NEW RELEASE: Laurell K. Hamilton's A SHIVER OF LIGHT

Title: A SHIVER OF LIGHT
Series: Merry Gentry (Book 9)
Author: $20.93
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425255662
ISBN-13: 978-0425255667



Synopsis

I am Princess Meredith NicEssus. Legal name Meredith Gentry, because “Princess” looks so pretentious on a driver’s license. I was the first faerie princess born on American soil, but I wouldn’t be the only one for much longer...

Merry Gentry, ex–private detective, now full-time princess, knew she was descended from fertility goddesses, but when she learned she was about to have triplets, she began to understand what that might mean. Infertility has plagued the high ranks of faerie for centuries. Now nobles of both courts of faerie are coming to court Merry and her men, at their home in exile in the Western Lands of Los Angeles, because they will do anything to have babies of their own.

Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, is a more dangerous problem. He tried to seduce Merry and, failing that, raped her. He’s using the human courts to sue for visitation rights, claiming that one of the babies is his. And though Merry knows she was already pregnant when he took her, she can’t prove it.

To save herself and her babies from Taranis she will use the most dangerous powers in all of faerie: a god of death, a warrior known as the Darkness, the Killing Frost, and a king of nightmares. They are her lovers, and her dearest loves, and they will face down the might of the high courts of faerie—while trying to keep the war from spreading to innocent humans in Los Angeles, who are in danger of becoming collateral damage.

Purchase - A SHIVER OF LIGHT

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NEW RELEASE: Richelle Mead's THE IMMORTAL CROWN

Title: THE IMMORTAL CROWN
Series: Age of X (Book 2)
Author: Richelle Mead
Price: $19.05
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Release Date:  May 29, 2014
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0525953698
ISBN-13: 978-0525953692




Synopsis

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodline series returns with the second installment in her acclaimed Age of X series.

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country.

Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

What I'm Most Looking Forward To

As much as I love Richelle Mead's YA books, I think that her really gift is in her adult novels.  Her's Succubus book are some of my all time favorite.  GAME BOARD OF THE GODS set up very unique for the reads.  I can't wait to immerse myself deeper in Mae Koskinen's world of the RUNA.

Purchase THE IMMORTAL CROWN

Audiobook - Audible.com

eBook - Amazon.com

Hardcover - Amazon.com

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Maya Cross LOCKED (The Alpha Group Trilogy #1)

Title: LOCKED
Series: The Alpha Group Trilogy #1
Author: Maya Cross
Narrator: Carmen Rose
Listening Length: 3 hours & 37 minutes
Price: $11.95
Version: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Release Date: 02/04/14
Download LOCKED from Tantor.com



 My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5 
Setting:  4/5 
Writing:  4/5 
Originality of Plot:  4/5 
Characters Development:  3/5 
Ending:  4/5
Heat Level: 5/5
Narration:  5/5
Cover Art:  5/5 
Likelihood to Recommend:  3/5 

Overall:  41.5/50 = 83%




Synopsis

The bar Sophia Pearce is in doesn't look like much. The wine is bad and the decor worse. But when a sudden attack of curiosity leads her to sneak past security and into the back room, she discovers something unimaginable. The most lavish party she's ever laid eyes on, in the most unlikely of places.

But that's nothing compared to what comes next, to the man she meets back there. Sebastian Lock. Gorgeous, commanding, and radiating charm, he is exactly the sort of silver-tongued rake Sophia has sworn to avoid. Unfortunately, he doesn't care much for her promises.

Every instinct tells her to run, but the chemistry between them is as inescapable as gravity. Soon, he's opening her eyes to a whole new world of pleasures, pleasures she never thought she'd enjoy.

There's just one problem. Sebastian is more than he seems. Between the famous company he keeps and the almost paranoid secrecy of his employers, he's a puzzle Sophia can't quite solve, and his insistence on keeping things casual forces her to confront the demons of her past.

Can she learn to trust again? Or will Sebastian's privacy tear them apart? 

Review  

When Sophia Pearce went bar hopping with her best friends, I really doubt she knew what she was getting herself into.  You know that curiosity killed the cat? Sophia bite off a little more then she bargained for when, she followed a sexy actor behind the velvet ropes.  This club isn't your standard Cristal popping, paparazzi snapping affair.  Forbidden secrets hide behind every locked door.  The biggest secret is, who is Sebastian and what does he want with Sophia?

Sophia is a fantastic characters.  Unlike most of the current erotic heroines, she's a strong, independent women.  I constantly want to cheer for her.  She stands up for herself, and doesn't let people walk all over her.  Sebastian, on the other hand, is just this constant unknown.  He keeps you guessing constantly.  He's dark, sexy, and mysterious. But I think we've only begun to see who he is, and what lies beneath.  

  

I wanna say I have a sort of love, hate relationship with this book.  I absolutely love characters and the story line.  My issues is with the length of the story.  This novella only allows the listener to briefly glimpse into what could have been an amazing series.  I wasn't able to really dive into this story and wrap it around me like a blanket.  Just as soon as I started really getting into the storyline, it just ended.  It think that this series should have been one full book, or a full length triliogy.

