With a busy week I found that I was once again saved by listening to an audiobook while I drove on my commute to my day job. Try as I might I just couldn't finish reading the book I'm working on for my next review, while getting in writing time, and working the day job. This week was my very first Debbie Macomber novel, Denim & Diamonds, a contemporary romance set in Wyoming.
Letty Ellison comes home to her family's Wyoming ranch after spending the last 9 years chasing her dream of being a singer in Hollywood with her 5 year old daughter, Cricket, in tow. Letty has to confront her childhood sweetheart, rancher Chase Brown, while finding a way of keeping her major health issue a secrete from him and her brother Lonny.
This was an audiobook that I couldn't get enough of. I found myself walking around carrying my ipad around while I was doing chores around the house while listening to what was going to happen next in Letty and Chase's story, instead of only on my commute to work.
I mean come on, who doesn't like a good cowboy story. They are just so rough and stubborn, yet have a old-school gentleman side that has seemed to have been lost in men today.
Letty's daughter Cricket was adorable and no matter how much the stubborn, cold fronted Chase tried to be Cricket didn't care and broke through that rough exterior to capture his heart just like he had with Letty. Now if only all 5 year-old were as well behaved as Cricket is.
The narrator did an amazing job keeping consistent with the different voices of the characters that helped keep the story moving and not pulling the listener out to wonder which character was really talking.
Now that I've had my first taste of Debbie Macomber's work I will definitely be adding her to authors I need to read more of list. And it's a good thing that she has plenty of books to for fill my small town contemporary needs.
Make sure to check out her website and her other books at www.debbiemacomber.com
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood
Lately I've been on a kick of audio books since I have an hour drive one way to work. This last week I've listened to Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood's second book of her already twenty plus books she has had published in her career.
I'll admit I've already read pretty dang close to all of her books in her contemporary series as well as one of her westerns. Needless to say after reading nine or so of her books, I'm a fan. Rebellious Desire was the first Regency novel I've taken on as well as my first audiobook.
Here's my negative take on the whole thing that really has nothing to do with the story but my taste in the reading (it was an English woman reading)which I know is biased. I love accents and with the story taking place in England is fitting and was fun to listen to. What can I say I have a thing for accents? Yet, when there was no infliction of tone to direct the listeners attention that it is the male lead talking instead of the female I had to really listen to what the character was saying in order to determine just who exactly was talking. Also, thank goodness for action lines or else I might have been lost more times than not.
Other than those few times when the female reader didn't lower her vocal register to differentiate between the characters, I loved the story of Caroline and The Duke of Bradford.
Born in England to an Earl Caroline was sent to go live with her Aunt and Uncle until 14 years later as an adult she was summoned to come home. Having grown up in Boston, Caroline isn't your typical Lady making her debut to society in London. Yet, she had gain the attention and desires of the Duke of Bradford, one of London's most eligible bachelors. Tall, handsome, cocky, with a temper that matched his passions Jered Marcus Benton had met his match. Both drawn to each other like a moth to a flame, they both struggle with how to deal with the others emotions and desires and realizing that their love is deep enough if they learn to accept the other for who they really are and not just what the London society sees.
Excitment, danger, love, attraction and regency era London society rules. What isn't there to love as Julie Garwood brings you into a time that not everyone can write so seamlessly without being overly cheesy or bore you with overly dramatic descriptions of the time. Caroline and her Jered's story, along with the love story of her cousin that helps drive Caroline and Jered to trust each other in a way they have never had before, is one that I will make sure to enjoy in paperback or ereader.
Make sure to check out Julie Garwood's other works that she has out as well as her website at www.juliegarwood.com
I'll admit I've already read pretty dang close to all of her books in her contemporary series as well as one of her westerns. Needless to say after reading nine or so of her books, I'm a fan. Rebellious Desire was the first Regency novel I've taken on as well as my first audiobook.
Here's my negative take on the whole thing that really has nothing to do with the story but my taste in the reading (it was an English woman reading)which I know is biased. I love accents and with the story taking place in England is fitting and was fun to listen to. What can I say I have a thing for accents? Yet, when there was no infliction of tone to direct the listeners attention that it is the male lead talking instead of the female I had to really listen to what the character was saying in order to determine just who exactly was talking. Also, thank goodness for action lines or else I might have been lost more times than not.
Other than those few times when the female reader didn't lower her vocal register to differentiate between the characters, I loved the story of Caroline and The Duke of Bradford.
Born in England to an Earl Caroline was sent to go live with her Aunt and Uncle until 14 years later as an adult she was summoned to come home. Having grown up in Boston, Caroline isn't your typical Lady making her debut to society in London. Yet, she had gain the attention and desires of the Duke of Bradford, one of London's most eligible bachelors. Tall, handsome, cocky, with a temper that matched his passions Jered Marcus Benton had met his match. Both drawn to each other like a moth to a flame, they both struggle with how to deal with the others emotions and desires and realizing that their love is deep enough if they learn to accept the other for who they really are and not just what the London society sees.
Excitment, danger, love, attraction and regency era London society rules. What isn't there to love as Julie Garwood brings you into a time that not everyone can write so seamlessly without being overly cheesy or bore you with overly dramatic descriptions of the time. Caroline and her Jered's story, along with the love story of her cousin that helps drive Caroline and Jered to trust each other in a way they have never had before, is one that I will make sure to enjoy in paperback or ereader.
Make sure to check out Julie Garwood's other works that she has out as well as her website at www.juliegarwood.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr
In July 2012 I attended my first writers conference at the yearly national conference for the Romance Writers of America and was able to listen to the keynote speech that was given by Robyn Carr one of the days. And let me tell you I'm still learning to expand my knowledge of the Romance genre, as both a writer and as a reader, the speech that Robyn gave will always be one that I remember. She was both inspiring and honest about her career into publishing as a writer. The best part of her talk was that it can be applied to everything in life. Here's what I took away from it most is this, you only fail as being a writer is by giving up. If you keep writing, keep putting yourself out there, you are doing exactly what you have wanted. It took her ten years or more of consistent writing to become a 'over night' success even after having several other books published. Write without hesitation or fear. That is when your will flourish.
