A closet readers take on: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Erotica, YA Fiction & Audiobooks

Thursday, January 31, 2013

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Megan Hart's THE SPACE BETWEEN US



 


http://www.amazon.com/The-Space-Between-Us/dp/B0094OQBTW/ref=tmm_aud_title_0
Author: Megan Hart
Narrator: Alexandra Wilde
Format: Audible Audio Edition
Audible Price: $17.46

Listening Length: 10 hours and 1 minute
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Audible.com Release Date: September 1, 2012
ASIN: B0094OQBTW

 

My Ratings
Plot:  5/5
Setting:  4.5/5
Writing:  5/5
Originality of Plot:  5/5
Characters Development:  5/5
Ending:  4.5/5
Narration:  5/5
Cover Art:  3/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  42/45 = 93%



Synopsis


Tesla Martin is drifting pleasantly through life, slinging lattes at Morningstar Mocha, enjoying the ebb and flow of caffeine-starved customers, devoted to her cadre of regulars. But none of the bottomless-cup crowd compares with Meredith, a charismatic force of nature who can coax intimate tales from even the shyest of Morningstar's clientele.

Caught in Meredith's sensual, irresistible orbit, inexpressibly flattered by the siren's attention, Tesla shares long-buried chapters of her life, holding nothing back. Nothing Meredith proposes seems impossible - not even Tesla sleeping with Meredith's husband, Charlie, while she looks on. After all, it's all in fun, isn't it?

In a heartbeat, vulnerable Tesla is swept into a spectacular love triangle. Together, gentle, grounded Charlie and sparkling, maddening Meredith are everything Tesla has ever needed, wanted or dreamed of, even if no one else on earth understands. They're three against the world.

But soon one of the vertices begins pulling away until only two points remain - and the space between them gapes with confusion, with grief and with possibility.



Review

Another emotional read from Megan Hart!  This author has a very unique storytelling ability, it's fresh, raw, and real.  Her charters have this sense of depth that most authors are lacking these days.  She isn't afraid to cover somewhat taboo subject matter in her books. She puts her own spin on the Erotic Romance genre, by making the story about what is behind the sex. I appreciate that she doesn't feel the need to write a Happily Even After ending for all her stories, as long as they feels real. I also applaud her choice to start this book with the ending.  It yanks the reader into the story by both feet!

The heart of this story is it's characters.  Tesla is very free spirit, who doesn't feel the need to conform herself to societies norms.  I love that Ms. Hart has chosen to give the readers snippets of Tesla's past, to help explain what makes her who she is. I enjoy the relationship between Tesla and Vic.  I like how they have found a way to stay in each others lives as adults, and not allow their past to get in the way.  I also love that Tesla doesn't feel the need to label her sexuality, she is sexually fluid.  She's looking for love, but doesn't seem to care about what kind of package it comes in.

Then there is Meredith and Charlie.  Meredith is beautiful, enigmatic, and loves being the center of attention.  She's what I call a shit stirrer.  She likes to gather her followers around her, like a king holding court.  People are drawn to her like a moths to a flame.  I actually believe that the reader isn't supposed to like Meredith, and I definitely didn't!  I found her to be self centered and closed off emotionally.  She never really lets anyone get close to her.  Charlie, on the other hand, I absolutely adored!  He was everything that Meredith was lacking: kind, attentive, and loving.  Meredith walked all over him, and dominated their relationship.  The only good thing Meredith does for Charlie, was to bring Tesla into their home.  Tesla gave Charlie a balance that had been missing in his home.  He really comes out of his shell, especially with it is just the two of them.  

Alexandra Wilde did a fantastic job narrating this book!  She was able to put such depth of emotion into the reading of this story.  She truly does it justice.  She give each character a very distinct voice of it's own.  This is my first audiobook narrated by her, and I would be more then happy to listen to her in the future. 

I'm a big fan of Megan Hart's books, and this one didn't disappoint!  I finished it in less than two days, because I just couldn't put it down.  I love the broken character that Ms. Hart put into her stories.  She makes you really care about them and their lives.  While this book deals with bi-sexuality and  ménage à trois, it's more about the interactions of the characters.  Don't get me wrong this book is HOT, but I'm  happy that the sex doesn't over shadow the underlying story.  It was also wonderful to see Johnny, Joe, Sadie, and Brandy again! I will be telling all of my girlfriends about this fantastic book.  THE SPACE BETWEEN US is another sexy, thought provoking book from Megan. Hart!   



