Monday, September 30, 2013

The Godborn by Paul S. Kemp [Review]

The Godborn (The Sundering #2) by Paul S. Kemp
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 17, 2013

The Sundering
1. The Companions
2. The Godborn - Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
3. The Adversary
4. The Reaver
5. The Sentinel
6. The Herald

Paul S. Kemp
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
In the 2nd book of the multi-author Sundering series launched by New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore, the shadow legacy of Erevis Cale lives on even as his old foe Mephistopheles seeks to stamp it out at any cost. Cale’s son Vasen—unmoored in time by the god Mask—has thus far been shielded from the archdevil’s dark schemes, alone among the servants of the Lord of Light who have raised him since birth.

Living in a remote abbey nestled among the Thunder Peaks of Sembia, Vasen is haunted by dreams of his father, trapped in the frozen hell of Cania. He knows the day will come when he must assume his role in the divine drama unfolding across Faerûn. But Vasen knows not what that role should be . . . or whether he is ready to take it on. He only knows what his father tells him in dreams—that he must not fail.

Enter Drasek Riven, a former compatriot of Erevis Cale, now near divine and haunted by dreams of his own—he too knows the time to act is near. Shar, the great goddess of darkness, looks to cast her shadow on the world forever. Riven has glimpsed the cycle of night she hopes to complete, and he knows she must be stopped.

At the crossroads of divine intrigue and mortal destiny, unlikely heroes unite to thwart the powers of shadow and hell, and the sundering of worlds is set on its course.
Thoughts on The Godborn: I had a tougher time getting into this book than I did with book 1. A lot of what was happening felt like it relied on a bit of knowledge of events that came before (in previous series books). I freely admit that I might be wrong about that but I had a hard time keeping people straight and figuring out how they related to one another.

I did like the overriding idea of balance and that events have a quiet way of putting the people who need to be together in each other's path. Vasen and Orsin are a prime example of this. Fate (or the gods) threw them together at a time when they needed to lean on each other's strength.

While I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as book 1, I did enjoy the utter depravity of the random bad guys. Carnage, carnage, carnage, with a side order of blood. Nothing's as bracing after a long day of trekking through a shadowy land as killing a village for fun. Also, I might never look at cats the same way again.

Blood, death, vengeance and one crazy guy who thinks letting someone swallow the world is a good idea. Which it's not, just in case you were wondering. Heroes, gods, and devils sure are a volatile mix, aren't they?

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Clock Rewinders (09/29/13)

Clock Rewinders on a Book Binge is the brain child of Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Tara @ 25 Hour Books.  I'm inviting myself to their party (as I sometimes do) because I have so damn much fun reading Amanda's posts that I couldn't help myself.

Reading the Paranormal Week in Review
Bookish Delights
Goodreads Stats - Loosely borrowed from Tara @ 25 Hour Books
Globetrotting...
Check it out!
  • Seriously Series weekly update: BOOM! I hit my before 2013 goal! YES!
    • Series started in 2013: 44/18 (+1 since last week)
    • Series started before 2013: 18/18 (+4 since last week)
    • Series rereads: 8/14 (+0 since last week)
News from around the blogosphere:
  • Jenn Bennett has revealed the cover for the 4th book in the Arcadia Bell series - Banishing the Dark! It's so purty!
I thought I had more to share this week. Apparently, I was wrong. Until next week, my darlings!

Posted by at 3 comments:
Labels:

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Blog Housekeeping [20]


It's that time again! Time to polish up your blog until it shines!

Update:
  • review archive - are you responsible for sites other than your own? Don't forget about those
  • sidebar - check for buttons or links for events that have ended. Have any new events coming up? Now's the time to add them.
  • reading challenges - update your progress, add links to challenges where you can link up. If you're a challenge host, do you try to comment on linked reviews? Now's your chance!
  • blogrolls -  clean 'em up!
  • crosspost - do you crosspost to Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, Library Thing? Don't forget to add your reviews to Netgalley or Edelwiess for those ARCs.
  • check your subscription and social media links - if this isn't something that you normally check, now's an excellent time to make sure it's doing what it should be doing. (check out Felicia's Tech Tips for ideas on what to do if you're getting errors on your subscription link)
  • check your static pages (About, Review Policy, etc) for outdated information, broken links, etc.
  • review your profiles - when was the last time you updated your Goodreads or Facebook profiles? Is everything up to date?