Coming out of that conference met some amazing writers I've decided that I am in the right genre with these such passionate people.
Finally I found the time to read Robyn Carr's 17th book in her Virgin River series, Hidden Summit. Connor Danson and Leslie Petruso had both been burned by there first loves and looking for a new start as they both deal with life changing problems. Connor being the only witness to a murder, his life is a waiting game till he can testify and able to keep his sister and nephews safe while they figure out how to start over after losing the family business to a fire as a warning to them. Leslie, while wanting to get over her failed marriage as her ex wanted to keep her close, even after having started a new family while they were still married. As the their paths cross in there times of rediscovery, they learn that they can forgive those who had hurt them and what falling in love really could feel like.
Robyn Carr's small town feel was both warming and comedic as everyone knows what everyone else business is, they are always there to lend a helping hand without being prompted or wanting any thanks. These are all things that why can be annoying at times are the exact things that are what the main characters Connor and Leslie are needing, along with each others company to help work through there own issues.
With this being my first Robyn Carr novel, I'm hooked. Like when I had found Julie Garwood's novels, I find myself wanting to dive into her series when needing a good read in with the right amount of drama in a small town that doesn't have any cowboys, but the right amount of men who happen to have a military background. Scruffy, sinsear, snark and a heart of gold. What's not to love.
Make sure to go and check out Robyn Carr's web site www. robyncarr.com and her other two series Thunder Point and Grace Valley. I may be late getting into Carr's novels but that doesn't mean that you have to as well. There are more than enough to satisfy your itch for a good small town novel without leaving you unsatisfied for big time drama and romance.
Coming out of that conference met some amazing writers I've decided that I am in the right genre with these such passionate people.
Finally I found the time to read Robyn Carr's 17th book in her Virgin River series, Hidden Summit. Connor Danson and Leslie Petruso had both been burned by there first loves and looking for a new start as they both deal with life changing problems. Connor being the only witness to a murder, his life is a waiting game till he can testify and able to keep his sister and nephews safe while they figure out how to start over after losing the family business to a fire as a warning to them. Leslie, while wanting to get over her failed marriage as her ex wanted to keep her close, even after having started a new family while they were still married. As the their paths cross in there times of rediscovery, they learn that they can forgive those who had hurt them and what falling in love really could feel like.
Robyn Carr's small town feel was both warming and comedic as everyone knows what everyone else business is, they are always there to lend a helping hand without being prompted or wanting any thanks. These are all things that why can be annoying at times are the exact things that are what the main characters Connor and Leslie are needing, along with each others company to help work through there own issues.
With this being my first Robyn Carr novel, I'm hooked. Like when I had found Julie Garwood's novels, I find myself wanting to dive into her series when needing a good read in with the right amount of drama in a small town that doesn't have any cowboys, but the right amount of men who happen to have a military background. Scruffy, sinsear, snark and a heart of gold. What's not to love.
Make sure to go and check out Robyn Carr's web site www. robyncarr.com and her other two series Thunder Point and Grace Valley. I may be late getting into Carr's novels but that doesn't mean that you have to as well. There are more than enough to satisfy your itch for a good small town novel without leaving you unsatisfied for big time drama and romance.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The Reluctant Amazon by Sandy James
The first in the series The Alliance of the Amazons, The Reluctant Amazon by Sandy James is a fantasy romance that you don't want to miss out on. Kick ass chicks with a a man in a kilt that tries his damnedest to keep them in line, is always amusing to watch. It's always a challenge for a man to be around four strong minded women, but when they are Amazons who each control the power of an element is even more impressive.
Kindergarten teacher Rebecca Massee never thought that on her wedding day she'd be left at the alter and meet the man of her dreams Artair McKay, an immortal warrior trains the chosen four Amazons of the generation. As Rebecca struggles with her new found powers of Mother Earth and the forbidden attraction she has to her Sentinel, it's up to her and her 3 Amazon sisters to put a stop to the the threat that has been hunting down the last generation of Amazons.
James' urban fantasy was a fun easy read that had me hooked from the beginning. James is able to keep the reader entertained with the balance of action, adventure, myth and romance. It also helped that the love interest Artair is always wearing a kilt and has a great Scottish accent, that doesn't make it hard to read. What can I say, I'm a sucker for men in kilts, especially when the author has them using the traditional kilt and not a modern version. Biased? Maybe just a little.
With Rebecca being easy to like as everyone can relate to being clumsy and no matter how hard you might try at something never feel quite up to par as everyone else. Even as a chosen Earth wielding Amazon, Rebecca is anything but a natural Earth. Or so she thinks. Like in the real world everyone learns differently and when it comes to being an Amazon Rebecca isn't like the past Amazons.
Join Rebecca, Artair and the other Amazons in there adventures of saving the world against modern day wielding evil in The Reluctant Amazon. Make sure to follow up also on the second book in Sandy's series with Impetuous Amazon and Rebecca's sister Megan the Fire Amazon.
Check out Sandy James' website and her other novels at www.sandy-james.com
Kindergarten teacher Rebecca Massee never thought that on her wedding day she'd be left at the alter and meet the man of her dreams Artair McKay, an immortal warrior trains the chosen four Amazons of the generation. As Rebecca struggles with her new found powers of Mother Earth and the forbidden attraction she has to her Sentinel, it's up to her and her 3 Amazon sisters to put a stop to the the threat that has been hunting down the last generation of Amazons.