Find This Author Online

Megan Hart


                

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

UPCOMING RELEASE: Chloe Neill's HOUSE RULES (Chicagoland Vampires #7)


Title: HOUSE RULES
Author: Chloe Neill
List Price: $15.00
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451237102
ISBN-13: 978-0451237101
Buy HOUSE RULES on Amazon



Synopsis

In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of twenty-seven, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal—tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.


What I'm Most Looking For 

I can't wait to see how the relationships between Ethan and Merit evolves.  They come so close to the real thing to only get knocked backwards again.  I also think that Mallory is at a turning point in her life.  She seems to be getting her life back in order, but will the dark draw her back?



Books by Chloe Neil

Chicagoland Vampire Series (Adult Series)

Dark Elite Series (YA Series)
 

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

REVIEW: Erin McCarthy's FLAT-OUT SEXY (Fast Track bk 1)

 



Title:  FLAT-OUT SEXY
Author:   Erin McCarthy
Release Date:  6/01/10
List Price: $7.99
Publisher:  Berkley
Language:  English
ISBN-10:  0425235173
ISBN-13:  978-04252351741





My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5
Setting:  4.5/5
Writing:   4/5
Originality of Plot:  4.5/5
Characters Development:  4.5/5
Ending:  5/5
Cover Art:  4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  36.5/40 =  91% 





Synopsis

Two years after Tamara Briggs's husband was killed in a wreck at Talladega, she's back to dating, but her latest beau is a dud. She dumps him and remains intent on not ending up with another race-car driver, but that's exactly what she gets when she meets Elec Monroe. Things progress quickly, and soon she's having dynamite sex with this younger man who's nice to her kids—who could ask for more? There's a catch of course: Elec is the son of Tamara's dead husband's father's sworn enemy. The narrative is fast-paced and red hot; fans of more graphic romances will enjoy this and welcome the next—a sequel is in the works.


My Review


I was very reluctant to pick-up this series.  I love to watch several different types of racing, but am not really fond of NASCAR in general.  I just kept coming a crossed Erin McCarthy’s Fast Track series, so I finally gave it a shot. I have to admit, I was completely wrong in pre-judging this series!

Tamara Brigg’s is stepping back into the NASCAR world, less then two years after her husband was killed during a race.  Since the accident, she has lived a quite life teaching, raising her two kids, and dating men that bore her to tears. She can’t remember that last time she actually dated a man she wanted to sleep with. That is until Elec Monroe  crashes into her world!  While he seems to be everything that Tamara doesn’t need in her life, he turns out to be just the opposite.  This book is funny, romantic, with just the right amount of heat!  The characters are in the forefront of this story, and doesn’t let the NASCAR back-story drown it out. 

I fell in love with these characters from page one. Tamara is just a mother that wants the best for her family.  She is a smart, kind and extremely loving women.  She is even willing to give up the man she loves, to keep the peace in her family.  And Elec isn’t your run of the mill race car driver as well.  He lacks the ego and attitude you see with drivers at the top of their sport.  He treats Tamera like a goddess, loves her kids, and his family is the most important part of his life. Also, Suzanne, Ryder, Ty, and the rest of the Monrow brothers, make a full cast of wonderful secondary characters that I can’t wait to read more about.

I cannot say this enough…I WAS TOTALLY WRONG ABOUT THIS BOOK.  This might be one of my favorite Contemporary Romance series that I have read.  I’m devouring this series, and it is starting to interfere with my sleep.  In one week, I have read books Flat Out Sexy (#1), Hard and Fast (#2), Hot Finish (#3), and The Chase (#4)!  If you are looking for a sexiness, sincerity, and adventure this books for you. I can’t wait to start Slow Ride (#5) this week!




Series

Fast Track




Websites


Thursday, January 17, 2013

UPCOMING RELEASE: Kim Harrison EVER AFTER (The Hollows Bk 11)





Title: EVER AFTER (The Hollows Bk 11)
Author:  Kim Harrison
List Price: $27.99
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager 

Release Date: January 22, 2013
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061957917
ISBN-13: 978-0061957918

Buy EVER AFTER from Amazon


Synopsis


The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels the human world, is shrinking. If it disappears completely, so does all magic. It's up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to avert catastrophe and keep life from changing... for the worse.