Get ahead:
  • September is nearly over! Have you drafted your weekly wrap-up posts? Do you prepare review posts for upcoming books so you can simply write up the review once you've finished reading?

Misc:
  • respond to review requests and other bloggy emails
  • check your spam folder - legitimate emails can sometimes slip through, catch them now.
  • check the spam filter on the blog - get rid of the spam! save the legits!
  • make the rounds - check back on blogs where you left comments, maybe spread a few new comments around like candy.
Did you do everything that applies to you? Well done! Now...

BACK UP YOUR BLOG!

The next post is scheduled for 10/12 and I expect to see YOU here!

Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels:

Friday, September 27, 2013

Shadows Fall by Brandy L. Rivers [Review}

Shadows Fall (Others of Edenton #1.5) by Brandy L. Rivers
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 4, 2013

Others of Edenton
0.5. New Beginnings
1. In Too Deep
1.5. Shadows Fall - Kindle
2. Shadows of the Past

Brandy L. Rivers
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Amethyst Lakes is a nymph with a problem. She left her ex-boyfriend when he started to smother her. Nothing she says seems to keep him away.

Carl needs Amethyst more than he needs to breathe, but she just doesn’t get it. He’ll stop at nothing to make her stay.

An old friend and teenage crush will keep her safe until Amethyst can decide how to deal with Carl once and for all.

A pretty little nymph, crazy stalker ex, a cocky mage, and a whole lot of trouble.
My Thoughts on Shadows Fall: While definitely short, this story gives us a great peek into Amethyst's head and sets up her move to Edenton (in book 2) where she will undoubtedly get tangled up in trouble and romance. Frankly, after what she went through in this book, she deserves the romance part.

While her incarceration was bad (especially since she had done nothing to warrant it), it was the way everyone was pushing her to use her magic on Carl to get rid of him that got me. Since her options were stuck between bad and worse, Amethyst had a very tough decision to make as to how she wanted him dealt with. She could do the very thing she'd been accused of and use her power against him (although it was to make him lose interest, not to enthrall) or she could let her well-meaning friends kill him and get rid of in a very permanent sense.

Poor Amethyst is a wreck by the time this story ends. It'll be very interesting to see how she pulls herself out of her despair over what she had to do.

Again, this is a teaser/set-up for book 2, so don't expect all the issues to be resolved. If you've picked up any of the previous books (and you should because they're very captivating!) and you're chomping at the bit for book 2, pick this one up.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

New Beginnings by Brandy L. Rivers [Review]

New Beginnings (Others of Edenton #0.5) by Brandy L. Rivers
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 19, 2013

Others of Edenton
0.5. New Beginnings - Kindle
1. In Too Deep
1.5. Shadows Fall
2. Shadows of the Past

Brandy L. Rivers
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Jess knew her life would never move forward if she remained a part of Gregory’s pack. Some Alpha’s just don’t know how to take care of their wolves. She had managed Gregory’s bar for years but she knew he would never sell it to her.

After one giant mistake, he went from bad to worse. As a psychic, she knew it was a downward spiral.

Taking her future in her own hands, she contacts the Alpha in Edenton. He is happy to sell the empty bar no one has the time, nor desire to renovate, much less run.

Their attraction is unexpected and the last thing either want, but they find the only thing they need in each other.

There is just one problem. Slater’s second in command is plotting against him. Liam will use anything to take over as Alpha.

Plenty of werewolves, an old vampire flame, plus a paranoid second, and don’t forget the psychic with a whole lot of attitude.
My Thoughts on New Beginnings: Okay, yes. I can't keep it in any longer. I'm a little smitten with these snarly werewolves and the town they live in. They're equal parts strong, sexy, loyal, and not afraid to go toe to toe with each other when the chips are down.

Jess is a prime example of the type of feisty and strong characters that you'll find in Edenton. She knows what she doesn't want (another Alpha trying to control her) and she's determined to steer as far away from wolves and males in general as she can. She has her bar and she's willing to be happy with that.

Except... Slater feels a draw to her that he can't deny. Even though he's not looking for a lady friend, Jess worms her way into his thoughts in a big way. And then they get all touchy and things EXPLODE from there.

