King of the Dead (Jeremiah Hunt, #2) by Joseph Nassise

Joseph Nassise shook up the urban fantasy genre with Eyes to See, a novel New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry called “heartbreaking, deeply insightful, powerful and genuinely thrilling.” In a devil’s deal, Jeremiah Hunt sacrificed his human sight in exchange for the power to see the hidden world of ghosts and all of the darker spirits that prowl the streets. Hunt uncovered a world of murder and magic that took his daughter from him and nearly cost him his life, but that was only the beginning.... 

Now Hunt is on the run from the FBI, who have pegged him as a mass-murdering dark sorcerer. His flight from the law is diverted to New Orleans when his companion, a potent witch, has a horrific vision of the city under magical siege. When they arrive, they realize that the situation is more dire than they could have imagined: the world of the living faces a terrifying attack by forces from beyond the grave. King of the Dead, the second book in this groundbreaking series, promises more of Nassise’s electrifying writing that will enthrall readers looking for a supercharged, supernatural thrill.

I reviewed the first book in the series, Eyes to See last year and I really enjoyed it. This is the second book in this series and I have to say I enjoyed this book even more. The characters are established and I found myself rooting even more for the main hero, Jeremiah, even more. We also pick up where the last book left off, so I do suggest these be read in order. Not because it would be too confusing (you could read these out of order), but because you get such a better feel for the characters this way.

I know that some people might worry that ghosts and the fact that this is listed as horror that it would be too scary. I admit... *stands up and confesses*  that I am a wimp when it comes to horror. This series is more in the realm of UF and a lot of UF does get put into the horror genre. It isn't too scary at all, but the world these characters inhabit are also not full of sunshine and daisies. It is quite a dark world and full of action. In this book as with the last, our main characters are fighting a almost unstoppable paranormal force. In fact, it is death itself that they are fighting. Not quite the grim reaper, but more like one built of fae legends.

I don't want to give away hardly anything. There is too much here for me that I want to say, but I refuse to spoil it. I will say that the mystery here has a few twist and turns I enjoyed how the mysteries were solved. My only complaint would be the shifting POV. It wasn't constant, but it was used so lightly I would forget that I was reading someone else's POV besides Hunt's. Still, it did not prevent my enjoyment of this book as a whole.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I recommend it to anyone who loves UF. Oh, and there is a romance story-line in the book. The romance isn't quite there, but it is budding... :)

I received this book from Tor and no compensation for my review was given.

Oh and guess what? 

Giveaway!

Those that now want to try the series from the beginning now have their chance! Tor books has given me the opportunity to give away 2 mass market books of Eyes to See (Jeremiah Hunt #1)! It's international! Yes, the first book! So, those that refuse to start the series in the middle won't have to do that! All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below:

Throwback Thursday!

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

This weeks submission:

Shades of Grey
by Jasper Fforde

Part social satire, part romance, part revolutionary thriller, Shades of Grey tells of a battle against overwhelming odds. In a society where the ability to see the higher end of the color spectrum denotes a better social standing, Eddie Russet belongs to the low-level House of Red and can see his own color—but no other. The sky, the grass, and everything in between are all just shades of grey, and must be colorized by artificial means. 

Eddie's world wasn't always like this. There's evidence of a never-discussed disaster and now, many years later, technology is poor, news sporadic, the notion of change abhorrent, and nighttime is terrifying: no one can see in the dark. Everyone abides by a bizarre regime of rules and regulations, a system of merits and demerits, where punishment can result in permanent expulsion. 

Eddie, who works for the Color Control Agency, might well have lived out his rose-tinted life without a hitch. But that changes when he becomes smitten with Jane, a Grey Nightseer from the dark, unlit side of the village. She shows Eddie that all is not well with the world he thinks is just and good. Together, they engage in dangerous revolutionary talk. 

Stunningly imaginative, very funny, tightly plotted, and with sly satirical digs at our own society, this novel is for those who loved Thursday Nextbut want to be transported somewhere equally wild, only darker; a world where the black and white of moral standpoints have been reduced to shades of grey.

