Sunday, September 30, 2012

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (Oct. 1, 2012)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a better reading week than usual this past week. I finished five books. It helped that I had a cold/fever and came home from work to rest one afternoon. What is a better activity for resting than reading?

I finished:
League of Strays by L. B. Schulman which was a contemporary young adult about a group of loners banding together to get revenge on the kids who have done them wrong. This one is told from the viewpoint of a nice kid who is lonely and wants friends and gets sucked into something she wasn't ready for. My review is here.

Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant is a young adult science fiction story about genetic manipulation and playing god. I really liked the female main character and thought the story was very compelling. My review will be posted on Oct. 4.

Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel is the second in her young adult series that is sort of steampunk, sort of science fiction, and has zombies. I was surprised how much I liked this one even though I am not at all a fan of zombies. My review is here
Since I alternate reading adult and young adult books, I was able to fit in Delusion in Death by J. D. Robb even though I have a huge stack of review books to read. I always enjoy this series. This is book 35. This one was more of a police procedural than usual but still gave us plenty of Eve and Roarke's relationship. My review will be posted on Oct. 6.

Midnight Exposure by Melinda Leigh was a romantic suspense title that I received through the Amazon Vine program. I really liked this one. I thought that the romance was realistic and the suspense was chilling. My review will be posted on Oct. 4.
I am currently reading The Assassin's Curse by Catherine Rose Clark which is a young adult fantasy that I received from NetGalley for review. I have just started it but I already like the narrator. 

Next week I have a number of review books to read.
I am late with Emily's Dress and Other Missing Things by Kathryn Purak. It is an October 2 young adult release that I got from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. Chasing the Skip by Janci Patterson is also a young adult with an Oct. 2 release date that I got from Macmillan. I had five young adult books that were set to release on Oct. 1 or Oct. 2 and just couldn't get them all read before publication.
The next two on the adult review stack are The Birthday Scandal by Leigh Michaels which I got from Amazon Vine and which will be released on October 9 and I Do Solemnly Swear by D. M. Annechino which I also got from Amazon Vine and will be released on Oct. 16.

If I finish those four, these are the next young adult books on my stack:
The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab which I got from NetGalley and which will be released on Oct. 9 and Foxfire by Karen Kincy which is also from NetGalley and scheduled for an Oct. 8 release. 
Also still waiting in the wings is Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst which is a young adult fantasy I received from the author and publisher. It was a Sept. 11 release. I am really looking forward to reading this one. It might actually get done in October but November is much more likely. 

I still have eighteen books on my stack that are October releases. Then things slow down. Right now I only have five review books in November and one in December. I am looking forward to being able to read some of the many books I have bought recently but set aside for review books. 

One of the books that I bought to read later is The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. A friend and I are taking another quick trip up to The Red Balloon on Thursday evening to see Maggie and get our books signed. I have mine but plan to get a copy to donate to my high school media center.

What are your plans for the week?

Stacking the Shelves (Sept. 30, 2012)


Tynga of Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.
I only bought one book this week but that didn't stop nine others from following me home and being added to my stack.
I bought Warrior by Zoe Archer for my Kindle after seeing it on someone else's Stacking the Shelves post. Here is the description that sucked me in:
The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond - where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn't be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress - just what he needs. Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley's assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn't easy to deceive...
My Amazon Vine newsletter came and I chose these three books for review:
I Do Solemnly Swear by D. M. Annechino sounded like an interesting thriller about the first woman president who has to deal with a recalcitrant Congress, rising international tension, and the possibility that her predecessor did not die of natural causes. Look for this book on October 16.

Dangerous Affairs by Diana Miller is a romantic suspense title that will be released on Oct. 30. I was drawn to this one because of the Minnesota setting. 

Dead Spots by Melissa F. Olson will also be released on Oct. 30 and is an urban fantasy. Here is the description:
Scarlett Bernard knows about personal space: step within ten feet of her, and any supernatural spells or demonic forces are instantly defused—vampires and werewolves become human again, and witches can’t get out so much as a “hocus pocus.” This special skill makes her a null and very valuable to Los Angeles’s three most powerful magical communities, who utilize her ability to scrub crime scenes clean of all traces of the paranormal to keep humanity, and the LAPD, in the dark.

