That's What I'm Talking About...: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Review: Love is a Battlefield

Edit Post

Love is a Battlefield

Author: Tamara Morgan

Release Date: Feb. 14, 2012

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Games of Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format(s): e-book

Book Source: Author

About the book:

It might be modern times, but Kate Simmons isn’t willing to live a life without at least the illusion of the perfect English romance. A proud member of the Jane Austen Regency Re-Enactment Society, Kate fulfills her passion for courtliness and high-waisted gowns in the company of a few women who share her love of all things heaving.

Then she encounters Julian Wallace, a professional Highland Games athlete who could have stepped right off the covers of her favorite novels. He’s everything brooding, masculine, and, well, heaving. The perfect example of a man who knows just how to wear his high sense of honor—and his kilt.

Confronted with a beautiful woman with a tongue as sharp as his sgian dubh, Julian and his band of merry men aren’t about to simply step aside and let Kate and her gaggle of tea-sippers use his land for their annual convention. Never mind that “his land” is a state park—Julian was here first, and he never backs down from a challenge.

Unless that challenge is a woman unafraid to fight for what she wants...and whose wants are suddenly the only thing he can think about.

Warning: The historical re-enactments in this story contain very little actual history. Battle chess and ninja stars may apply.

What VampBard’s talking about:

Before I begin my actual review, I just wanted to comment on the author's website. For an awesome time-killer, check out her tab for the Julian Wallace Virtual Paper Doll. MmmHmmm. Playing with a man in a kilt. Very clever! If I said I only dressed (and undressed) the paper doll of Highlander Julian Wallace once, I'd be lying...

Love is a Battlefield, the first book in debut author Tamara Morgan's Games of Love series, is definitely a unique and awesome exercise in character development, rising action, and inner conflict. Throughout the duration of this novel, the reader is kept on the edge-of-their-seat with the rising tension and conflict between hero Julian and heroine Kate.

Ms. Morgan keeps her readers engaged throughout the story by continuing to ratchet the tension and conflict. While the basic source of the conflict is the need for both Kate and Julian to utilize one piece of land, Cornwall Park, for their events the same weekend, in reality the conflict is their respective inner conflict to reach resolution of the land issue in order to allow themselves to broach the subject of their feelings for one another.

Kate presents as the prim-and-proper Regency era woman, stuck in present-day. As a member of the local Jane Austin Regency Re-Enactment Society (JARRS), she is charged with planning and finding the 'perfect' place for the Fauxhall Garden event, the group's annual fundraiser, because of a major faux pas by her friend, Jada, at another JARRS event. While I understand the premise of charging Kate with planning the event, the author states it is somewhat a punishment for the unexpected visitors at the first JARRS event in the book. I was a bit confused by the administrative team's 'punishment' for Kate, because it seemed like the Fauxhall event was quite important, and if she were 'responsible' for Jada and her antics, I (personally) cannot imagine placing such a person responsible for a task of that enormity without serious oversight. It appeared as though Kate didn't have much oversight, although the 'higher-ups' in the Society were included in several briefings throughout the story. This is really the only piece of the puzzle (a.k.a. The Plot) that didn't jive for me. Trivial, as I got into the story further. Kate was so much more than the party planner, however. It was interesting to see Kate's character evolve throughout the course of this title. She began as an easily controlled, proper, lady. By the end of the story, she was a confident, empowered woman. I really enjoyed watching Kate's transformation.

Julian, our hero, was quite complex. As this year's president of the local chapter of the Scottish Highland Society (SHS), he was charged with planning this year's Highland Games. We found out that Julian had more at stake than just ego and bragging rights for winning the hammer toss (his best event) at these Games. A coveted sponsorship by a local whisky company was his ultimate prize, or so he thought, which would provide him and his family with a comfortable life. He had hopes and dreams that he felt he couldn't move past without attaining this opportunity. In the last third of the book, we found out a few things about Julian's perception of his childhood, as well as his stepfather. While the information wasn't truly negative in nature, it did shatter some of Julian's illusions as well as the reason he believed that he NEEDED to win this year's Games. Julian appeared to be an inexperienced male when it came to matters of the heart. It appeared that he never had a meaningful relationship, and he seemed to flounder and battle with himself about his feelings for Kate. Julian DEFINITELY became the knight in shining armor at the conclusion of the story. I think that because he was portrayed as such, he ended up being the ultimate winner in the story.

