CarolKat Reviews Blizzard by Taryn Kincaid

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Series: Sleepy Hollow #4, The Edge
Format Read: Kindle
Release Date: February 22, 2013
Buying Links:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Decadent Publishing 

Blurb from goodreads:

Mandy Malone ditches her pharmaceutical convention and the married male colleagues hitting on her to hurry home to her waiting family. But she doesn’t bank on the blizzard that forces her off the road and into a deserted rest stop. When she meets another road refugee, their attraction is immediate and molten hot. Suddenly, getting stranded doesn’t seem like such bad luck after all.

Although totally unprepared for Mandy’s unvarnished proposition, Jack is intrigued by the erotic offer of a promising night of no-questions-asked sex. But when he notices the wedding band on Mandy’s finger, will he forego the lure of a torrid clandestine affair, or give in to the fantasy of blazing hot sex on a wintry night? 

CarolKat's Thoughts:

This is the most awesome, get stuck in a blizzard story I have ever read. Taryn has taken the hot, sexy one night stand to a whole new level in Blizzard. I could feel the cold of the blizzard and Mandy's fear as she looks for a safe place to stop in the blinding snow. I felt her relief as she saw the rest stop. Stranded with no charger for her cell phone Mandy is rummaging through her purse when approached by Jack. This is one of my favorite scenes in this book.

"Is this what you're looking for lady?"

Mandy glanced up, startled by the deep, rumbling baritone that echoed loudly in the fairly quiet building. And even more startled by the tall, gorgeous hunk of manhood bundled into a down parka standing next to her table.

From here the heat goes up, and you'll find yourself smoldering right along with them.

The ending is totally unexpected and shocked the living daylights out of me. I think my mouth is still hanging open.

This is definitely a must read! Bravo, Taryn!

Waiting for Taryn's next project is a torture I am willing to bear. I know she has something quite tantalizing in store for us.
  
Carol owns this kindle book. A slightly different version of this review first appeared on goodreads.

Guest Review of Frost by Taryn Kincaid

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Series: Sleepy Hollow #3, 1NS
Format Read: kindle
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Buying Links:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Decadent  ARe

Book Blurb from goodreads:

 Dagney Night, a sought-after succubus, is no stranger to blazing hot sex. But as Valentine’s Day approaches, she longs for something more. When oddly erotic paintings arrive for display at her art gallery, arousing everyone who views them, she wonders about the mysterious artist who created the works.

Maxwell Raines, a fire-sex demon, lives a life of solitude and seclusion behind the walls of his compound at Sleepy Hollow, channeling his lustful impulses into his art—until his muse deserts him and his temperature rises past the danger point. He needs sex. Now.

When Madame Evangeline arranges a torrid Valentine’s 1Night Stand for them, will the flames of their encounter be too hot to handle?

Reviewed by: Carol. Carol was raving about this book over on facebook so I asked her if she's write up a review and she agreed. 

Carol's Thoughts:

Dagney Night is a bored succubus and Gallery owner. Maxwell Raines is a reclusive, talented artist and a Fire Demon.

When Dagney sees the response to Maxwell's paintings she decides she needs a real date and contacts 1Night Stand to set something up.

When Maxwell finds out it is Dagney who is hosting his show, he rejects the idea of a public meet at the Gallery Party. He also contacts 1Night Stand but to set up a private party for him and Dagney on that night.

Dagney had just about given up on him when he finally shows up. Everyone has departed except for Dagney's sister who is on her way out the door.

One of my favorite lines in this book is when Dagney decribes Maxwell's work to him:

"Oh, yeah. Your work talks. Like a bullhorn in a library reading room."

As we watch these two delightful characters sort out their individual issues the sparks start flying. It's steamy...let me rephrase that... HOT with hints of romance.

Not too far fetched to think a HEA may be brewing going forward.

I couldn't put this down once I started reading and read it again to warm up with all the snow.

I give this read 5 stars. Bravo,Taryn! I am looking forward to the release of "Blizzard".

Carol owns this ebook.

Guest Review of Blade Song by J.C. Daniels

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services Inc & Hydra Publications (depends on the format)
Series: Colbana Files #1
Release Date: August 1, 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon    Barnes & Noble   The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

Reviewed By: Mikel. Mikel is a friend of mine from the message board of Patricia Briggs. He was looking for a place to post this review and I happily offered him a space.


Mikel's Thoughts:

Firstly, this book is not for everyone. It is not Kate and Curran. It is not Anita and her entourage, nor is it Mercy and her pack of wolves. What it is however, is Mercy’s courage, Kate’s perseverance, and thankfully, none of Anita (No offense to Anita fans. Anita is not an easy act to want to follow).

 From the beginning I found myself drawn into how Kit Colbana, half breed Investigator thinks in this world where Non-Humans have their own law and order to keep themselves in check with the Humans. You get into the depth of her thoughts and fears and how they play into this world created by J.C. Daniels. The rules of the world are straight forward, don’t kill the Humans or the Humans will kill us by any means necessary. In Kit’s case, she is enough of a half breed, she is often mistaken as a human, which as an investigator can make her job both easier, and harder. This also leaves plenty of avenues for the author to explore as Kit can interact with the authorities for both the Non-Human and the Human laws, taking investigative jobs on both sides of the coin.