But one night Scarlett’s late arrival to a grisly murder scene reveals her agenda and ends with LAPD’s Jesse Cruz tracking her down to strike a deal: he’ll keep quiet about the undead underworld if she helps solve the case. Their pact doesn’t sit well with Dash, the city’s chief bloodsucker, who fears his whole vampire empire is at stake. And when clues start to point to Scarlett, it’ll take more than her unique powers to catch the real killer and clear her name.
I also took advantage of some free books for my Kindle. Here is what I picked for my "someday" file:
Too Darn Hot by Pamela Burford
Donovan's Angel by Peggy Web
Honor Bound by Brenda Novak
Heiress Without a Cause by Sara Ramsey
Wild for You by Sophia Knightly
Married by Mistake by Abby Gaines

That was my week. What did you add to your stack?

Saturday, September 29, 2012

ARC Review: Shades of Temptation by Virna DePaul

Shades of Temptation
Author: Virna DePaul
Publication: Harlequin HQN (September 18, 2012)

Description: Carrie Ward understands dangerous men, and she's got the scars to prove it. These days, the Special Investigations Group detective saves her risk taking for the job. But when she's asked to pursue a high-profile serial killer, she'll have to join forces with the last man she wants to depend on—Jase Tyler, an ace senior detective who's as reckless as she is cautious. And despite her best intentions, the sparks begin to fly.


As Carrie and Jase race to try to save the next victim, the passion that simmers between them ignites. But a cunning killer at the top of his game is challenging carrie to play to the very end. Now all she can count on are her instincts—and Jase, the one man daring enough to keep her safe….

My Thoughts: This was an entertaining and suspenseful romantic suspense novel. Carrie Ward is part of the Special Investigations Group but she is inwardly insecure because she is a woman in a man's world. She thinks she has to outdo all the men to be accepted. However, she has a major crush on one of her colleagues - Jase Tyler. Everything seems easy for him. He's gorgeous and beautiful woman come on to him all the time.  But Jase is hiding an unrequited passion for Carrie too.

When both are assigned to the case of a serial killer called the Embalmer, they have to deal with on the job jealousies and their secret passions for each other. The sexual tension in this one is very high. The identity of the serial killer is no mystery to us since he (in fact, they) are viewpoint characters. We get a close-up look into their disturbed minds. But the rush is on to find the serial killers before they manage to kill again. 

I think a little too much time was spent in this story on Carrie's insecurities. I wanted to tell her to get over herself and quit trying to be one of the guys at the expense of her own femininity. She was strong, smart, capable and the only one who couldn't see that was her. I did like Jase and I thought he showed admirable restraint with Carrie's issues. He had some issues of his own regarding his parents' relationship but it didn't take the reality of Carrie very long to overcome them. 

Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this story. 

Favorite Quote:
"What we do, it never heals us, not completely, does it?" she asked him. "Not the victims. Not society as a whole. Not whatever demons are chasing us, pushing us to do this job in the first place."

"Nope," he agreed. "Not completely. But no one escapes life unscathed, Ward. That just isn't how it works."
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Friday Memes: Shades of Temptation by Virna DePaul


Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
This week I am featuring Shades of Temptation by Virna DePaul. I got this romantic suspense title from Harlequin via NetGalley. Here is the description:
Carrie Ward understands dangerous men, and she's got the scars to prove it. These days, the Special Investigations Group detective saves her risk taking for the job. But when she's asked to pursue a high-profile serial killer, she'll have to join forces with the last man she wants to depend on—Jase Tyler, an ace senior detective who's as reckless as she is cautious. And despite her best intentions, the sparks begin to fly.

As Carrie and Jase race to try to save the next victim, the passion that simmers between them ignites. But a cunning killer at the top of his game is challenging carrie to play to the very end. Now all she can count on are her instincts—and Jase, the one man daring enough to keep her safe….
Beginning:
Special Agent Carrie Ward entered McGill's Bar to break a dry spell, but there was to be no alcohol involved.
Friday 56:
Besides, you don't have female friends, Jase. You're a serial dater. Hell, you barely even date. You please them then you leave them.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

ARC Review: Run the Risk by Lori Foster

Run the Risk
Author: Lori Foster
Publication: Harlequin HQN (September 25, 2012)

Description: When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend's unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her….


Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new "construction worker" who's moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer's crosshairs?

