My Soul to Steal by Rachel VincentMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent installment in a fabulous series!
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Monday, February 20, 2012
My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Steal by Rachel VincentMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent installment in a fabulous series!
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Synthetic Dreams by Kim Knox (Carina Press, 2012)
Synthetic Dreams by Kim KnoxMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 1/2 Stars!! If you looked up the definition of Science-Fiction Romance, it should simply say "Kim Knox." She really delivers a creative story with extraordinary world building. This is my second story by Knox, the first being Gambit. Gambit was a completely different world from Synthetic Dreams, which totally adds to my adoration of her strong world building.
We meet Vyn in the opening scene as she is testing out a new product (a glamour) at a club making her appear as a sexy blonde. In walks our H, Paul, as a security guard. There is a certain attraction between the two right away of course! Though Vyn is certain it is because of her glamour. Later, Synthetic Dreams propels these two deep into the heart of The Corporation (the place that has stolen Paul's real brother and replaced him with a fake.) Can Vyn trust Paul? What does he really want with her? And the greatest question of all, can she really believe that he is attracted to her even with all her scars and no glamour at all?
There are times when Synthetic Dreams has a bit of a Matrix feels to it. Which is a good thing, I loved The Matrix! However, it is not a copy, as Knox has really outdone herself this time! I found it quite romantic (and yummy!;-)) at moments, and wish I could say more. I am trying to keep the spoilers out, though! Great read, and I will add, as I did in my review for Gambit, that I believe there is room for more stories in this world. Highly recommended!
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Rebirth by Sophie Littlefield
Rebirth by Sophie LittlefieldMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 1/2 Stars! What a roller-coaster of a read! This second installment of Sophie Littlefield's post-apocalyptic trilogy was amazing!! Rebirth had it all, drama, action, thrills, and lots of chills. I am definitely ready to dive into the final book, Horizon, as Rebirth did end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Rebirth takes place within a few months after Aftertime's ending. Cass and Smoke have made their home in The Box, a protected area where trade is ones livelihood. However, as circumstances are in this world, word reaches The Box that causes Smoke to leave on a mission and finds Dor, The Box's founder and leader, missing his daughter. Cass coerces Dor to take her and her daughter with him on the search. The small group traverses through the rough post-apocalyptic terrain meeting horrors they had been temporarily shielded from during their duration in the protection of The Box.
Littlefield manages to develop Cass's character even more. Through the course of this story Cass made decisions that show just how raw and real she is, all the while propelling her fate, as well as that of her young daughter. Truly a creative take in a very scary world! Great read!
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Touch of Power by Maria V. SnyderMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 1/2 Stars! An excellent escapist read by the ever talented Maria V. Snyder! I appreciate how Snyder easily pulls me in and keeps me glued to the plot. Even the slower scenes were captivating and crucial to the storyline. I loved Touch of Power!
We meet Avry, our heroine and healer, immediately. She is being hunted with a large bounty for her death. In swoops a band of outcasts (which includes Kerrick, a magician) who claim they need her healing powers to save their King, and will protect her for the time being. Thus begins a quest full of treachery, deceit, and best of all, real relationships and friendships for Avry.
I have loved Snyder's writing style since I first read Poison Study and the books that followed. I think the ease of her writing style is what compels me the most. After a busy day, I don't want to have to work at reading. Her stories are just that for me. So if you are looking to escape without any reading strain, I highly recommend Touch of Power, and any other book by this author!
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Sunday, August 7, 2011
Hunting Human by Amanda Alvarez (Carina Press, 2011)
Hunting Human by Amanda E. AlvarezMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars! Hunting Human was a real treat to read. Ms. Alvarez managed to create not only likable main characters, but well developed and likable side characters. And a few single men left whom I truly hope get their own stories!
