Clock Rewinders (04/13/14)

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

• Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre [Review] - VERY fun world!
• Top Off Tuesday - Ride 'em, your lordship!
• Twisted Miracles by A.J. Larrieu [Review] - The world building here was fun. Dark and a little dangerous, but fun.
• Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean [Review] - I'm all about the fun while reading, so this is totally hitting the spot!
• Leannan by Rosalind Scarlett [Review] - TWO HUNDRED YEARS is a long time to go without the man parts when you clearly want it.
• Blood Stone by Tracy Cooper-Posey [Review] - So much happens in this book. SO MUCH.
• Blog Housekeeping [34] - Have you been keeping up with your tasks?

Bookish Delights
Goodreads Stats - Loosely borrowed from Tara @ 25 Hour Books

• Currently unread - 532
• Books added - 8
• Enigma (Southern Arcana #6) by Moira Rogers - For review!
• Toxic (Truckee Wolves #1) by Belinda McBride - For review!
• The Herald (The Sundering #6) by Ed Greenwood - For review!
• Taken by the Megalodon by Shauna Michaels - For review!
• Freebies - Check the prices before you buy!
• Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk (Historical gay romance) (Free at ARE as part of their April Sensational Series Showcase)
• A Tiger's Claim (Ashwood Falls #1) by Lia Davis (Paranormal romance) (Free at ARE as part of their April Sensational Series Showcase) 
• The Nerd Who Loved Me (Nerds #2) by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Contemp romance) (Free at ARE as part of their April Sensational Series Showcase) 
• Elemental Pleasure (Trinity Masters #1) by Mari Carr, Lila DuBois (Contemp erotica) (Free at ARE as part of their April Sensational Series Showcase)
• Books read - 7
• Currently reading 
• Laura's Wolf by Lia Silver

Globetrotting...

• On Wednesday, I announced that The Wicked Minotaur (Monstrous Tales #6) is now available at KellyApple.com. It boggles my mind to think I have EIGHT books out now.
• Free Books Need Love, Too! weekly reviews:
• Monday - Beth's Acceptance by Tracy Cooper-Posey
• Tuesday - GLA: The Filthy Time Machine by Amanda Clover
• Wednesday - The Kodiak Clan by Marina Maddix

Check it out!

• Seriously Series weekly update: It's hard to be disappointed when you're halfway through your goal in one category and it's only 1 month into the new quarter.
• Series started in 2014: 9/18 (+2 since last week)
• Series started before 2014: 2/18 (+1 since last week)
• Series rereads: 4/7 (+0 since last week)

News from around the blogosphere:

• Guys, I have NO CLUE where this week went. The days seem to slip past me like water. Oops. I did, however, play with my various Google+ profiles this week (Kelly Rubidoux, Reading the Paranormal, Kelly Apple). That was fun.
  

Blog Housekeeping [34]

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 Edelweiss if you use those sites.
• 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:

• We're at the halfway-ish point for April. Do you have reoccurring posts (memes, weekly wrap-ups, etc) drafted or scheduled so you don't have to worry about them?

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!

| Blogger tutorial | Wordpress tutorial |

The next Blog Housekeeping is scheduled for April 26th. I hope to see you there!

Blood Stone by Tracy Cooper-Posey [Review]

Blood Stone (The Blood Stone #2) by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Format: ebook
Source: provided by the author for an honest review
Date read: January 18, 2014

The Blood Stone
1. Blood Knot
2. Blood Stone - Paperback | Kindle
3. Blood Unleashed
4. Blood Revealed

Tracy Cooper-Posey
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Nial orders Calum Garrett to get close to Hollywood producer Kate Lindenstream. Garrett reluctantly complies for he has held himself apart from humans for centuries. Kate doesn’t fall into Garrett’s arms, either. She already has someone for that. Roman Xerus – whom Kate knows as Adrian — and Garrett go way back to the sixteenth century Scottish highlands, but they parted bitterly two hundred years ago.

With Roman’s support, Kate battles Garrett in wills and business as he methodically forces himself into her life. However, on the closed-in movie set in the Californian desert, Garrett’s calm, orderly world crumbles for Garrett is drawn to Kate. He has begins to experience real, human feelings.

Kate doesn’t cooperate in the chess game Nial orchestrates, despite being unaware of the strategies swirling around her film set. Demanding and expecting only the best for her movie, Kate’s agenda forces Roman and Garrett to work together to protect her and keep the humans around her ignorant of the Pro Libertatus, the anonymous and all-powerful vampire group who nearly killed Nial, Sebastian and Winter, and shield Kate from the excesses of the League for Humanity. But could Roman really be with the Pro Libertatus?

