Book Review: Winter Wishes

Tangled Tinsel
By Vivian Arend

She's the cat's meow, and he's ready to pounce!
Five miles of leather-clad leg is all it takes to lure Kyle Branegan out from his carefully hidden lifestyle as part of the Cougar Corp, a secret branch of the Shifter Enforcer League. He's hoping for a night of fun and frolic, cat-style, no strings attached. With a sultry swing of her hips, Eloise Scott tangles him up in her ball of tricks, and just when he thinks he's about to get lucky, she cuffs him-naked-to her bed.
An undercover cop in the human police force, El's been given a top-secret mission to keep the big cat under her paw until he's needed to testify in court in the New Year. Her decision to take him home for a quiet Christmas in her sleepy hometown turns out to be far more interesting than she expected. Her parents are suddenly rich, her old boyfriend is sniffing around and all six-feet-plus of sexy cougar male is sleeping in her bed.
And that's before they announce their fake engagement...

 
No Angel
By Vivi Andrews

When Sasha's boyfriend, Jay, is sucked through a fiery vortex to Hell, an angel reveals that Sasha's been chosen as the Champion of Virtue in the battle for his immortal soul. As a perennial offender on Santa's naughty list, Sasha can't believe she's anyone's idea of a girl fighting on the side of the angels. But if she doesn't save Jay, he'll be stuck in Hell forever!
Jay-aka Jevroth-isn't surprised to find himself back in Hell. His visa to visit the mortal plane expired three months ago, but to steal more time with Sasha he's been ignoring his mother's demands that he come home to spend time with his new stepfather: Lucifer.
Sasha has until dawn on the twenty-fifth of December to fight the Legions of Hell and rescue Jay, or be trapped there for eternity herself. But now she must decide if the lying son-of-a-demon is even worth saving...
 

Freeze Line
By Moira Rogers

She can't survive in his world; he can't stay sane in hers
A twenty-first century ice age dulls the magic that emanates from the earth. Shane Sullivan is a lone wolf above the freeze line. He has no desire to join the packs that range closer to the border, where feral instincts can turn a man into a monster. Not until the winter solstice, when he stumbles across a dying witch who needs his help to get back to her people-and her magic-in the south.
Nadia is a powerful woman in her own world, but she's been drained by her escape from captivity in a northern lab. She knows it's foolhardy to trust a werewolf, but he's her only chance to survive the vast white wilderness. The farther south they travel, the harder it is for Shane to keep the beast within under control, and as their mutual attraction intensifies, Nadia's no longer sure she wants him to. 

Tangled Tinsel is the spiciest of the three but what do you when you have feline shifters playing.  I really enjoyed this novella and I would love to meet Kyle.  He is arrogant just as you would expect a cat to be but he also very gentle with El once he discovers that she wasn't raised in the typical shifter household.  Some of the sex scenes made me want to purr.

In No Angel, I started off really disliking Sasha but she does grow on a person.  Now Jay, at least once he gets rid of the goodie two shoes act, is just plain hot.  The all around bad boy who truly loves Sasha.  As the story develops, it has suspense, action, a yummy male lead and some sex at the end.  What more could a girl want?

In Freeze Line, I loved the fact that there was some definite role reversal happening there. Shane is a very gentle man who feels that he has been cursed by becoming a werewolf and has resigned himself to always being alone because he doesn't trust himself.  Nadia is increasingly drawn to this gentle man.  Both the characters are so easy to emphasize with.  Another enjoyable novella.

Usually when I read an anthology there is at least one story that I don't really care for.  Not this time around.  I will admit though that I didn't really care for No Angel in the beginning but it actually ended up being my favorite of the three.

I rate this book a 3.8 overall.

I received this book from NetGallery at no charge in exchange for this review.  No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

What's new...

I was duplicating my book review posts over here.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to pick up any new followers that way.  So instead I am going to turn this into a world of erotica.  It can be anything from reviews of an erotic nature to sex news..well heck anything for the over 18 crowd.  Should be a wild ride.

Gambit by Kim Knox

 
Captain Chae Beyon is a hustler, a mercenary pilot, a wounded woman who prefers her men to be easily thrown aside. 