James' urban fantasy was a fun easy read that had me hooked from the beginning. James is able to keep the reader entertained with the balance of action, adventure, myth and romance. It also helped that the love interest Artair is always wearing a kilt and has a great Scottish accent, that doesn't make it hard to read. What can I say, I'm a sucker for men in kilts, especially when the author has them using the traditional kilt and not a modern version. Biased? Maybe just a little.
With Rebecca being easy to like as everyone can relate to being clumsy and no matter how hard you might try at something never feel quite up to par as everyone else. Even as a chosen Earth wielding Amazon, Rebecca is anything but a natural Earth. Or so she thinks. Like in the real world everyone learns differently and when it comes to being an Amazon Rebecca isn't like the past Amazons.
Join Rebecca, Artair and the other Amazons in there adventures of saving the world against modern day wielding evil in The Reluctant Amazon. Make sure to follow up also on the second book in Sandy's series with Impetuous Amazon and Rebecca's sister Megan the Fire Amazon.
Check out Sandy James' website and her other novels at www.sandy-james.com
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
The Break-Up Psychic by Emily Hemmer
One of the many books that I heard about while attending the RT Booklovers convention, was the Break-Up Psychic. With the release of it on May 29th, Emily Hemmer debuts her first novel The Break-Up Psychic, as a self published title. Having met Emily at the conference the first thing came to mind as we talked about her Romantic Comedy, if it's half as funny as she is in person then I have to read this.And I was not disappointed one bit in the novel.
For her debut novel, I was engaged in the real life experience that women go through when dating. Like the main character Ellie, all women go through the struggle after a break-up of knowing that they need to avoid 'their type' of man. And for Ellie that is the bad boy. Thinking that she has a gift of knowing when a breakup in eminent. After a bad breakup with her cheating boyfriend, Ellie runs into Sam James, the impiety of her type that she has sworn off. Only thing, Ellie's gift of predicting a break-up isn't going off. Has her gift disappeared? Can the bad boy really be a good guy, meant for her? Or is Ellie really in need of getting over the past to allow herself the chance of having a good relationship?
If you love Bridget Jones Diary and real life ups, downs, and "yup, that just happened moments" of the dating world, then The Break-Up Psychic is perfect for you.
It's been a while since I've read a book that I couldn't out down, and Hemmer's book not only made me want to keep reading, snort out loud laugh, but had me wanting to join the characters in a drink of vodka-sweet tea and whiskey. In reality I did get up to join the book in a good Whiskey just in time to get back to a steamy scene that was only made better with the drink to cool down with.
Emily Hemmer's debut novel is a labor of love and passion that she's executed perfectly on her journey to being published. With her husband, two kids, sweet lab, jerk face puppy and cat that is plotting to take over the world by her side in Kansas City, Emily is venturing in to the the published author's world, with three books scheduled to be to be released.
And if her horoscope is anything to go by 2013 is looking to be her year. Plus her mom says she's pretty dang funny. Personally I agree with both.
Make sure to check out Emily Hemmer's website www.emilyhemmer.com and buy her book in both ebook or paperback on Amazon.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Risk No Secretes by Cindy Gerard
Risk No Secretes by Cindy Gerard is the fifth book in her Black Ops series and it has been hands down one of my favorite books that I've read so far this year. Ok, I know I've only read a couple so far, but I didn't want to put it down as I had to since my day job doesn't really like it if I'm reading a book instead of doing what I'm there for. You, know actually working.
Anyways, if you like action, military men, and strong women who are put through hell and back while keeping up with the men in there lives then this Romantic Thriller is for you.
A red-hot attraction...
Twelve years of chasing bad guys didn't erase beautiful Sophie Baylor from Wyatt Savage's memory. If he had another chance, he'd never let her leave. So when she tracks him down from El Salvador and begs for help, he doesn't ask questions -- he just goes.
Starts with a terrifying threat...
Sophie is grateful her daughter survived a kidnapping attempt, but she won't forgive herself until the girl who was mistakenly abducted is safe. Wyatt is the only man brave enough to take on the mysterious terrorists behind the crime; and the one irresistible man she wishes she had never let go.
...and unleashes an unforgettable adventure
Sophie knows Central America's steamy jungles and sticky politics better than anyone. Yet she refuses to hide in fear. Then she becomes the enemy's number-one target. Wyatt lost her once, and he won't lose her again -- even if he has to fight, kill, or die to save her
This book was full of heart pounding action and romance and was able to keep a balance of both through out the whole book. Wyatt the good southern boy struggling with deciding where he wants his life to go having lived most of his life serving his country and fighting the bad guys of the world, before all the violence eats his soul and he becomes one of the bad guys. Sophie is his saving grace since the day he met her 12 years earlier, but in the end it was the time the spent apart that helped mold them into the people who they are now and in the end an even better match for the other.
Make sure to check out Cindy Gerard and her other Thriller Romances in her Black Ops novels as well as her Bodyguard series. It's sure to be filled with plenty of twists and turns and non stop action. I know I'm now hooked on her books and can't wait to read more. I mean who doesn't love a man in uniform, fighting a good fight to help keep the world a better place. Find more about here here at her website, www.cindygerard.com.
Anyways, if you like action, military men, and strong women who are put through hell and back while keeping up with the men in there lives then this Romantic Thriller is for you.
A red-hot attraction...
Twelve years of chasing bad guys didn't erase beautiful Sophie Baylor from Wyatt Savage's memory. If he had another chance, he'd never let her leave. So when she tracks him down from El Salvador and begs for help, he doesn't ask questions -- he just goes.
Starts with a terrifying threat...
Sophie is grateful her daughter survived a kidnapping attempt, but she won't forgive herself until the girl who was mistakenly abducted is safe. Wyatt is the only man brave enough to take on the mysterious terrorists behind the crime; and the one irresistible man she wishes she had never let go.
