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

Monday, April 30, 2012

Review: A Taste for Passion

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A Taste for Passion

Author: Patrice Michelle

Release Date: Dec. 2, 2011

Kendrian Vampires #1

Publisher: Self-published

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): e-book

Book Source: Author

About the book:

Rana Sterling finally meets the man of her dreams and boy does he know how to push all the right buttons. Only, Mr. Tall, Dark and Too-Good-to-Be-True turns out to be just that–he’s beyond her world.

Lucian Trevane has a duty to fulfill. He’s expected to take the role of Vité, leader of all the vampires, but he knows he won’t take the position without his mate by his side.

Now, after searching seventy years for his reincarnated fiancé, he finally finds his mate in Rana. Only he has a slight problem, Rana refuses to become his vampire wife. Add to the mixture a vengeful vampire, a surprise twist and time ticking against him, Lucian will have to call upon all his vampire skills and beyond in order to draw Rana fully into his world.

What B is talking about:

Stopping by a small, out of the way antiques store after her beloved grandfather’s funeral, Rana Sterling has no idea that the rest of her life is about to intersect with her past one. A devoted loner, she’s completely unprepared for the gorgeous stranger that visits her in her dreams.

Lucian Trevane is perfect: thoughtful, adoring, sexy...and a vampire. Destined to lead, but unwilling to do so, he won’t take his rightful place until he’s found his long lost mate. Once he finds her, everything should be wonderful. If only she wasn’t so stubborn.

I was pleasantly surprised by this story, which is considerably more elaborate and involved than the cover copy suggests. Rana isn’t the flighty heroine just digging her heels in to spite her alpha male lover. Rather, she’s grieving and hesitant, and wary of the easy promise of happiness that Lucian seems to represent.

Lucian is a great character all around, his frustration with Rana generally due to a lack of information about her evolving role in his ascension to the leadership. He is generous and patient, and utterly devoted to Rana, despite all her misgivings, yet is never weak, either in his love for her, or in his dealings with other vampires.

The sexual heat between Lucian and Rana is lots of fun to read, as well. They have tons of chemistry and heat, and not just because the author suggests they do. Rana’s bafflement over her own reactions to Lucian isn’t too strong, and his determination to win Rana over with pleasure is a fine example of well-written, yummy goodness.

To be fair, there are a few of moments in A Taste for Passion that strain the workable boundaries of the unbelievable. Overall, though, it’s a good read with some great characters, and enough erotic tension that these moments don’t detract too much from the story. Michelle doesn’t ask too much of her audience in the way of blind acceptance, instead offering what I found to be an enjoyable paranormal love story with some interesting quirks. Overall, A Taste for Passion is a pleasing read, and I have high hopes that the next two in the series will be just as much fun.

B’s Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Purchase Info:

A Taste for Passion (Kendrian Vampires, Book #1)

Labels: 4 stars, Bs-review, Kendrian Vampires, paranormal romance, Patrice Michelle, self-published |

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AAD Author Spotlight: Teresa D’Amario

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Hello Readers! Today I bring you paranormal romance author, Teresa D’Amario. Born in Atlanta, the daughter of an Army Soldier during the early stages of the Viet Nam war, she spent her childhood traveling from state to state, finally ending up overseas in Germany where she graduated high school six months early.

Her writing career however began as a young Airman in the Air Force, writing monthly articles for the weekly base paper. The articles ranged from climatological data to full centerfold articles on the destructive forces of hurricanes. As she increased in rank, her writing changed to more technological instruction, including such works as WSR-88D Doppler Radar Data Interpretation Guide for North Carolina Stations and Station Operating Procedures.

But her early writing wasn’t limited only to the technological side. She’s written multiple dog training and behavior articles for canine websites such as Sonora Canine Freestyle and also the Ask Blackjack column, a fun training column in the voice of her labrador retriever, then a young pup.

She is married to a wonderful man named Doug, who is also retired Air Force, and they just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They live in North Carolina with their two dogs.

Teresa is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.

Also, keep reading to learn more about Teresa’s newest release, Lone Wolf (Book #2 in her Maxey Wizard Series).

Please help me welcome Teresa to That’s What I’m Talking About.

Twimom: Teresa, welcome back to the blog and thank you for stopping by.

Teresa: Hey Jen! I’m thrilled to be back here. I love your blog. Some great reviews and just a lot of fun.