While saving the world is important, it isn't Rachel's only motivation. There's also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. That little mistake has made her life forfeit unless she can fix it. It's also made her more than a few enemies, including the most powerful demon in the ever after—a terrifying entity who eats souls and now has an insatiable appetite for her. He's already kidnapped her friend and goddaughter to lure her out, and if Rachel doesn't give herself up soon, they'll die.

But Rachel has more than a few impressive and frightening skills of her own, and she isn't going to hand over her soul and her life without one hell of a fight. She's also got a surprise: elven tycoon Trent Kalamack. With this unlikely ally beside her—a prospect both thrilling and unnerving—she's going to return to the ever after, kick some demon butt, rescue her loved ones... and prevent an apocalypse before it's too late. Or, at least that's the plan...


What I'm Most Looking For

 
I just adore this series! Kim Harrison has build such and amazing world over the previous 10 books.  They have an amazing balance of heart, passion, and adventure to keep readers hooked.  But the thing I am most looking forward to, is the budding friendship between Rachel and Trent. Their sexual tension jumped off the pages in the past book, and I am hoping to see more! 

Friday, January 4, 2013

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Nalini Singh's ANGELS' FLIGHT


Title: Angels’ Flight 
AuthorNalini Singh
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Release Date:  05/07/12
Format:  MP3 Audiobook CD
Length:  13 Hours
List Price:  $29.99
Publisher:  Tantor Audio
Language:  English
ISBN-10: 1-4526-5719-X
ISBN-13:  978-1-45265719-6



My Ratings

Plot:  4/5
Setting:  5/5
Writing:  4.5/5
Originality of Plot:  4.5/5
Characters Development:  4/5
Ending:  4.5/5
Narration  5/5
Cover Art:  5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  41.5/45 = 92%



Synopsis

Warrior angels, vampire hunters, and angels gone bad heat up this altogether sizzling paranormal alternate universe. This anthology of novellas features Angels' Wolf, Angels' Judgment, Angels' Pawn, and the never-before-published Angels' Dance.

In Angel's Wolf, a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.


In Angels' Judgment, a hunter must track one of her own gone bad while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all.


In Angels' Pawn, a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless.

And in the never-before-published Angels' Dance, an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court.


My Review

Angel's Wolf:

I have been waiting for more of Ashwini’s background.  We have gotten little glimpses into her through out the previous  Guild Hunter books. She’s feisty, strong , and sexy, which makes for an exciting read.  Her past with the Cajun vampire Janvier has also been hinted at  as well.  These two have a very sexy and antagonistic relationship.  The two team up team up for a hunt and ciaos ensues ,of course.  This story just makes me want to see these two featured in their own full length story.

Angels' Judgment:

This is the story of how  Sara met her sexy, secretive husband Deacon.  Readers Sara as the strong and established Guild Director,  but this story begins even before she steps on the scene in Angels’ Blood.  She once was an every day hunter, until she teamed up with Deacon, the Guild’s Slayer.  They were sent out to find the murderer of several vampires.  These two were a very unlikely pair, but were made all the stronger because of it.  I found myself wanting them to get together during the entire story.  The story also gives a behind the scenes look at the Guild Director’s selection process.

Angels' Pawn:

Noel’s broken and tortured body was sent back to Raphael as an object lesson. After Noel has physically healed, Raphael sends him to Nimra’s court to help her solve the mystery of who is threatening her life. The story is both sweet and heartbreaking at the same time.  Both characters are damaged, and I was happy that they were able to help each other heal.   These two form a very special bond.  As much as I loved this story, it did leave me a little melancholy. 

Angels' Dance:

I’m not really sure why, but I have always been intrigued by Jessamy.  I was always touched by her and her back story.  Though her wings are deformed, she is a very essential part of the Refuge.  She is charged with the care and teaching of the little angels.  While she isn’t strong of body, she is strong of heart.  I adored getting to hear the story of how she met the fierce Galen.  These two balance each other perfectly, like they were made to fit together to make a whole.

Overall:

I usually stay away from anthologies and shorts stories, as I find that I can’t connect with the characters very deeply in such a short time.  However, the Guild Hunter Series has so many characters that don’t get there chance to shine in the spot light.  Short stories are a perfect way to give the readers just a time peak into the unseen parts of these characters lives.  I was very happy to get the chance to dive into the stories Ashwini & Sara most of all.  I have been looking forward to their stories for a while now, and hope to hear more from them in the future.

