Month: October 2011

Review: The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, Anne Stuart

On By MikaelaIn Uncategorized

The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, Anne Stuart
The Particulars:  Paranormal Romance,  St Martins, available as e-book and in print
The Source: Picked from the Bookstack
The Grade: C-
The Blurb:
You’re invited to spend the weekend with three extraordinary sisters…
 
When she was sixteen, Dee Fortune kidnapped her two younger sisters and ran from danger. Now twenty-nine, she’s still trying to control her shape-shifting power–no easy task when Danny James shows up one Friday morning with his deadly smile and dangerous questions about the past.
Lizzie is determined to save her family from financial ruin by turning straw into gold; now if she could only stop turning forks into bunnies. Then Elric, a sorcerer, appears one Friday–annoyed with the chaos Lizzie is creating in the universe and in his heart. . . .
The youngest Miss Fortune, Mare, towers above her sisters but her telekinetic power is dwarfed by their gifts. She spends her days at Value Video!! and her nights contemplating the futility of her existence. But then a gorgeous Value Video!! VP and Mare’s long lost love turn up. . .and they all turn up the heat on a weekend that no Fortune will soon forget!
The Review:
What I liked: 
I bought this one 2009 I think, and devored it.  It is a charming book, filled with magic and love.   I wanted to love this book, but in the end I cannot.  The sisters banters and argues, but they are loyal to each other.    I liked Xan, she was ruthless and ambitious. Which was a relief compared to the other characters.
It was fun to watch their reactions when they met the heroes.  Xan kept on throwing wrenches in their wheels, but they managed to dodge them.  
What I didn’t like:
I had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters. Yes, they were funny and witty, but I didn’t care about them. I think part of the reason was that the authors tried too hard. I love Jennifer Crusie, but I didn’t like this one.  It felt clichéd, and bland.

Review: Night Echoes by Holly Lisle

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Night Echoes by Holly Lisle:
The Particulars: Romantic Suspense, Onyx, out of print *
The Source: The Bookshelf
The Grade: B
The Blurb:
Artist Emma Beck returns to her southern hometown to discover the truth about her secret family history. With the help of Mike Ruhl, the contractor she’s falling in love with, Emma finds that her legacy is more chilling and unexpected than she ever dreamed. Especially when she starts hearing the whispers late at night.
The Review:
What I liked about it:
I love Holly Lisle’s Suspense novels. I think it is because   This one is the best in my opinion.  It is a chilling tale about love, and reincarnation.  I was hooked from the prologue. Emma’s search to find out who her father was is intertwined with her search for what happened at the house. Bit by bit, the suspense increased and so did the sense of tragedy in the air.   Even though both Matt and Emma were attracted to each other, they fought it at a long time before giving in. I loved that they both thought their reactions to the other one were insane.  
The setting fitted the story, and I liked the way Ms Lisle used the setting to ramp up the suspense.    The end fit the story, and the two subplots were tied up with out any lose threads dangling. 

What I didn’t like:
I didn’t like the fact that  sometimes it felt like misunderstandings were solved too fast, without causing any troubles between the hero and the heroine.   

*Holly Lisle is working on re-issuing them as e-books on Amazon and Kindle

Review: The Highwayman by Michele Hauf

On By MikaelaIn Paranormal Romance

The particulars: Paranormal Romance, Silhouette Nocturne, available as e-book and in print
Source: The Library
The Grade: B
The Blurb:

Max Fitzroy, the legendary Highwayman, has slain scores of demons with a razor-lined whip and a burning need for revenge. Now, to rid himself of the demon shadow inside him—who has cursed him with immortality and stole all sensual pleasures—Max needs a witch’s familiar, the one creature he’s made a career of killing.

But the Highwayman isn’t prepared for the familiar named Aby. The sleek and sexy conduit to the demon realm sees past his nightmarish shadow as easily as he scales the walls she’s erected to protect herself. Max needs Aby to grant him his freedom, and then he needs to slay her. But how can he destroy the only creature he’s desired in centuries?


