AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Megan Hart's TEAR YOU APART

Title: TEAR YOU APART

Author: Megan Hart

Narrator: Karen White

Format: Audible Audio Edition

Audible Price: $12.56

Listening Length: 8 hours and 40 minute
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Release Date: 08-27-13

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:  4/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  43/45 = 95%

Synopsis

Their passion will consume everything and everyone in its path.

I'm on a train.

I don't know which stop I got on at; I only know the train is going fast and the world outside becomes a blur. I should get off, but I don't. The universe is playing a cosmic joke on me. Here I had my life—a good life with everything a woman could want—and suddenly, there is something more I didn't know I could have. A chance for me to be satisfied and content and maybe even on occasion deliriously, amazingly, exuberantly fulfilled.

So this is where I am, on a train that's out of control, and I am not just a passenger. I'm the one shoveling the furnace full of coal to keep it going fast and faster.

If I could make myself believe it all happened by chance and I couldn't help it, that I've been swept away, that it's not my fault, that it's fate...would that be easier? The truth is, I didn't know I was looking for this until I found Will, but I must've been, all this time. And now it is not random, it is not fate, it is not being swept away.

This is my choice. And I don't know how to stop.

Or even if I want to.

Review

It wouldn't be a Megan Hart book, if it didn't tear your heart to shreds and leave a trail of tissues in it's wake.  She writes the kinds of books that most authors are to scared to write. They are deep, thought provoking, and most of all real! And if you only read books that contain Happily Ever After endings, she probably isn't the book for you.  TEAR YOU APART isn't your standard romance novel, but at it's core this is a story about love and connections. 

From the outside, Elizabeth has it all.  She been married to successful man for over 20 year.  She has beautiful twin daughters in college. And she has a job and a boss that she really likes.  But when you really start to scratch the surface, you find husband who completely takes his wife for granted.  It took sexy, exciting photographer Will walking in Elizabeth's life for her to figure this all out. There is a poignant quote sums up this book very well.  

“See,” Will says, “You never know how thirsty you are until someone offers you something to drink.”

Elizabeth's husband wasn't awful, just neglectful.  It was the standard not fixing the sink, leaving dirty clothes on the floor, and not paying attention to his wife.  Over the years Elizabeth had fallen out of love with her husband.  The attention Will paid to her, made her feel alive again.  When these two get together, it's electric.  Both carried a lot of emotional baggage with them, but found ways to carve out space in their life for each other.  There is excitement, passion, and deep feelings, but is it enough?

Words can't truly express how much I love this book. It's honest, gritty, and passionate.  I love that Megan gave Elizabeth synaesthesia.  It was a brilliant way to add another layer for the reader to experience.  This book was just a ball of emotions for me.  One moment it was fast and exciting, and the next it was raw and tragic.  Most of all, this book was real to me.  Would I have like to have a HEA ending?  Of course I would, but that just wouldn't have felt true to the story.  Megan Hart isn't known for tying up her stories with neat little bows, but I enjoy her writing more for it!

Narrator Karen White, really brought this story to life.  It take a truly talented narrator to bring voice to the emotional roller coaster that is a Megan Hart book.  She created distinct voices for each of the characters, so much that I tend to forget she is reading all of the parts.  I will absolutely pick up books narrated by her in the future!

I would recommend this book to anyone who's not looking for your typical, generic love story.  This story did brake my heart, and I love it because of how deep it made me feel.  I've already recommended TEAR YOU APART to several of my friends.  I can wait for the next Megan Hart adventure!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Chloe Neill's HOUSE RULES (Chicagoland Vampires series bk 7)

 

Title: HOUSE RULES (Chicagoland Vampires series Bk 7)

Author: Chloe Neill

Narrator: Sophie Eastlake

Format: Mp3-CD

Audible Price: $23.99

Listening Length: 7 hrs 30 min
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Release Date: 03/25/2013
Buy HOUSE RULES from Tantor

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

Narration:  4/5
Cover Art:  4/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  42/45 = 93%

Synopsis

 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.

