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Monday, February 8, 2010

Guest Review: Beyond the Night by Joss Ware

Judith's review of Beyond the Night (Awakening Heroes, Book 1) by Joss Ware.



A man with no future . . .When Dr. Elliott Drake wakes from a mysterious fifty-year sleep, the world as he knew it is gone. Cities are now desolate, and civilization is controlled by deadly immortals. Stranger still is Elliott's extraordinary new “gift” – he has the power to heal, but it comes with fatal consequences. A woman with a past . . . Jade barely escaped the immortals and is now hell-bent on revenge. She trusts no one . . . until Elliott. His piercing gaze and tempting touch shatter her defenses, but the handsome doctor seems to have dangerous secrets of his own. Is it safe to trust him with her heart? If they are to survive in this dark new world, Jade and Elliott must work together to fight the forces that take them beyond danger.. Beyond desire. Beyond the Night.

Author Joss Ware calls this a “post-apocalyptic” story set in a world that has been destroyed by earthquake, fire, evil, and greed, by those who sought to rid the world of humans and whose grab for power put the very existence of the planet in jeopardy. Five men who had gone caving in Sedona, Arizona, in June, 2010, became unconscious and remained so for fifty years due to the earthquakes. The world they now know is nothing like they remember and most of the humans they encounter in their search for any civilization were not yet born at the time of the catastrophe. Elliott is not the only one of the five with unusual powers and as these men encounter humans, a Runner named Jade, Strangers who are immortals from no-one-knows-where, and monsters who consume humans and animals in the night, they try to make sense of an existence for which they are ill prepared.

This story begins with tension and doesn't let up until the final page. Ware uses powerful language to sketch the horror of a world that has been changed irrevocably to one that knows almost nothing of the technological society of 2010. The need to survive and the valiant efforts of the human population, the efforts to re-establish a society based on law, the constant fear of the night-stalking monsters created by the immortals, are all artfully described as well as the efforts of the Resistance movement undercover within the city that is built on the remains of what used to be Las Vegas. Within this dark and forbidding world scenario, the story of Elliott and Jade's love is told, first as sexual attraction and ultimately as a love that withstands the tragedies caused by unmitigated evil. It is a powerful story of passion and regard. I really like Elliott, a man of ethics and honor, who takes his medical training and promises seriously, who respects and values Jade as a powerful woman who has survived torture and untold horrors at the hands of the immortals, as a woman who uses intelligence and strategy to find and defeat all who would crush the humans. He is a gentle and kind man, full of life but one who rarely if ever allows his baser instincts to drive his actions, even in a world that doesn't seem to know much of the society that has formed him. He is not sure he can survive in the world as it now exists and he certainly doesn't know if he can learn to live with his new “gift.” He glories in the power to heal but he is not sure he can figure out how to make the choices as to who should be healed and who must be allowed to die.

This is the first in this series and it is a powerful first-in-a-series novel. It holds the reader's attention from start to finish. This story is crafted by an author that demonstrates a complete understanding of the writing task and fulfills the promise of this story line with aplomb. In its own peculiar way, even though this is fiction, it forces the reader to consider what it would be like to live in a world without so many goods and services we now take for granted. A reader who desires a substantive reading experience will not be disappointed in this book.


I give it a rating of 5 out of 5.


You can read more from Judith at Dr J's Book Place

This book is available from Avon. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

Review: Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis.


Rowena's review of Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis.

Hero: Wade O'Riley
Heroine: Samantha McNead
Grade: 4.75 out of 5

After a woman claims she’s pregnant with Wade O’Riley’s love child, Major League Baseball’s most celebrated catcher and ladies’ man is slapped on the wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team’s publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.

When Wade needs a date for a celebrity wedding, Sam steps up to the plate as his “girlfriend.” But given her secret crush on him and that one awkward night a year ago in a stuck elevator with too much scotch, the whole thing is an exercise in sexual tension.

Wade is thrilled when the pretense turns into an unexpected night of hot passion. But the next day Sam is back to her cool self. As a catcher, Wade’s used to giving the signals, not struggling to read them. Now, to win the love of his “pretend” girlfriend, he needs a homerun–even it involves
stealing a few bases…
This is the second book in Jill Shalvis' baseball series and for me, it's another winner. Jill Shalvis excels at writing charming characters that leap right off the pages and into your heart. The first book in the series, Double Play is where we meet the hero and heroine of this book. The hero, Wade is Pace's best friend and the catcher for the Santa Barbara Heat. Sam, the heroine is the publicist for the team and it's a well known fact that these two don't necessarily get along and they're troubles started in a hotel elevator in Atlanta.

