Google + google reader Grand Central Publishing graphic novel Greywalker Series grieving Griffith Publishing Grigori Legacy Grimm's Circle Guardian Series guest post guest review Guild Hunters Guinevere Trilogy Gwen Hayes H and W Investigations Series H&W Investigations Hadley Brothers Series Hailey Edwards Half-Moon Hollow Hanaford Park Hang Fire novella Hanna Martine Hannah Jayne Harlequin Harlequin Nocturne Cravings Harper Voyager Publishing Harry Potter HEA Heart Book Series Heart of Obsidian Heart of the Wolf series Hearts and Thrones Heather Long Heather Massey Heather Snow Heroes A2Z Hessius Mann Series Highland Legend Series Highland Warrior Series Historical Fiction historical romance holidays Honey Mountain Publishing Hoodoo Series HOT Cops Series House of Arkhangel'sk House of Comarre series HQN Hunters Series IJ Miller Ilona Andrews Immortal After Dark Series Immortal Heat Series Immortal Love Series Immortal Rogues In Vino Veritas Infernal Devices series Infinity Series InkLit Publishing iPhone iPhone 5 Iron Seas Irresistible Attraction series J Keller Ford J Taylor Publishing J. L. Langley J.A. Saare J.R. Blackwell JA Belfield JA Kazimer Jaci Burton Jack Fleming Jack L Pyke Jackie Ivie Jackson Series Jae Lynne Davies Jaguar Series Jane Kindred Jane True Series Jane Yellowrock Series JC Daniels JD Robb JD Tyler Jean Johnson Jeanette Baker Jeaniene Frost Jeanne C. Stein Jennifer Armintrout Jennifer Ashley Jennifer Cole Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer Jennifer Estep Jennifer Labelle Jennifer M. Eaton Jennifer Stevenson Jenny Schwartz Jenny Trout jes battis Jes Young Jess Granger Jess Haines Jess Jarman Jessa Slade Jessica Andersen Jessica Lauryn Jessica McClain Series Jessica Scott Jessica Sims Jessica Subject Jill Archer Jill Gregory Jill Myles Jill Shalvis Jim Butcher Jim Hines JK Coi JK Rowling Jo Beverley Jo Goodman Joan Frances Turner Joan Swan Joey W. Hill John Levitt Josh of the Damned Joyce Lamb JR Ward Judi Fennell Judith Merkle Riley Julia Talbot Juliana Gray Julie James Juliet Dark Justin Gustainis Kait Ballenger Kaki Warner Kalayna Price Kali Willows Kami Cummings Karen Chance Karen Erickson Karen Kelley Karen Robards Karyn Gerrard Kasey MacKenzie Kat Bastion Kat Richardson Kate Cross Kate Daniels Kate Douglas Kate Moore Kate Noble Kate Pearce Kathleen Tierney Kathryne Kennedy Kathy Love Katie MacAlister Katie Reus KC Randall Kelly Rand Kelly Said Kendrian Vampires Kensington Aphrodisia Kensington Publishing Keri Lake Keri Stevens Kerry Schafer Keta Diablo Kickstarter kids Killer Instincts series Kimberley Troutte Kimberly Frost Kindle Kiss Across Time series Kresley Cole Kris Cook Kris DeLake Kris Norris Krista D. Ball Kristen Ashley Kristen Bell Kristen Painter Kristin Daniels kristine grayson KT Grant Kylie Brant Kylie Griffin L.C. Dean Lady of Ashes Lara Adrian Larissa Ione Laura Howard Lauren Dane Lauren Jameson LaVerne Thompson Le Club d'Esclavage League of the Black Swan Lee Roland Leia Shaw Leigh Evans lesbian romance Leslie Parrish life Light Blade Series Lila DiPasqua Linda Howard Linda Poitevin Linda Wisdom Linna Sinclair Liquid Silver Books Lisa Renee Jones Lisa Sanchez Lisa Worrall Liz Fichera Lola Dodge London Steampunk Series London Undead Lone Star Witch Lonesome Way Series Long Slow Tease series Loose ID publishing Lora Leigh Lords of Deliverance Lords of the Darkyn Series Lords of the Underworld Lori Foster Loribelle Hunt Lost Lost City Shifters Louisa Klein Lovers on the Fringe Loveswept LuAnn McLane Lucani Lovers Lucy Monroe Lydia