Review 

I have been eagerly awaiting book 7 in this series, since I finished the final chapter of BITING COLD.  Most authors tend to lose steam by the time they get to book 6 or 7, but Chloe Neill isn't that kind of author.  She has kept the storyline strong, smart, and captivating!  Merit and her crew have overcome so many obstacle.  Though the road a head of them is going to be hard, it seems that things are headed back in the right direction.

There is a lot going on in Cadogan House.  Ethan Sullivan, their fearless leader and Merit's vampire lover, is back in the house and in full force.  The house is also a buzz with their decision to leave the Greenwich Presidium.  Her friends are safe and on the road healing physically and emotionally.  So what, the GP is dead set on dismantling and destroying them.  Who cares, if the new mayor and most of the citizens of Chicago are against the vampires.  And never mind, the string of strange vampire deaths a crossed the city.  I get my Merit and Ethan back! 

I think that my favorite part of this series is how normal Chloe's vampires are.  It makes me more drawn into the story.  At it's heart, this series is about death, love, and being a part of a family.  I love the people that Merit chooses to surround herself with as well.  I was really happy to see Mallory get back on her feet.  She hit rock bottom, and now she is fighting to get her self back to somewhat normal.  I just hope that there is a point where she and Catcher can get back to each other.  The shifter also play a pretty big role in this book.  I adore all of the shifters and really enjoyed seeing Jeff step up.  I have a total geek crush on Jeff, and love him more with every book.

When a series changes narrators mid-series, it is always hard for me to adjust.  They previous narrator was fantastic, one of my all-time favorites!  I picked it up, because of who had been narrating the series.  Each character was the unique voice that the past narrator gave them.  We have had Sophie Eastlake for two books now.  My opinion of her narration style would be totally different if she had narrated the series all a long.  Each character has a new sound and a style of speech, which makes me slightly crazy.  However, she does a great job telling the story.  Her voice is smooth.  Her diction and pace are great as well.  I'm just not all that happy with her character choices.  I just wished that I hadn't had the previous narrators narration to compare it to.

Even though this audiobook is slightly tarnished with it's change in narrator.  I still love this series and will continue purchasing it on audiobook format.  It is full of messy politics, big-time action, and is sexy as hell. Big things are still ahead for Merit and her cast of merry friends.  I cannot wait to see what Chloe Neill has in store for us in book 8, BITING BAD.  It's due in stores August 6th in paperback and audiobook formats.  Check back next week for my review of book 8, seeing are an early release copy made it's way into my mail box this week! 

Books by Chloe Neil

Chicagoland Vampire Series (Adult Series)

• Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1)
• Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, #2)
• Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #3)
• Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4)
• Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, #5)
• Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6) 
• House Rules (Chicagoland Vampires #7) 

Dark Elite Series (YA Series)

• Firespell  (Dark Elite, #1)
• Hexbound  (Dark Elite, #2)
• Charmfall  (Dark Elite, #3) 
  

   

NEW RELEASE: Laurell K. Hamilton's AFFLICTION (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #22)

Title: AFFLICTION (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #22)

Author:  Laurell K. Hamilton
List Price: $28.95

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0425255700
ISBN-13:  978-04255704 
Buy AFFLICTION from Amazon

Buy AFFLICTION from Audible 

Synopsis

Some zombies are raised. Others must be put down. Just ask Anita Blake.

Before now, she would have considered them merely off-putting, never dangerous. Before now, she had never heard of any of them causing human beings to perish in agony. But that’s all changed.

Micah’s estranged father lies dying, rotting away inside from some strange ailment that has his doctors whispering about “zombie disease.”

Anita makes her living off of zombies—but these aren’t the kind she knows so well. These creatures hunt in daylight, and are as fast and strong as vampires. If they bite you, you become just like them. And round and round it goes…

Where will it stop?

Even Anita Blake doesn’t know.