...and unleashes an unforgettable adventure
Sophie knows Central America's steamy jungles and sticky politics better than anyone. Yet she refuses to hide in fear. Then she becomes the enemy's number-one target. Wyatt lost her once, and he won't lose her again -- even if he has to fight, kill, or die to save her
This book was full of heart pounding action and romance and was able to keep a balance of both through out the whole book. Wyatt the good southern boy struggling with deciding where he wants his life to go having lived most of his life serving his country and fighting the bad guys of the world, before all the violence eats his soul and he becomes one of the bad guys. Sophie is his saving grace since the day he met her 12 years earlier, but in the end it was the time the spent apart that helped mold them into the people who they are now and in the end an even better match for the other.
Make sure to check out Cindy Gerard and her other Thriller Romances in her Black Ops novels as well as her Bodyguard series. It's sure to be filled with plenty of twists and turns and non stop action. I know I'm now hooked on her books and can't wait to read more. I mean who doesn't love a man in uniform, fighting a good fight to help keep the world a better place. Find more about here here at her website, www.cindygerard.com.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
As the book itself has mentioned that it is possible to have an erotic book without it being all sex, I think Reisz is able to do so while truly introducing the non-BDSM world in to it's dark shadows. Unlike other BDSM novels I've read this book gives an honest look into there world. It's honest in what is involved in it, with out having to explain all the different subcultures that are intertwined with BDSM. Personally I think people have this predisposed view of what BDSM is and Reisz is able to balance reality with those predisposed view and not make it sound preachy, happy go-lucky world.
Like any relationships and characters Nora is a complex person and is able to delve in to so many worlds without having to apologize for who she is. For the most part she knows who she is underneath everything else, but still she is struggling with finding the balance of who she is and who she wants to be. And through this process she is working on her latest novel with a new editor that is more suited to her then he even knows. There are so many struggles for dominance in this book that it will make you're head spin, but in reality the characters are all human and to be human means that you are fighting for dominance let it be to one part of your personality or to someone else.
If you're some what intrigued by the BDSM or even just read 50 Shades of Grey, Then I would suggest, no, I highly recommend you read The Siren to cleanse your pallet and get to know what can really happen in a BDSM romance that is driven by sex but some how isn't.
With well rounded characters with real flaws everyone can relate to, let you be in the BDSM world or not, the story isn't defined by the sex life of the character even if it is who she is.
Tiffany Reisz's second book in the series that continues Nora's story is The Angel, that is newly released. With the market finally taking a real notice to erotic and romance, not just sweeping it under the carpet, I'm excited to see Reisz's career and future novels flourish.
Make sure to check out her website www.tiffanyreisz.com to learn more about her and her novels.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel
It had been a while since I've read a Paranormal Romance and so I went into search for an author I've never read before on my bookshelf I've dubbed 'The must read shelves'. It has seemed that over the years and since I've gone to RWA for the first time that this bookshelf has grown bigger than my normal bookshelves could handle. That's right I added a bookcase to my collection just to have a to be read shelves that don't mix in with the books I've already read. Don't judge me, you know you've wanted to or have done the same at some point. So I found Carolyn Jewel's book My Wicked Enemy staring at me. Yelling at me to read it.
So, I did. I mean I even had it signed by the author while I was at the conference. Thanks, Carolyn!
What is the book about? Well, let me tell you. (Better yet, let me have the back cover explain it even better)
A Desire that Can't be Controlled . . .
Carson Phillips is a witch on the run. For years, the notorious mage Alvaro Magellan has held her as his psychological prisoner. But once Carson gets a glimpse of the true extent of his evil, she flees MagellanÕs mansion--stealing a stone talisman of unimaginable power on the way. Her only hope for survival is a demon who ignites a voracious hunger in her she can't deny, a longing she can't resist . . .
A Hunger that Can't be Sated . . .
Nikodemus is a warlord with a mission: Kill Magellan and his green-eyed witch at any cost. But when he meets the desperate Carson, the pull of her magic takes his breath away. HeÕs not sure he can trust this tantalizing woman--she is his enemy--and less sure he can keep his hands off her. But Magellan will stop at nothing to reclaim what belongs to him. Can Nikodemus save Carson before his desire for her destroys then both?
The whole concept of demons or fiends along with Mages had caught my attention. I loved the idea of them being in a war while trying to keep it under-wraps from the human world. And it takes place in my city, San Francisco! Okay, it's not my city but I live here so it's close enough.
Chemistry from two people who should be at war, action, sex, love, magic, and blood lust. It's everything I want in a good paranormal romance. But here is the thing that got me, there is so much going on that some of the world and characters are hard to keep track of. Especially when the fiends are able to feel and communicate with each others magic and minds, it's hard to keep clear, who's what and what is exactly going on.
Over all I enjoyed the book but it was frustrating at times when I'd be like wait I thought they already had sex? Oh okay, that didn't really happen. There is a lot that goes on and keeping track of it can be a little hard at times, especially when it comes to the magic and the progress of time. The whole book seems to have taken place in 3 days, but if you go to the beginning it mentions that they were supposed to have a big meeting of the fiends in 7 days. I might have missed something in there that made time go by, but with the level of injury that Carson goes through it feels nearly impossible for her to fully heal and no one sleeps.
Don't get me wrong, there is a sentence that says that once she bound herself to a fiend that she didn't need as much sleep and seemed to heal quickly, but still it seemed to not quite fit right to to me.
With this novel being Carolyn's debut, I'm interested to see how the other books in the series have evolved along with her writing. With all the nonstop action and the world already established, I'm willing to pick up the second book and see if it smooths things out a bit more.