Dare Lyn Benedict Lynda R Young Lynn Cahoon Lynn Kurland Lynn Viehl Lyrical Press m/m romance Mac Mackinnon-Douglass Series MacKinnon's Rangers Mad Passions series Madeline Black series Madeline Urban Maeve Greyson Mageverse Series Maggi Myers Maggie Shayne Magic and Mayhem series Magic Series Magnus Flyte Maire Clairmont Make Believe Blog Tour Manhattan Ten Margaret K McElderry Books Mari Freeman Mari Mancusi Marie Treanor Marina Adair Mark Del Franco Mark of Abel Marvelle Circus series Mary Quast Matthew Reilly Maxey Wizards Series Maya Banks Megan Hart Melanie Card Melissa Schroeder Meljean Brook menage Mercedes Lackey Mercy Thompson Mermaids Michele Bardsley Michelle Rowen Michelle Sagara Midnight Breed Midnight Liaisons milestones military/suspense romance Mindhunters Mindspace Investigations Ministry Initiative Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Miss Molly Mists of Ireland Misty Burke MK Reviews ML Brennan Mockingjay Moira Rogers Molly Harper Montgomerys and Armstrongs Montlake Romance Moon Shifters Morganville Vampires Mortal Series movie reviews Mundania Press My Favorite Books mystery/suspense Mystwalker series Mythos Academy series NAL Nalini Singh Nancy A. Collins Nancy Holzner Nell Stark Nerine Dorman New Adult New Moon New Orleans new releases New-to-Me Author 2012 New-to-Me Author 2013 Nico Rosso Nicole Peeler Nightshade Series Nima Review Nina Bangs Nook Noon Onyx Series Norah Wilson Northern Circles Series Novel of the Earth Witches novella Olivia Cunning Olivia Quincy Omnific Publishing On Dublin Street One Night of Passion Series Orbit Publishing Orson Scott Card osi series Otherkin series Outcast Season Paladin Warriors Pamela Clare Para-Ops Series paranormal paranormal romance paranormal YA Patrice Michelle Patricia Briggs Patricia Coughlin Patricia Rice PC Penguin Publishing Persia Woolley Peter Octavian Series PG Forte Philippa Ballantine Phoenix Rising series Pip Ballantine Piper Maitland PJ Schnyder Play by Play series Pleasure Bites series PN Elrod Pocket Books Poetry pop culture press release Prides of the Moon Series Princess novels Princess of Twilight and Dawn Psy/Changeling Pyr Publishing Queen of the Dead series quickie review Rachel Caine Rafferty Series rafflecopter RAGT RAGT12 RAGT13 Random House randomness Ravenous Romance Publishing Read for a Cure reading Reading Challenge Rebecca Royce Rebecca York Rebecca Zanetti Red Hot Blue series Red Tree Publishing redecorating Regan Hastings Regency Regency Faery Regency Vampyres Relics of Merlin Series Renee Bernard Renegade Angels Renita Pizzitola resolutions Resplendence Publishing reviews Reviews by Author Rhiannon's Laws Riley Ross Riptide Publishing Rob Thomas Rob Thurman Robin Covington Robin D. Owens Robyn MacKenzie ROC romance Romance at Random romance trading cards Romantic Tales Bedtime Stories Roped Emotions Rosalie Lario Rulers of Darkness Runaway Brides Trilogy Ruthie Knox S.J. Pierce Sahara Kelly Salon Games Sam-Cody Samantha Kane Samantha Young Samhain Publishing Sandy Williams Sara Beaman Sara Brookes Sara Humphreys Sarah M. Glover Sarah McCarty Saturday Conversations Scandals of San Sebastian School for Brides sci-fi/fantasy Sean McCabe Secret Histories Series Section 8 Seducing the Scoundrels Seleste deLaney self-published Sentinels of New Orleans Serenity Woods Shades of Fury Shadow Force Shadow Kissed Series Shadow Ops series Shadow Reader series Shadow Series Shadow Unit series Shadow World Shadowlands Trilogy Shadows Inquires Series Shaede Assassin Series Shannon K. Butcher Shannon