It's wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

We get to see characters from book 1 peppered throughout and Jess's visions give us insight into what's to come. Yes, I'm smitten. Big, bad werewolves who are kinda cuddly underneath the snarls. I LIKE THIS!

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

In Too Deep by Brandy L. Rivers [Review]

In Too Deep (Others of Edenton #1) by Brandy L. Rivers
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 6, 2013

Others of Edenton
0.5. New Beginnings
1. In Too Deep - Paperback | Kindle
2. Shadows of the Past

Brandy L. Rivers
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Fallon is a brilliant tattoo artist with inherent magic. Tired of men and their games, she climbs onto her Harley and leaves her old life behind.

Brody is a talented motorcycle mechanic and werewolf stuck in his painful past. It's just another depressing night until he's attacked by vampires. Thinking he killed them, he runs into the night and crashes into Fallon.

Unwilling to walk away from anyone in need, she heals Brody and then takes out the vampires who aren't as dead as he thought. Her past collides with the present, and she finds herself stranded in Edenton, Washington where an old friend lives. With no ride and no real plan, she winds up staying in Brody's empty apartment.

Feeling alive for the first time in years, Brody is determined to claim Fallon's heart and keep her safe from the shadows in her past. However, she prides herself on her independence and would rather keep him safe, even from herself.

With the impending danger from the group of vampires and dark mages, they will have to work together. The closer they get, the harder it is for her to fight her attraction.

Be prepared for monsters, magic and lots of ink.
My Thoughts on In Too Deep: I have two things to say here... tattoos and sassy women. And werewolves. And BIG DANGEROUS THINGS! Okay, I had more than two things to say. As is turns out, I am seriously in love with the world that Brandy L. Rivers has created and her characters are absolutely FANTASTIC.

Fallon is powerful and dangerous and she's willing to fight on the side of right -- even if that means putting herself in danger or getting on the bad side of the ruling council. She's not afraid of confrontation and she's more than a little good at defending herself. She's also had a string of bad luck where men are concerned and she's a little gun shy at the moment. So, let's just say that Brody's sudden appearance in her life and the visceral attraction she feels for him aren't really good things in her eyes at first.

AT FIRST.

But Brody is charming and sweet and he falls hard for the sassy Fallon the first time he sees her. She can't help but LIKE the guy. And like coupled with panty melting attraction is always a good thing, in my opinion.

The world building here is big and grand. Werewolves, vampires, fey, druids, magic users, mind control and SO MUCH MORE. It all comes together nicely and left me clamoring for more. Did I mention the tattoos? Because tattoos are kind of my weakness and a fierce lady who can imbue magic into them to protect those she cares about makes me almost weak in the knees.

I have the prequel waiting for me. I'm excited!

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Loki Bound by Charity Ayres [Review]

Loki Bound (Mortal Gods #1) by Charity Ayres
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 9, 2013

Mortal Gods
1. Loki Bound - Paperback | Kindle

Charity Ayres
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Natural disasters, gods on earth, a bid for world domination and a snarky trickster god just wishing everyone would quit destroying her furniture. What more could you want?

The old gods are far from dead. Some of them live on, seeking mischief and mayhem in Norfolk, Virginia. Loki likes playtime on earth and has chosen to embrace the feminine side of life as Cleo. Unfortunately for Cleo, something is off in the area and it isn't due to a current bid for power by the trickster.

That just won't do as far as Cleo is concerned, but she realizes she might need some back-up. She asks big brother to step down a plane and play in the dirt. Rocky is a classical representation of Thor and not completely sure Cleo isn't up to her old tricks.

The duo nonetheless sets out to find the power shift in the magical line in the mortal plane. Posing as FBI agents, they enlist the help of local detective, Richard Martin. The trickster makes a pact with her brother to keep the secrecy of their true purpose under wraps but finds that the allure of mortal life may make a painful end to her existence for that promise.
My Thoughts: This was a very fun book. Wrapping my head around Loki as a female boggled me a bit in the beginning but once I fell into the idea (and Cleo's snipes and jabs at Rocky/Thor), it worked nicely. No matter the form Loki chooses, messing with people is what this god does best.