Possibly my favorite part of LOCKED was it amazing narrator, Carmen Rose.  From this day forward, I now believe that all erotic novels should be read with and Australian accents.  She really made this story catch fire for me.  The story came to life through her voice!  Her array of voices were totally on point. She was able to convey all of the emotions this book has to offer.  I'm always grateful to find a new narrator to fall absolutely in love with.

This series is promising.  It has the structure of a great series.  I just wished that the author had taken it just a bit further or dug a little deeper.  I really want to hang on for the long hall, when it comes to this trilogy.  I wanna jump right into LOCKED OUT, and see where these characters go from here.

 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Chloe Neill's WILD THINGS

Title: WILD THINGS
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 9
Author: Chloe Neill
Narrator:  Sophie Eastlake
Listening Length: 10 hours and 48 minutes
Price: $19.59
Version: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Audible.com Release Date: Febuary 4, 2014

Buy WILD THINGS at Audible.com



 My Ratings

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

Overall:  42/45 = 93%

Synopsis

Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds, living or dead…or both.

But now those alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. Gabriel Keene, the Pack Apex, looks to Merit and Ethan for help. But who—or what—could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter?

Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out.

Review  

This book was such a breath of fresh air to the Chicagoland Vampires series! Most series tend to fizzle out and become stale by their 9th book, but not this one.  A creative new storyline teamed up with my favorite cast of sexy paranormals, makes this book my favorites of the series.

Vamps and weres and fae...oh my! Chloe Neill has brought all kinds of fantastic supes to the table in this book. While past books touch on other mythological races, this one really dives into their rich history.  A new creepy crawly has come to town and a wolf has disappeared. Unfortunately, this all goes down during the pack's massive celebration that Ethan and Merit attend.  The pack takes full advantage of their house guest, and put Merit on the case. 

It was nice to finally see Merit and Ethan is a stable romantically. We finally get to see them be happy, and completely all in their relationship.  Theses two are more powerful when together!  Also, I love that we get to spend so much time with the pack.  They are so intriguing and different from other authors weres.  I actually with she would give them their own series.  Their connection to magic is probably my favorite part of their subculture.  They have done so much to help Mallory get back to as normal as she can be.  She's getting her life back on track, and I couldn't be more happy to see her with Catcher.  As much as I love Merit and Ethan, it's their group of friends that bring this series to another level!

I'm slowly becoming a Sophie Eastlake convert, and I almost hate to admit that.  As I have said in the past, that I can't stand when a series changes narrators.  The listeners put a certain voice to each character, and when that is disrupted it can be distracting.  But after several Chicagoland Vampires audiobooks with Sophie as the narrator, I'm starting to really enjoy her narration style.  When I actually read this series, my brain is finally starting to hear the characters in her voices.  She has formed distinct voices for each character, and is able to convey this series strong emotions. 

WILD THINGS is a great edition to the Chicagoland Vampires series.  It was a great combination of action, passion, and adventure!  I cannot wait for the release BLOOD GAMES later in the year.  We'll see what Merit and her crew have in store for us next!
 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: K. Bromberg's DRIVEN

Title: DRIVEN
Series:  Driven Series Book 1
Author: K. Bromberg
Narrator: Tatiana Sokolov
Price: $22.04
Listening Length: 12 hours and 01 minutes
Program Type: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: January 30, 2014
Buy it HERE at Audible.com

My Ratings

Plot:  5/5
Setting:  5/5
Writing:  4.5/5
Originality of Plot:  4.5/5
Characters Development:  4/5
Ending:  5/5

Narration:  5/5
Cover Art:  3/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  41/45 = 91%

Synopsis

Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…

I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

Review

Sometimes the right man steps into your life...and sometimes you fall into the wrong one!

I'm completely obsessed with these two.  I see a little of myself in Rylee.  She's a little broken, but spends her time trying to help and fix others.  She feels deeply, but uses music to express the feeling she can't always share.  And what girl wouldn't like a little closet action with a sexy, rogue like Colton.  From the outside, it looks like he has it all. Famous racecar driver, Hollywood parents, and a bevy of blonde beauties on his arm.  Deep inside he's a damaged little boy.  

I see exactly why Rylee couldn't let him go.  He helped heal some of her emotional scars from the accident, and made her truly live again.  Unfortunately, Colton wouldn't or maybe even couldn't, let Rylee do the same for him.  It broke my heart!  You see him interact with the kids and with Rylee, and there is a little glimmer hope. 

This isn't your standard, poorly written sexy reads (which I won't name).  While it is sexy and lighthearted at some points, DRIVEN has deep emotions behind the story.  It was very reminiscent of  author Megan Hart's writing.  The story is also so tragic at some points.  Listening to Rylee describe the crash brought tears to my eyes.