Out of all the genres that are out there I find that Paranormal and Urban Fantasy to be the hardest to create a world. Especially when it comes to developing rules to the world so that not everything is possible. There needs to be limitations and Carolyn Jewel has done that. The only things that really bugged me was the need to smooth out a few of the magic elements when the characters are in each others heads and what the fiends actually look like when not in there human forms. Other than that I really enjoyed the action and the breaking of the total norm in a the San Francisco I live in.
Make sure to check out Carolyn Jewel at her website at www.carolynjewel.com and her other books both paranormal and historical.
So, I did. I mean I even had it signed by the author while I was at the conference. Thanks, Carolyn!
What is the book about? Well, let me tell you. (Better yet, let me have the back cover explain it even better)
A Desire that Can't be Controlled . . .
Carson Phillips is a witch on the run. For years, the notorious mage Alvaro Magellan has held her as his psychological prisoner. But once Carson gets a glimpse of the true extent of his evil, she flees MagellanÕs mansion--stealing a stone talisman of unimaginable power on the way. Her only hope for survival is a demon who ignites a voracious hunger in her she can't deny, a longing she can't resist . . .
A Hunger that Can't be Sated . . .
Nikodemus is a warlord with a mission: Kill Magellan and his green-eyed witch at any cost. But when he meets the desperate Carson, the pull of her magic takes his breath away. HeÕs not sure he can trust this tantalizing woman--she is his enemy--and less sure he can keep his hands off her. But Magellan will stop at nothing to reclaim what belongs to him. Can Nikodemus save Carson before his desire for her destroys then both?
The whole concept of demons or fiends along with Mages had caught my attention. I loved the idea of them being in a war while trying to keep it under-wraps from the human world. And it takes place in my city, San Francisco! Okay, it's not my city but I live here so it's close enough.
Chemistry from two people who should be at war, action, sex, love, magic, and blood lust. It's everything I want in a good paranormal romance. But here is the thing that got me, there is so much going on that some of the world and characters are hard to keep track of. Especially when the fiends are able to feel and communicate with each others magic and minds, it's hard to keep clear, who's what and what is exactly going on.
Over all I enjoyed the book but it was frustrating at times when I'd be like wait I thought they already had sex? Oh okay, that didn't really happen. There is a lot that goes on and keeping track of it can be a little hard at times, especially when it comes to the magic and the progress of time. The whole book seems to have taken place in 3 days, but if you go to the beginning it mentions that they were supposed to have a big meeting of the fiends in 7 days. I might have missed something in there that made time go by, but with the level of injury that Carson goes through it feels nearly impossible for her to fully heal and no one sleeps.
Don't get me wrong, there is a sentence that says that once she bound herself to a fiend that she didn't need as much sleep and seemed to heal quickly, but still it seemed to not quite fit right to to me.
With this novel being Carolyn's debut, I'm interested to see how the other books in the series have evolved along with her writing. With all the nonstop action and the world already established, I'm willing to pick up the second book and see if it smooths things out a bit more.
Out of all the genres that are out there I find that Paranormal and Urban Fantasy to be the hardest to create a world. Especially when it comes to developing rules to the world so that not everything is possible. There needs to be limitations and Carolyn Jewel has done that. The only things that really bugged me was the need to smooth out a few of the magic elements when the characters are in each others heads and what the fiends actually look like when not in there human forms. Other than that I really enjoyed the action and the breaking of the total norm in a the San Francisco I live in.
Make sure to check out Carolyn Jewel at her website at www.carolynjewel.com and her other books both paranormal and historical.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Diary of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista
Today I finally finished The Diary of the Urban Panther the first book in the Violet Jordan series by Amanda Arista, a Paranormal Romance with Avon Impulse.
The shy Violet Jordan is used to living in a fairy tale, having grown up from on their stories even as an adult being a writer for a film production company specializing in horror films. Never did she think that the stories her mother had told her as a child would end up being what would help her deal with being attacked by a panther shifter and stop her sire from bring a demon in to the human realm and destroying the world. With the help of her best friend who turns out to be a fairy princess, Chaz a guardian, and Iris a lion shifter, Violet for the first time is able to discover who she really is. And that she can take on any challenge set in front of her without running away to start a new life.
While I was at the RWA national conference in Anaheim this year, I was able to get these set of books and signed by the sweet Amanda Arista. I'd never read any of her books, but as I was walking through the crowd the covers caught my eye. A cat lover and never one to pass up a good paranormal romance, I walked up to her not quite knowing what to say, said the first things that came to mind, "Hi, I'd love to hear about your books. What are they about?" Nothing overwhelming, but like Arista's character Violet I'm a little shy.
My nerves were quickly put to rest as Amanda quickly chatted about her books and she not only offered to sign her newest book, the third in the series, but the first to as well. Newly informed on which to read first, I was not able to enjoy the story of Violet the Urban Panther.
Overall it's a great story and I've really enjoyed it. I loved the way she was able to weave the paranormal world into the real world, which can be harder to do than one might think. The connection between Violet and Chaz is snarky and to a man who may be model beautiful and shy about it is refreshing. Their relationship is full of sparks, and sass and drama. Which alone would be a fun read, but with the added drama of learning how to embrace her new inner cat, Violet learning more about her best friend Jessa, you are able to connect with the characters.
My grievances has nothing to do with the story, there were a few typos that caught my eye. Nothing to make me want to stop reading, but enough to notice it once every hundred pages. This could also be because I've been editing my own work and more open to seeing little mistakes, like whole instead of hole. Or the indentation of one paragraph being one tab space too far over. It's these little things that were my only thing that bugged me.
With the next two books in the series waiting for me to read on my book shelf, I can't wait to see Chaz and Violet's relationship evolve and what drama will ensue all with a cup of coffee close at hand.
Make sure to check out Amanda Arista's website at http://www.amandaarista.com/ and on twitter @pantherista
I know I can't wait to see what else Amanda will come out with, and hope everyone else will check out her work as well.