My Thoughts: This romantic suspense title kicks of a new series for Foster. The romances all deal with people who are hiding themselves for one reason or another. Police Lieutenant Logan Riske has gone undercover and moved into the apartment next door to Pepper because he wants to find her brother who could be an important witness to solving the case of the murder of his best friend. 

Pepper is undercover too. She is deliberately making herself unattractive and changing her character because she is hiding from the mobster who killed Logan's best friend. She is also protecting her brother Rowdy who is also in hiding both from the mobster and the police. 

Pepper thinks Logan is hot but doesn't know if she can trust him. She can't! Logan is determined to get close to Pepper to use her to find her brother. He'll do anything, including seduction, to stay close to her. I didn't like that he was willing to use her. I had an even harder time forgiving him than Pepper did when his deception was discovered. 

I think Logan richly deserves the treatment that he receives from Pepper after his deception is discovered. I like that, even though he knows he loves and wants her, she is more hesitant and wants to keep the relationship at just a sexual one rather than risking her emotions. 

This one had a lot of twists and turns. It seemed that everyone was suspicious of everyone else. Rowdy and Pepper don't trust Logan's partner Reese. Reese doesn't trust Lieutenant Peterson who is in charge of their police precinct. Logan isn't sure who he can trust. 

I think that the romances that will be featured in the next two books in the series were hinted at here. Reese has a very suspicious neighbor named Alice who is definitely hiding something. And Rowdy runs into an intriguing red-headed waitress while he is investigating. I hope I am right about those possible romances. I want both Reese and Rowdy to find the right women for them. 

Favorite Quote:
Even after Dash nudged him, Logan couldn't stop staring at her. He hated it, the way she made him feel so f**king...lost. He was a man who liked to act, not wallow in indecision and confusion. He knew right from wrong, and he enforced it. He went after what he wanted, whether it was a woman or a criminal, physical or emotional. With Pepper, he didn't have a clue what to do.
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

WoW: Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This is where we can post our links and see what books others are waiting for. It spotlights upcoming releases.

I am eagerly waiting for Dark Currents: Agent of Hel by Jacqueline Carey to be released on October 2. Here is the description:
Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Kushiel’s Legacy novels, presents an all-new world featuring a woman caught between the normal and paranormal worlds, while enforcing order in both. Introducing Daisy Johanssen, reluctant hell-spawn… 


The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.


To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.


But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.  
I have really enjoyed the Kushiel books and am eager to see how she handles contemporary urban fantasy.

How does this one sound to you?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: Run the Risk by Lori Foster


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This week my teaser is from Run the Risk by Lori Foster. This is a romantic suspense title I got from Harlequin via NetGalley. Here is the description:
When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend's unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her….

Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new "construction worker" who's moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer's crosshairs?
Teaser:
"Don't get me wrong," Logan said, "but this is the weirdest date I've ever had."

That brought her back around to face him. "It wasn't a date!"

"Sure it was." Mood teasing, he came closer. "A little necking, dinner and conversation, getting to know each other."

Sunday, September 23, 2012

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (Sept. 24, 2012)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a better reading week than last week but reading is still going slowly for me. The end of the baseball season is coming though which will free up some more reading time for me. But I will miss watching my Braves play baseball. Right now, the combination of baseball and the start of the new Fall television programming is really cutting into my reading time.
I finished three books last week:
I finished Shades of Temptation by Virna DePaul. This was a pretty good romantic suspense title that I got from Harlequin via NetGalley. I liked the romance but I did get a little tired of the female lead's insecurity about her abilities. She seemed to obsess about being a woman in a man's world and having to be just one of the guys in order to be accepted. The whole concept felt a little retro to me. The book was released on Sept. 18 and my review will be posted on Sept. 29.

I also read Run the Risk by Lori Foster. This was another romantic suspense title I got from Harlequin via NetGalley. This one was also okay. I cringed a little when the male lead decided to seduce the female lead to get information about her brother. He kept saying it was against his conscience but kept doing it anyway. It was quite a suspenseful story though. The book will be released on Sept. 25 and my review will be posted on Sept. 27.
I also read The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost. This one combined a lot of trends in current young adult adventures but combined them well. The characters were likable and the situations were realistically scary. Since this is the beginning of a new series, there were plenty of issues unresolved at the end. I look forward to reading more and think the boys in my media center will especially like this one. The book will be released on Sept. 25. My review is here.
I am currently reading Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel which is the sequel to Dearly, Departed. It is also only the second book I have ever read that featured zombies as main characters. I tend to avoid them (make that...run screaming). However, I like the science fiction, steampunk elements of this one. The book will be released on Sept. 25. Since I am at 60% on my Kindle, I should be able to finish it and get my review posted by Sept. 27.