Twimom: Ah, thank you so much! Just so you all know, I adore Teresa and I am a big fan of her work. And... she’s going to be my roomie at AADNOLA!

First... let’s talk about Maxey Wizards! I really like this series a lot! Can you tell us more about the series?

Teresa: YAY, and I can’t WAIT until we get to meet in person. Ok, Maxey Wizards is a 5 book series of 5 Maxey siblings – 4 boys and one girl, and what happens when their relatively normal world of wizarding magick is invaded by shapeshifters. The first two, Tigress by the Tail, and Lone Wolf are both out already. The books are typically higher action, with a lot of danger and fighting involved. And of course, some seriously hot scenes.

Twimom: I recently read on your blog that you are working on the third installment of the Maxey Wizard series. *squee* What’s up next for the Maxey siblings?

Teresa: Oh the next one, Cougar’s Fate, is all about Jared, and what happens when he wakes to find himself trapped with a starving cougar. Only thing is, she’s not your average cougar. She’s a GSA Assassin, trained since childhood to kill in every way possible without remorse.

Twimom: Yea! I can’t wait!! You also have a wonderful shifter series: True Mates. Will you share a bit about this series as well?

Teresa: True Mates holds a special place in my heart because they are my first series. It tells the tale of shifters who meet their mates, but unlike the Maxey wizard series, it’s all about the pack. Or the family. This series takes us into the hearts and minds of the true wolfpack and how they operate. Or, the shifter pack, at least.

Twimom: Do you have any other series or genre books that you are working on? Can you share?

Teresa: Well, I’m trying to work on a new futuristic book, but that’s going to take a while. It’s very different from anything you’ve seen from me to date, set about 100 years into the future, and is more of a political revolt type thing. The characters are typically human, but have begun evolving some special talents as well.

Twimom: Let’s talk about Authors After Dark 2012. Why AAD? What are you looking forward to most at AAD? What are you looking forward to most in NOLA?

Teresa: It’s funny, but my first thought about AAD is how exciting it will be to meet all the people I tweet and chat with. As an author and reader of all things paranormal, we tend to meet others with our same likes and dislikes, and it’s going to be so awesome to meet everyone in person!

Twimom: *nods head in agreement* I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What was your favorite read in 2011 or so far in 2012?

Teresa: Wow, that’s difficult, isn’t it? I always say I don’t have a favorite, because I love all books equally. I can tell you I read JR Ward’s newest, and Tohr’s book left me teared up for two straight hours of reading. It’s a long book, so it took me about 10 hrs to read (yes, I read very fast). I can’t say I adored the first half of the book, but the last half gave me everything I love in a book, and the emotional punch it packs left it in my mind for a very long time.

Twimom: What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?

Teresa: Another tough one. Right now I have about 15 books in my to be read list in Kindle. Books I’ve already bought and haven’t had a chance to read. I’m especially looking forward to Tempted by Rebecca Zanetti which is already waiting for me, and I’m waiting with bated breath for Lynsay Sand’s newest vampire book (I do love those). But there are so many awesome books to choose from.

Twimom: Teresa, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you. I look forward to hanging out with you in New Orleans!

Teresa: And I you. I’m coming with some very fun clothes for the trip. Let’s put it this way, everyone is going to be able to find me at this conference. And if you’re coming, don’t forget to take a look at the baskets to bid on – Because I’m giving away a free kindle with mine!

You can find Teresa on line at

Her Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Sunday Snippets #102

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Now or Never

Author: Michele Bardsley

Wizards of Nevermore #2

Publisher: Signet

Released: 6 March 2012

REVIEW HERE

"Thank you," she managed. "It's nice to be able to speak again." She eyed the young wizard and then tilted her head up. "Are the globs all gone?"

"Y-yes," said Emmett. "Wow. You have a nice neck."

Taylor made a noise between a growl and grunt, and the boy took the glass from Norie, then scurried away. When she looked at the sheriff, she saw him scowling in Emmett's direction.

"He doesn't mean any harm," she said.

"That's worse," said Taylor. "He's like an overgrown puppy, all legs and enthusiasm and no damned sense."

Norie bit back a grin and looked down at the floor until she could school her features. She didn't think the sheriff would be too thrilled to know that she found his ire cute rather than fearsome. Wait. No. Not cute.

"Can you remember what happened?" asked Gray. He knelt down, his expression creased with concern. Nevertheless, she saw the shadow of suspicion lurking in his gaze. Well, why should he trust her? She wasn't exactly a reliable witness, not even to her own trauma.