The characters, with which the reader could easily identify, made Love is a Battlefield a story for readers to make connections and immerse themselves. The well-crafted plots and characters brought the somewhat unfamiliar Regency and Highland periods alive in modern-day settings and situations for this reviewer. I can't wait to see what the second installment of Ms. Morgan's Games of Love series brings to the table!

VampBard’s Rating:

Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)

Purchase Info:

Love is a Battlefield: Games of Love, Book 1

Labels: 4.5 stars, contemporary romance, Games of Love Series, Samhain Publishing, Tamara Morgan, Vampbard review |

0 comments

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Review: The House on Butterfly Way

Edit Post

Please welcome Angela, who brings you today’s Guest Review of...

The House on Butterfly Way

Author: Elizabeth Bevarly

Release Date: Feb. 7, 2012

Publisher: Berkley Trade

ISBN: #978-0425245347

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

Once upon a time, in Manitou Hills, there was a home so radiant and vivacious it was christened with its own name: Fleurissant. Now it's in ruins, forgotten and neglected-except by a woman who sees her own life reflected in the broken windows of that house on Butterfly Way...

As a child, from afar, Eugenie Dashner loved Fleurissant and the elegant, youthful fantasies it provided. Now, with a failed marriage behind her, a troubled son at her side, and a contentious and bitter mother to care for, Eugenie returns to the Louisville neighborhood of Manitou Hills to fulfill a dream: buy and renovate the house that once meant so much to her, and maybe, in the process, rebuild her own life.

Day by day, as the house reveals more and more of its forgotten beauty, Eugenie sees her dream come to fruition-especially when the attentions of two men help to reawaken in her feelings of romance and passion she thought were gone forever. As she navigates her rediscovered emotions, Eugenie comes to realize that there is no such thing as irreparable damage-not in herself, not in the house on Butterfly Way, and not in the family who now calls it home...

What Ang is talking about:

I wanted to love this book. The title had me intrigued, the write up on the back cover sounded promising, and the prologue totally pulled me in with its picturesque description and sweet reminiscence. The first chapter started strong continuing with its strong visual descriptions. I enjoyed the emotion that we felt with the various characters, but like in many races the strongest start does not mean a big finish. Such was the case with The House on Butterfly Way.

The characters are likable enough, slightly flawed as all the best characters are, but their strengths never completely make up for those flaws. Eugenie is at best wishy-washy. She begins the novel totally enraptured with the high schools feelings for her brother's best friend, but when given the opportunity to take the relationship to the next level she leaves him, sitting on the porch swing alone. Something I could totally understand if it had been addressed, but it never is. They have one date and then ice cubes. There isn't even any internal dialogue telling us how she gets from "oh baby" to "not a snowballs chance in the southland." The same happens with Spalding only in reverse. We go from he's so Ward Cleaver and just my boss to happily ever after, or at least the possibility of happily ever after--it's never completely addressed, another monstrous oversight. I found both of these "relationships" to be highly disappointing. We get inside Eugenie's head numerous times with her LONG internal and verbal monologues, but never does she answer any questions in reference to these two men and at least those insights would have been useful monologues.

Speaking of monologues ... Far too often I found my mind wandering as Eugenie ranted about something. It became old and distracting, and really added nothing to the story. I get that occasionally one must rant, rave, or go on a tirade, but it needn't happen quite so often and in reference to quite so many things, or done by quite so many people as it was in this novel.