MacLeod Sharla Lovelace Sharon Lynn Fisher Sharon Shinn Sharp Blog Tour Shaunta Grimes Shawntelle Madison Sheila Stewart Shelfari Sherrilyn Kenyon Sherry Soule Sherry Thomas Shifted World series shifters Shifters and Bikers Series Shifters Unbound series Shifting Plains series Shiloh Walker Shirley Wells Shona Husk shopping Sidney Ayers Sidney Bristol Signet Silver Publishing Simon Canderous series Simon R. Green Sinners on Tour Sirantha Jax Siren Publishing Skin Novels SL Carpenter SL Wright Sleepy Hollow Slone Skye Series SM Blooding Sneak Peek So Inked series social media Sons of Sin Sons of the Zodiac Sons of Wrath Soulfire Series Sourcebooks Spellcrackers Spellmason Chronicles Spirit Caller Series Spirit Wild series spoilers St. Helena Vineyard series St. Martin's Press Stacey Espino Stacey Kennedy Stacy Gail Starla Kaye steampunk Stefan Petrucha Stella and Audra Price Stephanie Julian Stephanie Rowe Stephanie Tyler Steven Harper Stormwalker Series Strange Neighbors series street team promo Succubus Diaries Sugar Maple Chronicles summer reading Sunday Snippets Susan Johnson Suzanne Collin Suzanne Johnson Suzanne McLeod swag Sydney Croft Sylvia Day Sypricon Masters Tales from the IWSS Tamara Hogan Tamara Morgan Tami Dane Tammy Falkner Tarryn Fisher Taryn Kincaid Tate Hallaway Tatum Throne TBR TD Thomas technology Tee Morris Teresa D'Amario Terra's Guardians Terri Rochenski Terry Spear Tes Hilaire Tessa Adams thankful Thanksgiving The Anomaly Trilogy The Associates The Between The Blue Raven Series The Body Series The Boss The Boss Read Along The Boys Are Back In Town The Charmed Trilogy The Company of Rogues The Court of Annwyn The Courtyards of the Others The Delicious Series The Devil Riders The Edge Series The Elect Series The Elementals Series the Elven Lords The Ether Chronicles The Fallen Series The Fangover series The Farm The Glorious Victorious Darcys The Iron Duke The Legend Chronicles The Lost Anthology The Maker's Song Series The Manhattanites The Merry Widows series The Night Before Christmas The Nine Kingdoms The Pinnacles of Power The Princess Bride The Saint's Devils series The Seven Signs The Stepsister Scheme The Tournament Series The Underground Series The Vampire Files The Watchers The Weird Girls Thea Harrison Theresa Meyers Three Princesses series Tigris Eden Tilly Greene Time Thief series time-travel title reveal TK Rayford top ten Tor Publishing Torquere Press Touch and Geaux Web Hunt Tracy Cooper-Posey Traveller series Trevor Shane Trinity Blacio Trinity Tam Triton Experiment Series True Mates Tuesday Teaser Tulipe Noire Press TV shows Twilight of the Gods Twilight Series Movies Twimom Review twitloss Twitter Ty Langston Una Review Underbelly Chronicles Underworld Detection Agency Universe Unbound Series upcoming releases upgrade urban fantasy Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration Ursula Sinclair Utterly Loved vacation Vampbard review Vampire Armageddon vampires Veiled Seduction Series Veronica Mars Veronica Wolff Vicki Lewis Thompson Vicki Pettersson Victoria Dahl Victoria Laurie Viking Publishing Viola Ryan Virginia Henley Virginia Kantra Virna DePaul Warriors of Poseidon Warriors of the Mist weather weight loss Weight Watchers Werewolf Series western Westfield Brothers When the Mission Ends Whispers of Scandal Wilbur Smith Wild About You series Willow Rose winners Witchs Brew Series With or Without series Wizards of Nevermore wordpress Wrecked Blog Tour Wurthering Heights YA Literature Year in Review Zebra Publishing Zodius Series Zoe Archer zombies