The Review:
What I liked:
I loved that the main characters wasn’t one of the standard vampire/witch/ werewolf.  I am a bit tired of those.  Instead, Aby is a cat Familiar and  determined to keep her new won independent.  Max is equally determined to make change her mind.  Both positions made sense, but it was fun to follow their struggle with the attraction. There were a couple of testosterone laden meetings between Max and Severo that was fun to read. 
I liked how Ms Hauf used the belief that cat’s have nine lives in the story. The flashback fitted nicely into the plot, and gave a glimpse in what had happened when Max got his demon.  Normally I don’t like flashbacks, since when they are done wrong they often drag down the plot. In general, the plot was focused on Max and his search to get rid of the demon.  The twists took me by surprise, but they made sense.    

What I didn’t like:
This might be picky, but I didn’t like Aby’s name.  I wanted to add a b while I read.  On the other hand, she shifts into an Abyssinian cat.

Summary:
This was a wellwritten novel, set in an intresting world. It is a bit short, but perfect when you want something to read during a lazy day.

Review: Hounded by Kevin Hearne:

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations1 Comment


The Particulars: Urban Fantasy, Del Rey, available in print and as e-book.
Source:  The Library
The Grade: C-
The Blurb:
Tempe, Arizona is as far removed from paranormal activity as is possible. And that’s where Atticus O’Sullivan, rare book salesman, herb peddler, and 2,000 year old Druid – the last of his kind – has decided to set up shop. He’s been on the run, guarding a very powerful sword from a very angry ancient Celtic god for over two millennia now.

But while these years have been good to him – Atticus has become more powerful than he could have possibly imagined – The Morrigan, a very old god of death, has predicted death and doom for our hero, and it’s up to Atticus, with help from a pride of werewolves, and a gorgeous bartender with a secret of her own, to stay alive, hopefully for another thousand years.

The Review:


What I liked:
The premise is what hooked my interest, and I am glad that I downloaded it. 
This is the first book in the Iron Druid series.  It is a funny and fast paced Urban Fantasy, with a solid base in Celtic Mythology.  I liked the druidic magic Atticus use, how he has developed it in ways that even the gods haven’t thought of. I must admit that I liked the Celtic gods that appeared regularly.  It was fun to watch them trying interact with the modern world.  Atticus was wise enough to not mouth off to them.
It is clear from the start who the villain is, but the element of uncertainty comes from the fact that Atticus doesn’t know if the other deities will tell Aengus Og were he is, or not.
What I didn’t like:
I had a couple of issues with the plot.  The  plot felt, well, a bit pat as if there were no real surprises.  Yes, there was some uncertainty, but none of the totally unexpected twists that the best Urban Fantasy novels have.  That might be because Atticus is so old, and because he knows how Aengus Og thinks.  

Summary:
A fun read, with a lot of promise.

Cover love: Demon bait by Moira Rogers.

On By MikaelaIn Uncategorized
The Blurb
Fifty years after a demon apocalypse devastated the world, summoners still bear the bulk of the blame. Marci lives in secret, hiding the gifts that could cost her a secure spot in one of humanity’s underground cities, and access to their virtual world. After all, her chances of avoiding the genetic-testing lotto are better than her chances of surviving topside.

The bastard son of a terrifying incubus, lust heats Gabe’s blood and sex fuels his magic. Innate charm and charisma help him navigate the cultural gap between the outcast town he calls home and the human settlements he infiltrates for trade. His latest mission nets him an unexpected asset–a summoner strong enough to soothe his darkest needs.

Trust a half demon, especially one who uses a lockdown to trap them together? Not in this lifetime. Yet Marci can’t resist Gabe’s offer to see her safely to a selective outcast settlement where she can live without fear. The journey alone is as dangerous as the way Gabe makes her heart race, but it could be her one hope of a real life.

If only she could be sure Gabe’s telling her the whole truth…

Out in November 2011 from Samhain Publishing.  