Next on the reading horizon are bunches and bunches of review books. Here are the ones on the top of the stack.
I got both of these adult books from the Amazon Vine program. The Birthday Scandal by Leigh Michaels is a historical romance that will be released on October 9. Midnight Exposure by Melinda Leigh is contemporary romantic suspense. It was released on Aug. 21.
Chasing the Skip by Janci Patterson sounded like an interesting contemporary story. Here is what Amazon says about this Oct. 2 release:
Ricki’s dad has never been there for her. He’s a bounty hunter who spends his time chasing parole evaders—also known as “skips”—all over the country. But now since Ricki’s mom ran off, Ricki finds herself an unwilling passenger in a front-row seat to her father’s dangerous lifestyle.

Ricki’s feelings get even more confused when her dad starts chasing seventeen-year-old Ian Burnham. She finds herself unavoidably attracted to the dark-eyed felon who seems eager to get acquainted. But Ricki thinks she’s ever in control—the perfect manipulator. Little does she know that Ian isn’t playing their game by her rules.
League of Strays by L. B. Schulman is also a contemporary. I got it from NetGalley. Here is what Amazon says about this Oct. 1 release:
This suspenseful debut follows a group of teenage misfits in their delicious quest for revenge on those who have wronged them at their high school. When a mysterious note appears in Charlotte’s mailbox inviting her to join the League of Strays, she’s hopeful it will lead to making friends. What she discovers is a motley crew of loners and an alluring, manipulative ringleader named Kade. Kade convinces the group that they need one another both for friendship and to get back at the classmates and teachers who have betrayed them. But Kade has a bigger agenda. In addition to vandalizing their school and causing fights between other students, Kade’s real intention is a dangerous plot that will threaten lives and force Charlotte to choose between her loyalty to the League and her own conscience.
I got The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke from NetGalley too.  I liked the sound of this young adult fantasy novel which will be released on Oct. 2.

I also have Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate on my stack from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. I thought this science fiction story sounded interesting and it would also give me a chance to read something by these authors. This one will also be released on Oct. 2.

Reviews posted last week:


My last couple of slow reading weeks have eaten up all of the cushion I built this past summer. I am feeling lots of pressure because I don't have books read and reviewed for future posting on my blog. I hope all of these are engaging reads and let me at least keep up.

What was your week like?

Stacking the Shelves (Sept. 23, 2012)



Tynga of Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.

This week I got a bunch of new books.
I started the week by adding a couple of books to my Kindle. The Rancher and the Rock Star by Lizbeth Selvig was on sale for $.99 and sounded like a good romance. What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long was also on sale for $.99. I just can't resist a bargain in the genres I like. 
And still more bargains... I visited Amazon Marketplace to get a hardcover copy of A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison. While I am a few books behind in the series, I do plan to catch up someday and want an edition that matches my other books. I got Curiosity Thrilled the Cat by Sofie Kelly from PaperbackBookSwap primarily to test out the service. I have been curious about this cozy mystery series. 
While I am not a big fan of anthologies, I couldn't pass up Hex Appeal because it contains stories by some of my favorite urban fantasy authors. I also read about a new urban fantasy series and had to get Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson to try it out. 
Finally, at the end of the week, I was surprised to receive The Demoness of Waking Dreams by Stephanie Chong in my mailbox. This is an unsolicited finished copy that I received for review. I don't remember seeing anything about this book but it sounds like something I could enjoy.

What did you get this week to add to the stack on your shelves?