Except, that is, when a certain detective falls into her orbit and suddenly she has a tough time conjuring up her tricky tricks. Emotion isn't all it's cracked up to be when you have godling powers that are on the fritz. Seriously. And when the trickster god finds herself tripping over her own lies... well, let's just say that it makes keeping secrets interesting.

The limitations on how often the gods can assume mortal form are intriguing. Heck, the world building itself is intriguing. Gods and power struggles and bad, bad things crawling out of the woodwork and the type of lusty romance that amuses me. Cleo knows her new mortal body just needs a good roll in the hay. That must be why she's acting all touchy-feely with the detective. Isn't it?

Seriously, fun book with plenty of potential for future shenanigans with all the gods and trouble they can get into.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Skin by Kylie Scott [Review]

Skin (Flesh #2) by Kylie Scott
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 31, 2013

Flesh
1. Flesh
2. Skin - Paperback | Kindle
2.5. Room With a View (Goodreads review)

Kylie Scott
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Six months since the zombie plague struck, former librarian Roslyn Stewart has been holed up in a school with eight other survivors. But now the shelves in the school canteen are bare. The stranger at the gate has supplies that will ensure the group’s ongoing survival, but at a cost. He wants a woman.

Nick is a man with a plan. He’ll treat Roslyn like a Queen, devoting the rest of his life to protecting and providing for her. In exchange, of course, for sexual favours. It’s the deal of the century given the state of the world. But Roslyn doesn’t see it that way. The first chance she gets she attacks the ex-army man and attempts to escape, forcing Nick to contain her. And so begins his awkward courtship of the woman, with her chained to the bed for security reasons.

Chained like a dog and forced to spend her every waking moment with a creep, albeit a good looking one, Ros is determined to escape. When circumstances force them to band together against a common enemy their very survival depends on their ability to learn to trust each other. An uneasy partnership develops, but can a relationship with such a difficult beginning ever have a future?
My Thoughts on Skin: Yesssssss! Love, Zombie Apocalypse Style continues! We met Nick at the end of book 1 and now we get to see his not-so-conventional approach to wooing the lady he want to spend the rest of the apocalypse with. AND IT IS AWESOME!

Honestly, I feel like I shouldn't like Nick. Seeing as how his plan for finding and keeping a lady friend involves kidnapping and chaining her in his house. I mean, that's all sorts of wrong. But... against all odds, I LIKED HIM. He's a little cracked at times and he works ass-backward at trying to get Ros to like him but he drew me in and kept me entertained.

Ros is... sheltered. She hasn't stepped a foot outside the school she's been hiding in since the plague went down and she has NO IDEA how bad things are. She's justifiably angry at being held prisoner by Nick and she's not afraid to let him know this. Seeing her go from insanely on edge to wanting him and being afraid for him was a hoot. Watching her convince him that she needs to be his partner if there's ever going to be a relationship between them was fantastic.

Poor Nick. He had no idea what he was getting into when he got this spunky librarian.

I loved revisiting Blackstone and seeing how things have changed since we left Ali, Daniel, and Finn at the end of book 1. Seeing all those characters again in general made me happy. They're fun and sassy and they know how to fight their way through a horde of ravenous dead.

I am seriously all for more post-apocalyptic zombie stories that are heavy on love and sexy times. MOAR! Please.

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , ,

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Top Off Tuesday - That's just... wow!

I've decided to join Felicia, Christi and Amanda for their gratuitous shirtless covers on Tuesdays. Because nothing says Tuesday like flashing some skin! Hop over to Felicia's blog to see who else is participating!

Dude. Tattoos. I mean... wow. That's just... wow. Excuse me, I have to go drool for a bit now.

The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons (Light Dragons #2) by Katie MacAlister
Ysolde Bouchier is still coming to terms with the dragon part of her, while at the same time trying to free a friend of Baltic-her Black Dragon lover-from the weyr, get Baltic to meet with the dragons who want him dead, rescue a half-dragon damsel in over her head, raise the shade of the man everyone says killed her, and once and for all clear Baltic's name of the murder charges that continue to plague him.

For Ysolde, being a dragon is starting to bite.