What I'm Most Looking Foward To

We are 22 books into the Anita Blake series, and every book has it's very own surprises.  I love the fact that Anita was able to work through a lot of her issues with the men in the last book, this should set up AFFLICTION to be one heck of a book.  While I'm not big on zombie book, I think that there will be enough of my favorite sexy vampire and shifter men to keep me happy.

NEW RELEASE: Megan Hart's THE FAVOR

Title: THE FAVOR
Author: Megan Hart
List Price: $14.95

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
ISBN-10: 0778314405
ISBN-13: 978-0778314400

Buy THE FAVOR from Amazon

Buy THE FAVOR from Audible

The Synopsis

Janelle Decker has happy childhood memories of her grandma's house, and even lived there through high school. Now she's back with her twelve-year-old son to look after her ailing Nan, and hardly anything seems to have changed, not even the Tierney boys next door.

Gabriel Tierney, local bad-boy. The twins, Michael and Andrew.

After everything that happened between the four of them, Janelle is shocked that Gabe still lives in St. Mary's. And he isn't trying very hard to convince Janelle he's changed from the moody teenage boy she once knew. If anything, he seems bent on making sure she has no intention of rekindling their past.

To this day, though there might've been a lot of speculation about her relationship with Gabe, nobody else knows she was there in the woods that day...the day a devastating accident tore the Tierney brothers apart and drove Janelle away. But there are things that even Janelle doesn't know, and as she and Gabe revisit their interrupted romance, she begins to uncover the truth denied to her when she ran away all those years ago.

What I'm most looking forward to 

Megan Hart is always on my MUST BUY list!  She has such an amazing knack for such realistic characters that you love even more because of their flaws.  Her writing is always smart and sexy.  These books don't lack depth like most romance and erotica on the shelf today.  Plus, what girl in her right mind doesn't love sexy male twins!

REVIEW: Robyn Carr's THE WANDERER (Thunder Point bk 1)

Title: THE WANDERER (Thunder Point bk 1)
Author: Robyn Carr
Release Date:  March 26, 2013
List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Language:  English

ISBN-10: 0778314472
ISBN-13:  978-0778314479
Buy THE WANDERER from Amazon



 My Ratings

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

Overall:  38/40 =  95%  
 




Synopsis 

From Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Virgin River novels, comes Thunder Point—the highly anticipated new series that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you fall in love with a small town filled with people you'll never forget.

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home. 

My Review

No one writes sexy, but loveable, bad boys like Robyn Carr!  Nomad, Hank Cooper, came to Thunder Point to find out how an old Army buddy had died.  Turns out that his buddy left behind bait shop and bar that the town relayed on.  Cooper has to decide whether to continue living the bachelor's life out of his trailer or put down roots in this beautiful coastal town.  What might make a vagabond like Cooper change his strips? 

Robyn has given us a new cast of characters to fall absolutely in love with. Coop is that rugged mans-man with a heart of gold, who falls into the arms of recently broken hearted Sarah Dupre.  There is "Deputy Yummy Pants" Mac who is in charge of the entire town and is a single dad of three.  These two make for a very entertaining read.  Other favorite characters include: Landon, Gina and Aunt Lou. This first book basically gives us a glimpse into the town, it's cast of characters, and the possible trouble brewing in this small town.  This book has lots of twists and turns, that you won't see coming.  Being a new series, I don't want to  give to much of the story away.   

 

Just like Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, I fell in love with Thunder Point right away.  This book is sweet, funny, and touching.  This story shows that love can be found at any age and in the strangest places.  The characters the heart of this story, and I am totally hooked.  I can't wait for the next book in this series.  If you are a fan of the romance genre, you need to give this series a try!  Good bye Virgin River, hello Thunder Point!

 

NEW RELEASE: Richelle Mead's GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS (Age of X bk 1)

 

Title: GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS (Age of X bk 1)
Author: Richelle Mead
List Price: $26.95

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Dutton Adult
ISBN-10: 052595368X
ISBN-13: 978-0525953685 
Buy GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS from Amazon

Buy GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS from Audible 

Synopsis


In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such mega successes: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.