Another flaw was the tendency for characters to get stuck on a word. Several times a character would get so stuck on a word like chimney that it ceased being funny or entertaining. For example when Eugenie compares her lack of sex and by extension her womanly parts to an old dry chimney she beats the horse so thoroughly and uses the word so frequently that glue couldn't even be made from what was left. It was annoying.

All of that being said there were some redeeming qualities. The character of Marianne offered much needed comic relief to what was an emotionally heavy story. Her insights were always spot-on and delivered with just enough tongue in cheek that you got the point without loosing the humor that life so often brings.

I also felt the character of Lorraine, the overbearing emotionally draining mother, was well written. She is multi-layered and gives great insight to the family dynamics and baggage that keeps getting tossed around the story. I understood all too well her well intentioned pokes at her daughter and her appearance the value she placed there and her desire for her daughter to use her God given gifts to make herself happy. The conversations between offer a depth to the novel that I appreciated.

Spalding also offered some fun insights and an occasional giggle. Although I would have preferred he more a more rounded character given the importance her plays in Eugenie's life or at the the hint of the importance he plays. I feel more attention should have been give to this character and this relationship especially given the way the relationship with Nash comes screaming to a halt. The brakes being put on there might have been better understood if we'd seen the heat starting here with Spalding.

Overall it was a quick read and an OK distraction. I'm not likely to read it again or pass it along, but I've no doubt it will offer an descent distraction when someone picks it up out of the bargain bin.

Angela’s Rating:

Finished it - take it or leave it (C)

Purchase Info:

The House on Butterfly Way

Labels: 2.5 stars, Berkley Trade, contemporary romance, Elizabeth Bevarly, guest review |

0 comments

Quickie Review: Red's Wolf

Edit Post

Red’s Wolf

Author: PJ Schnyder

Release Date: Aug. 28, 2010

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Terra’s Guardians #2

ISBN: #978-1936394425

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella

Format(s): E-book

Book Source: Purchased with our own funds

About the book:

Carri has definitely caught the eye of the big bad wolf.

Visiting the Glacier Valley pack to get a little breathing room from life in the city, she uses her skills to help install a high tech airspace sensor array for her adoptive grandmother’s pack.

Jason is a lone wolf, good at doing his job and good at being alone. Sparks fly between them, igniting desire hotter than Carri’s red hood. But the Glacier Valley pack has made it clear that Carri is under their protection and off limits.

And yet, the heat between them is undeniable and when Carri makes her choice clear, Jason is ready to claim her as his. He’ll go against the pack and any rivals, even take down an alien hunter to have her and protect her.

What G & U are talking about:

After reading the first book in this series, Heart’s Sentinel, we had to read Red’s Wolf. It is a novella in the Terra’s Guardians series and it is only available via ebook. Gikany and Una feel it is well worth buying and enjoying.

We loved Carri and Jason. Their courting was full of smexy energies, witty banter, and steamy hotness. One of the best parts of this story is that although Carri is physically weaker, not just as a human versus a shape-shifter, but due to a medical condition, her strength of self and of right and wrong is stunning. Her love and loyalty are refreshingly strong and yet gentle. Jason, for all his wonderful snarkiness, is touchingly sensitive and caring. Seeing the two of them dance and come together was a joy and privilege.

This was a delightful story enshrouded by menace. The ongoing mystery of the hunters seems to have reached a pinnacle in this story – but we can’t tell you what it is…that would be spoiling. However, it makes us VERY eager to see what Ms. Schnyder has in store for us in the next book. We hope to hear soon when it is expected to be released.