No, not THAT Shades of Grey book... LOL but one by an author I got to know by reading his Thursday Next novels (which I am behind and need to catch up). I enjoy his wit and creativity and this has to do with color! Gotta find out what is going on! 

So, what is on your tbr you need to get to this week?

Guest Author Post: Jennifer Estep and Bigtime Superheros

Greetings! First of all, I want to say thanks to Melissa for hosting me on her blog today. Thanks so much, Melissa.

I recently e-published Nightingale, the fourth book in my Bigtime superhero paranormal romance series. The book focuses on event planner Abby Appleby, who finds herself in the middle of a battle between sexy superhero Talon and his evil ubervillain nemesis Bandit.

So today, I thought I would talk about some of the things that all superheroes (and ubervillains) need. Here goes:

A cool costume: We all know that a hero is only as cool as his or her costume. You want something with a sleek design in a color that reflects your personality or perhaps even your superpower. Just don’t go too over the top with things. Folks will probably take you a little more seriously if you wear dark-colored leather, rather than a neon yellow, plaid spandex suit with orange polka dots.

Superpowers: What would a hero be without a superpower or two? Whether you have the ability to shoot fire out of your fingertips or can bench-press a car with one hand, your superpower goes a long way in determining what kind of hero you are and how you fight evil. 

Gadgets: Of course, you can still be a hero, even if you don’t have an actual superpower. All you need are some gadgets to help you through those sticky situations. Like Talon, who uses an electro-shock visor, among other things, to help him fight evil. 

A secret lair: You have to store all those extra costumes and quirky gadgets somewhere, so what better place than a secret lair? Just make sure it’s someplace where your significant other, best friend, or mom or dad won’t accidentally stumble into it.

A secret identity: It’s hard to be a hero without having a secret identity. If you don’t want to have to pay the bills for all the property damage from your latest fight with your ubervillain nemesis, then it’s best to keep your real identity a mystery to everyone – including that cute guy you keep saving from bad situations over and over again.

So there you have it. Some essential items for every superhero (and ubervillain). What about you guys? What do you think superheroes and ubervillains need?

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times bestselling author. Books in her Bigtime superhero paranormal romance series include Karma Girl, Hot Mama, and Jinx. A Karma Girl Christmas, an e-story, is also available.

Jennifer also writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books and the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington. Visit www.jenniferestep.com for more information about her books.

Where to get the Bigtime series:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

Nightingale

by Jennifer Estep 

Anxious brides. Drunken businessmen. Panicked partygoers. As Bigtime, New York’s premiere event planner, Abby Appleby is capable of handling almost any crisis, but even she’s not prepared when she finds herself in the middle of a fight between superhero Talon and his ubervillain nemesis Bandit. Abby manages to save Talon, but the superhero is temporarily blinded, so she takes him back to her loft, where the two wait out a snowstorm. During a blizzard that shuts down the city, Abby and Talon grow close, and he starts calling her Nightingale because of her love of music and singing. 

But Abby is afraid of what Talon will think when he can see the real her, so she conceals her identity from the sexy superhero, and they go their separate ways. However, Abby discovers that Talon is looking for Nightingale, looking for her—and so is Bandit. The mercenary ubervillain thinks that Abby has information that belongs to his boss, the mysterious Tycoon. Abby knows that she’s in serious trouble and that not even Talon—or the Fearless Five—may be able to save her…

Giveaway! 

To celebrate the new book in this series, Jennifer is giving away this ebook in either the Kindle or Nook formats! Just fill out the form below to enter. Because it is an ebook it's international! Good luck!

Nightingale (Bigtime #4) by Jennifer Estep

Anxious brides. Drunken businessmen. Panicked partygoers. As Bigtime, New York’s premiere event planner, Abby Appleby is capable of handling almost any crisis, but even she’s not prepared when she finds herself in the middle of a fight between superhero Talon and his ubervillain nemesis Bandit. Abby manages to save Talon, but the superhero is temporarily blinded, so she takes him back to her loft, where the two wait out a snowstorm. During a blizzard that shuts down the city, Abby and Talon grow close, and he starts calling her Nightingale because of her love of music and singing. 