The shy Violet Jordan is used to living in a fairy tale, having grown up from on their stories even as an adult being a writer for a film production company specializing in horror films. Never did she think that the stories her mother had told her as a child would end up being what would help her deal with being attacked by a panther shifter and stop her sire from bring a demon in to the human realm and destroying the world. With the help of her best friend who turns out to be a fairy princess, Chaz a guardian, and Iris a lion shifter, Violet for the first time is able to discover who she really is. And that she can take on any challenge set in front of her without running away to start a new life.
While I was at the RWA national conference in Anaheim this year, I was able to get these set of books and signed by the sweet Amanda Arista. I'd never read any of her books, but as I was walking through the crowd the covers caught my eye. A cat lover and never one to pass up a good paranormal romance, I walked up to her not quite knowing what to say, said the first things that came to mind, "Hi, I'd love to hear about your books. What are they about?" Nothing overwhelming, but like Arista's character Violet I'm a little shy.
My nerves were quickly put to rest as Amanda quickly chatted about her books and she not only offered to sign her newest book, the third in the series, but the first to as well. Newly informed on which to read first, I was not able to enjoy the story of Violet the Urban Panther.
Overall it's a great story and I've really enjoyed it. I loved the way she was able to weave the paranormal world into the real world, which can be harder to do than one might think. The connection between Violet and Chaz is snarky and to a man who may be model beautiful and shy about it is refreshing. Their relationship is full of sparks, and sass and drama. Which alone would be a fun read, but with the added drama of learning how to embrace her new inner cat, Violet learning more about her best friend Jessa, you are able to connect with the characters.
My grievances has nothing to do with the story, there were a few typos that caught my eye. Nothing to make me want to stop reading, but enough to notice it once every hundred pages. This could also be because I've been editing my own work and more open to seeing little mistakes, like whole instead of hole. Or the indentation of one paragraph being one tab space too far over. It's these little things that were my only thing that bugged me.
With the next two books in the series waiting for me to read on my book shelf, I can't wait to see Chaz and Violet's relationship evolve and what drama will ensue all with a cup of coffee close at hand.
Make sure to check out Amanda Arista's website at http://www.amandaarista.com/ and on twitter @pantherista
I know I can't wait to see what else Amanda will come out with, and hope everyone else will check out her work as well.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
The Mating by Nicky Charles
In the search for an author I've never read before and wanting to try out my new e-reader I dove in the iTunes library for my next adventure. I've always found going to the free ebooks kind of like rush and roulette, you never quite know what you're going to find. Some have a great concept but are missing that polished touch to help smooth the story out. And well in Nicky Charles The Mating I found a series that is on my must read list. The first book in her Law of the Lycans, you can continue to enjoy Nicky's characters after you are hooked by The Mating.
This paranormal romance is about Elise who never thought that she would be the pawn to seal an alliance when her father has her mated with a complete stranger an Alpha of a neighboring pack.
Not your typical werewolf genre you are empathetic to what Elise is going through, when she goes through with the arranged marriage and it not being to the man she is in love in. Wanting the best for her pack Elise goes with her new husband Kane. Struggling to be an Alpha's wife while struggling with finding a way to be accepted by her new pack mates, and finds herself falling for her husband all the while there is a threat to the Pack's land.
Charles' world she created is believable one that make you believe the world she craftily brings to life. No relationship is easy and being a werewolf doesn't make things any easier. Slowly as Elise begins to fall for her husband Kane, so do you. Though like any man you want to smack him upside his head every once and a while. With the excitement of the mystery of the threat of their land the story keeps you on your toes.
If you're anything about me then you will absolutely love her books. Personally I couldn't put her books down once I started them and I hope you all enjoy her work as much as I have. And I can't wait to read more of her work.
You can find all of Nicky Charles' novels can be found at
This paranormal romance is about Elise who never thought that she would be the pawn to seal an alliance when her father has her mated with a complete stranger an Alpha of a neighboring pack.
Not your typical werewolf genre you are empathetic to what Elise is going through, when she goes through with the arranged marriage and it not being to the man she is in love in. Wanting the best for her pack Elise goes with her new husband Kane. Struggling to be an Alpha's wife while struggling with finding a way to be accepted by her new pack mates, and finds herself falling for her husband all the while there is a threat to the Pack's land.
Charles' world she created is believable one that make you believe the world she craftily brings to life. No relationship is easy and being a werewolf doesn't make things any easier. Slowly as Elise begins to fall for her husband Kane, so do you. Though like any man you want to smack him upside his head every once and a while. With the excitement of the mystery of the threat of their land the story keeps you on your toes.
If you're anything about me then you will absolutely love her books. Personally I couldn't put her books down once I started them and I hope you all enjoy her work as much as I have. And I can't wait to read more of her work.
You can find all of Nicky Charles' novels can be found at
Also check out her website at https://sites.google.com/site/nickycharlesbooks/home
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
The Impetuous Amazon by Sandy James
A few months ago I had reviewed the first book in the Alliance of the Amazons series by Sandy James and now that the second book the series, The Impetuous Amazon, is out I had a chance to catch up with the four Amazons representing each element.
While the first novel The Reluctant Amazon had focused on Rebecca, the Earth Amazon, this second is about Megan, the Fire Amazon. Struggling with controlling her not only her powers but with the forbidden attraction that she has with one of her Sentinels, Johann. With the threat of the patron Goddesses stripping her of her powers it is up to Johann to help Megan gain control of her ever growing powers as they take on a threat to humanity. But both Megan and Johann have to come to terms with there feelings for the other to be able to join together to take on the struggles that lay awaiting for them.
James picks up almost a year after the first novel had ended and if you know anything about Megan and Johann's back story from the first novel you know that there will be some witty banter back and forth between the two. It's no surprise that they have an attraction that burns just as hot as any fire Megan sets.