Daned Traern is a first-caste Ladaian bound by tradition and DNA to protect his race. He's willing to align himself with the hot space captain if she'll transport him home in time to ensure the right candidate is crowned-and thus prevent a bloody war. 

Disguised as Chae's sex toy, Daned is erotically bound to her through living gold, alien tech designed to increase pleasure. When he frees himself, their passion only increases...but succumbing to temptation will bind them together-permanently. 

But there's more at stake than their needs. As Chae is dragged into a world of insane princes and sentient stones, hired killers hound them across the quadrant. 

And then, as only her lousy luck would have it, Chae must choose between the good of the galaxy and her own heart..

I am really starting to look forward to reading book by Carina Press.  They all tend to be top quality with very few problems with the editing.  GAMBIT is no exception. 

I will admit that I didn't particularly care for Chae in the beginning of the book, or Daned either for that matter, but they very quickly grew on me.  I found myself cheering Chae along when things with right or holding my breath when her lousy luck made itself known.  Daned can be a real charmer when he lets himself be.  I also appreciated the fact that in GAMBIT, the choice to be tied to another person permanently is not made by an outside force or directive but instead is one that the parties involved have to weigh for themselves.

Of course choosing to be permanent does make for some really hot sex.  Ah a girl can only dream that it would work that way outside of fiction.  I really enjoyed the book and would love to see a sequel so that I can go back and visit with them both.  

I rate this book a 3.5 out of a 5.

Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice.

After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever. 

To me a mark of a great book is one where I totally lose time while I read it.  One where I am able to completely suspend disbelief and just enjoy.  Ms. Snyder's SPY GLASS is just such a book.  It is actually the third book in her Glass series but it stands very well on its own.  There are mentions of things that happen in the prior books but they are so well explained that I didn't feel as though I was missing out on anything.  That being said, I have already put her back list in my TBR file because I just plain enjoyed the book that much.  


I think that Ms. Snyder's true strength lies with her characters.  Opal was very easy to like even though there were times when I want to slap her across the back of her head.  All of her characters, even the secondary ones, are written very strongly.

If I had any issue with the book itself, it was the fact that there were several editing issues throughout the book.  Hopefully this issue is resolved in the print copy.

I rate this book a 4.3. 

Luck Of The Wolf by Susan Krinard

Branded an outcast by the noble branch of his werewolf clan, Cort Renier had come to San Francisco seeking fortune - and revenge. What he found was a mysterious beauty who could not - or would not - reveal who she truly was. At first glance she seemed vulnerable and afraid, like so many girls caught in the debauchery of the city's whiskey-soaked gambling dens. But one look into her stunning turquoise eyes and he knew he'd found the winning hand. 

Aria di Reinardus had reasons of her own for concealing her identity, but Cort's kisses were more than enough to convince her to go along with his plans to transform her into a missing heiress and return her to her "family". But they were not the only ones with secrets to keep and vengeance in mind, and they were about to discover that some destinies couldn't be outrun... 

I just love to find new to me author especially when I enjoy their work.  I love reading paranormal and I love the canines yet I find that I am usually drawn to the vampires.  And the reason why is I have found that most of the authors of werewolves seem to forget that they will have those instincts.  Or if they do remember you can tell that they haven't done their research.  Imagine my delight to discover Ms. Krinard's work.  A lot of her werewolves want to forget that they have those instincts due to society but they are still there.  I really want to give her kudos for that. 

Okay now that I have gotten one of my pet peeves out of the way time to discuss this book in particular.   This book didn't reach out and grab me by the throat at the beginning.  Instead it was a long slow slide into pleasure.  I did find the villein to be rather one dimensional though I did truly love the main characters along with Aria's tutor Babette.  I was also slightly disappointed in the ending as it seemed the wrap up was rather rushed.

This book is a mix of both the wonderful and the not so wonderful.  All in all, it does tip the scales to the wonderful side.  I really did enjoy the reading so I do recommend it to lovers of the paranormal.  Also there are some sex scenes but nothing too explicit.

I rate this book a 3.4.

Kiss Me, Kill Me by Maggie Shayne

 

A long-ago act of kindness to a desperate woman changed Dr. Carrie Overton's life forever. Before disappearing into the night, the grateful stranger left her newborn son for Carrie to raise.  When the woman is later found murdered, the secret becomes Carrie's alone.