But Abby is afraid of what Talon will think when he can see the real her, so she conceals her identity from the sexy superhero, and they go their separate ways. However, Abby discovers that Talon is looking for Nightingale, looking for her—and so is Bandit. The mercenary ubervillain thinks that Abby has information that belongs to his boss, the mysterious Tycoon. Abby knows that she’s in serious trouble and that not even Talon—or the Fearless Five—may be able to save her…

This is Jennifer Estep's Bigtime series. Karma Girl, Hot Momma, and Jinx are the 3 novels prior to this one as well as the novella, A Karma Girl Christmas. You don't have to read them in order, but I do recommend it only because you get a better feel for the characters (some who were former main characters in the other books) appear as secondary characters in this book.

This book, like the others, is just full of fun. It has enough cheesy-ness in the names to make me smile and enough adventure and romance to make it interesting. In this one we have Abby who has super-senses and yet does not want to be a superhero and Talon, a superhero without any super powers (think Batman). They get together in an unusual way and find themselves drawn to each other. I admit I had a bit of a problem with them falling into bed so easily and quickly, but it didn't bug me enough to lose my enjoyment of the whole story.

There was also Abby's self-esteem problem that at times you wanted to shake her and tell her to stop it, but we have all been there and it isn't an easy thing to overcome. Still, would have loved to see her gain confidence a bit earlier in the story. Even so, it made me like "Talon" more when this forced him to be completely straight with Abby about his feelings. This made the romance so much sweeter.

I give this book 4 stars. It's a fun book about superheros and I recommend it to anyone who loves to just sit back and enjoy a story. If you like Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series I think you'll love this one too. The writing is much lighter in tone, but it still has that same sense of adventure. It's very adult and a lot of fun. All the novels run about $3.99 at your favorite ebook seller.

I received this ebook from the author and no compensation for my review was given.

Where to get the Bigtime series:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords
And guess what? Well, guess! Okay, I'll just tell you... Jennifer Estep is going to be on the blog tomorrow with a post and giveaway!

Jillian Stone Author Guest Post: Men in Kilts

A Private Duel with Agent Gunn

Jillian Stone

Thanks to Books and Things for inviting me to guest blog today, I’m so excited to tell you about the third book in the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, A Private Duel with Agent Gunn which releases tomorrow, September 27.

Men in Kilts 

Diana Gabaldon’s Jamie Fraser gets some credit for igniting my interest in men in kilts, but my real appreciation came later, during a trip––to where else? I was sitting in Waverly Station, Edinburgh, waiting for the train to Inverness. A flutter in the breeze caught my eye. I looked up from the morning edition of the Scotsman and recognized the red and black stripes of a plaid. It was a kilt, and it was attached to fine looking pair of naked, muscular calves. Below that were combat boots and crunched up socks.

Inspired, my gaze double-backed, and wandered up sinewy legs. Having never thought about it much, I contemplated the masculinity of hair on a man’s legs, and viewed the soft, wiry texture with new regard. By the length of his stride, he had to be tall, as well as broad shouldered, he was Scot, after all. At this point, a kind of dream-like slow motion occurred, not unlike those classic fantasy sequences featuring Bo Derek or Phoebe Cates. Only this was a man––in a kilt.

I took a quick glance upward––past the drab olive jacket with lots of pockets, to the gray t-shirt and hint of hard pecs beneath. He was handsome, of course, with a nicely featured face and a rusty shadow of unshaven stubble. But, even the longish auburn hair that flowed as prettily as the plaid, did not hold my attention for long. Yes, my eyes had zipped back down those flowing pleats and were hoping for yet another, greater gust of wind to blow through the station.

At that exact moment, I was no better or worse than an eight year old boy in the school yard, waiting for the girls in skirts to climb the monkey bars. There was delicious mystery beneath that kilt, and to this day I have always wondered...briefs, boxers, or bare-ass naked?

