Two's a Couple, Three's the Law by Eve Langlais [Review]

Two's a Couple, Three's the Law by Eve Langlais
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Date read: March 28, 2014

Eve Langlais
| Website | Facebook | Amazon | Paperback | Kindle |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Can one woman handle two dominant men intent on staking their claim?

Two’s a couple, three’s a ménage, not to mention the law. Welcome to an alternate world where the government gives tax breaks to women who choose to take on two or more men—and werewolves live amongst us.

Despite the laws encouraging polygamy, Chloe isn’t interested in a relationship with one man, let alone two. But all that changes when a werewolf client decides he wants her for more than just legal aid. He’s not alone though. Her nemesis in the courtroom, district attorney Anthony Vanderson, is also intent on seduction.

Caught between two men—naked and panting—she succumbs to passion, gets embroiled in a mystery and learns werewolves aren’t the only creatures living amongst humans.

Warning: This story contains adult subject matter and language that is probably not suitable for anyone.

Thoughts on Two's a Couple, Three's the Law: Fangirl alert: I love both menage books and Eve Langlais's writing. And werewolves. And other things that go bump in the night. So, you know, this one hit the spot. AS EVE LANGLAIS BOOKS TEND TO DO WITH ME.

Since that's out of the way, WHOO-EEE. Smokin' Alphas know how to give the lady a good time! Honestly, the two men couldn't be more different but they both light a fire in Chloe. And, man, does she fight it. She doesn't want to be involved with anyone long term, but those two delectable hunks just keep showing up and insinuating themselves into her life.

And into her pants. Really, though, can you blame her? Sexy men are sexy!

Meanwhile, Pete and Anthony aren't too keen on having another male invading their territory. Watching them come to terms with sharing Chloe with each other was fun. Because Alphas have a hard time backing down. And Chloe doesn't want to decide between them.

Fun and fast-paced with Eve Langlais's usual brand of sassy characters. I do love the ladies that can hold their own against bossy men. *thumbs up  all around*

Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson [Review]

Death's Servant (The VV Inn #0.1) by C.J. Ellisson
Format: ebook
Source: provided by the author for an honest review
Date read: January 26, 2014

The VV Inn
0.1. Death's Servant - Kindle
1. Vampire Vacation
2. The Hunt
3. Big Game
3.5. Death Times Two

C.J. Ellisson
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

Thoughts on Death's Servant: Oh, this was a nice little peek at Jonathan and Dria's first encounter. More than that, though, it gives a lot of insight into Jonathan's character and shows him standing up for what he believes in. Even if it means putting himself in a bad position for werewolves he doesn't really know.

Might I just say that Jonathan is so young here. He acts in accordance with his desire to protect as an alpha but he's so raw and untried and unsure about what he wants now that he's left Romeo's pack. The situation he runs into gives him focus and allows him to practice what he's been preaching.

I loved that we got to see another side to Rafe and Jon interacting. In later books, they have a tendency to poke and prod at one another in an attempt to irritate. Here, Rafe willingly helps Jon and seems to be happy doing it. Plus, Rafe is a bit of a master strategist, manipulating pieces on the board to help Dria in any way necessary. I can appreciate that.

Solid story that gives a dark, intriguing look into the earlier life of Jon. There was a lot I really enjoyed here and I'm completely looking forward to more novellas (featuring Jon or otherwise) in this series.

Kyle Demore and the Timekeeper's Key by Samuel J. Vega [Review]

Kyle Demore and the Timekeeper's Key (Kyle Demore #1) by Samuel J. Vega
Format: ebook
Source: provided by the author for an honest review
Date read: February 15, 2014

Kyle Demore
1. Kyle Demore and the Timekeeper's Key - Paperback | Kindle

Samuel J. Vega
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It was a horrible day in math class...that turned into the adventure of a lifetime.

In this exciting debut book from a fresh new YA author, come meet Kyle Demore: the oddball and outcast of Grayling Junior High. After Kyle accidentally turns Grayling's gym into a snow-packed toboggan run, he is expelled, only to be recruited for a school in another realm that he's already seen in some bizarre dreams. In Endera, nothing is the same, especially keys. Turns out they can unlock spectacular and magical powers--but only in the right pair of hands.

In Endera, Kyle finds he's no longer a social outcast. He finds friends, bizarre creatures, and the hardest classes he’s ever taken--and to his surprise, succeeds in. Things aren’t so simple though. Some people would rather see him disappear, for unlocking the powers of the keys also means setting free their dangers.