She has kept both it and her son, Sam, safe for sixteen years.  But now a friend of Sam's has gone missing. 

The police in quaint, quiet Shadow Falls, Vermont, believe he's a runaway - until he's found dead and another teen disappears, and talk turns to that long-ago murder.

I am impressed.  This story has so many layers of mysteries that it takes a bit to wind your way thru them all.  But don't feel as though it is time wasted as this is one very enjoyable book. 

Shadow's Fall will remind you of any number of people in a small town, one that get inundated with tourists  during certain time of the year.  Just like any small town, the locals all know each other and look out for each other.  What surprised me about these locals is that there was no finger pointing when a boy was found dead, not even at the tourists.  These are all people that I would be happy to call friends.  Well maybe not all...

Romantic suspense happens to be one of my favorite genres yet somehow I have never ran across Maggie Shayne.  This is an issue that has been corrected and I will definitely buy up all of her backlist also.   If you also enjoy this genre, then I highly recommend picking up this book.

I rate this book a 4.3.

I received this book compliments of netGallery at no charge in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own.

Review: Allegra Fairweather by Janni Nell

Allegra Fairweather here. Paranormal investigator. Got problems with specters? Shapeshifters? I'm the woman to call. Just don't call me a Ghostbuster. The last guy who did that ended up flat on his back with my boot at his throat.

With my 99.5% success rate, solving the mystery of a bleeding rose that has sprung up on the shores of Loch Furness should have been an easy gig. But already I've heard the shriek of the local banshee, discovered two bodies (and then lost two bodies), and had a near-death encounter with a three-hundred-year-old ghost. And perhaps most dangerous of all, the hot pub owner who hired me now wants to show me exactly what's under his kilt.


This is actually the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading from Carina Press and to say that I am pleased with the quality of their authors is an understatement.  Carina Press is an e-book division of Harlequin books and the care they taken with the books shines thru.


ALLEGRA FAIRWEATHER:  PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR is a book that will grab you from the very first page.  Allegra is a heroine that shows no fear even when she goes into dangerous situations.  Of course, it does help that she has a beyond hot guardian angel, Casper.  After meeting him, I am really bummed out that I also don't have one assigned to me.  Ms Nell does a fantastic of job characterizations on both her main and her secondary characters.  They all just jump off the pages to come join you in your living room.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed this book and am crossing my fingers that this is the start of a great series.  I rate this book a 4.2.

I received this book compliments of netGallery in exchange for a review.  No money changed hands and the opinions are entirely my own.
 

Sins of the Flesh by Eve Silver

Torn between lust and loyalty…

The blood of the Underworld lord of evil runs through soul reaper Malthus Krayl’s veins.  Raised to fight for survival and to kill for victory, he can destroy anyone who poses a threat.  As he searches for the one responsible for his brother’s murder, he refuses to succumb to any distraction… until his sworn enemy crosses his path and tempts him beyond all reason.

Calliope Kane, a Daughter of Aset, has a personal hatred for soul reapers.  Their savage attack against her family still haunts her.  But only Malthus can help her find the traitors of her kind, and only she can help him hunt the source of betrayal amongst the reapers.  As they unite, the danger grows closer…and the passion between them ignites…

Wow!  This book has it all.  Great characters, page turning suspense and mind-blowing sex.  Oh and did I mention the great characters?    I have to admit that I have always been partial to Malthus 'Mal' Krayl.  It is pirate of the family, the adrenalin junkie, who have sworn off love.  Not off woman of course as he has a different partner every night but he refuses to risk his heart again.  Then he meets Calliope 'Callie' who at their first meeting feeds off of him, pins him to a wall and leaves him on fire.  Poor Mal never stood a chance.

Ms. Silver did an excellent job with SINS OF THE FLESH.  Each book does concentrate on a brother finding a mate and she does a great job with this.  However in SINS OF THE FLESH, she also incorporates an element of tension that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.  The story arc also proceeds along nicely and I have to admit that the conclusion of the book was a real shocker.

I do recommend SINS OF THE FLESH to anyone with a fondness of piratical men, kick ass heroines  with a fondness for pointy weapons and the paranormal.  This book is sure to please.

I rate it a 3.75.