Black Gold by Vivian Arend

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations, Paranormal Romance, reviews

The Particulars: Paranormal Romance, Samhain, available as e-book
The Source:  Purchased at Books on Board
The Grade: B+
The Blurb:

One thing’s for sure: his dream mate will have to out-cuss, out-spit and out-hike him. So he never expected the one to push his forever button would be a blue-blooded Southern debutante with a voice as dark and velvety as her skin. When Gemmita Jacobs steps off the plane in Whitehorse, Yukon, it’s about more than her caribou research project. It’s her declaration of independence from an overprotected upbringing. Except there’s something in the air she can’t quite define—something that unexpectedly rouses her mating instincts. Lone wolf Shaun Stevens’s automatic response to the words “happily ever after”? Kill me now. Yet with all his friends settling down he’s begun to think there may actually be something to this love-and-roses crap. Moments after their eyes lock, the deed is done—and done thoroughly. When the pheromone dust settles, though, all the reasons they don’t belong together become painfully clear.

It’s enough to make a wolf learn a whole new set of cuss words…

The Review: 
What I liked:
I liked the Granite Wolves shortstories, so when I saw that Vivian Arend was working on a fulllength novel set in the same world, I pre-ordered it.   This was a fun read.  Gem and Shaun is each other opposites.  Gem is a southern belle that has had a sheltered life until now. Shaun is more experienced.   I liked that both acknowledged their mate bond, but they knew it would require work. It was fun to read about their struggles to adapt.  I loved that Gem refused to change her plans, no matter how hard Shaun tried to convince her.   It was fascinating to see Gem shake off the restrictions she was used too, and bloom in the wilderness.

What I didn’t like: 

This didn’t affect the story, but the fact that  Gem’s  college professor and the rest of the students came to her HOUSE to hold the laborations baffles me.  Wouldn’t it have been cheaper for Gem to attend with a bodyguard in tow?  Also, safety reasons. I suspect if something had happened during the laboration, it would have been Gem’s father that was responsible not the university.
I also felt that the subplot between Caroline and Evan didn’t add anything too the story, but was there solely to add length.

Spooktacular Giveaway: The Granite Lake Wolves series by Vivian Arend

On By MikaelaIn Paranormal Romance102 Comments

CONTEST OVER. Winners will be announced tomorrow.
Welcome to my part of the hop.  I am in a generous mood, so I am giving two winners the chance to win the Granite Wolves series in print.  To Enter, just leave a comment with your e-mail.

Under the Northern Lights contains the following stories:

Wolf Signs
Granite Lake Wolves, Book 1

Talk about getting your signals crossed…
Robyn Maxwell doesn’t care that her brother has to cancel out on their backcountry ski trip. She can do it alone. The fact she’s deaf doesn’t make her survival skills any weaker. The chance to get away from it all and relax in the Yukon wilderness is just what she’s been craving.

Wolf Flight
Granite Lake Wolves, Book 2

An untriggered werewolf. A runaway Omega. It’s not easy fighting destiny.
Tad Maxwell’s workaholism serves to keep his bush pilot company in the air, and his inner werewolf in check. In the two years since he discovered his heritage, he’s resisted the longing to test the power of his wolf side. It would mean compromising his human principles.

Under the Midnight Sun contains the last two stories:

Wolf Games
Granite Lake Wolves, Book 3

True love’s path never did run smooth.
After seven years of total denial, Maggie Raynor’s body—and her inner wolf—are in full revolt. Weak and shaky, she literally falls into the very large and capable arms of the Granite Lake Beta, Erik Costanov. The last thing she wants is a mate, particularly when just looking at another wolf scares her to death. And one as big and sexy as Erik? Really bad idea, no matter what her libido says.

Wolf Tracks
Granite Lake Wolves, Book 4

Score one for the underdog … er … wolf.
TJ Lynus is a legend in Granite Lake, both for his easygoing demeanor—and his clumsiness. His carefree acceptance of his lot vanishes, though, when his position as best man brings him face to face with someone he didn’t expect. His mate. His very human mate. Suddenly, one thing is crystal clear: if he intends to claim her, his usual laid-back attitude isn’t going to cut it.

Note: These are novellas, so the Print version will look different.  Still contains the same stories, though.

Charity Sunday: Worldreader.org

On By MikaelaIn Uncategorized

 
There are several charities that distribute paper books to children in Africa ( Books for Africa is one example), but Worldreader has taken it to the next step.  They distribute e-readers and e-books to children in Africa.   They don’t do it alone, both USAID, Amazon, and several publishers are involved, as well as the Goverment of Ghana.

When I first read about it, I was a bit surprised but it fit.  In many African countries they jumped directly to cellphones, so why not e-readers?