There is non stop action through out the book that keeps you pulled into story, let it be the fighting against reverents, demons, or the attraction for the each other you can relate with Megan (as well as the doubts that she has about a pending romance). She may be one tough cookie, but like any good cookie there is a soft center. What better for a tough Amazon, with doubts and flaws like any other person, to have a Soldier/Warrior with a nerdy soft side to help her through her adventures.
Normally I can get through a book like this, 92,000 words, in a few days but with real life getting in the way I kept getting pulled away right before the good parts happened. It has taken me a bit longer to read this time around. And one of the many things that I like about James' writing is that she is able to get what she wants said across without getting too over the top or dumb it down to the point where it's boring. Finding a good book that is an easy read yet keeps the excitement going is hard to find...especially for someone who has ADD. Yes, I'm pointing a finger at myself.
As much as I love the story between Megan and Johann, and the arguments they have that only show how passionate they are about the others safety, the only thing that I would have liked to know more background on are of the Ancients magical artifacts. There are some that are spread out through out the story that I'd like to know more. There are little snip bits, but personally I'd like to know more. Then again it might just be me, since I'm a bit sucker for mythology and think there would be a great story to some of the artifacts. (I'm trying really hard here not to give away anything from the story about what is used, since I want you all to go out and read the book) But for the sake of not going doing an info dump in a book or completely derailing the main story to tell the history of something is totally understandable. My inner mythology nerd just perked up and wanted to know more about them.
Make sure to check out Sandy James' website at www.sandy-james.com and the next book her this series The Brazen Amazon, coming out on May 6, 2013.
While the first novel The Reluctant Amazon had focused on Rebecca, the Earth Amazon, this second is about Megan, the Fire Amazon. Struggling with controlling her not only her powers but with the forbidden attraction that she has with one of her Sentinels, Johann. With the threat of the patron Goddesses stripping her of her powers it is up to Johann to help Megan gain control of her ever growing powers as they take on a threat to humanity. But both Megan and Johann have to come to terms with there feelings for the other to be able to join together to take on the struggles that lay awaiting for them.
James picks up almost a year after the first novel had ended and if you know anything about Megan and Johann's back story from the first novel you know that there will be some witty banter back and forth between the two. It's no surprise that they have an attraction that burns just as hot as any fire Megan sets.
There is non stop action through out the book that keeps you pulled into story, let it be the fighting against reverents, demons, or the attraction for the each other you can relate with Megan (as well as the doubts that she has about a pending romance). She may be one tough cookie, but like any good cookie there is a soft center. What better for a tough Amazon, with doubts and flaws like any other person, to have a Soldier/Warrior with a nerdy soft side to help her through her adventures.
Normally I can get through a book like this, 92,000 words, in a few days but with real life getting in the way I kept getting pulled away right before the good parts happened. It has taken me a bit longer to read this time around. And one of the many things that I like about James' writing is that she is able to get what she wants said across without getting too over the top or dumb it down to the point where it's boring. Finding a good book that is an easy read yet keeps the excitement going is hard to find...especially for someone who has ADD. Yes, I'm pointing a finger at myself.
As much as I love the story between Megan and Johann, and the arguments they have that only show how passionate they are about the others safety, the only thing that I would have liked to know more background on are of the Ancients magical artifacts. There are some that are spread out through out the story that I'd like to know more. There are little snip bits, but personally I'd like to know more. Then again it might just be me, since I'm a bit sucker for mythology and think there would be a great story to some of the artifacts. (I'm trying really hard here not to give away anything from the story about what is used, since I want you all to go out and read the book) But for the sake of not going doing an info dump in a book or completely derailing the main story to tell the history of something is totally understandable. My inner mythology nerd just perked up and wanted to know more about them.
Make sure to check out Sandy James' website at www.sandy-james.com and the next book her this series The Brazen Amazon, coming out on May 6, 2013.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Seal at Heart by Anne Elizabeth
It has been just about two weeks since I've been back since the Romance Times Booklovers Convention with more books than I know what to do with. I know it's not a bad problem to have, and the first book I had to read was from an author that I had met, and made an amazing impression on me. I'd never read Anne Elizabeth's novels before, and I was excited to read this wonderful woman's work.A Seal at Heart, isn't your typical military thriller romance novel. While many delve into nonstop action, this novel takes you into the real life of a Navy Seal after they go through a trama of losing a teammate, an op gone wrong, and fighting to find memories of what happened in order to be put back into the field. Jack Roaker goes through exactly that. Determined to find his way back into being eligible for deployment, Jack has a deadline till his job he loves is gone. With the help of a physical therapist, Laurie, he finds more than just his memories, he finds that he could actually have and want more than just being a NAVY SEAL. That is if Laurie can get past her own issues of dating a Seal, having grown up with a Seal father, she has to fight her own demons to help someone she is more than drawn to.
A Seal wife herself, Anne Elizabeth shows the world a love story and the hardships of what it is be apart of the Navy Seal community. And I couldn't put this book down. Thanks to the day job I was forced to put it down, otherwise I'm sure I'd have devoured it with in a day. Personally I've always been interested in the dynamics of the military and their families. It takes more than a strong person to put their life on the line to keep our country safe, it takes a strong person to be married to someone who's life is to put their life on the line daily.
To have a love story that has both characters passionate about their work, and flawed in separate by similar ways makes the intereaction between the two fun to read what's going to happen next. And if you only know the smallest part about what exactly the Navy Seals do, then know they are some of the toughest, and most determined people in the world. And Jack found a partner in Laurie that not only pushes Jack's comfort levels but challenges him enough to keep him on his toes.