Looking back, I suppose I had a man-in-kilt epiphany or at the very least, an ah-ha kilt moment. As I continued my trip through Scotland I was to experience the joy of men wearing kilts many times. I attended the Highland Games in Perthshire––and rode the train back to Dunkeld with a friendly band of kilt swathed drummers. In fact, I was surrounded by kilts––swimming in pleats and plaids, but nothing was quite as special, kilt-wise, as that brief encounter in Edinburgh.

I’m not sure how many readers of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series know this, but nearly all of the Special Branch detectives are Scots. But not one of them has worn a kilt––until now.

Those readers who enjoyed An Affair with Mr. Kennedy, might recall a story Mr. Kennedy told at dinner about kilts and bare naked arses, but Zak Kennedy never actually wore a kilt in the novel. And Rafe Lewis, the daring-do detective of A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis was a peer of Scotland, no less, and still––no chance to put him in a kilt. By the third novel of the series, I was getting inpatient with myself. I was the writer/creator of all these handsome, strapping, Scotsmen and I had yet to write a sexy kilt scene!

So, I made up my mind that this would be the book. In A Private Duel with Agent Gunn, Phineas Gunn not only wears a kilt, but the heroine gets to do some exploring. Before I share an excerpt of the kilt scene, here’s a blurb about the story:

Prima ballerina Catriona de Dovia lives the glamorous life of a starlet, filled with glittering jewels, sumptuous dinners, and admiring suitors. She’s grown up considerably since losing her heart to Hugh Curzon once upon a time, no longer wasting her emotions on the empty promises of charming gentlemen. On her own since the untimely death of her parents, she will do anything for the only family she has left: her brother, a notorious anarchist.

Scotland Yard Agent Phineas Gunn—sometimes known as Hugh Curzon—receives his new assignment reluctantly. He’s up for something a little more strenuous than playing nanny to a ballerina, until he sees who his charge is. Then, it’s a completely different story, because he’d been unable to forget the trusting, beautiful Cate since he had to leave her behind in Barcelona. And he suspects Cate is more than a ballet girl––in fact, she just might be a jewel thief, or even more arousing––a clever undercover operative.

Finn is determined to find out as the two race across the Continent—by land, by sea, even through the air by zephyr—it becomes uncertain who is keeping tabs on whom, and Finn and Cate must battle the sexual tension that snaps and sizzles between them every step of the way.

Allow me to set up the kilt scene without being a spoiler. As you know from the blurb, there is a bit of jewel thievery––or jewel recovery going on. Finn believes the jewels may be financing a group of Spanish anarchists––Cate assures him they part of her deceased uncle’s estate, and rightfully hers. Suffice it to say, the hero and heroine of this tale, have made an arrangement: Finn will help Cate recover the jewels, as long as she agrees to provide proof of ownership. And let me make this perfectly clear, neither one of them trust the other––at all.

QUESTION FOR COMMENTERS: 

I’m giving away a signed copy of A PRIVATE DUEL WITH AGENT GUNN to one lucky commenter today (enter through the rafflecopter form). Here’s a question for kilt lovers: Do you have a favorite kilt wearing hero or real live kilt encounter to share? Please tell, LOL!

Purchase links: 

B&N     AMAZON     BAM!     BOOK DEPOSITORY      INDIEBOUND

Brief Author Bio:

Jillian Stone is the author of the Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator series, which includes The Seduction of Phaeton Black, and the just released, The Moonstone and Miss Jones. The third sequel, The Miss Education of Doctor Exeter, is scheduled to release in summer 2013. Jillian is also the author of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. Watch for A Private Duel with Agent Gunn in late November!

Jillian Stone Contact Info:  

 Website  Facebook  Twitter 

Thanks again, to Books and Things for inviting me to guest blog today, I had a blast! 

A Private Duel with Agent Gunn

From the author of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy and A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis comes a sexy new romantic caper in the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. 