What I'm Most Looking Forward To

I wasn't sure about a new series from author Richelle Mead.  I love her Georgina Kincaid, Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series'.  So I'm hoping that this new series holds the same deep characters, rich storylines, and well thought out worlds.  This book seems a bit out of comfort zone (vampires and succubi...oh my), but I'm trusting in Ms. Mead amazing writing to hook me into this series.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Rocks the House (Kitty Norville Bk 11)

Title: KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE

Author: Carrie Vaughn

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Mp3-CD

Audible Price: $23.99

Listening Length: 7 hrs 30 min
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Release Date: 03/26/2013
Buy KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE from Tantor

  

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

Narration:  5/5
Cover Art: 4.5 /5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  41.5/45 = 92%

Synopsis

On the heels of Kitty's return from London, a new werewolf shows up in Denver, one who threatens to split the pack by challenging Kitty's authority at every turn. The timing could not be worse; Kitty needs all the allies she can muster to go against the ancient vampire, Roman, if she's to have any hope of defeating his Long Game. But there's more to this intruder than there seems, and Kitty must uncover the truth, fast. Meanwhile, Cormac pursues an unknown entity wreaking havoc across Denver; and a vampire from the Order of St. Lazaurus tempts Rick with the means to transform his life forever. 

Review

Everyone's favorite furry DJ and pack leader is back in action.  She's questioning her life, her family connections, and even her ability to lead the pack.  Her world is kind of upside down.  Rick is incommunicado.  Cormac, as always, wants to solve problems all on his own.  Her sister doesn't think she has enough time for her real family.  And she begins to believe that she puts her pack in more danger, because of her connection.

Poor, poor Kitty!  Something or someone is always trying to take her out.  Most of the time it's the vampires, the shifters, or magical folks, but she never saw this current threat coming.  She works so hard to keep everyone safe, but the spotlight puts her in danger more often then not.  Now the danger is at her door.  Will she give up the pack and the things she loves, to keep them safe.      

For every book in this series, the heart of the story is Kitty's and cohorts.  Her family, friends, and pack make her stronger, and story are nothing without them. I was very happy to see Rick and Cormac in the forefront of this story.  I have always enjoyed Rick in the previous books, but really wanted to know more about him.  This story lead to new insight on Rick's past and the part he will play in future books.  Cormac, Cormac, Cormac, how I love you!  He has always been one of my favorite characters in this series.  He's dark, sexy, strong, and now magical!  I think that he seems to get the short end of the stick in this series.  Any time spent exploring this character further makes me a happy fangirl.   

The reason that I even picked up this series several years ago was the fact that Marguerite Gavin was the narrator!  She has once again out done herself.  Her wonderful narration style really brings this story life. Even when I read this series, I can almost hear her voicing the characters in my head. Each character has it's own unique style and sound.  She is able to convey the stories passion, excitement, and energy. To me Marguerite IS Kitty Norville!

The Kitty Norville Series is one of my "Must Read" series'.  It's smart, exciting, snarky, sexy, and wonderfully narrated.  The storyline has stayed consistently exciting over the entire series.  While I have to admit KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE is not my favorite books in this series, it's still very well written.  While it did move the characters along in their journey, I felt the book was mostly series filler.  I kept waiting for the epic moment in the book, but never really got it.  That all being said, I cannot wait for the next book in this series.  I wanna see what the Long Game and Roman have in store for our Kitty!     

Kitty Norville Series

• Kitty and The Midnight Hour, #1
• Kitty Goes to Washington, #2
• Kitty Takes a Holiday, #3
• Kitty and the Silver Bullet, #4
• Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand, #5
• Kitty Raises Hell, #6
• Kitty's House of Horrors, #7
• Kitty Goes to War, #8
• Kitty's Big Trouble, #9
• Kitty Steals the Show, #10
• Kitty Rocks the House, #11

Related Websites

• Buy on KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE Audiobook
• Marguerite Gavin - Narrator
• Carrie Vaughn - Authors Site
• Carrie Vaughn's Blog