Their Rating:

Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)

Purchase Info:

Heart's Sentinel (Terra's Guardians 1)
Red's Wolf (Terra's Guardians 2)

Labels: 4.5 stars, Decadent Publishing, G-U Review, novella, paranormal romance, PJ Schnyder, Terra's Guardians |

0 comments

Monday, February 27, 2012

Review: Undone Deeds

Edit Post

Undone Deeds

Author: Mark Del Franco

Release Date: Jan. 31, 2012

Publisher: Ace

Connor Grey Series Book 6

ISBN: #978-1937007256

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

Connor Grey, a druid consultant for the Boston P.D., usually helps the cops solve their “strange” cases, but now he’s the suspect in the midst of one. Wrongly accused of a terrorist attack that rocked the city to its core, Connor evades arrest by going underground, where rumors of war are roiling. A final confrontation between the Celtic and Teutonic fey looks inevitable—with Boston as the battlefield.

Undercover agents are turning up dead in the Weird—their murders brushed aside and ignored—and Connor exposes a citywide conspiracy of silence that seems linked to the inexorable march to war. As he digs deeper into the mysterious deaths, Connor draws closer to the secrets of a past he has sought for so long. And as friends and allies abandon him one by one, Connor discovers that in the clash between light and dark, and in the face of a cataclysm of epic proportions, he might have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the world.

What B is talking about:

While the city of Boston is still reeling from a terrorist attack, which he’s been accused of, Connor Grey is once again drawn into a case that no one else seems to want to touch. The deaths of fey in the Weird are being ignored by all parties, leading Connor on a trail that makes him question everything he’s come to believe about who he can trust, and who he can’t.

As well written as Undone Deeds is, it isn’t a book that’s easily absorbed as a standalone. Having only read the previous novel, Uncertain Allies, I was at a loss as to the role of various characters, as well as some of the rules of Del Franco’s world in which they interact with one another. Although many of the earlier chapters of the story devote a great deal of time to pertinent backstory happenings, I still had a lot of questions that went unanswered.

Having said that, I think Del Franco has created an incredibly intricate world with plenty of blind corners and suspense. It is an understatement to describe Connor as “complicated.” He is damaged, stubborn, fiercely loyal, uncertain, suspicious, loving…the contradictions seem limitless. But, I truly like Connor. I found myself firmly on his side, regardless of any questions I may have had. Nothing in his world is as it seems, including himself, yet he never rolls over to wallow in despair.

With all the dark happenings going on in the Weird, and the inevitable war brewing between the factions, Undone Deeds could have been a bleak, unrewarding read. However, Del Franco has imbued his characters with wit, intelligence, and heart, and even with the world on fire around them, they never give up hope. Amid the destruction, the mystery surrounding Connor steadily deepens, teasing with more unknowns than there seem to be answers for.

I feel an investment Connor’s story from the very beginning is necessary to fully appreciate what Del Franco has accomplished with this series. He’s packed an impressive amount of intricacies into Undone Deeds in order to answer questions that have been building throughout the story arc. Although I’m increasingly bothered that I missed out on the previous stories in this series (a fact I intend to rectify as soon as possible), I believe this is a series worth investing in for any fan of Urban Fantasy.

B’s Rating:

Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)

Purchase Information:

Undone Deeds (Connor Grey)

Labels: 3.5 stars, ACE, Bs-review, Connor Grey Series, Mark Del Franco, urban fantasy |

0 comments

Quickie Review: Devil's Luck

Edit Post

Devil’s Luck

Author: Carolyn Crane

Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012

Publisher: self-published

The Disillusionists #3.5

Genre: Urban Fantasy, novella

Format(s): e-book

Book Source: Free read from Author

About the book:

No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.

Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.

Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?

What I’m talking about:

Okay, so I’m reviewing this wonderful novella out of reading order for the Disillusionists series (see my review for the first book, Mind Games, HERE), but I had to just put out a quickie review in honor of my BIRTHDAY (today, February 27) and the release of Simon’s novella (tomorrow, February 28). So please forgive the rush... I will be featuring reviews of both book 2 and 3 in March!

Devil’s Luck is the story of reckless Disillusionist Simon and high-cap prognosticator Fawna. It takes place shortly after the conclusion of the trilogy (Book #3: Head Rush). Fawna is tired of feeling trapped by the future - she lets her abilities control her - always looking for the horror found in the future. She is repelled yet drawn to Simon’s carefree and fool-hardy nature. Likewise, Simon does not like what Fawna stands for. He runs from fate, believing the more irresponsible he behaves, the longer he will survive life. The story is told from the alternating POVs of Simon and Fawna.