"I called up some ghosts," she said. "I tried to do what Emmett told me, but honestly, his instructions were ..." She trailed off, trying to think of a kind way to describe his harried teaching style.

"Stupid," offered Taylor.

Gray slanted a look up at the sheriff. Norie saw the man's lips quirk, and then watched as he swallowed the laugh that had certainly threatened. He returned his attention to Norie.

"So, yeah, I tried to follow his instruction, but it wasn't like he said at all. The magical strands and tying them all together? It was more like ... seeing this ocean of cold and dark. I could touch it. I was afraid of falling into it, drowning." She shivered. "Death really is all around us. I can see it. Well, I could."

"And the ghosts just came to you?"

"All at once. Dozens of them, and they were all talking and trying to tell me so much." She blew out a breath. "The worst part? All those emotions. Sad and scared and angry and desperate. They were like coiling snakes, squeezing me.

Gray nodded. "Emmett said you were a thanaturge."

"Yes," she said. "But I don't understand. I've lived my whole life without magic. I was raised mundane. If I really do have powers, I don't know how to control them. Or what my purpose is." She glanced at Taylor. He was frowning down at her, his arms crossed. "Taylor saved me. Again." Her gaze dropped to his hands. "What happened?"

Labels: Michele Bardsley, Signet, Sunday Snippets, Wizards of Nevermore |

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Friday, April 27, 2012

ARC Review: Black Dawn

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Black Dawn

Author: Rachel Caine

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Publisher: NAL

Morganville Vampires #12

ISBN: #978-0451236715

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal)

Format(s): Hardcover (384 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

With its eclectic mix of vampire and human citizens, Morganville, Texas, has always been a risky place to call home. But with the invasion of the vampires’ deadliest enemy, Morganville isn’t just in danger – it’s dying…

Ever since the draug – mysterious creatures that prey on vampires – took over Morganville, the lives of Claire Danvers and her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the residents have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve, and Michael have chosen to stay and fight.

By using the town’s water system to spread, the draug have rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since vampire Amelie – the town Founder – has been infected by the master draug’s bite.

If Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks as though Morganville will become little more than a ghost town.

What Una is talking about:

Black Dawn is the twelfth book in the Morganville Vampires series. We were left with a huge cliffhanger in the last book, Last Breath. I will say this novel is aptly named and I enjoyed it.

This novel is action packed and was quite difficult to put down. Black Dawn is longer than the previous novels, but it still feels like a fast read. I believe it to be due to its engaging plot and the realization of more of the citizen’s secrets, both human and vampire. Morganville continues to evolve, even through the threat of annihilation that the draug present.

Ms. Caine continues to use the new format, multiple POVs (points of view) in this book. It allows the reader to see more of what is going on and gives the reader more insight into different characters. However, I felt there may have been a few too many. Multiple POVs can be a very powerful tool if it isn’t over used. Trying to follow too many different characters can become confusing, and although that didn’t happen, I just want to caution Ms. Caine. So far, Black Dawn is appropriately balanced between our main characters and a couple of smaller characters. However, I wonder if that is a signal that they may become more important.

The continuing saga of Michael and Eve’s engagement and the obstacles they must overcome (both between each other and the town) reached a critical point near the end of Last Breath. I am relieved that there is some closure to the issues in this novel... Without giving anything away, the pacing of the issue (and resolution) of a vampire marrying a human is well done. As the reader, I felt satisfied and yet had a very realistic closure to it. Is it completely resolved…no, but there is a satisfaction in how it is ended.

The reader also is able to continue to see Claire and Shane’s relationship grow and mature. I just love this couple. The role reversals that they have experience in the last and in Black Dawn give such foundation to the novel and allow the reader to feel the drama in a very adult way. There is the occasional “high school” like moments, but Ms. Caine does a fabulous job at allowing these moments to not annoy the more adult reader, but enhance the world she has created.

I am very anxious to read the next book in this series. As I hinted before, Black Dawn is perfectly named. Again, without giving anything away, we are left with the bleakness before a new dawn and the fear that all the humans and vampires have experience together – the bonds that have been forged and the considerations given – may be entirely wiped away. The next novel will be a new beginning in Morganville, but it is difficult to say whether it is a good one with promise of a new town….or just another dawn in the town of Vampires who rule over the humans.