Posted by at 10 comments:
Labels:

Monday, September 23, 2013

Beyond Pain by Kit Rocha [Review]

Beyond Pain (Beyond #3) by Kit Rocha
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 9, 2013

Beyond
1. Beyond Shame
2. Beyond Control
2.5. Beyond Denial
3. Beyond Pain - Kindle
3.5. Beyond Temptation
4. Beyond Jealousy
5. Beyond Addiction
6. Beyond Innocence
7. Beyond Ruin

Author Links
Kit Rocha is the pen name of the fabulous writing duo Bree and Donna.
| Website | Twitter (Kit Rocha) | Twitter (Donna) | Twitter (Bree) | Facebook (Kit Rocha) | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
A woman with no future…

Live fast, die young–anything else is a fantasy for Six. She’s endured the worst the sectors had to throw at her, but falling in with Dallas O’Kane’s Sector Four gang lands her in a whole new world of danger. They’re completely open about everything, including their sexuality–but she hasn’t survived this long by making herself vulnerable. Especially not to men as dominant as Brendan Donnelly.

A man without a past…

Bren is a killer, trained in Eden and thrown to the sectors. His one outlet is pain, in the cage and in the bedroom, and emotion is a luxury he can’t afford–until he meets Six. Protecting her soothes him, but it isn’t enough. Her hunger for touch sparks a journey of erotic discovery where anything goes–voyeurism, flogging, rough sex. He has only one rule: he won’t share her.

In Bren’s arms, Six is finally free to let go. But his obsession with the man who made him a monster could destroy the fragile connection they’ve forged, and cost him the one thing that makes him feel human–her love.
My Thoughts on Beyond Pain: This series satisfies my need for gritty, dark, incredibly sexy dystopian books. It is PHENOMENAL and every book expands the series and makes me love it even more.

While the focus of each book is on a particular couple, the brotherhood that the O'Kanes have carved out for themselves with blood, sweat, and ink is the heart of the series. Their willingness to embrace one another -- faults, differences, and all -- is so breathtaking.

That said, Bren and Six's story doesn't pull any punches. Wait. I have to giggle for a second. Because, you know, Bren likes the pain and he doesn't WANT anyone to pull their punches. Anyway. After the abuse that Six suffered through, she's a wreck. Just about the only person she trusts is Bren and she doesn't *really* understand where he's coming from. She doesn't get the whole mindset that the O'Kanes have -- they are family and they will fight to protect one another.

So, Bren has his work cut out for him. He wants her but he needs her to trust him and she's not one to give her trust easily.

Honestly, I love Six's edgy, feral attitude. She's a damaged and she lashes out at times and she definitely doesn't feel like she fits in, but she's got all that fire and when Bren crawls under her skin to start to unlock it, things get steamy. REALLY STEAMY. Which is something I've come to expect from these books BUT STILL. *fans self*

The world and the politics of the sectors is expanding. Dallas and his crew will have to hold on tight to keep their kingdom running the way they need it to. Because Dallas keeps his gang safe and there's nothing he won't do to protect them.

O'Kane for life!

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Clock Rewinders (09/22/13)

Clock Rewinders on a Book Binge is the brain child of Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Tara @ 25 Hour Books.  I'm inviting myself to their party (as I sometimes do) because I have so damn much fun reading Amanda's posts that I couldn't help myself.

Reading the Paranormal Week in Review
Bookish Delights
Goodreads Stats - Loosely borrowed from Tara @ 25 Hour Books
Globetrotting...
Check it out!
  • Seriously Series weekly update: *eyes my before 2013 numbers* Four more series by the end of the month? I can do that, can't I?
    • Series started in 2013: 43/18 (+1 since last week)
    • Series started before 2013: 14/18 (+2 since last week)
    • Series rereads: 8/14 (+0 since last week)
News from around the blogosphere:

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Saturday, September 21, 2013

This is why I love my friends...

A few weeks ago, my BFF forwarded me an email simply saying "What I spent time on this morning..."

______________________________________
From: Kelly's BFF (not her real name)
To: SFGATE_support-qa
Subject: SFGate Feedback: Web browser issue

Hello!