We meet Beth, a fairly tortured h, as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life. She seems strong and willing to move on after a horrific tragedy had struck. She meets Braden Edwards, a man who she is attracted to almost immediately. Yet, is he really the man he seems? Or is something else lurking beneath? And then Beth's past finds her...
I almost gave this fabulous shifter book a 5. However, Braden made one huge mistake that I nearly found unforgivable. I felt he could have reacted much differently, or talked instead of doing what he did. That aside, this book had plenty of action, lots of lovin', and I cant wait to see more from this author! Highly recommend!!
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Thursday, May 5, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Demon's Fall by Karalynn Lee (Carina Press, 2010)
Demon's Fall by Karalynn LeeMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars! Angels and demons and incubus's....Oh, my!! Karalynn Lee did some very creative world building with this one!
We meet Kenan as he is strolling the Hellsgate marketplace and finds an angel caged. Jahel came to Hellsgate looking for a soul of a girl she was looking out for. Kenan immediately buys her from the merchant and takes her home. He decides to help her find the soul in hopes of getting her to bed and gaining Jahel's soul, as Kenan is an incubus.
I really had a difficult time getting into Demon's Fall. I didn't immediately connect with either of the characters. The pacing of the story was really slow for the length. It took me over a week to finish it, and it was only a novella. However, the world building and the last few chapters were able to redeem this story for me.
Lee designed an entire Hellsgate culture, along with a battle between Heaven and Earth that was really quite intense for a 26,000 words or so. And I really loved how the Kenan collected souls, very clever! I would definitely recommend this story, if only for the world building!
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
The Goddess Test by Aimee CarterMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 1/2 Stars! The Goddess Test by Aimee drew me in immediately. I was impressed with the creativity of the entire storyline. Carter took Greek mythology and gave it an exciting and modern twist! Clever, dark, and light all at the same time.
We first meet Kate as she is driving from New York into a town called Eden with her very ill and dying mother. It is her mother's last wish to return to her hometown before she passes away. Because of her mothers illness Kate has become a loner, and tries her best to stay away from the other students in the new high school. But inevitably a few trend towards her. One girl convinces her to go to a school party to meet everyone, and Kate grudgingly agrees to go. The evening of the party is met with tragedy and a meeting with an intriguing stranger, Henry. And Henry claims to be a God. Thus begins The Goddess Test.
This is certainly one of the best YA books I have read this year. I would highly recommend to YA and paranormal fans alike. And I am definitely looking forward to next installment in this series. Great debut!!
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Monday, April 18, 2011
Hunters by Michelle MarquisMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Okay, I really enjoyed listening to this book. There were some issues with likability with the h early on, however, the ending really redeemed her. There was a ton of sex (and I love sex in a book,) yet I felt it was a tad overdone and repetitious. Overall though, a good, exciting read!
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Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine PascalMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
So I did enjoy listening to Sweet Valley Confidential. I grew up in the eighties (very late eighties, of course!) and the Wakefield Twins were very much a part of my reading life. Never great works of literature, but always fun light reads. And that was the same with this book. Francine Pascal brought back several of the characters, and it was very much a Sweet Valley revisit for those who grew up reading about the twins trials and tribulations. And there was one big twist I really appreciated!
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Thursday, April 14, 2011
Girl in the Beaded Mask by Amanda McCabeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable read. I did find the ending was abrupt as I expected at least another chapter.
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Friday, March 25, 2011
Precious and Fragile Things by Megan Hart (Harlequin, 2011)
I'm a Mom, and yes, I need a break! But just what would I do for a said needed break??? Who knows? But presented with a situation like Gilly was?? What would I do, I dunno? And after all is said and done, would the reality remain the same? Who knows? And today, I am thankful I don't know. And I cross my fingers to never find out.
This novel is one, a gripping story of one person trying to be "good" and another trying to hang on to the life she knows and the children she loves while caring for the tortured man who has kidnapped her. Its a hard story to listen to, yet I could not stop listening to it. It compelled me in ways I am afraid to admit.