This truly is a story written for fans of this amazing series, and a new-comer should not read this first. However, one could read it as a stand alone - but really... do yourself a favor and read the series!

And all I have to say is what a wonderful novella from Ms. Crane! It is a real treat for Disillusionists series fans. After following the somewhat mysterious Simon for three books, we finally get to see the world from his own unique POV. Ms. Crane does an amazing job of sharing Simon’s special outlook on life, never damaging his “street cred” as the man who has abandoned all of society’s norms. He remains true to himself while learning to love.

This novella is full of heart--the story full of promise. I, for one, hope Ms. Crane revisits this amazing world again.

My Rating:

Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)

Labels: 4.5 stars, Birthday, Carolyn Crane, Disillusionists Trilogy, novella, self-published, Twimom Review, urban fantasy |

2 comments

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday Snippet #93

Edit Post

Daybreak

Author: Ellen Connor

Publisher: Berkley

6 December 2011

REVIEW HERE

Satisfied with that plan, he settled on his blanket with the intention of turning in. Not because he was exhausted, but because he was tired of people. Tired of conversation. If it wouldn’t be an impractical allocation of resources, he’d shift and sleep as a lion to further discourage interaction. And unwelcome memories.

As before, Adrian went to sleep first. And then Pen did something unusual. She came to him.

“What do you need?” He didn’t want to argue with her, nor did he want to negotiate.

“Have you forgotten the terms of our agreement?”

Doubtless she was about to produce some clause that required him to do her bidding. He arched a brow in what he hoped was a discouraging fashion.

“Two kisses today, you said.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he muttered. “We can defer them.”

“I pay my debts.”

“I don’t want ‘debt kisses’ tonight. And I’m in no mood to persuade you to make them something else. So it’s better if you leave me alone.”

“What’s the matter?”

As if she hadn’t created the problem with her constant talking.

There’s only one way to shut this woman up. When he claimed her mouth, Tru kissed her with driving demand and a thrusting tongue. He permitted no distance, no reserve, and pushed past her lips to delve into her mouth. She made a small, surprised sound, but he ignored it and dragged her into his arms. She had been treated with too much delicacy, not like a woman a man intended to fuck.

After settling Pen astride his lap, he made love to her mouth for endless moments. It gave him a jolt of intense satisfaction when she wound her arms around his neck and pressed closer. Her lips warmed as he nuzzled them, went swollen from the little nips, from the way he sucked gently at the lower, before teasing her tongue with his own. He wrapped his hands around her hips and rocked her against his hard cock as she learned how to kiss. God, he could almost swear nobody had done this with her before. But she was a quick study, working out how to breathe through her nose. Her response became hotter, more ferocious, as he cupped her ass and worked her body against his.

He nibbled his way down her jaw to her throat, sucking, kissing, licking. Her nipples peaked and grazed his chest. An actual moan escaped her. Fucking beautiful. Music to his ears.

And that was when he stopped.

Her eyes were glazed, mouth parted. She panted, hands on his chest. “That was more than two kisses.”

“Technically, no. I never broke contact.”

Labels: Dark Age Dawning, Ellen Connor, Sunday Snippets |

3 comments

Friday, February 24, 2012

Review: The Darkest Seduction

Edit Post

The Darkest Seduction

Author: Gena Showalter

Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012

Publisher: HQN

Lords of the Underworld #9

ISBN: #978-0373776573

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): Paperback (512 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet, in Paris’s arms the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally– or tear them apart?

What I’m talking about:

My head is still spinning after reading this 500 plus page story. I, like many, have been waiting for Paris’s story for a very long time. We met his “HEA” back in the second Lords of the Underworld book, The Darkest Kiss. That was a long time ago and poor Paris has been to hell and back - searching for Sienna’s spirit, giving into and battling his ambrosia addition, fighting and killing anyone (especially Hunters) that got in his way. We’ve had book after book of the degradation of Paris, and now it’s finally his time.