You can read more about Worldreader here.

Review: Brighid’s Quest by PC Cast

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The Particulars:  Fantasy, Harlequin Teen, available as e-book and in print
Source: The Library.
Grade: C

The Blurb:

Fleeing her centaur clan’s increasingly militant beliefs, Brighid Dhianna has begun to find peace and acceptance among the humans of Clan MacCallan. Still, she agrees to leave her newly formed friendships to guide her clan chieftain’s grieving brother home.
As she journeys, Brighid discovers that the long-dormant Shaman blood that runs so thickly in her veins will no longer be silenced. As seductive new powers begin to beckon, Brighid glimpses a future that is more impossible — and more magical — than any she could have dared to imagine.
But when tragedy summons her back to the Centaur Plains, Brighid must make a decision that will affect not only her friendship with the humans, but the centaur herd and indeed the world. For the Great Goddess Epona has set her on a new path that demands everything she has to give.
When the whole world is turning to her for help, healing the heart of a warrior doesn’t sound so daunting . . .

The Review:

What I liked:
I read the first book in this series when it was released, but I never picked up the second book in the series. I spotted this on the library, and decided to read it.    And I am glad I did.  The world fascinated me.  I liked that there was prejudices, and that they played a part in the plot.  It was a delight to read follow Brighid’s journey, both spiritual and physical.    She is reluctant too use her gifts, but it made sense.  She uses her gift, though, but it is always to help other people.  From helping Cu heal the wounds in his soul, too making the choice to return to the Centaur Plains.  I must admit, I loved the New Fomorians, and the hope they radiated.  It was fascinating to read how Brighid gradually warmed up towards Liam, a new Fomorian boy that convice her to let him become her apprentice. Despite being male, and not Centaur.


What I didn’t like: 

Mostly I enjoyed the book, but there was a few things that irked me.  I felt that the time between Cu’s soul healing and the realisiation that he loved Brighid was too short.   The other thing was the fact that this book is fantasy for adults reissued as an YA.  I can understand it, since it has themes that is suitable for YA but it also have things that clearly makes it adult.  The last thing: If they decided to re-issue the first two books, why didn’t they make the third book a part of the deal?  ( With that epilogue, there had to be plans for a third book)

Review: Magic lost, Trouble found by Lisa Shearin:

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

The Particulars: Fantasy, Ace, available as e-book and in print
The Source: Purchased at Kobo
The Grade: A-
The Blurb:
My name is Raine Benares. I’m a seeker. The people who hire me are usually happy when I find things. But some things are better left unfound. I’m a sorceress of moderate powers, from an extended family of smugglers and thieves. With a mix of street smarts and magic spells, I can usually take care of myself. But when my friend Quentin, a not-quite-reformed thief, steals an amulet from the home of a powerful necromancer, I find myself wrapped up in more trouble than I care for. I like attention as much as the next girl, but having an army of militant goblins hunting me down is not my idea of a good time. The amulet they’re after holds limitless power, derived from an ancient, soul-stealing stone. And when I take possession of the item, it takes possession of me. Now my moderate powers are increasing beyond anything I can imagine-but is the résumé enhancement worth my soul?
The Review:
What I liked:
For a long time, I thought that this was a YA series. I am not sure why I got that misconception.   I am glad that I decided to buy the first book early 2010.  I was hooked after I have forgotten how many times I have re-read it.   This book is a delightful mix of Epic Fantasy, and Urban Fantasy.  The setting is the city of Mermeia,  filled with merchants, sorcerers, elves and goblins.  It was fascinating to read about the various districts, and the familiar problems that the various characters had. But what made the book for me was Raine.  I loved her snarky opinions about everything from Goblins to the various districts.  The plot is fast paced, and at times I felt for Raine.   A lot happens in the book, she is chased by a goblin nutcase,  the Guardians would love to get their hands on her.  And a lot more. 
What I didn’t like:
It might be picky, but I wish I had a map. Not of the world, but of the city.  Why? They move through a lot of districts in the book, and it would have been nice to follow it on a map.   But that is just a minor pickiness. The major pickiness is that it took me awhile to get into the story.  But that was probably more because of  my mood.