Kit herself is the product of her upbringing, in more ways than one. Her upbringing breeds her courage and her perseverance. Her drive to see things through because anything less was unacceptable to herself. No matter how much she just wanted to walk away and crawl into a hole. At the same time, that upbringing wants to make her go crawl in a hole, pull the world in after her and nuke the rest.

Kit is a character with flaws, real flaws that you can sink your teeth into. Flaws, that some of us out there can relate to on some level, and see how it could crop up at just the wrong time landing you flat on your butt with the bad guy laughing at you. To me it is a nice departure from the impervious protagonist. She doesn’t forget what she can do, and doesn’t change the rules just so she can get out of harm’s way. Though, having a very large, well-built solid hunk of pissed off Cat-Were as backup can lead you to dive in over your head, but at least you get the hangover later to remind you of what you did.

The introduction of other characters is done smoothly; with just enough info you can figure out who is going to be a bit player, and who is in for the long haul. Something I rather enjoy in books I know are going to be a series from the beginning, and believe me, once you’re done with this book, that tidbit of a taste is going to sit on your tongue like a fine piece of chocolate tempting you to take a bite of the next book in line.

 "Night Blade", the sequel cannot get here soon enough!  

3 out of 5 stars-Solid book, but could have been a bit longer, allowing for more investigative story time.

Mikel received a PDF for review from the author.

I'm at Romance At Random Today with a Review

I have a guest review today over at Romance At Random, Random House's romance website and blog. I'm reviewing a new PNR, "Beneath A Rising Moon" by Keri Arthur. Come on over, say hi and see whether I loved or hated the book!

Guest Review of The Bitter Seed of Magic by Suzanne McLeod

Publisher: Ace
Series: Spellcrackers #3
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from back cover):

For Once, Genny’s life seems quiet. Finn, her sexy boss, isn’t pushing for a decision on their relationship, the seductive vampire Malik al-Kahn has vanished into the shadows and the witches have declared that Genny is no longer a threat. But she knows it’s probably just the calm before the magical storm.

Then a teenage faeling is fished out of the River Thames, dead and bound with magic, and Genny is called in to investigate. Her search exposes age-old secrets that might be better left buried. And when another faeling disappears, Genny is suddenly in a race against time to stop a deadly curse from claiming its next victim: Herself.

Teaser:

 

‘Chomping the sorcerer’s soul was more an instinctive kind of revenge thing,’ I said blandly, ‘payback for the evil bitch sacrificing me.’ See? I have teeth too, oh dogmother.

‘I have already told you, child. I am not here to kill you.’ The phouka’s ears twitched in disapproval, the air wavered around her and Grianne took her human form. She sat next to me, dressed in one of her usual silvery-gray Grecian numbers. Her long, sharp features aligned in a haughty frown. ‘My responsibility here is only to my charge.’

Reviewed By: J.A. Campbell, guest reviewer

Julie's Thoughts:

The Bitter Seed of Magic is the third book in the Spellcrackers series set in London England. Genny is London’s only full Sidhe resident, and though she can’t cast magic, she’s very good at Cracking it. She works for Spellcrackers.com pulling apart or Cracking spells and glamours and otherwise helping to keep the citizens safe from magical abuse. The first two books introduce us to Genny’s strong nature and intelligence as well as setting up a rich and entertaining world where vampires and other supernatural creatures are part of everyday life.

In The Bitter Seed of Magic we learn that London’s Fae population is dieing, or fading away, because of a curse laid upon them by a vengeful Fae queen. They are unable to have children, and the curse must be lifted, but even the queen who laid the curse can’t fix it. The Fae have turned to Genny, as London’s only Sidhe, to Crack the curse. They believe that the only way to fix it is for Genny to have a child of her own, and that this will restore their own fertility. Genny has no desire for her own child but the Fae have lined up suitors, regardless of her wishes, while other powerful creatures have done their best to prevent her from becoming pregnant. Genny is determined to Crack the curse another way and searches for some clue. Meanwhile London’s Fae are being murdered and Genny’s on the case to figure out why. She’s aided by sexy Finn her Satyr boss, dangerous Malik, the vampire who thinks he owns her, and Tavish the Kelpie who’s motivations are rarely clear. The list of people who try to stop her is too long to name.

I really enjoy the first two books in the Spellcracker.com series and this book was no exception. Each novel is a stand-alone murder mystery with a lot of sexy characters and some really interesting subplots, but I’d highly recommend reading them in order. I really like how Suzanne McLeod’s world incorporates the fae as well as vampires, witches and other supernaturals. Each race is richly described and the characters’ motivations or mysteriousness makes sense within the context of the story. Ms. McLeod does a good job of adding in hints to the mysteries, both the main plot of the book, and all the subplots as the book goes on at just the right pace to keep the pages turning.