Sins of the Soul by Eve Silver

Alastor Krayl's world shattered when he learned that his father was the Underworld god of chaos and evil. All that saved him from self-destruction were his newfound brothers and the bond they shared as soul reapers. So when one of his brothers is murdered, vengeance becomes Alastor's obsession. And the enigmatic Naphré Kurata, a witness—or is she the killer?—has the answers he seeks.

A reluctant Underworld enforcer, Naphré trusts no one, especially not a seductive soul reaper who makes her burn with lust. Torn between duty and desire, she fights to keep her secrets safe from Alastor, even as she longs to surrender.

Let me start off my review by saying that I did enjoy this book.  Ms. Silver does a wonderful job of characterization.   I totally fell in love with Naphre' and Alastor though I have to admit that I couldn't deal with him as he is a control freak.    But Naphre' is a total delight.  She takes the hand that is dealt to her and makes the best of it.

I did however feel that this book is lacking.  There is a story arc that is evident in the beginning of the book and well it goes nowhere.  Everything gets buried beneath Alastor and Naphre's  feelings for each other and their superb sex.  The ending was a disappointment because felt as though nothing was really accomplished other then the two getting together.  Now that might be fine for a stand alone romance but not for the second book of a trilogy.

I rate this book a 3.

Second Chances by Lauren Dane

 To purchase click here

Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she's back, older, stronger and finally loving herself—and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams...and her adult fantasies.  Jude can't believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She's gotten under his skin like no other woman has...and she brings out secret desires he can't resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.  Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she's in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he's lost his chance forever...  Previously published, newly revised by author.       

I have always been a fan of Lauren Dane and I read this book when it first came out.  I enjoyed it then and with the new revisions, I enjoyed it even more the second time around.  Rori is a character that is very easy to relate too.  I would love to have her as a friend as she is very warm and loving.  Jude is just luscious but then I have always been drawn to the bad boy.  But Zach...now that is a man that I would love to meet and keep.  Actually all the characters are so well done that I could imagine having them all over for dinner one night.

Ms. Dane tends to write rather steamy romances and this one is no exception to the rule.  There is a lot of D/s in the novel but not so hardcore as to make most people uncomfortable.  What comes through clearly is the love between Rori and Zach.     I rate this book a 3.9.

Fallen by Erin McCarthy

New Orleans, 1840s. Sent to watch over the decadent city, the angel Gabriel loses himself in the liquid pleasure of absinthe. So when his mistress, Anne, is murdered—and all evidence points to him—a foggy Gabriel cannot be sure he didn’t do it. His penance: to be forever denied love. Then in modern-day New Orleans he meets forensic scientist Sara Michaels... 

I had never heard of Erin McCarthy when I picked this book up so I really wasn't sure what I was getting into but I loved the cover so I figured that I would give it a try.  I have to admit that I was blown away.  Ms. McCarthy's characters are so real and  her descriptions place you right in the scene.  I discovered after I finished FALLEN that it is actually the second book in a series however this book is so well written that I didn't feel as though I missed a thing by not reading that first book.  Of course though, now I have pick up the first one.   It does touch on the Christian mythos but not really enough to detract from the story.  I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys paranormal romance.

I rate this book a 4.

Living Hell by Catherine Jinks

To Purchase

 

All is well on the spaceship Plexus. Searching for a habitable planet, the few thousand residents are well taken care of by their ship.  The original passengers were carefully chosen as to make for a peaceful journey and that care shows in the next generation.  Every step of their day to day lives are planned and peaceful.   However once they go thru a radiation field, all bets are off.  Life just became a lot more interesting and not all in a good way.

I have to admit that I found this book rather slow going as far as a read.  This rather surprised me as I can usually whip through young adult books.  I think part of the problem is that I am really touchy about reading in first person.  It has to be with a deft touch and well I found it lacking in this story.  I do think that kids interested in science fiction might very well enjoy this book but it wasn't really my cup of tea.

I rate it a 3.

Welcome

Image via WikipediaWelcome to my new corner of the blogverse,  Since I am really starting to get back into reviewing,  I thought that it was only right and proper to set up a home for specifically for reviews.  Now I can't guarantee that I will only be reviewing books as I do get asked on occasion to try out other items but I will promise that all of the opinions will be my own.

So pull up a comfortable seat, and I will get us some tea.  Read any good books lately?