Filled with enough action, action and spice for any Thriller Genre lover, and not going too extreme for those who prefer not too much blood, guts, and sex, then this novel is for you. Elizabeth makes it so that following any military terminology is easy for us non military people to understand, but not overwhelm us. By the end of the first chapter you will be hooked and want to be apart of Jack's life, cheering him on to find his way and not let his stubborn self get in his way of getting better.
Make sure to check out Anne Elizabeth's website out at www.anneelizabeth.net along with her Teen Comic book series and other novels. I know for one that I can't wait for the next book in the Seal Series, Once a Seal, out this Winter.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Can't Hurry Love by Molly O'Keefe
Can't Hurry Love by Molly O'Keefe was the first book I've read by this author and it wasn't your traditional contemporary western romance. Yes, there was the rough and tumbled cowboy, but the female lead was just as flawed as her male counter part, but the issues that they were fighting through were very much real and unlike any other romance novel I have read before.
Victoria Baker may have come to Crooked Creek Ranch as a child in the summers but she never fit in there or with her family until she came back to the Texas ranch a penniless disgraced wife of a New York Financier, who had stolen people's money in a ponzie scheme. Determined to take her life back into control Baker is determined to run the family ranch with the help of the forman, Eli. Only things aren't as easy, or hard, as Victoria had expected. Eli is determined to get the ranch back from the Bakers that his great great grandfather had lost to the them before he was even born. Both driven to prove themselves to there families, they end up in a twist of fate falling for each other no matter how hard they fight it while finding themselves in a new business venture that neither of them quite knew would be their salvation.
Eli and Victoria's relationship is purely driven on passion until they realize that they really care more for the other than they had originally thought they had. O'keefe's sex scenes are just as rough and tumble as any other relationship that is based purely on lust and sex. Victoria is finally able to explore her sexuality in a way that she had never been able to before and Eli is more than happy to oblige her in what she considers a dirty little secrete. And it is refreshing to have a sex scene in a romance that doesn't start or end in missionary position.
Both of Eli and Victoria's personal issues are driven bone deep with them that it takes a lot for them to work through. It's refreshing to know that while they both work through their own things they are really in the end helping the other. Even if at first they don't think that is what is happening. Being able to read about two people who in the hardest part of their lives they end up showing who they really are to the other, when no one else gets to see them. Like in the real world it's rare to let people see the real you and when you finally do, it's easy to slide back into old ways of being the 'safe person' that others have known for so long.
One of the great things that I liked about this book is that the book isn't about the two main characters just working through there own issues and falling in love. It's also about them mending relationships within their own family. In a way they are finding out more about themselves and letting themselves for the first time in their adult lives see the people who are in their lives for what and who they really are. And in the end it surprises them in more than one way. A father figure, a long lost mother and a step mother who is trying to make amends. It's a real life family who has more issues that need to be dealt with, but are working their way through it all to become closer than they ever thought was imaginable.
Molly O'keefe's Can't Hurry Love was refreshing to read as it doesn't follow the traditional cowboy romance formula that I've found many do follow. The cowboy doesn't rescue the girl from a life threatening event, nor does the girl domesticate the rouge of a man. In the end they both fight each other tooth and nail the whole way and end up saving each other from being the people they thought that they would end up turning into. Turning in to the people they never believed that they could actually become from all of the struggles. They hated to love the other and in the end that was exactly what they needed.
You can find out more about Molly O'keefe and her other books at her website www.molly-okeefe.com.
Victoria Baker may have come to Crooked Creek Ranch as a child in the summers but she never fit in there or with her family until she came back to the Texas ranch a penniless disgraced wife of a New York Financier, who had stolen people's money in a ponzie scheme. Determined to take her life back into control Baker is determined to run the family ranch with the help of the forman, Eli. Only things aren't as easy, or hard, as Victoria had expected. Eli is determined to get the ranch back from the Bakers that his great great grandfather had lost to the them before he was even born. Both driven to prove themselves to there families, they end up in a twist of fate falling for each other no matter how hard they fight it while finding themselves in a new business venture that neither of them quite knew would be their salvation.
Eli and Victoria's relationship is purely driven on passion until they realize that they really care more for the other than they had originally thought they had. O'keefe's sex scenes are just as rough and tumble as any other relationship that is based purely on lust and sex. Victoria is finally able to explore her sexuality in a way that she had never been able to before and Eli is more than happy to oblige her in what she considers a dirty little secrete. And it is refreshing to have a sex scene in a romance that doesn't start or end in missionary position.
Both of Eli and Victoria's personal issues are driven bone deep with them that it takes a lot for them to work through. It's refreshing to know that while they both work through their own things they are really in the end helping the other. Even if at first they don't think that is what is happening. Being able to read about two people who in the hardest part of their lives they end up showing who they really are to the other, when no one else gets to see them. Like in the real world it's rare to let people see the real you and when you finally do, it's easy to slide back into old ways of being the 'safe person' that others have known for so long.
One of the great things that I liked about this book is that the book isn't about the two main characters just working through there own issues and falling in love. It's also about them mending relationships within their own family. In a way they are finding out more about themselves and letting themselves for the first time in their adult lives see the people who are in their lives for what and who they really are. And in the end it surprises them in more than one way. A father figure, a long lost mother and a step mother who is trying to make amends. It's a real life family who has more issues that need to be dealt with, but are working their way through it all to become closer than they ever thought was imaginable.
Molly O'keefe's Can't Hurry Love was refreshing to read as it doesn't follow the traditional cowboy romance formula that I've found many do follow. The cowboy doesn't rescue the girl from a life threatening event, nor does the girl domesticate the rouge of a man. In the end they both fight each other tooth and nail the whole way and end up saving each other from being the people they thought that they would end up turning into. Turning in to the people they never believed that they could actually become from all of the struggles. They hated to love the other and in the end that was exactly what they needed.
You can find out more about Molly O'keefe and her other books at her website www.molly-okeefe.com.
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