If you haven’t read this series, please pick it up. It’s great for kids thirteen years or older and something you can share with them and read together.

Una’s Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Purchase Info:

Black Dawn: Morganville Vampires #12

Previous reviews in the series:

Last Breath #11

Bite Club #10

Ghost Town #9

Labels: 4 stars, Morganville Vampires, NAL, paranormal YA, Rachel Caine, Una Review, YA Literature |

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Quickie Review: Hot Buzz

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*NOTE: THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED on Sept. 16, 2012. This story was originally reviewed under the title "Good Vibrations" and was published on April 24, 2012 as part of the Edge Series by Decadent Publishing. I have updated the links and book information, but the review remains the original review (title of book only change).

Hot Buzz

Author: KT Grant

Release Date: Sept. 15, 2012

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre: Erotic Romance, Lesbian, Novella

Format(s): e-book

Book Source: Author

About the book:

Jerri can’t sleep at night. Every night she hears Krysta pleasure herself with her vibrator in her bedroom. Jerri wants to be the one to help Krysta find satisfaction and much more.

Then one night Jerri’s jealousy gets the best of her and she confronts Krysta. She’ll prove to her that something like a vibrator can’t give her satisfaction, and only a flesh and blood woman like herself can.

What I’m talking about:

This is my second Edge story, and once again the short format delivers. For those not familiar, Decadent Publishing has a hot little series, The Edge, of unrelated (or in groups of related) short erotic stories. They are vignettes - views into a romance, but not the whole picture. The stories are not character or plot-driven, but rather snapshots of a few sexy moments.

Hot Buzz is the story of lonely Jerri who has pined for her roommate Krysta for 5 years. Fearful of becoming another notch on Krysta's bedpost, Jerri keeps her feelings hidden. That is until one night while out at a club and both women engage in some buzzed flirtation with other people. For some reason it is this night that the true colors show. They hungrily take one another in a night of passion and vibrators.

Hot Buzz gives us just enough insight into the longing Jerri has experienced over the years -- enough to give the reader reason to care and cheer for the couple. Jerri and Krysta are hot in bed, but getting there was a little annoying. The jealous almost "cat-fighting" isn’t my cup of tea, but it brought the two together for an erotic coupling - and that was most certainly enjoyable. And in the end, the reader is left with the notion that everything will work out nicely for these two. I like my happy endings! All-in-all Hot Buzz is an enjoyable, erotic read.

My Rating:

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

Purchase Info:

Hot Buzz

Labels: 3 stars, Decadent Publishing, Decadent's Edge Series, erotic romance, GLBT, KT Grant, lesbian romance, novella, Twimom Review |

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Review: Silent Witness

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Silent Witness

Author: Shirley Wells

Release Date: March 5, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press

Dylan Scott Mystery #3

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Format(s): e-book, audio

Book Source: Author

About the book:

After his ex-wife bled to death in a bathtub covered in his fingerprints, the case against Aleksander Kaminski seemed open and shut. Though sentenced to life in prison, he swears he's innocent, a claim supported by his current wife.

Private investigator Dylan Scott finds himself drawn back to dreary Lancashire in a search for justice. The evidence against Kaminski is damning, but having been unjustly jailed himself, Dylan is compelled to peruse the case; if there's even a small chance the man is innocent, he has to help. The other obvious suspect - the victim's second husband - has a watertight alibi. But Dylan has a strong hunch that as usual, there's more going on than meets the eye in Dawson's Clough.

The deeper Dylan digs, the more secrets he unearths. The question remains: If Kaminski didn't murder his childhood sweetheart, who did?

What I’m talking about:

Dylan Scott, ex-police officer and current private investigator, is looking into the murder of Carly Walsingham. Currently, her ex-husband, Alek Kaminski is serving time for her death, but he claims innocence. Alek’s parents (along with current wife, Sue) have hired Dylan to discover the truth and get Alek out of jail. Among the list of suspects: Carly’s second husband: Dr. Neil Walsingham, Jamie Tinsley: a vet at Sue’s animal shelter, Neil’s current mistress: Megan Cole and Neil’s former mistress: Sonia Trueman. Although all evidence points to Alek’s guilt, Dylan Scott is compelled to take the case.