Kyle makes a mistake that leaves his best friend on the brink of death--and now the only way to save her is to find the rare Timekeeper’s Key. The thing is, some doors aren’t meant to be unlocked. Kyle must choose to take the risk of turning the key, or losing his friend forever...

Thoughts on Kyle Demore and the Timekeeper's Key: It took me a bit to get into this book. I blame myself, though. It had been a while since I read YA and I kept expecting DESTRUCTIVE SHENANIGANS and ANGER when Kyle was thrust into a new, overwhelming situation. Instead, he was remarkably resilient and managed to make things work. Which is awesome. It just wasn't what I was expecting. So, really, it was all me. Once I got over myself, I was all over Kyle's can-do attitude.

Sure, he made some mistakes at first but he found his groove and figured out where he fit in. I can appreciate that.

The world of Endera is fun. Magic and keys and abilities beyond anything Kyle could have conceived before he was brought there, made his journey an exciting ride. As the story progresses, we begin to see that not everything is as carefree as it seems. Danger is massing and it has the potential to cause a lot of upheaval.

Meanwhile, Kyle and his newfound compatriots learn to work together while mastering the skills that will make them a force of great good. THINGS HAPPEN along the way that test Kyle and bring home that not everyone has the same vision of peace that his teachers have.

Very fun and engaging with just enough craziness that you never knew what Kyle was going to encounter next.

The Herald by Ed Greenwood [Review]

The Herald (The Sundering #6) by Ed Greenwood
Format: ebook
Source: provided by Wizards of the Coast through NetGalley
Date read: May 12, 2014

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

Ed Greenwood
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

In the 6th and final book of the multi-author Sundering series launched by New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore, Ed Greenwood, the creator of the Forgotten Realms®, further chronicles the exploits of Elminster as he fights for the future of Faerûn.

Chaos grips Faerûn as vainglory, prophecy, and ancient forces comingle in the shadows cast by war. Agents of the Shadovar lurk in the corners of Candlekeep in search of the arcane secrets that will power their war machine toward Myth Drannor. Gods and their Chosen run amok, all in a gambit to seize power. And a threat foretold by an ancient seer stirs.

At the heart of it all, Mystra, the great Goddess of Magic, has withdrawn from the world. Without her protection, Elminster, her greatest champion, fears for the nascent Weave, the fabric of magic Mystra wields to bind Faerûn. Will the Nightseer Shar, mistress of the great and fearsome Shadovar, seize the opportunity to blanket the world with her Shadow Weave?

With the help of Storm Silverhand and his protégé Amarune, Elminster works frantically to strengthen the Weave’s tethers and forestall what seems an inevitable reckoning. But other interests machinate for their own sinister ends.

As the Sundering draws nigh, Elminster and his heroic cohort must see the signs for what they are. The choice of worlds lies in the balance.

Thoughts on The Herald: There was a lot going on in this book. Understandable, seeing as this is the final book in The Sundering series, but there were times the cast of characters was so large and the action flipped between them so quickly it was hard to keep track of who was who. (I'm going to go on record as saying that might be a me-thing, though. Because sometimes I'm super lazy and like things to take their sweet time getting to where they need to be.) (On the other hand, things did move fast in this book. So, yeah. Yeah. Take that as you will.)

With the Sundering at hand, some big players have put their best pieces into play to try to further their own interests. Dark and light are going head to head in a battle to control the Weave. Elminster's plan is thrown awry when all the work he's been doing for the past however-many-years unravels in one fell swoop.

*laughs over my weaving and unraveling word play* *seriously, somebody stop me before I hurt myself*

BIG THINGS are afoot. Danger. Betrayal. Heartache. Sacrifice! Magic! MORE DANGER! HAIR THAT FIGHTS BATTLES INDEPENDENTLY OF THE PERSON IT'S GROWING ON! (How does it do that? I'm totally smitten with the idea of sentient hair. Or... hair that can wield a sword. THE POTENTIAL FOR CRAZY IS SO WONDERFULLY HIGH HERE!)

Right. So things get crazy. Good folk die. Bad folk die. And the Sundering is coming! Good stuff, man. Good stuff.

Top Off Tuesday - Top this!

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!

I don't know whether I like the title or the cover more on this one!

Owned by the Elf by Mina Carter

She was ordered to spy on the enemy, but when Tamryn wakes behind enemy lines, tied up and a captive of the sexiest elf she's ever seen, far more than military secrets are at stake. Elves and faeries don't get along. He's big, brutal and as sexy as the seven hells. Bane's kisses sear her lips and his caresses ignite a fire in her heart that won't be denied. Bane has never met a faery he didn't want to rip limb from limb, but Tamryn is proving to be the exception. Instead of secrets, he steals kisses from her lips and finds a passion that makes him burn. Elves don't love, they own-but Bane may have to give his heart in the process.

Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett [Review]

Bitter Spirits (Roaring Twenties #1) by Jenn Bennett
Format: paperback
Source: library
Date read: January 28, 2014

Roaring Twenties
1. Bitter Spirits - Paperback | Kindle
2. Grim Shadows

Jenn Bennett
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It’s the roaring twenties, and San Francisco is a hotbed of illegal boozing, raw lust, and black magic. The fog-covered Bay Area can be an intoxicating scene, particularly when you specialize in spirits…

There’s a big curse in little Chinatown...and it’s not prohibition.

Aida Palmer performs a spirit medium show onstage at Chinatown’s illustrious Gris-Gris speakeasy. However, her ability to summon (and expel) the dead is more than just an act.

Winter Magnusson is a notorious bootlegger who’s more comfortable with guns than ghosts—unfortunately for him, he’s the recent target of a malevolent hex that renders him a magnet for hauntings. After Aida’s supernatural assistance is enlisted to banish the ghosts, her spirit-chilled aura heats up as the charming bootlegger casts a different sort of spell on her...

On the hunt for the curseworker responsible for the hex, Aida and Winter become drunk on passion. And the closer they become, the more they realize they have ghosts of their own to exorcise…

Thoughts on Bitter Spirits: Now, these are the types of shenanigans I like to find in books set in the 20s. Bootlegging, spirit mediums, and curses. Yes, I'm blissing out over this one. It gave me all the things I was looking for in a book before I even knew I was looking.

*blisses*

I kinda adored the relationship between Winter and Aida. He's running a surprisingly clean criminal empire and she's breath-deep in the supernatural. She doesn't see his physical imperfections as imperfections. He likes how straightforward she is. His fascination with her freckles was especially endearing. As was hers with how large and intimidating he was.

Jenn Bennett made San Francisco in the 20s come alive in glorious, foggy detail.The twisting streets, the damp weather, the clothes, the cars, the people. Frankly, I loved every moment of it.

I'm seriously smitten with this series and am very excited to read about the rest of the Magnusson clan. I suspect that Aida's one of a kind, but those Magnussons seem the sort to attract danger and fun.

Bring it on!

RtP Week in Review (06/01/14)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Banishing the Dark by Jenn Bennett [Review] - I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, but it ends so WONDERFULLY!
• Top Off Tuesday - Shine on!
• The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross [Review] - Another series that's ending. =(
• Seven Deadly Sons by C.E. Martin [Review] - This series is so fun!
• Big Game by C.J. Ellisson [Review] - I'm really digging this series.
• Autumn by Sierra Dean [Review] - *gives everyone the crazy eyes*
• Salvation by Stephanie Tyler [Review] - Good gravy, these poor characters are messed up. In a good way.

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile - 4
• The Kraken King and the Empress's Eyes (Iron Seas #4.7) by Meljean Brook
• Naughty Girls Do (Red, Hot and BOOM) by Jodi Redford - For review!
• Freebies - Check the prices before you buy!
• Yuletide Enchantment (Holiday Hearts #1) by Cindy Spencer Pape (Holiday erotica)
• The Sweetest Seduction (Kelly Brothers #1) by Crista McHugh (Contemporary romance)
• Books read - 14
• Currently reading 
• Perfect Kind of Trouble by Chelsea Fine

Globetrotting...

• On Tuesday, I announced that The Wicked Sasquatch is out now at KellyApple.com. Hairy dudes do it better. But not better than tentacled dudes. THEY DO IT THE BEST!
• On Wednesday, I reviewed Waiting (Crazy in Love #1) by Jennifer Zane over at Amanda's blog. I LIKED THIS ONE. It was fun and fast paced enough to keep me giggling. BRING ON MORE CRAZINESS!
• Free Books Need Love, Too! weekly reviews:
• Monday - All Over You by Emily Snow
• Tuesday - GLA: Tentacles: Bred by the Alien by Simone Holloway
• Wednesday - Fangs, Fur and Mistletoe by Selena Blake

Check it out!

• Seriously Series weekly update: WE HAVE MOVEMENT! *high fives everyone*
• Series started in 2014: 20/18 (+5 since last week)
• Series started before 2014: 14/18 (+1 since last week)
• Series rereads: 6/9 (+1 since last week)