The book picks up where The Darkest Surrender ends. Things have been building to this point, and I do not recommend newcomers to the series start here. There are a lot of plot points that come together. Paris is still hot on the trail of tracking down human spirit-turned keeper of the High Demon Lord, Wrath. She is a former Hunter and current prisoner of the Titan god king, Cronus. She is also the one woman that Paris’s demon, Promiscuity, was able to “get it up for” more than once. He is obsessed and this has lead to his near destruction.

The first half or so of this book is dedicated to detail and background - fitting the pieces in place for the rest of the tale. Paris isn't quite the same ruined man he has been of late. He's kicked his ambrosia addiction, and although he is still killing and is violent, he's focused on finding Sienna. His friends still support him which indicates he hasn't gone too far into the deep end.

Sienna seems like a lost child. She still seems so innocent. But she'll put her own life on the line to protect those she cares about. She is trapped and nearly broken by Cronus, but when Paris arrives, her internal drive kicks into high gear. I really like Sienna.

The primary bad guys in this book are Cronus and Rhea, and they are ... interesting. Cronus is an ass of the nth degree. Rhea is equally evil. The scene in which Cronus kills someone Sienna loves is just wicked. They make for excellent villains, however Cronus begins to degrade over the course of the book, leaving him less sharp and witty. But in the end, long time readers are rewarded with a satisfactory conclusion to the current story-arc.

Did I mention that there is a lot going on in this book, other than Paris/Sienna and the battle with Cronus and Rhea? There are a few side stories, that in my opinion could have been cut to shorten the length of the book. This is my biggest issue with The Darkest Seduction -- there is just too much going on.

Some side stories were fun, like new Lord Keeper/goddess, Viola and her pink-haired fallen angel suitor. She had her place in the story, so I didn’t mind the additional characters, although the battles between Paris and Pinky weren't all that necessary. But others, like the three mysterious Lord Keepers trapped with Sienna - really could have been cut and have them introduced in a later book.

We do get more about Kane, who was left in the Underworld in the last book. I’m not really sure what is up with Kane. He seems to be the only Lord who is actively tormented by his own demon. There is no self-preservation for Disaster (his Lord). It was hinted at in previous books that Kane may bring about the end of the world, but I’m not sure how I feel about mixing up his storyline into this book - it was too little and too vague - and in the end, unnecessary for this story to be told.

We also had more about Legion, the demon minion-turned-human. She has a connection to our other bad guy - Galen (Keeper of Hope and ??). Again, things were tossed about and hinted at, but it was too much for this story. It may have been better to pick only a couple of the side stories and bulked them up than trying to tell the reader a little about everyone.

Finally, the warrior angel Zacharel plays a bigger part in this story than he has in the past. He is yet another elusive character. We really don’t know much about him, and it started to drive me a bit crazy. He and Paris would go head-to-head and I just didn’t feel the reasons behind the conflict. It was only after I finished reading the book did I find out that Ms. Showalter has a spinoff series planned for the warrior angel. I’m not a fan of introducing a character just to spin him off to another series (JR Ward... grrrrr), but in this case, it didn’t bother me quite as much.

The Darkest Seduction is a romance, and the love story at the heart of this book was perfect for me. Paris and Sienna are a quintessential match. Even the angels, who sought to keep them apart, agree that Paris and Sienna complement each other perfectly. I adore the time that they take to become friends and learn about each other. And the smex (per usual Showalter fashion) is smokin’!