Prima ballerina Catriona de Dovia lives the glamorous life of a starlet, filled with glittering jewels, sumptuous dinners, and admiring suitors. She's grown up considerably since losing her heart to Hugh Curzon once upon a time, no longer wasting her emotions on the empty promises of wealthy gentlemen. On her own since the untimely death of her parents, she will do anything for the only family she has left: her brother, a notorious anarchist. 

Scotland Yard Agent Phineas Gunn—sometimes known as Hugh Curzon—receives his new assignment reluctantly. He's up for something a little more strenuous than playing nanny to a ballerina, until he sees who his charge is. Then, it's a completely different story, because he'd been unable to forget the trusting, beautiful Cate since he had to leave her behind. 

As the two race across the Continent—by land, by sea, even through the air by zephyr—it becomes uncertain who is keeping tabs on whom, and Finn and Cate must battle the sexual tension that snaps and sizzles between them every step of the way.

Giveaway!

Thanks Jillian for the awesome post and excerpt! I can't wait to read it. I also don't have a personal story, but I'm still looking for one. ;)

As you saw above, Jillian is giving away one signed pb copy of the book and one ebook copy. Both are international!! Whee! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!

Cold City (Repairman Jack Prequel Novel #1) by F. Paul Wilson

The first of three Repairman Jack prequels, revealing the past of one of the most popular characters in contemporary dark fantasy: a self-styled “fix-it” man who is no stranger to the macabre or the supernatural, hired by victimized people who have no one else to turn to. 

We join Jack a few months after his arrival in New York City. He doesn’t own a gun yet, though he’s already connected with Abe. Soon he’ll meet Julio and the Mikulski brothers. He runs afoul of some Dominicans, winds up at the East Side Marriott the night Meir Kahane is shot, gets on the bad side of some Arabs, starts a hot affair, and disrupts the smuggling of preteen sex slaves. And that’s just Book One.

 I actually haven't heard of this series although it is popular. I don't often read "contemporary dark fantasy" so it makes sense that I might have missed these, but the premise sounded interesting so I gave it a go. Plus, this is the first book of 3 prequels and the book guaranteed me that I need not read the other books to get into this one. It's true. I didn't need to read the others. This book is also set in 1990s.

I will say I had a problem with Jack at first. I didn't connect to him. He was cold and a bit of a jerk. When he started making friends, some you could tell would become his self-made family, I really started to connect to the character. He started to show real compassion to the "innocent" and I believed he wanted to help. He was also young and just starting to feel his way through his life and his coldness made sense since he had a hard time trusting others. When that trust started to appear, it made his character much warmer.

I also had a personal problem with the racial slurs and prejudices within the book. I want to make this clear... I'm not saying that about the author at all. It fits his "bad" characters to say those things, and wouldn't have made the bad guys as bad without them. It's a personal thing and it seemed worse before I really got to know Jack. Perhaps because if that, it seemed more pronounced but it also seemed to lessen in frequency once Jack became more interesting. However, I will say that it did make sense for the characters. Again, it's just a personal problem many others may not have.

Even with these problems, and as I said above, once Jack got involved with his new friends I found myself rooting for him and much more interested in the chaos surrounding him. The adventure did have a feel to keep you wanting to know what happened next.

The ending is odd for me. I get that this is a trilogy of prequels, but it didn't give you closure on everything that was going on. There were many (almost too many) things going on, but yet they all seemed to fit together in one way or another. I say the ending is odd because in one way it does feel complete even without the conclusions to events currently going on. It also gave me a taste of what Jack becomes and I have to say that I am curious enough to pick up one of the other Repairman Jack books. This is odd for me because I crave closure in my books but didn't seem to hate this ending.

I give this book 3 stars. I think this is perfect especially for men who enjoy dark urban books with a lot of action. It is also great for those already into the Repairman Jack series. Even if you haven't read them, I think you'll start to get a feel for the character Jack and like his growth in this book.

I was given this book by Tor for review and no compensation was given.

The Repairman Jack Series of books

Oh and guess what? 

Giveaway!