This is my second Dylan Scott Mystery and once again, I am captivated! Ms. Wells has a knack for story-telling that keeps me on my toes and fully engaged until the very end! One of the best things about this story (and series) is that it is told from multiple points of view. This not only gives the reader insight into Dylan’s sleuthing, but paints a different portrait of the victim and events depending on who’s doing the thinking. I never really knew who was guilty until the very end. It is a very effective and suspenseful way to present the story.

Second, I adore Dylan Scott. He is a reluctant "hero," who is human and flawed, but a good man. I enjoy going through his thought processes and watching him interact with suspects. He is still bitter because of his dismissal from the police force (and subsequent incarceration for being too rough with a convict), and it impacts his interactions with everyone. Yet, I think it drives him to be a better detective. He has a way of putting me at ease.

Another wonderful thing about this book is Dylan’s relationship with his family. His interactions with his wife, Bev, are touching and real. There is just enough of his personal life to give the story a compassionate touch, but not overrun the central plot. In addition, we are treated to sections of the story told by Bev. She has a newborn baby and is clearly suffering from postpartum depression. As a mom of two, I understand those feelings and fears, and it is these sections that make Silent Witness something special.

I really don’t have anything negative to say about this book. I am a bit baffled as to why the victim (Carly) had a bruise and what was up with the heightened anxiety Alek experienced. It was the one loose end not wrapped up. Everything else found its place by the end of the tale, and I look forward to more Dylan Scott stories!

Silent Witness is and exciting and at times suspenseful murder mystery. I was left guessing whodunit until close to the end. It's funny that my first inclination was correct. I enjoy how Ms. Wells builds the case and gives her story a human touch.

My Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Purchase Info:

Silent Witness (Dylan Scott #3)

Other Reviews in the Series:

Presumed Dead (Dylan Scott #1)

Labels: 4 stars, Carina Press, Dylan Scott Mystery, mystery/suspense, Shirley Wells, Twimom Review |

1 comments

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Contest Winners - The Wolf Who Loved Me

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I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for the guest post with historical/paranormal romance author Lydia Dare. I especially want to thank Jodi and Tammy (the writing team of Lydia Dare) for writing the post and Sourcebook Publishing for generously donating two (2) copies of Lydia’s newest release, The Wolf Who Loved Me, for my giveaway.

Every person that commented on the guest post was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winners were selected using random.org.

The Winners:

jfort357

Stacie

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I’m sending both winners a message; please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so Sourcebook can send you the book! You have until Saturday April 28, 2012 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.

Thank you all so much for coming by and Happy Reading!

Labels: contest, giveaway, Lydia Dare, Sourcebooks |

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Review: Under the Same Sky

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Under the Same Sky

Author: Genevieve Graham

Release Date: Jan. 3, 2012

Publisher: Berkley Trade

ISBN: 978-0425245233

Genre: Historical Romance

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

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

The year is 1746. A young woman from South Carolina and a Scottish Highlander share an intimacy and devotion beyond their understanding. They've known each other their entire lives.

And yet they have never met.

Maggie Johnson has been gifted with "the Sight" ever since she was a child. Her dreams bring her visions of the future, and of a presence she knows is real. She calls him Wolf, and has seen him grow alongside her from a careless young boy into a fearsome warrior. And when her life is torn asunder by unspeakable tragedy, he is her only hope.

Andrew MacDonnell is entranced by the vision of a beautiful woman who has always dwelt in his dreams. When war ravages his land and all he has ever known, he leaves the Scottish Highlands on a perilous journey to the New World to find her, knowing that their only chance of survival is with one another.

Their quest to find each other across a treacherous wilderness will test the limits of courage and endurance, guided only by their dreams--and by the belief in the true love they share.

What VampBard’s talking about:

Under the Same Sky didn't really feel like historical fiction. There was actually a paranormal element that drew me in, kept me guessing. Normally, I'm not one for historical romance. However, Ms. Graham chose to use a Scottish Highlander as her hero. I never turn down a man in a kilt!

Maggie was a strong heroine. Warning: she goes through some tough situations that can trigger emotional responses. I liked the way she bounced back from some terrible stuff. I also enjoyed the way she integrated with her special 'skills' into the Cherokee lifestyle.

Andrew was one helluva Highlander Warrior. The battle scenes were well-described, and I felt as though I could hear the clash of swords and the smell of blood.