Finally, Ms. Showalter adds everything into this story that makes the LotU series one of my favorites. The humor is fantastic - even when things are down, the band of brothers and their mates are cracking jokes. The less obvious wit and the blatant jokes are equally welcome. There is plenty of intense action, which is violent at times. The camaraderie of the Lords is deeper than ever. They are connected in ways that run deeper than blood, so even if one makes a mistake, they are right there to help each other out. And to top it off, there are deeply touching and emotional moments and events, reminiscent of the first few books in the series. The nuggets are there - you just have to wade through the excess to find them. And when you reach page 396, please enjoy Paris and Strider as much as I did (yes, it is what you think!)

In the end, yes, there were things that bugged me about this book. I have listed a few, and there were others. BUT the overall storyline and romance at the center of the book far outweigh my nit-picking criticisms. The current story arc ends, and we are left with a few surprising twists that change up the game and pave the way for more LotU books and the spinoff Angels of the Dark series. I enjoyed the ride with all the bumps and detours, and look forward to continuing the journey!

My Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

(for readers of the LotU series)

Purchase Info:

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld #9)

Labels: 4 stars, Gena Showalter, HQN, Lords of the Underworld, paranormal romance, Twimom Review |

6 comments

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Review: Siren's Desire

Edit Post

Siren’s Desire

Author: Devyn Quinn

Release Date: Feb. 7, 2012

Publisher: Signet

Dark Tides #3

ISBN: 978-0451236111

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Fantasy

Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

While fighting for their lives, three mermaid sisters must battle dark and forbidden desires hidden in the ocean’s depths…

After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can’t take the risk. That is, until Mason McKenzie arrives…

Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures—and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison’s desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea, or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart…

What Nima’s talking about:

Siren’s Desire is the third and apparently final book in Devyn Quinn’s Dark Tides series. While it told the love story of Addison, youngest of the three Lonkie sisters, and gave us the final showdown with the evil Queen Magaera, it didn’t feel like “the end” to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if Quinn goes forward with the storyline under the umbrella of new series. She has introduced a new breed of sea shape-shifters and the future of “Mer” must be managed as they are introduced into the current century.

I liked main character Addison Lonkie. She’s a tough, independent emergency medical tech (EMT) who just happens to be, like her older sisters Gwen (Siren’s Surrender) and Tessa (Siren’s Call), a mermaid. When she gets recruited by the Navy to serve as an advisor on a special unit to hopefully save the world from going to war with the Mer population, I was ready for some action. Unfortunately, there was very little…of any kind. The set-up of getting Addison on board and in position with the Navy and catching the reader up with her sisters, takes most of the book. Addison is attracted to Naval Captain Mason McKenzie and he is attracted to her. They have a single, brief, hot intimacy in the first third of the book and it’s all just angst and longing after that. When confrontation with Queen Magaera finally happens, it is equally brief and explosive. The final confrontation takes less than fifteen pages, ending a little abruptly for my taste. I could have done with one more chapter, even an epilogue.

Some of my misgivings at what the book failed to be for me were mitigated in its overall feeling. Siren’s Desire feels not so much like a contemporary romance as it does like a fairytale. The evil queen is one-dimensional crazy—easy to hate without remorse; the hero is a strong military man and loner who will only be tamed by his one true love; the princess is literally a princess—next in line for the throne as descendant from the last true queen. Add in some mermaids, sparkles, and a happily ever after and you’ve got a grown-up Disney movie. That’s not an insult. It just means that the book is more charming than the paranormal adventure I was expecting and that’s okay. I liked it.

Nima’s Rating:

Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)

Purchase Info:

Siren's Desire: A Dark Tides Novel

Labels: 3 stars, Dark Tide Series, Devyn Quinn, Nima Review, paranormal romance, Signet |

1 comments

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Review: Alpha Instinct

Edit Post

Alpha Instinct

Author: Katie Reus

Release Date: Feb. 7, 2012

Publisher: Signet

Moon Shifter #1

ISBN: #978-0451236098

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

Fear has a scent. So does desire…

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

What G & U are talking about:

Alpha Instinct is the debut novel in the Moon Shifter series. It is an interesting blend of urban fantasy within a somewhat contemporary romance. Although Gikany and Una enjoyed it, there are some issues we hoped are simply “debut-itis” factors.

