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

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 
Author:  Nalini 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 


Thursday, December 20, 2012

REVIEW: Laura Wright's ETERNAL CAPTIVE (Mark of the Vampire Bk 3)



Title: ETERNAL CAPTIVE
Series: Mark of the Vampire (Book 3)
Author: Laura Wright
Format: Mass Market Paperback
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: February 7, 2012
ISBN: 0451235878
Buy ETERNAL CAPTIVE from Amazon
My Ratings

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

Overall: 37.5/40 = 93%Synopsis
Since feeding her his blood, Lucian Roman has struggled with his obsession with Bronwyn Kettler-fighting an uncontrollable desire to kill her, if he has to, and the vampire she has sworn to wed. But when a dangerous enemy threatens Bronwyn, only Lucian can save her life. Even if it means sacrificing his own... (from Goodreads.com)

My Review

Lucian Roman has finally found his match in Bronwyn Kettler. She is feisty, strong willed, beautiful, and about to belong to another. Ever since Luca tasted Bronwyn blood, she's gotten under his skin. He can't get her out of his mind. What would you do if the person you know you're supposed to be with was destined for another? What would you be willing to give up to be with this person. And is it all worth it, if being with that special someone would turn you into the the person you have despised all your life, The Breading Male.

I have been waiting patiently for Lucian Roman to have his chance to tell his story. He has been my favorite Roman brother through out this entire series. What girl doesn't like a smart, cocky, bad boy. From the beginning of the story, you never see Luca ever settling down with anyone. It was his temperament, attitude, and the pesky fact of him becoming the Breading Male. In ETERNAL CAPTIVE, Luca is transformed into a new person. While the wit and snark still remain, he becomes this mature person that I never thought possible. When he returns to the credenti were he was born, the layers of his shell really start to fall way. He's willing to give up everything to save those who he loves, even if it hurts him.

Bronwyn Kettler's character has so many layers. When Brownwyn steps into this story, she's a very buttoned up, prissy, prim, Sandra Dee -type character. She made me crazy, and I never blamed Alexander a bit for not being interested in her in the first book. Over time, Bronwyn opened herself up, and made me love her. She became the strong, smart, driven women she was always meant to be.

The secondary characters in this story really bring ETERNAL CAPTIVE to life. The Roman brothers have such a spectacular dynamic, considering they each came from a broken home. They have built new lives together with new friends, family, and lovers. I'm completely wrapped up in both Gray and Dillon's separate and joint storylines. I'm so in love with these two, that my next read will probably be ETERNAL BLOOD (Mark of the Vampire #2.5). I, also, love the newest members the Roman brothers have added to their fold. I have a feeling that there might just be future books based around these guys, and I'll be there to read it when it comes out.

ETERNAL CAPRIVE is a story of personal growth and risking it all for the one you love. I was touched by this stories sense of family, love, and perseverance. It's funny, smart, sexy, and heart felt all at the same time. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down! It has twists and turns, that kept me up way past my bedtime reading. ETERNAL CAPRIVE is a must read for Paranormal Romance Fans!


WebsitesLaura Wright's Websites
Laura Wright's Twitter
Laura Wright's Blog
Buy ETERNAL CAPTIVE from Amazon

Friday, December 7, 2012

REVIEW: Shannon Stacey's EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)



Title: EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)
Author: Shannon Stacey
Release Date: January 2012
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Harlequin (Imprint: HQNbooks)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780373776788




My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
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: 37.5/40 = 94%


Synopsis

"When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.
He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever." (from Goodreads)


My Review(Review contains minor spoilers)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

We all remember our first love as a teenage, but rarely do we ever get the chance to see if that love can be rekindled as an adult. Recluse author and sex bachelor, Joe Kowalski, wanted to get back to together his high school love, Keri Daniels. So, he had to use a little creativity and manipulation to get Keri to spend time with him. He also may have used his family to help change Keri’s mind. Sometimes the end really does justify the means when it comes to true love.

I absolutely adored Joe. He’s rugged, smart, sexy, and determined. He has had trouble in his past, but with the help of his family he was able to get his life back together. I appreciate his drive and passion. Keri broke his heart when she left him all of those years ago. There is something to be said about a man who is able to get past that and try to move forward again with the same person.

I also see why Joe was so single-minded when it came to getting Keri back. He knows that she is brilliant, passionate, and caring beneath the hard exterior that she has built around herself over the years. It was awesome to see that their chemistry was just as hot as it was all those years ago. Keri was able to grow leaps and bounds emotional in this story. She began this story with her heart encased in ice, but slowly she let Joe and his family get close enough to her to thaw her heart. She was able to get past their mistakes and other issues to find a way to be together.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of the Kowalski family. They love, fight, and play hard. It should be said, that the family that camps together, stays together. I believe that the sense of family helped Keri get past some of her fears from the past and make the decision to finally move forward with Joe.

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS is a sweet, sexy, funny tale of rekindling romance with a cast of characters that you can’t help loving. I simply adore the Kowalski clan and can’t wait to read the next Kowalski adventure! This is a must read for anyone looking for all funny, touching contemporary romance.



Website

Purchase EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
Shannon Stacey’s Website
Shannon Stacey’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website