Can you please get rid of the Martha Stewart Staples ad on the games page? Whenever that ad displays, I can't play the games. The game shows up for a second, then disappears and all that's left is Martha Stewart's disapproving face, reminding me that I probably should be doing work versus playing pic-a-pix. But you know what Martha? You're not the boss of me, and you shouldn't get to dictate when I can play battleships and when I can't. Why don't you go and bother people in the 'shopping' section? It seems like a better place for an ad anyway. I'm certainly not thinking about wanting to buy office supplies while playing games, I'm mostly thinking about who is possibly walking by my cube; and also about screen placement of the game for quick hiding in case someone does pop around the corner unexpectedly. I don't have enough brain power to throw in thoughts of paperclips and post-it notes into the mix, that would severely lower my game playing (and hiding) skillz. Thank you.


SFGate's response:

Hi (Kelly's BFF) (still not her real name),

Far be it for us to allow interference with discreet puzzle and game doing. The ad it being served from the game provider's site. We're reaching out to them to remove or fix it.

Regards,

(Dude in Customer Support)

______________________________________
Now THAT is how you give good customer service. While I admittedly don't know if the Martha Stewart ad was removed, Mr. Dude in Customer Support (who will henceforth be known as DiCS -- which is unfortunate) totally jumped in and not only supported my BFF's need for hush-hush game playing, but also forwarded the issue on.

Way to go, DiCS!

Also, I still get a giggle out of what BFF said about Martha Stewart. Is that wrong?

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Friday, September 20, 2013

Brothers in Stone by C.E. Martin [Review]

Brothers in Stone (Stone Soldiers #2) by C.E. Martin
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 1, 2013

Stone Soldiers
1. Mythical
2. Brothers in Stone - Paperback | Kindle
3. Blood and Stone
4. Shades of War

C.E. Martin
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
The shapeshifting Antedeluvian giant Ketzkahtel is back from the dead, once again tearing out and eating the hearts of American citizens.

Colonel Mark Kenslir will need the help of a new generation of stone soldiers and one brave girl to track down and stop the giant before it amasses enough power to become unstoppable.

Unfortunately for Kenslir, the giant is no longer alone. He’s resurrected his twin brother and the two giants decide to take the fight to the Colonel.
My Thoughts on Brothers in Stone: Book 2 picks up directly from the end of book 1. Ketzkahtel is out making merry and devouring the hearts of the people he comes across. Literally. He's eating hearts. Which makes him both creepy and powerful. *frowny face*

Clearly, Colonel Kenslir and his team are going to need to find some heretofore untapped resources to take him out for good. Except, even if they obliterate him, they have his twin to deal with now. BAD STUFF, MAN. But let's get back to those untapped resources. Josie, as it turns out, might be more than just a pretty girl who happened to be in the right place at the right time in book 1. She has PLENTY of untapped resources. (and I don't mean that in a pervy way, people. I mean it in a "she's more than she seems" sort of way. Just so we're clear.)

There are a few shocks for our heroes and a few new characters added to the mix. People die. Hearts get eaten. BAD THINGS HAPPEN. Oh, and the booby-trapped DEATH CAVE? 3,000 times awesomer than any other death cave I've read about recently.

Very fun, rather bloody, and full of badass fighters. *thumbs up*

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: ,

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Dark Whiskey by Emma Meade [Quickie Review]

Dark Whiskey by Emma Meade
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 17, 2013

Emma Meade
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Kindle |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Jesse senses something off about the nightclub. She wants to leave, but her best friend, Tasha, is determined to have a night to remember. There's no way she's turning down an invite to the VIP section.

Against Jesse's better judgement, she follows Tasha up the ivory staircase to the mysterious room above. The whiskey and champagne are flowing, and pretty soon the blood will be too.
My Thoughts: Ooh. I like it when short stories pack a lot of punch. And for all its length, this one pulls a whole lot of character and terror into it.

Jesse allows herself to be drawn into something she knows is wrong because her best friend is determined to forget her woes and she wants to do it in style. For Jesse, something seems off about the club from the moment they enter. Yet... she goes along with her BFF and ends up in the middle of something she can't comprehend.

But this doesn't stop her from trying to fight her way out of the situation. The girl is fierce when she's fighting for her life. FIERCE. And even when she's defeated, she's not willing to give in. I respect that type of attitude.

Quick, dark, and dangerous with enough blood and bodies to make me happy.

Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels: ,

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Flesh by Kylie Scott [Review]

Flesh (Flesh #1) by Kylie Scott
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 30, 2013

Flesh
1. Flesh - Paperback | Kindle
2. Skin
2.5. Room With a View (Goodreads review)

Kylie Scott
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Ali has been hiding in an attic since civilisation collapsed eight weeks ago.