Sometimes a novel will warm you up and slowly get you into the world and the “conflict.” This is not one of them; we begin with Ana facing off with the rival pack adjacent to hers. Alpha Instinct wastes no time in showing that pack politics are not all they are cracked up to be. Gikany and Una enjoyed the weight of politics and the war of perceptions and prejudices that seem to permeate the world that Ana lives in. The idea that there is a overall council that governs the pack is very interesting as it is balanced between the notion that a pack (and most importantly its alpha) must be able to protect their own. Going to the council for assistance is truly a double-edged sword – they may help you, but if in the process of helping you, they feel you are unable to be a pack, they will then assimilate you into other packs. The distrustful feelings that permeate the interactions between different established packs and between humans and packs add to the drama and mystery of who the “big bad” is. The “whodunit” aspect of the novel is gripping and was well woven into the overall pace of the novel. The reader ends up suspecting everyone, which keeps you on pins and needles until the very end.

Two great examples of the overwhelming reality of prejudices are the relationship of Ana and Vivian and between Ana and Kaya and her son Matt. Ana is a wolf shifter and Vivian is a young jaguar cub. Ana treats Vivian as if she is her own child, not just one of the pack, which is an oddity. Since Vivian is a jaguar, the fear that Ana would reject her or worse, kill her for trespassing, forces Connor to keep her a secret from Ana. Combine this with the friendship Ana has with Kaya and Matt Dunlauex (two humans), and you can see Ana’s perceptions change. She didn’t realize that her friendship with the Dunlauxes was mutual, nor what the friendship would mean to her and her pack. Watching the development of Ana and Vivian’s close bond and the continued friendship between Kaya and Matt gives the foundation in the novel for the future books that will show this pack is one that wants to change the insufferable weight of prejudice in this world.

We have enjoyed novels with more than one POV (point of view). However, you can have too many in one novel. Alpha Instinct is a prime example of a novel with way too many POVs. After much discussion, Gikany and Una feel that the enemy POVs were unnecessary and bogged the novel down. The information gleaned in them could have been conveyed in a different matter without changing POVs and slowing down the story. There were some instances that were just not necessary (for example, we have the POV of a big bad that dies…which made his previous POVs completely unnecessary – we don’t NEED to connect to him… he’s the bad dude, we won’t feel pity for him, not that he deserved any…creepy dude that he is). The “big bad” can be conveyed just fine through the eyes of our heroes and heroines. We do have four POVs of our good guys group and that was okay since two will be our “couple” in the next novel.

Another issue is our lack of connection to the main couple. They had a previous attraction to each other and then Connor split…for no reason that Ana could see. We are just expected to accept that they are intended bondmates. But we never truly felt the connection between them. It was as if the preexisting relationship/interactions was the justification. But since we didn’t experience it, the relationship between the two main characters in the book was hollow. It seemed like a cheat to get out of having to develop the main characters and most importantly their connection to one another. As the reader, you just do not feel the emotional ties between them.

The shapeshifter mythology was slightly lacking. We know they are packs, some of the natures of shifters, but we do not get any background or foundation on how the mythology is based or how it works. We just have to accept the dribs and drabs of information as they come to us. It’s shallow and somewhat vague. Perhaps in the next novel, more of the nature and mythology will come to light. Plus we have a stronger connection to the couple in the next book because we have watched them meet and interact in this book. The foundation is laid and we cannot wait to see what transpires between Liam and December.

All in all, this is an enjoyable read but it did lack the depth and convictions that the foundation a more polished novel would accomplish. The transitions between scenes were a little jumpy, due in large part to having too many POVs. We had stronger connections to the supporting characters than the main characters. But all that withstanding, Gikany and Una look forward to reading Primal Possession due out later this year and recommend you pick up Alpha Instinct.

Their Rating:

Liked it, but had some issues - recommend (B)