I listen to this book in two day, which is saying a lot with my hectic life.  I didn't want to put it down.  When it was over, I couldn't believe that it.  I hurried over to my iPhone frantically checking to see if there was a second part or chapter I was missing.  It left me in complete shock! Holy cliffhanger Batman! I spent the rest of the day at work, wishing that I have Bk 2 right away.  I can't say that many books have ellicited this kind of response from me.

I picked this audiobook up for two reasons.  First, my background in motorsports, drew me to this story. And the fact that Tatiana Sokolov narrated it, made it an absolute must listen!  I enjoyed how Tatiana was able to create very distinct voices for each of the characters.  She was able to convey this books true humor, passion, and pain.  Not to mention, that her voice makes me happy. (Yes, I know that sounds cheesy.) She really made the book come to life for me!

I only have one teeny, tiny complaint.  While I LOVE the cover on it's own, I think that it doesn't really connect with the book for me.  This book does have it's hot moments, but the cover lead me to believe that this was going to be more erotica then romance.  The cover might be a slight disservice to the book.

If you are look for something more then your standard romance, this is the book for you.  It's sweet, sexy, and well thought out.  I can't wait to order FUELED Bk 2 in this series!





Trailer

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Molly Harper's HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF

Title:  HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF
Series: Naked Werewolf
Author: Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Price: $13.96
Listening Length: 8 hours and 39 minutes
Program Type: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: December 31, 2013
Buy it here at Audible.com

My Ratings

Plot:  5/5
Setting:  4/5
Writing:  5/5
Originality of Plot:  5/5
Characters Development:  5/5
Ending:  5/5

Narration:  5/5
Cover Art:  3/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  42/45 = 93%

Synopsis

Down, Boy

 

Anna Moder has just witnessed a shooting, seen her car pulverized, and rescued a wounded stranger - only to discover he's really a werewolf. And by her recent standards, things are actually looking up. Lycanthropes don't faze Anna. Doctoring a wolf pack outside Grundy, Alaska, is the closest thing to home life she's known in years. But hitching a ride to Anchorage with long-absent pack member Caleb Graham - that's a risk. Part of her itches to whack his nose with a newspaper. The rest is trying unsuccessfully to keep her own paws off every delicious inch of him. 

The problem is, Caleb employs his lupine tracking abilities as a not-quite-legal bounty hunter, and Anna is suspicious of both him and his profession. On the run from her past, with old problems closing in, she'd like to stay far, far away from anybody with connections to the law. Caleb, however, seems determined to keep her close. Are his intentions noble, or is he working a more predatory angle? 

Anna's been dreaming of returning to a semi-normal life, but now she's experiencing a strange new urge...to join Caleb in running with the wolves.

©2014 Molly Harper White; (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review

I jumped at the chance to listen to HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF. Anytime author Molly Harper and narrator Amanda Ronconi team up, ciaos and hilarity ensues!

Anna Moder is on the run.  She's spent years jumping from town to town, trying to keep a low profile. That is, until bounty hunter Caleb Graham practically stumbled into her life. Caleb's middle name must be trouble.  I mean she first finds him shot in a alley.  Bar fights, strip clubs, and did I mention he's a werewolf?  Not exactly the type of person that will help you stay inconspicuous.  Both characters have secrets and are running from their tangled pasts. What could possibly go wrong?

Anna and Caleb have to be my favorite of characters in this series.  I just can't believe how well they fit.  They are like puzzle pieces, always meant to fit together.  They connection was exactly what they both have been looking for, even though they realized it. The more they fight the attraction, the harder it is to stay a part. They are both drawn to each other from day one.  Each has this internal need to protect the other, no matter what.  I love how Caleb makes Anna feel safe and protected, which she's been missing in her life.  I wanted them together from the moment they first interacted! They would share a touch or a caress, and my internal fan girl would jump for joy.

Amanda Ronconi is the voice of Molly Harper for me! When I read Molly's books, I can almost her Amanda's narration.  She has an amazing ability to make the character jump right off the page.  She gives each character it's own voice and personality.  Amanda helped guide the listener through this roller coaster of emotions, like I believe no one else could.    

It's been a long time since we've visited the wolves of Crescent Valley, but it was worth the wait. I love that Molly choose to concentrate Caleb and Anna's relationship for the meat of the story, and then bring in bits and pieces from her other series. The story is a nice blend of humor, heart, and heat! Great characters back up and unique storyline. If you love witty romance, Molly Harper is your girl! I just hope she doesn't wait so long for the next installment of her Naked Werewolf Series.

NEW RELEASE: Jeaniene Frost's UP FROM THE GRAVE

Title: UP FROM THE GRAVEAuthor: Jeaniene Frost
Price: $6.79
Series: Night Huntress (Book 7)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon
Release Date:  January 28, 2014
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062076116
ISBN-13: 978-0062076113


Synopsis

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

Purchase UP FROM THE GRAVE

Audiobook Format - Audible.com 

Mass Market Paperback - Amazon.com

Kindle Edition - Amazon