Saturday, September 22, 2012

ARC Review: Cast in Peril by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Peril 
Author: Michelle Sagara
Publication: Harlequin Luna; Original edition (September 18, 2012)

Description: It has been a busy few weeks for Private Kaylin Neva. In between angling for a promotion, sharing her room with the last living female Dragon and dealing with more refugees than anyone knew what to do with, the unusual egg she'd been given began to hatch. Actually, that turned out to be lucky, because it absorbed the energy from the bomb that went off in her quarters.…


So now might be the perfect time to leave Elantra and journey to the West March with the Barrani. If not for the disappearances of citizens in the fief of Tiamaris—disappearances traced to the very Barrani Kaylin is about to be traveling with…

My Thoughts: CAST IN PERIL is the eighth book in the Chronicles of Elantra series. In this episode, Kaylin is the semi-reluctant roommate of the Dragon Belluseo - the only know female dragon - and is babysitting for an egg born of a human mother when magic was running wild. She is also preparing to head to the West March with a group of Barrani to pay off a debt that she incurred when getting needed information from Lord Nightshade. The group is headed to the West March to hear a recitation of a True story.

Kaylin is not eager to make the journey both because she is a city girl and because she is investigating some disappearances of humans from the fiefs. When an Arcane bomb is exploded in her home it has some far-ranging effects. First, it causes the egg to hatch a creature that others call a familiar and that bonds with Kaylin. The creature resembles a small dragon and has a number of special and unusual powers. It is also really cute. Second, it causes the total loss of her home and necessitates a move to the Dragon Palace which rips away some of Kaylin's sense of security. Bellusdeo is not able to accompany Kaylin on her journey to the West March which she doesn't take complacently. However, Teela and Severn do accompany her along with the Consort of the Barrani who is currently very angry at Kaylin because of actions she took in a previous book.

Also along on the journey is the Arcanist Barrani mage who was responsible for the bomb and is possibly involved in the disappearance of the humans from the fiefs. Each of the books in this series seems to concentrate on Kaylin's relationship with a different species. This one is primarily focused on the Barrani - immortal and arrogant. Kaylin learns more about her friend Teela who is a Lord of the Barrani Court and a fellow Hawk. 

The journey is filled with danger and intrigue. Kaylin has to survive the journey. Since the journey is filled with not only plotting Barrani but magical creatures that try to kill the party, this isn't an easy task. I like Kaylin because I feel that she is always trying to do the right think no matter how much opposition she gets. I like that she has a firm moral compass that guides her actions. 

This story takes place in a well-developed and complex fantasy world. This book is definitely not a starter book for the series but does add depth to those who are already familiar with the world and the characters. I really liked it and can't wait for CAST IN SORROW.

Favorite Quote:
"Fair enough. I wish you were coming," she added as she began eating.

"Oh? Why?"

"Cowardice. I hate being the only mortal in a gathering full of Immortals who think killing each other cleverly is the height of good manners."
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Friday Memes: Cast in Peril by Michelle Sagara

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.


This week I am featuring Cast in Peril by Michelle Sagara. I received this book from NetGalley for review. It is the eighth book in the Chronicles of Elantra fantasy series. Here is the description:
It has been a busy few weeks for Private Kaylin Neva. In between angling for a promotion, sharing her room with the last living female Dragon and dealing with more refugees than anyone knew what to do with, the unusual egg she'd been given began to hatch. Actually, that turned out to be lucky, because it absorbed the energy from the bomb that went off in her quarters.…

So now might be the perfect time to leave Elantra and journey to the West March with the Barrani. If not for the disappearances of citizens in the fief of Tiamaris—disappearances traced to the very Barrani Kaylin is about to be traveling with…
Beginning:
The worst thing about having a roommate, in Kaylin's opinion -- and admittedly after only two weeks -- was morning. The fact that this particular roommate was a Dragon didn't help.
Friday 56:
"Bellusdeo believes that the egg wouldn't have hatched without the bomb, so--I have the hatchling." She hesitated. "Would someone really kill me over it?"

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Book Review: The Lost Night by Jayne Castle

The Lost Night
Author: Jayne Castle
Publication: Jove (September 4, 2012)

Description:  Even the mysterious world of Harmony has people who don’t quite fit in. They’re drawn to places like Rainshadow Island, a beautiful sanctuary where anyone can feel safe—and where secrets are closely guarded... 

Schooled in an exotic form of martial arts, and with the ability to detect the auras of dangerous psychic criminals, Rachel Bonner and her dust bunny companion have found peace and quiet on Rainshadow Island, operating a bookstore and café.

But her tranquil new life is thrown into chaos when Harry Sebastian, the descendant of a notorious pirate, arrives to investigate strange developments in the privately owned woods known as the Preserve.