I think Ms. Graham did a great job with description. Sometimes, however, I felt she went beyond what was necessary for the reader to understand where the characters were physically & emotionally. For my tastes, there was too much side story happening and not enough about the 'union' of Maggie and Andrew. While that might not bother others, it's something I need. I need to watch the building of the relationship. I didn't feel as though Andrew and Maggie had really enough to base a relationship when he rode in 'on his white horse', and it seemed to be a wham-bam thing. I like the concept of knowing someone before you've even met, as was done in this book; however this story just didn't hit home for me.

VampBard’s Rating:

Finished it - take it or leave it (C)

Purchase Info:

Under the Same Sky

UPCOMING RELEASE & BLOG TOUR (plus Giveaway!) Readers: I am happy to announce that we are going to be a part of Genevieve Graham’s upcoming blog tour for Sound of the Heart, the sequel to Under the Same Sky. The blog tour runs during the month of May. The Grand Prize for the tour is a signed copy of Sound of the Heart PLUS a four cd set of relaxation cds created by my incredibly talented musical friends, Cori Ashley and Ed Franks. Please visit Ms. Graham’s blog tour website for more details AND check back here on May 4, 2012 when we will host Ms. Graham’s blog tour!

Labels: 2.5 stars, Berkley Trade, Genevieve Graham, historical romance, Vampbard review |

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Review: Savage Awakening

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Savage Awakening

Author: J. D. Tyler

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Publisher: Signet

Alpha Pack #2

ISBN: #978-0451236449

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format(s): Paperback (341 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for...

After a mission goes wrong, Aric Savage is taken prisoner. Half-dead and despairing, he makes a stunning discovery: his Pack mate Micah Chase, who was reported dead, is a fellow captive. When the Alpha team goes into full-rescue mode, accompanying them is an absolute stunner with sable hair--and a spine of solid steel.

LAPD officer and Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase has one priority: her brother Micah's recovery. Still, she can't help but be drawn to Aric, the ruggedly handsome wolf shifter who pleasures her as no man ever has--however fleeting their affair is destined to be. But when Aric's life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she's willing to sacrifice in the name of love, for the man fated to be her Bondmate.

What G & U are talking about:

Savage Awakening is the second full-length novel in the Alpha Pack series. While preparing for this review, we discovered an ebook novella, Black Magic, which takes place between the first novel, Primal Law and this one. We enjoy this series enough that Una bought it. We will read it and let you know if you should read it before Savage Awakening or not. We feel that the gist of the novella is given in this book, but who wouldn’t want to read about a sexy sorcerer who shape shifts into a black panther? Exactly!

Back to our sexy wolf shifter, Aric Savage. We enjoyed his story. The Alpha Pack series is a wonderful somewhat light-hearted guilty pleasure read. Personally, for Una, it was a great escape from the emotionally charged previous readings (Devil’s Punch, Lover Reborn, Shadow’s Fall, etc). Aric is a loudmouth, sarcastic yet loyal soldier who feels completely unworthy of his pack’s acceptance or the mate he finds in tough-cop Rowen. The banter between them is funny and allows the reader some laughs. Even though Rowen’s lost brother and Aric suffer through some horrific experiences, the humor balances the novel.

Please let us warn you, this is smexy writing. The plot flows at a gentle pace, even though the sex is steamy and hot. The internal struggles that our couple face – singularly and together, give their happenstance romance grounding. Their overall story arc progresses well and the conflict resolution feels real. In fact, it is a very gripping read – partly due to the humor and partly for those (did we mention yet?) steamy moments. It is a quick and delightful read. The continuing struggle against the big bad develops well for an over-arcing story line through the novels. Each book is well paced and the overall story arc develops gradually over each novel. Which makes it very easy to follow and enjoy.

The next novel is Black Moon, and will focus again on Mac and Kalen Black – the panther/sorcerer. Needless to say, Gikany and Una cannot wait to read this next installment in the Alpha Pack novels. This is only book 2…you should really jump on this train to smexy-goodness before you have too many books to catch up on!

Their Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Purchase Info:

Savage Awakening: Alpha Pack #2

Reviews in the Series:

Primal Law: Alpha Pack #1

Labels: 4 stars, Alpha Pack Series, G-U Review, JD Tyler, paranormal romance, Signet |

1 comments

Disclaimer

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

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

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Review: A Taste for Passion

AAD Author Spotlight: Teresa D’Amario

Sunday Snippets #102

ARC Review: Black Dawn

Quickie Review: Hot Buzz

Review: Silent Witness

Contest Winners - The Wolf Who Loved Me

Review: Under the Same Sky

Review: Savage Awakening

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