When the plague hit, her neighbours turned into mindless, hungry, homicidal maniacs.

Daniel has been a loner his entire life. Then the world empties and he realises that being alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Finn is a former cop who is desperate for companionship, and willing to do anything it takes to protect the survivors around him.

When the three cross paths they band together; sparks fly, romance blooms in the wasteland and Ali, Daniel and Finn bend to their very human needs in the ruins of civilisation.

Lust, love and trust all come under fire in Flesh as the three band together to survive, hunted through the suburban wastelands.
My Thoughts on Flesh: OMG! Love, Zombie Apocalypse style! This book SERIOUSLY checked off all the things I crave in a zombie apocalypse love story. There's danger, quick burning attraction, sexy times, FLESH EATING ZOMBIES, and just the right balance of heart-pounding terror and the potential for our main characters to find a safe place to batten down.

*swoon*

Okay, so... Daniel. He's just so THRILLED when he finds Ali. She's prickly and argumentative and he falls head over heels in love with her and he totally embraces being lovestruck. I think that was what endeared him to me the most. He is so blindingly happy to have her. With the world falling apart around them, he finds the time to tease her and joke with her and give her sexy-sexy times.

Frankly, Ali's a wreck when Daniel stumbles over her. She's been living on the edge for weeks and    it's taken its toll on her mental health. Daniel's exuberance with life is something she sorely needs. He pushes her. He makes her face her fears. He lays out the fact that she can't survive for much longer as she has been and he gives her alternatives. It takes time, but she falls for him just as hard as he fell for her.

Then, there's Finn. He's a little desperate and a lot lonely and he's willing to do anything to keep Ali safe. Finn worms his way into both Daniel and Ali's lives and sets up shop like a champ! I like this guy. I really do.

And, yeah, there are the inevitable miscommunications. Three hard headed people trying to make a go of it in an unconventional relationship... well, things are said sometimes in the heat of the moment. Motives are misconstrued. BUT... they work everything out. Eventually.

Meanwhile, ZOMBIES! Lots of zombies! Danger! Some of it of the living variety.

I just... *flails all over this book* Zombie apocalypse love stories. The world needs more of these.

Posted by at 8 comments:
Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Top Off Tuesday - Welcome to Planet Naked! Here's your tattoo!

I've decided to join Felicia, Christi and Amanda for their gratuitous shirtless covers on Tuesdays. Because nothing says Tuesday like flashing some skin! Hop over to Felicia's blog to see who else is participating!

Good gravy. YES. THIS. PLEASE. Look, I don't know what's going on here but he has tattoos and he's NAKED and I like both those things. *thumbs up*

The Breaker's Concubine by Ann Mayburn
Prince Devnar of Jensia is goaded into raiding the wrong space ship, springing a trap that captures him for use as a Royal pleasure slave, a Concubine, on Kyrimia. He vows to do everything he can to escape and keep from forming a psychic bond with his captors that would render him absolutely and totally in love. This proves difficult to do when the female Breaker assigned to turn him into a Concubine, Melania, is the epitome of his perfect woman.

Melania has been raised and trained to help reluctant and abused Novices to break through their personal blocks and attain the ultimate prize of becoming a Concubine. When she is given Devnar to train, she finds herself in danger of doing the forbidden and falling in love with her Novice. This angry, scarred, and utterly seductive male tests her self-control like no other.

Devnar and Melania find themselves at the heart of a galaxy wide political battle that will test a love that they must not acknowledge, and cannot live without, to its very limits.

Posted by at 12 comments:
Labels:

Monday, September 16, 2013

Deadly Hearts by S.M. Reine [Review]

Deadly Hearts (Descent #0.6) by S.M. Reine
Format: free online read [here]
Source: free read on author's site
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 16, 2013

Descent
Dying Night
 0.5. Death's Avatar (Goodreads review)
0.6. Deadly Hearts - Free online read | Kindle
0.7. Death Scream
1. Death's Hand
2. The Darkest Gate
3. Dark Union
4. Damnation Marked
5. Dire Blood
6. Defying Fate
7. Paradise Damned

S.M. Reine
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Dead divorcees. Demonic possession. Elise Kavanagh stabbing things and...baking cookies? It's just another bloody Valentine's Day in the life of a demon hunter and her witchy partner.