There’s hidden intentions everywhere, and centuries of repressed feelings, along with at least two different groups that mean them harm. Then there’s the rumors that Kate has found the mythical Blood Stone, the key to unlocking vampire history and lifting their curse. Who is Kate, really? Because once Garrett begins to notice, things about Kate don’t quite add up, either…

Thoughts on Blood Stone: I must admit that Tracy Cooper-Posey knows how to weave a complex tale of intrigue and action while not skimping on the sexy times. We're given the madness of the movie industry -- complete with intrusive paparazzi and the logistics of pulling together a large movie shoot -- and the political maneuverings of vampires as Nial works to bring his vision of vampires revealing themselves closer to reality.

Those aspects alone worked wonderfully, so throwing in a passionate, volatile relationship between three strong personalities made this book a definite page-turner.

Kate, Roman, and Garrett have A LOT of baggage to work through before they can reach any sort of happily ever after. The years of pain and heartache between Roman and Garrett is probably the biggest hurdle. Kate's attraction to both men pulls her into their orbits and as she falls for them, she has to face the facts that there might not be a way for her to have both. I loved that Kate is sexually confident and doesn't make any bones about how much she enjoys having a man in her bed. I loved how accepting Roman was about that side of her. I loved how Garrett was so darn relentless in the role Nial gave to him -- he wormed his way into Kate's life and then found himself drawn to her more than he wanted to be.

So much happens in this book. SO MUCH. We got answers, questions, backstory, danger, a slew of new characters who I look forward to seeing again, and outstanding setup for later books. Yep, Tracy Cooper-Posey knows how to deliver a wonderfully complex storyline and I'm looking forward to book 3.

Leannán by Rosalind Scarlett [Review]

Leannán (Anam Céile Chronicles #3) by Rosalind Scarlett
Format: ebook
Source: provided by the author for an honest review
Date read: January 11, 2014

The Anam Céile Chronicles
0.75. Donovan's Struggle
1. Cailín
1.25. The Awakening of Celeste
1.50. The Sins of Zahrah
1.75. The Falling of Katja
2. Soeis
2.25. The Submission of Giuliana
3. Leannán - Kindle

Rosalind Scarlett
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The path which destiny beckons . . .

After bidding farewell to her homeland of Ireland once more, Aislinn courageously returns to Italy to accept the offer presented her by the sophisticated male vampire, Niccolò, to reside with him in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence.

She is anxious to learn from him of his more compassionate and less primeval lifestyle as a vampire. Finally, never will she have to kill again to satisfy her blood lust!

But, will it really be as simple as all that?

Aislinn is disheartened when it does not go as effortlessly as she had hoped, and she must deal with killing again, even if it was by accident. Then, once she finally has that mastered, she must struggle against another sort of lust overwhelming her every time she is with her latest young male blood servant. Fearing she will make a mistake and lose herself to his charms, Aislinn hastily sends him away.

Niccolò also introduces her to a more cultured life, showing her things and taking her places she would have never seen. After visiting Sanguelascivia, an erotic club with courtesans who cater to vampires, she takes on a female blood servant so that she will not be under the temptation of a man. They grow close— in every way imaginable. Being with Giuliana at least offers Aislinn some gratification from her persistently all-consuming sexual needs, until the day she can be reunited with her soul mate— soon, she prays.

She focuses her efforts on searching the city for the man she is convinced is the reincarnate of her lost love, Donovan— the very reason she returned to Italy. She tracks him down by his scent and he begins courting her ardently. Aislinn is quickly becoming rapt by his charms and is more than ready to succumb to his seductive touch. But is she absolutely sure it is him, after all, or is she only making yet another serious misjudgment?

And then to make matters more confusing, Aislinn begins having recurring dreams and fantasies about Voljidaar, her dark and alluring creator from the land of cold and snow with his long pale hair and penetrating ice blue eyes, amongst his other even more desirable features . . .

If only she knew for certain the correct path, the one to which her true fate summons.

Thoughts on Leannán: I like Aislinn and I kinda understand the whole wanting to stay pure for her true love thing but... maybe she should stop putting herself in so many highly charged sexual situations. I mean, if the act of blood drinking is already lighting her panties on fire, maybe *maybe* she should stay away from men who turn her on.

On the other hand, she has her lady friends who are willing to lend her a hand (or tongue) whenever she needs it. So... there you go.

We did get to see a less physically damaging side to Aislinn's life in this installment. For the most part, Niccolò treats her well and gives her a chance to become more than she was. He educates her and teaches her how to control her urges. He allows her to grow into herself. But her differences from other vampires are still present and that sets her apart.

With the dreams/visions/fantasies Aislinn is having, I'm curious where things are heading. She's managed to keep herself pure for 200 years (if you don't count all the ladies who have worshiped at the alter of her womanhood - and there have been a few!), it would be a shame to give it up now. On the other hand, TWO HUNDRED YEARS. That's a long time to go without the man parts when you clearly want it.

Enjoyable and much lighter in tone than what Aislinn went through under Zahrah's regime of sexual debauchery and torture. Aislinn's search for her long-lost love is still going strong. Let's see where she ends up next.

Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean [Review]

Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (Love By Numbers #2) by Sarah MacLean
Format: paperback
Source: library
Date read: December 25, 2013

Love By Numbers
1. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
2. Ten Ways to Be Adored... Paperback | Kindle
3. Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart

Sarah MacLean
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

“Lord Nicholas is a paragon of manhood. And his eyes, Dear Reader! So blue!” Pearls & Pelisses, June 1823

Since being named on of London’s “Lords to Land” by a popular ladies’ magazine, Nicholas St. John has been relentlessly pursued by every matrimony-minded female in the ton. So when an opportunity to escape fashionable society presents itself, he eagerly jumps—only to land in the path of the most determined, damnably delicious woman he’s ever met!

The daughter of a titled wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend has too many secrets and too little money. Though used to taking care of herself quite handily, her father’s recent passing has left Isabel at sea and in need of outside help to protect her young brother’s birthright. The sinfully handsome, eminently eligible Lord Nicholas could be the very salvation she seeks.

But the lady must be wary and not do anything reckless…like falling madly, passionately in love.

Thoughts on Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord: Poor Nicholas. Between the ladies of the ton who are interested in him only because he's made the list of Lords to Land and the pickle he finds himself in when he starts falling for Isabel while keeping a fairly big secret from her, he has a lot on his plate.

To start with, Isabel. She's not like the society ladies he's used to. Her secrets aren't hard to ferret out but she's very wary of trusting anyone not in her inner circle. She's also stubborn and proud, a combination that makes her disinclined to accept help even when it's within shouting distance.

I did like Isabel but I kept shaking my head over how she refused to admit she needed help. Even after Nick saves her from being trampled by horses, she still maintains that she hadn't been in any danger. While I can appreciate a woman who is determined to get things done, sometimes you need to take a step back and admit that you need another set of hands.

That said, when Isabel fell, she fell hard. And she did what needed to be done to hang onto the guy who made her heart go pitter patter.

I'm excited for book 3 simply because I imagine the Duke of Leighton has a lot of hidden depths. Based on what we've seen of him, they might be hidden very deep, but I suspect they're there and I'm ready to watch him fall.

Thus far, my foray into Sarah MacLean's books have been fuuuuunnnn. I'm all about the fun while reading, so this is totally hitting the spot!

Twisted Miracles by A.J. Larrieu [Review]

Twisted Miracles (The Shadowminds #1) by A.J. Larrieu
Format: ebook
Source: provided by Carina Press through NetGalley
Date read: March 17, 2014

Shadowminds
1. Twisted Miracles - Kindle
2. Dangerous Calling

A.J. Larrieu
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Cass Weatherfield’s powers come with a deadly price.

Cass knows it was her telekinetic gift that killed a college classmate five years back, even if no one else believes her. She’s lived in hiding from her fellow shadowminds ever since, plagued by guilt and suppressing her abilities with sedatives. Until the night her past walks back into her life in the form of sexy Shane Tanner, the ex-boyfriend who trained her…and the one she left without saying goodbye.

When Shane tells her that his twin sister, Mina—Cass’s childhood friend—is missing, Cass vows to help, which means returning to New Orleans to use her dangerous skills in the search. But finding Mina only leads to darker questions. As Cass and Shane race to learn who is targeting shadowminds, they find themselves drawn to each other, body and soul. Just as their powerful intimacy reignites, events take a terrifying turn, and Cass realizes that to save the people she loves, she must embrace the powers that ruined her life.

Thoughts on Twisted Miracles: Ooh. The world building here was fun. Dark and a little dangerous, but fun. Hidden societies, depraved desires, and abilities that the normal world wouldn't understand all wrapped around a woman trying desperately to suppress what she sees as a curse. SCORE!

Cass's life is complicated. She ran from the only family she's ever known, leaving behind a fair amount of heartache. Slipping back into that world is both easy and hard. Finding out there's an entire support system out there for her kind so soon after being forced to face her past is a revelation.

Having a chance to refine her gift gives her something to focus on other than Shane and the feelings he rouses in her.

While the mystery of who was behind the abductions of the Shadowminds isn't necessarily a surprise, the hows and whys are intriguing.The different individuals who Cass and Shane meet as they unravel what's going on lead to more questions. Given the deal Cass has to make and the potential that's presented to her at the end, I'm pretty darn excited for the next book.

Top Off Tuesday - Ride 'em, your lordship!

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!

Historical naughtiness for us all! YOU'RE WELCOME!

The Riding Crop by Karyn Gerrard

Gideon ‘Lord Craven’, Broyles, pursues his naughty, nocturne adventures in the secret, salacious underworld of the East-End of 1887 London. The sexy and dangerous viscount will try everything just to have any kind of emotional reaction.

Olivia Durham is known as ‘Mistress Birch’ at the infamous club, The Riding Crop. Wielding a crop of her own, she coolly dispenses lashings to her male, aristocratic clients. Her world is shaken when Lord Craven makes a shocking proposal.

Is it possible two emotionally closed off people can find intimacy? What lengths will they take?