It was the hottest encounter that either of them have ever had and that night in the elevator has definitely stayed with both of them but because they don't know how to play nice with each other in front of everyone, they've stayed far away from each other but all of that went out the window when Tia (the crazy stalker from Double Play) turns her attention to Wade. She claims that she's pregnant with Wade's love child and Sam has to clean up his image. The big bosses solution? Wade and Sam play boyfriend and girlfriend to show the public that Wade is not the irresponsible douchebag that would get a crazed stalker fan pregnant.

This book was a lot of fun to read because in true Shalvis fashion, the laughs kept coming and the characters were fantastic. I loved Wade when we first met him in Double Play and I loved Sam as well. I thought they were both great characters and was totally excited to hear that they were getting their own book. I couldn't wait because as much as I loved Pace and Holly, for me...it was all about Wade and Sam. I was not disappointed.

Getting the backstory on both of these characters was great. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book and I definitely think that this book will be on a lot of keeper shelves just like it is on mine. I thought the chemistry between Wade and Sam was real and I thought it was well written. They were perfect for each other and seeing Wade fall for Sam and watching Sam soften toward Wade was just too frickin' cute.

I enjoyed the side characters as well. LOVED Tag and I was really happy that Wade was able to fix his relationship with his Dad. I loved seeing Pace and Holly again and it was good to see them actually involved in the story and not just mentioned or seen dropping by or whatever. Most authors tend to just mention characters from previous books but what I like about Jill Shalvis books is that she actually puts the old characters into the new books and have them play secondary roles which don't take away from the main characters and still add depth to the story. I loved seeing Pace get on Wade to get his shit together before he misses out on something great. I loved seeing him involved in helping Sam feel better about picking up John from the bus station. I really just love Jill Shalvis' writing.

This book is a whole lot of fun and if you're looking for another great baseball romance than this book is the book for you. My only complaint is that the end felt kind of rushed but aside from that, I loved everything! Wade and Sam's story flies by really fast but it's a rolicking good time. I'm so glad that I read this book and am looking forward to more...who's next Jill, Gage? I'm mighty intrigued about him.

This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

45% off at Fictionwise

I own an eBookwise eReader. eBookwise is owned by Fictionwise. Awhile back I said I was going to start including links to eBookwise.com with sales and new release information, but I didn't say anything about Fictionwise. The reason for that is because until very recently Fictionwise didn't offer books for sale in a format that the eBookwise eReader would read. I found that rather ridiculous.

Recently that changed, however. Now if you buy a multi-format book from Fictionwise it automatically shows up in your eBookwise bookshelf. Which just makes my life that much easier.

So from now on I'll try to post both eBookwise and Fictionwise sales. No promises on how often, though. You know I don't do well with commitments...:)

heading45/45 VALENTINE'S ROMANCE SALE CONTINUES!

Valentine's Day is almost here and Romance titles are some of our most popular eBooks. So what does that mean? A Valentine's Romance Sale!

From now through February 14th at Midnight, every MultiFormat Romance/Erotica/Fantasy/Dark Fantasy eBook is discounted 45% while every Secure Romance/Erotica/Fantasy/Dark Fantasy eBook receives a 45% Micropay rebate! Start shopping now.

heading100% MICROPAY REBATE ON JANET EVANOVICH!

Janet Evanovich has appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list on countless occasions. If you've never had a chance to read any of her works, we're giving you the perfect opportunity. This week, at Fictionwise.com, you can get 100% Micropay Rebates on ALL of Janet Evanovich's eBooks! Show Now.

headingNEW 100% MICROPAY REBATE TITLES!

Each week we offer select titles with a 100% Micropay Rebate, which means that after you purchase the eBook with a credit card or PayPal, we add that amount back into your Micropay account to purchase more eBooks!

"Twice as Hot [Tales of an Extraordinary Girl Series #2]" [Romance] by Gena Showalter, click here.

"Blood Ties" [Suspense/Thriller] by Kay Hooper, click here.

"The Elusive Bride" [Historical Fiction] by Stephanie Laurens, click here.

"Taming the Highland Bride" [Romance] by Lynsay Sands, click here.

To see the rest of the 100% Micropay titles for this week, PLUS to get a 35% Micropay rebate on any of these authors other eBooks, click here!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Author Spotlight: The Dark Hunters.


Sherrilyn Kenyon stays busy writing stories for the Dark Hunters series. There's over 20 books/stories in that series alone. The series is so monstrous that it comes with a Dark Hunter companion to help you along your reading adventure.

If you're a regular reader of this blog then you should know we're all about the heroes here. We love us some hottie, manly stud heroes that rock our socks.