Genny’s sarcasm is entertaining and her lack of angst is very refreshing. She takes care of those she feels responsible for and does her best to do her job and Crack the curse using whatever resources she has available. The mystery she has to solve takes more than just luck though and she comes across as a highly intelligent character.

I highly recommend this series to people who love a good fresh take on the Urban Fantasy genre. 

The reviewer owns this book. 

**Julie writes fantasy novels. When she’s not out riding her horse, she can usually be found sitting in front of her computer with a cat on her lap and her dog at her side. Her first novel, Senior Year Bites, is available from Decadent Publishing and the sequel is currently under contract. You can find out more at www.writerjacampbell.com

Guest Review of a Banned Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Genre: YA

Publisher (this edition): Pocket Books
Release date (this edition): February 2, 2009
Reasons given for banning: anti-family, drugs, homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, suicide, unsuited to age group
Buy Links:  Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

What is most notable about this funny, touching, memorable first novel from Stephen Chbosky is the resounding accuracy with which the author captures the voice of a boy teetering on the brink of adulthood. Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. He's a wallflower--shy and introspective, and intelligent beyond his years, if not very savvy in the social arts. We learn about Charlie through the letters he writes to someone of undisclosed name, age and gender; a stylistic technique that adds to the heart-wrenching earnestness saturating this teen's story. Charlie encounters the same struggles many face in high school--how to make friends, the intensity of a crush, family tensions, a first relationship, exploring sexuality, experimenting with drugs--but he must also deal with the devastating fact of his best friend's recent suicide. Charlie's letters take on the intimate feel of a journal as he shares his day-to-day thoughts and feelings: 

"I walk around the school hallways and look at the people. I look at the teachers and wonder why they're here. If they like their jobs. Or us. And I wonder how smart they were when they were fifteen. Not in a mean way. In a curious way. It's like looking at all the students and wondering who's had their heart broken that day, and how they are able to cope with having three quizzes and a book report due on top of that. Or wondering who did the heart breaking. And wondering why."

With the help of a teacher who recognises his wisdom and intuition, and his two friends, seniors Samantha and Patrick, Charlie mostly manages to avoid the depression he feels creeping up like ivy. When it all becomes too much, after a shocking realisation about his beloved late Aunt Helen, Charlie checks out for awhile. But he makes it back to reality in due time, ready to face his sophomore year and all that it may bring. Charlie, sincerely searching for that feeling of "being infinite" is a kindred spirit to the generation that's been slapped with the label X. 

Our Guest Reviewer:

Every day is Halloween for paranormal romance author Angela Addams. Enthralled by the paranormal at an early age, Angela spends most of her time thinking up new story ideas that involve supernatural creatures in everyday situations. She believes that the written word is an amazing tool for crafting the most erotic of scenarios.  

 
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her loving husband and children.

When I approached Angela about participating this week, she immediately jumped on the idea of reviewing a banned book and chose this one. I have not read this one but I've read others that dealt with the same content and like Angie, I believe that books like these allow teens a safe avenue for dealing with these matters and can be a lead in to many conversations between the reader and others in their life. 



Angie's Thoughts: 

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, is one of those books that appeals to readers of all ages. It’s the kind of book that speaks to the very real trials and tribulations that teenagers are faced with in today’s society.  

The main character, Charlie, tells his story through a series of cathartic letters to an anonymous person. Although it seems like Charlie runs into an unbelievable heap of trouble: drugs, sex, a friend’s suicide and a horrible family secret, it is not an unrealistic coming of age tale. In fact, the reason why I think this novel is so wonderful is that it confronts these issues with full disclosure and doesn’t sugar coat the influences, pressures and realities that a teen in today’s world can face.

I’ve been asked to write this review because The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been flagged as inappropriate. It has been banned for containing content that is considered anti-family, is said to exploit the use of drugs and touch on issues of homosexuality and suicide. It is also criticized for the use of offensive language, expressing a religious viewpoint and containing sexually explicit content. It has been deemed to be unsuited to the age group for which it was written.  

All of the above mentioned “issues” related to this novel are in fact accurate; The Perks of Being A Wallflower does indeed contain a lot of sensitive content. In fact, the entire book is brimming with the musings of a conflicted, troubled teen. But does that mean it is unsuitable for its intended audience and should be censored or worse, banned? I say, emphatically, no and here’s why: 

Banning books like this one eliminates the possibility of opening up discussion with our youth on the very real issues that they are plagued with. The reason why this novel speaks to teenagers and is so widely read is because there is always an element of connection to the content. If the reader hasn’t experienced these things themselves then they have known someone who has. What better way to prepare our youth through open discussion and exploration of sensitive topics? And it’s not like these very real, issues are going to go away.

All censorship does is clean up a perceived mess by brushing it under the proverbial carpet. Unfortunately, just because you can’t see the dust and dirt, doesn’t mean the problems go away.  

Buy the book, give it a read, and then pass it along to your teen – it’s time we opened the communication valve with our youth instead of assuming that everything will always be sunshine and roses. 

5/5 Stars

The reviewer owns this book.