That all said, wow. Just that wow. Perhaps in a few days I will come back and edit this review after all that happened sinks in.
Copied Blurb:
Gilly Soloman has been reduced to a mothering machine, taking care of everyone and everything except herself. But the machine has broken down. Burnt out by the endless days of crying children and menial tasks, and exhausted from always putting herself last, Gilly doesn't immediately consider the consequences when she's carjacked. With a knife to her throat, her first thought is that she'll finally get some rest. Someone can save her for a change.
But salvation isn't so forthcoming. Stranded in a remote, snowbound cabin with this stranger, hours turn to days, days into weeks. As time forges a fragile bond between them, she learns her captor is not the lunatic she first believed, but a human being whose wasted life has been shaped by secrets and tragedy. Yet even as their connection begins to foster trust, Gilly knows she must never forget he's still a man teetering on the edge. One who just might take her with him.
My Rating: 4.5
Additional Audio Notes:
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang (An excellent narrator for this book, imho)
Siren Song by Stephanie Draven (Harlequin Nocturne Bites, 2011)
4 1/2 Stars! Really enjoyed this story! I think the strong appeal to Siren Song for me was that I had absolutely no clue what was going to happen. I have never read a book with a siren before:D On the downside, I wanted it to be longer. Would love to say more...but I think you should go buy it and read it instead;)
Copied Blurb:
When Chloe Karras sings, she knows that no one can resist her sensual allure—except for the sexy naval officer seemingly immune to her voice. But Captain Alex Shore is just the man she wants to take home after her performance—until he tells her what she thought were imagined powers are real...and dangerous.
Alexandros knows firsthand how seductive sirens are, as well as their potential to destroy. Yet the former sea soldier feels a powerful attraction to the beautiful rock singer that goes beyond her spell. Can he banish Chloe from the town he's vowed to protect—or will he be drawn into the siren's bed?
Alexandros knows firsthand how seductive sirens are, as well as their potential to destroy. Yet the former sea soldier feels a powerful attraction to the beautiful rock singer that goes beyond her spell. Can he banish Chloe from the town he's vowed to protect—or will he be drawn into the siren's bed?
The Killing Dance by Laurell K. Hamilton (Penguin Audiobooks, 2009)
Copied Blurb:
In The Killing Dance, vampire hunter Anita Blake finds herself the victim when a $500,000 price is put on her head, and the two men in her life - a vampire and a werewolf - aren't helping the situation.
My Rating: 5
Additional Audio Notes:
Publisher: Penguin Audio Books, 2009
Narrator: Kimberly Alexis
Friday, March 18, 2011
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (Brilliance Audio, 2006)
My thoughts: The suspense was crafted masterfully. The main character was developed well, even if I am still not sure whether I like her or not(She is pretty girly.) Moning's world building was done creatively, and slow enough to not throw everything to the reader at once. That being said, though, I did find the pace of the first half of the book to be forgivably slower than other books I have read in the genre.
I will be listening to the next in the series as soon as I get a chance. There were a lot of loose ends(it is a series, after all) and quite a bit of foreshadowing. Very curious to see which direction Moning goes with the Fever series! Highly recommend!
My Rating: 4
Copied Blurb:
MacKayla Lane's life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she's your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman.
Or so she thinks...until something extraordinary happens.
When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death - a cryptic message on Mac's cell phone - Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister's killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed - a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae...
As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister's death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane - an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women - closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac's true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book - because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands...
Additional Audio Notes:
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Narrator: Joyce Bean (Seriously not the best choice for this book. Mac is a young woman, and Bean sounds like an older lady. Had to work my brain past that to really get into listening to the book)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Masques: Aralorn, Book 1 by Patricia Briggs (Brilliance Audio, 2010)
Copied Blurb:
After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is - or where he will strike next?
My Rating: 4.5
Additional Audio Notes:
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, 2010
Narrator: Katherine Kellgren
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