In the Dark Hunters series there's a bunch of Dark Hunters, Dream Hunters, Were Hunters and all sorts of other paranormal creatures lurking in the darkness. After all, they're the things that go bump in the night. =P

My question to you is: Who's your favorite Dark Hunter, Dream Hunter, Were Hunter, Whatever Hunter from this series? There's a whole lot to choose from but out of them all, who is your favorite?

I think it'll help us see who has a shot at being the next last hero standing.

My favorite hero from this series is a tie between Zarek of Moesia from Dance with the Devil and Acheron Parthenopaueous. I love the both of them for the same reason. They were so tortured in their human lives. I couldn't help but feel for them, want better for them and really to have someone show them the kind of love that really exists out there. I wanted them to see for themselves that there is good in the world and I think that's why I waited so long for Ash's book. I needed to see him get his happy ending. I was thoroughly happy with Zarek's story (I don't care what you think Holly, Zarek is the bomb![Holly: OMG, watch me stab my eyes out.]) and I wanted that same thing for Ash and wasn't disappointed. I think of all of the books that I've read in this series to date, Acheron is my favorite. Such a good book it was!

So tell me...who's your favorite Dark Hunter and why? Share your thoughts with us, won't you?

Guest Review: The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer

Ames' review of The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer

A disgraced lord, a notorious highwayman

Jack Carstares, the disgraced Earl of Wyndam, left England seven long years ago, sacrificing his honor for that of his brother when he was accused of cheating at cards. Now Jack is back, roaming his beloved South Country in the disguise of a highwayman.

And the beauty who would steal his heart

Not long after Jack's return, he encounters his old adversary, the libertine Duke of Andover, attempting the abduction of the beautiful Diana Beauleigh. At the point of Jack's sword, the duke is vanquished, but foiled once, the "Black Moth" has no intention of failing again...
The Black Moth is Georgette Heyer's first novel, written in 1921. I for one am glad that her novels have been re-published by Sourcebooks. I probably would not have discovered these books if not for the shiny new covers. Yes, I get distracted easily by the shiny. LOL

As much as I enjoyed this book, it isn't one of my favorites by Heyer. I can partly put the blame on the blurb - I was expecting more in regards to Jack Carstares and Diana Beauleigh. Unfortunately, these two don't even meet until halfway through the book!

No, the plot of this book revolves around other characters. There is Tracy, the Duke of Andover. He's the villain of this book, he's the Black Moth (as one character describes him). You see, Tracy was vital in Jack being ostracized from polite society, wrongfully ostracized. You see, at a party (six years before our story begins), Jack's younger brother was caught playing cards with a marked deck. Back in the day, there's nothing worse than having your honour questioned, and Tracy questions Richard's honour...and Jack stepped in and claimed he marked the deck. So Jack was shunned.

And now Tracy thinks he has fallen in love and he attempts to kidnap the object of his affections in order to force her to marry him. Sounds like quite a likable fellow, don't you think?

Instead Jack, who has been playing at being a highwayman for the past few years, interrupts the kidnapping and saves Diana. Injured in the rescue attempt, Diana and her family house Jack during his recovery. And so a few chapters is given over to Diana and Jack falling in love.

I found that switch in writing styles from contemporary historicals somewhat odd to deal with. And it served to remind me that you can't hold Heyer's writing to modern standards. At least with this novel you have to. Her other books I've read have always heavily portrayed the H/H throughout the whole novel. The Black Moth is more of an ensemble piece...think of the movie Love, Actually - many little stories put together. That's how this book works.

Other strong characters are Jack's younger brother and his wife, Lavinia, an extremely selfish woman.

And now that I've told you what to expect, hopefully you won't go into this book with the same expectations I did.

The Black Moth gets a 4 out of 5 from me. I did enjoy it, but it's not Heyer's strongest.


This book is available from Sourcebooks. You can buy it here or here (it isn't available in e-format).

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Guest Review: Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

Tracy’s review of Moon Craving (A Children of the Moon Novel) by Lucy Monroe

When Talorc-laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack- must wed an Englishwoman, he's shocked to find that she is his mate. Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible, just as he has no intention of telling her that he's a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she's begun to love has deceived her, it will take all his warrior's strength-and his wolf's cunning-to win his wife back.

When Abigail was 10 she was fever ridden and they thought she would die. When she survived – only to find out she was deaf – her mother, Sybil, spurned her and Abigail was told not to let anyone find out as they would think that she was possessed by demons. So Abigail has lived her life keeping her deafness a secret. With the help of her step-sister, Emily, she was able to learn how to speak clearly, modulate her voice and read lips. But even with all of her accomplishments her mother still hates her – hates her so much that she has made arrangements for Abigail to marry Talorc, Laird of the Sinclair clan – a man her mother finds to be a barbarian. You see Sybil sent Emily off to the Highlands to marry Talorc approx 3 years earlier but Emily was kidnapped by a rival clan and married their Laird. Sybil wants Abigail gone from her household so badly that she writes the King and asks for redress. What does the king say? Send another daughter! But does the evil Sybil even tell her daughter that she’s getting married? No! And when Abigail finds out and starts to stand up to her mother, she’s beaten!