Immediately drawn to the amber-eyed woman, Harry must tread carefully. While Rachel’s special talents can help him track down dangerous rogues who have violated the Preserve, they can also sense the heart of darkness within him. But desire can weaken the strongest of defenses—and leave even the strongest man wanting more… 

My Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Jayne Ann Krentz no matter what name she uses when she writes. I love her characters and the crisp dialog. This book was no exception. Rachel Blake is a young woman with a strong and unusual psychic talent who was raised  in the Harmony equivalent of a hippie commune. She never fit in and leaves to find her place in the world. After an unsuccessful attempt to live in the larger world which leaves her facing the unwanted attentions of a psychic vampire, she travels to Rainshadow Island which is a the sort of place that welcomes those who don't fit in elsewhere.

Rainshadow Island is the property of the Sebastian family and is also the site of a large Preserve that was set up by the aliens who first settled Harmony but who have disappeared leaving behind various ruins and gadgets. Not many humans can get through the psychic barrier that guards the Preserve and those who can often get lost inside forever. Rachel is one of the few who got in and managed to get out again. Unfortunately, she lost her memory about how she did it and what she did inside.

Harry Sebastain comes to Rainshadow Island because the Preserve seems to be sending out something that is disturbing the psychic balance of the island. He is also coming to check on a treasure that was hidden in the Preserve by his great-grandfather. Harry also has an unusual psychic talent. His talent managed to scare away his wife and cause them to divorce. Divorce is a major social stigma on Harmony which values a strong, stable family unit above almost everything else.

Rachel and Harry meet and fall in love. She isn't the least bit afraid of him. In fact, her psychic ability meshes with his perfectly. But before they can live happily ever after, she and Harry have to find his great-grandfather's treasure, find out what is destabilizing the Preserve, and protect her from the psychic stalker who is obsessed with her.

One of the fun parts of the Harmony series is the inclusion of a special kind of pet - dust bunnies. Rachel's dust bunny Darwina is a fine example of the species. Dust bunnies are cute and fluffy until there is danger. Once there is a dangerous situation they develop into very dangerous creatures. Darwina is obsessed with Rachel's childhood toy Amberella which is the Harmony equivalent of the Barbie doll. She is also a big fan of Rachel's cookies. I like the way Rachel talks to her as if she could understand every word. And, who knows, maybe dust bunnies can. They certainly form psychic connections with their chosen people.

This was a fun romance in a nicely drawn world. 

Favorite Quote:
"Did you know that most of the town of Shadow Bay thinks you're psychically fragile because of the fugue incident?" he asked.

She winced. "You talked to Myrna, didn't you?"

"Don't blame her. She was just being protective."

"I know." Rachel made a face. "Geez. One little twelve hour fugue episode and everyone assumes I've been traumatized for life."
I bought this one as I do all of the books by Jayne Ann Krentz and all her pseudonyms. You can get your copy here. 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

WoW: Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This is where we can post our links and see what books others are waiting for. It spotlights upcoming releases.

I am eagerly awaiting my Limited Signed Edition of Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. The book was supposed to be released on Sept. 11 but a problem at the bindery has caused delays. This is the fourth book in the Theo Waitley story sequence. I have already read it. I bought the eARC as soon as it was available at Baen Books. But I really want this signed edition for my keeper shelves.
Here is the book description:
Stirring space adventure from master storytellers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller – #5 in the award-winning Liaden Universe® saga. Space ships, action, adventure – all tied together with a strong dollop of romance and intrigue – make this a compelling series for a wide range of readers, from romance to military SF lovers. 

First Class courier pilot Theo Waitley was already known as a nexus of violence – and then she inherited the precarious captaincy of a mysterious self-aware ship designed to serve a long dead trader. Now she has a trade route to run for Clan Korval while she convinces the near mythic ghost ship Bechimo – and herself – that she wants to commit herself as the human side to their immensely powerful symbiosis. While her former lover battles a nano-virus that's eating him alive, she's challenged to rescue hundreds of stranded pilots and crewmen from an explosive situation in near orbit around a suddenly hostile planet. Lovers, enemies, an ex-roomie, and a jealous spaceship are all in peril as Theo wields power that no one in the universe is sure of, especially her.
I pre-ordered this book on Feb. 25, 2012. I hope I have it by Oct. 25.