Justine Eyre’s narration of Angels’ Flight is spectacular.  She has such an amazing range of voices for this cast very distinct characters.  She is able to convey all of the heartbreak, sensuality, and  happiness that book has to offer the reader.  I think that her narration is a wonderful addition to this book, and actually adds to strong feelings of the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Guild Hunter Series or any of Nalini’s other books.  It’s a nice balance danger, love, and unlikely pairings.


 

Series

Guild Hunter Series



Websites

Nalini Singh's Webpage
Nalini Singh's Twitter
Nalini Singh's Tantor Page

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

NAUGHTY & NICE READS: January -July 2013

 

Each year, I put together my list of Naughty and Nice reads. I do this as much for myself, as for fellow readers. It's so hard to keep up with new releases and there are so many spectacular books coming out this year. Please feel free to use this as a resource, or even help me with new recommendations to add to my list.


JANUARY



1st What Chris Wants (The Edge of Honor Series) by Lori Foster 
15th Gates of Paradise (A Blue Bloods Novel) by Melissa de la Cruz
15th  Beautiful Scars by Shiloh Walker  
22nd  Ever After by Kim Harrison 
29th Fair Game (Alpha And Omega) by Patricia Briggs
29th  Haunted Moon (AN OTHERWORLD NOVEL) by Yasmine Galenorn





FEBRUARY 

 

5th  House Rules: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill  
5th  Going Under (A BOUND BY MAGICK NOVEL) by Lauren Dane  
5th Magic at Midnight by Gena Showalter
6th Run the Risk by Lori Foster  
12th  The Indigo Spell: A Bloodlines Novel by Richelle Mead  
12th Get There by Megan Hart  
19th Neferet's Curse: A House of Night Novella by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
26th Edge of Dawn: A Midnight Breed Novel by Lara Adrian 
26th Three Sisters (Blackberry Island) by Susan Mallery  
26th  The Best Man by Kristan Higgins 
26th All He Ever Desired by Shannon Stacey






MARCH

 

1st This Soul Magic by Michele Hauf   
5th This Wicked Magic (Harlequin Nocturne) by Michele Hauf   
5th Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson, Book 7) by Patricia Briggs
5th Wild Invitation: A Psy/Changeling Anthology by Nalini Singh 
5th Thrown By A Curve (A Play-by-Play Novel) by Jaci Burton  
5th Seeing is Believing by Erin McCarthy  
12th Lost in You (Petal, Georgia) by Lauren Dane 
13th Steel by Carrie Vaughn 
26th Kitty Rocks the House (Kitty Norville) by Carrie Vaughn   
26th Twice Tempted: A Night Prince Novel by Jeaniene Frost  
26th Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices) by Cassandra Clare
26th  With All My Soul (Soul Screamers) by Rachel Vincent 
26th Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin) by Jennifer Estep 
26th Too Hot to Handle by Victoria Dahl





APRIL
 
 

2nd  Blood Trade: A Jane Yellowrock Novel by Faith Hunter
2nd Lush (A DELICIOUS NOVEL) by Lauren Dane  
23rd The Elite by Kiera Cass 
30th Oath Bound (An Unbound Novel) by Rachel Vincent 
30th Informed Risk: A Hero for Sophie Jones by Robyn Carr
30th All He Ever Dreamed by Shannon Stacey
30th Bare It All by Lori Foster






MAY

7th Dead Ever After: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) by Charlaine Harris 
7th Eternal Demon: Mark of the Vampire by Laura Wright 
7th Entwined with You (A CROSSFIRE NOVEL) by Sylvia Day  
28th A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper 
28th  Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day
28th Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery







JUNE


4th Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead 
4th Untitled Psy/Changeling #12 by Nalini Singh 
25th The Favor by Megan Hart  
25th The Newcomer (Thunder Point) by Robyn Carr
25th Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery




JULY


2nd  Hungry Like a Wolf (Others) by Christine Warren  
3nd Affliction (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) by Laurell K. Hamilton 
30th  Magic Rises (Kate Daniels) by Ilona Andrews 
30th  Soul Screamers Volume Three: If I Die\Before I Wake\Never to Sleep by Rachel Vincent  
30th  Three Little Words by Susan Mallery