This is a short story about the length of two chapters in my other books (9000 words), which takes place before the events of Death's Hand. It's a gift to my existing readers, who believe deep in their hearts that James's butt needs to be slapped once in a while. I agree completely, readers. Trust me.
My Thoughts on Deadly Hearts: I think the funniest thing IN THE WORLD is Elise trying to pull off the housewife thing. She is seriously not cut out for baking and playing nice. Which works well when she's kicking demon ass but is unnerving when she's attempting to go undercover as James's wife.

Hold on. I'm imagining the penetrating stare coming from a lady wearing oven mitts right now.

*shudders*

As short as it is, this story packs a lot of wallop. Besides the whole housewife Elise thing, we get a hint at the sad, powerful love that Elise holds for James and how it affects her when her barriers are down. Her ability to compartmentalize her feelings and do what she needs to do to keep the world safe is astounding. And a little frightening.

Fans of the series won't want to miss this short story. It's bloody, dark, and a little sad. And James gets his ass slapped. Which is HILARIOUS when it's Elise doing the slapping.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Damnation Marked by S.M. Reine [Review]

Damnation Marked (Descent #4) by S.M. Reine
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 5, 2013

Descent
Dying Night
0.5. Death's Avatar (Goodreads review)
0.6. Deadly Hearts
0.7. Death Scream
1. Death's Hand
2. The Darkest Gate
3. Dark Union
4. Damnation Marked - Kindle
5. Dire Blood
6. Defying Fate
7. Paradise Damned

S.M. Reine
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):
There's something in the earth deep below Elise Kavanagh's territory. A shadow is falling upon local demons to devour their flesh and harvest their souls. And it's coming for Elise next.

The Union has an easy way out. They want to send Elise into hiding again with her former partner, James Faulkner. All she has to do is surrender the territory and trust that they can protect the ethereal ruins, the dark gate, and the city she's come to know as home.

Greater powers have other plans for Elise and her fabled power as Godslayer--plans that mean surrendering her life and blood to the most powerful demon alive. But if she descends, there's no turning back. Once she gazes into the abyss, it will gaze back into her... and Elise will be damned forever.
My Thoughts on Damnation Marked: O.O Elise doesn't know how to take the easy way out of anything, does she? She's a fighter. Even when the odds are stacked against her and her man-witch and she aren't on the best of terms, she barrels in head first and tries to do the right thing.

She's so tortured by all the ones she hasn't managed to save, too. Her exhaustion at life and at battling against the things that go bump in the night is tangible. Yet, when the chips are down, she's not ready to roll over and die. She wants to live. She wants things to be better. Whether that means teaming up with the demons who aren't there to hurt and harm or going toe to toe with the baddest demon on the block, she tries.

And, OMG!, her relationship with James absolutely kills me. She's rough around the edges, sure, but she loves him and seeing him with someone else is something that she can't handle. As hard as she is and as much as she doesn't show much emotion, I felt for her.

The Union is a little too... gung ho for my taste. I don't know how I feel about Anthony because I ultimately want to see the relationship with James reach its logical (to me) conclusion.  Meanwhile, James has secrets AND he has secrets that have been kept from him.

IT'S VERY TANGLED. And that's part of the charm of this series. I don't know if I'll survive the next three books.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Clock Rewinders (09/15/13)

Clock Rewinders on a Book Binge is the brain child of Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Tara @ 25 Hour Books.  I'm inviting myself to their party (as I sometimes do) because I have so damn much fun reading Amanda's posts that I couldn't help myself.

Reading the Paranormal Week in Review
Bookish Delights
Goodreads Stats - Loosely borrowed from Tara @ 25 Hour Books
Globetrotting...
Check it out!
  • Seriously Series weekly update: *stares at my numbers* This might be the quarter I DON'T hit one of my goals. That's okay, though, because I WROTE A BOOK! And I'm almost done with another one!
    • Series started in 2013: 42/18 (+3 since last week)
    • Series started before 2013: 12/18 (+1 since last week)
    • Series rereads: 8/14 (+0 since last week)
News from around the blogosphere:
Until next week, my darlings!

Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)