When Abigail and her parents reach the MacDougal clan holdings where they are to meet Talorc they are all anxious to meet this man that had once spurned Emily. Abigail had gotten letters from Emily over the years and what her sister had to say about Talorc was never very complimentary. But when Abigail meets her intended she is fascinated by him. He is a big guy and though she is frightened some she feels protected as well - even more so when he wants to kill Sybil for beating her.

Talorc and Abigail get married and immediately begin their journey to the Sinclair lands. While Abigail finds most of the clan members friendly there are some who want her gone just because she is English. Talorc is unwilling to trust Abigail with his werewolf but is furious when he finds out that she is deaf. While he’s angry at being deceived he doesn’t see the huge paradox staring him in the face. He wants all her secrets but is not willing to come clean with her. It makes for an interesting relationship.

I have to tell you that I’ve been looking forward to another Children of the Moon novel since I read Moon Awakening back in ’08. While I didn’t like this one as much as MA it had some great parts to it.

Abigail was a pretty strong heroine. Sometimes she showed her fear but really, for everything she had been through, she was quite tough. Yes there were times when she jumped to the wrong conclusions but I always expect that to some extent in my historical reading. Talorc was a handsome man who really was very kind to Abigail. For all of his hatred of the English (his mother had betrayed his father and his father, as well as many others in the clan had died because of it), he really did try to be as gentle and understanding of Abigail as he knew how. Yes, he was very upset to be deceived about her deafness and didn’t handle it well at first, but he managed to get through it. He had found his true mate so he was keeping her no matter what.

I did read Katiebabs’s post on the usage of contemporary words in a historical novel but when I read her post, before reading the book, I didn’t think that they would bug me. When I was reading the book however words like “okay” and “wow” did kind of throw me out of the book for a time. They just seemed too 20th century. I don’t personally think it was a lack of research just maybe some editing glitches. Despite that I liked the book and I don't feel that the word issues made too much of an impact on my overall liking of the book. I think that Lucy Monroe has once again captured the essence of who the people are who make up these werewolf clans and I enjoyed being in their world once again.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

You can read more from Tracy at Tracy’s Place.

The series:

Book CoverBook Cover


This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

Author Spotlight: Why I'll forgive Sherrilyn Kenyon for anything


There is no logical reason.

If I were a rabid fangirl like J.R. Ward's fans, it would be b/c of Sherrilyn Kenyon. She's one of a handful of authors that I'll forgive for anything and continue reading. I think like many authors, Sherrilyn Kenyon wasn't expecting her Dark Hunter series to become as successful as it has. The Dark Hunter world (including were, gods, etc) got big, fast. That's why I have forgiven her for the complete lack of inconsistency in her world building. Something that is going on in one book will be written completely different in another book. The Greek mythology in this series is so complex that I couldn't wrap my mind around it even if I was taking notes. The way that the books have been released completely out of order when it comes to the fictional timeline has thrown me off. I'll be reading a book and then think "I don't remember this happening" or "How did I miss that?". The most likely answers are "Because it didn't" or "I didn't miss anything".

For the last few years, I have said that as soon as I read Acheron, that I wasn't going to read the series anymore. Then I read Bad Moon Rising which came out after Acheron. Bad Moon Rising was one of the singular worst books in the entire series. Half of the book took place way back in the day that Vane's story took place, but from Fang's point of view. Aimee's continual denial of Fang got old. Mama Bear (Bernstein Bears anyone) was a bitch with real claws. It just felt like snatches were taken out of a book here and there, some things added and then put into print as Bad Moon Rising.

I've gotten a pretty good idea of what she's doing with Nick and can I just say WHAT THE EFF???? Why do we need to know about Nick growing up when we already know who he turned into. And not even Dark Hunter Nick. I remember Nick from the first three books so why would I pay money to read what I already know?

After reading Bad Moon Rising, I didn't even try to say that I wouldn't be reading the series anymore b/c I will. The whole fiasco that Nick is going to have to go through (and if he ends up with Artemis I will be pissed) [Holly says: he's so going to, she needs to face the music already] hasn't turned me off the series. I know I will continue reading this series until it dies a slow painful death. I won't be as excited as I was years before when a new book would come out. I might not even read it the first month it's out. But I know I'll read it. I won't try to deny that.

What author would you forgive for anything? Why?

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