I've been granted by Tor publishing a hc book to giveaway to one lucky winner! It's International! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter:

AimeeKay Review: The Warlock's Curse (Veneficas Americana #3) by M.K. Hobson

THE YEAR IS 1910. Eighteen-year-old Will Edwards has landed a prestigious apprenticeship at Detroit’s Tesla Industries, the most advanced scientific research center in the United States. It’s a plum prize for a young man who dreams of a career in the new science of Otherwhere Engineering. 

But his father doesn’t want him to go. And he won’t tell him why. 

Determined to get there by any means necessary, Will finds unexpected support along the way. His old friend Jenny Hansen—daughter of a San Francisco timber baron—is eager to help him for reasons of her own. And so is his estranged brother Ben, who he hasn’t seen in over ten years. 

But running away turns out to be the easy part. On the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday, Will is stricken by a powerful magic—a devastating curse laid upon his ancestors by the malevolent sangrimancer Aebedel Cowdray. Will must find a way to control the magic that possesses him—or the vengeful warlock’s spirit will destroy everything and everyone he loves.

I really enjoyed this one, very interesting take on an alternate history. I liked the way the author combined steampunk and magic. The world she created is very interesting and the more of the story that I read, the more drawn into it I became.

I also really enjoyed the characters. I liked Jenny and Will and I was really rooting for them to make it despite that both their families were working against them. I also liked some of the side characters like Briar and the Gores. I even began to take an interest in Cowdray, even though he is completely evil, I still wanted to know what makes him tick.

The story seemed very open ended to me. Certain characters strings were definitely left untied and while the ending did clear up a lot of things in the last few scenes, it still left me wanting to find out more.

Honestly if I had any complaints about the novel itself, it’s that I wanted to learn more about certain characters, Little Sanctity Snow for example. Also I don't feel the cover portrays the book as well as it could. (Even though I do like the cover)

Definitely recommend this one, I give it 5 out of 5. It was a very enjoyable read.

Bloggy note from Melissa:
First, you can win this book and the others in the giveaway HERE! (there is a giveaway for US and Int) So, enter for this fantastic book!

...and PS. I usually have been taking weekends off but I will have a review and giveaway tomorrow so stop by!

Throwback Thursday!

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Sign up at her blog to join in on the meme!

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf
by Molly Harper

Baring It All Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave... and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous...

I read and reviewed the first book, How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf which I fully enjoyed. I won this book but just didn't get to it yet. It's currently staring at me wanting me to meet this Nick. Gots to read it!

So, what is on your shelves waiting for you to read?

Elemental by Antony John

A lost colony is reborn in this heart-pounding fantasy adventure set in the near future... 

Sixteen-year-old Thomas has always been an outsider. The first child born without the power of an Element—earth, water, wind or fire—he has little to offer his tiny, remote Outer Banks colony. Or so the Guardians would have him believe. 

In the wake of an unforeseen storm, desperate pirates kidnap the Guardians, intent on claiming the island as their own. Caught between the plague-ridden mainland and the advancing pirates, Thomas and his friends fight for survival in the battered remains of a mysterious abandoned settlement. But the secrets they unearth will turn Thomas’ world upside-down, and bring to light not only a treacherous past but also a future more dangerous than he can possibly imagine.

In this book we follow Thom who has always felt like a failure because he had no "element" that he could either commune with or control. Plus everyone avoids even touching him. He does his best and tries to make himself as valuable as possible to the community. The community struggles but there are questions that never get answered as these kids grow into maturity. During one storm where the kids get stranded and the community gets kidnapped they find not only their own inner strength but the beginnings of answers they sought as well as new questions.

This is a fun book but don't seek it to answer all your questions. It is a trilogy so those answers will be spread out in those 3 books. It's still a good start and we have very smart kids. We also get the frustration of secrets being kept as well as those that hold power are not all benevolent. By the end of the book you can see the beginnings of an uprising, but for the good of the community. If they get that change it remains to be seen but you are rooting for that change in the end.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. It starts out a bit slow and the characters aren't quite full of the depth I often seek, but it is enough to keep me wanting to know what happens to them and how they change and grow. There is more than one character here that is primed for huge leaps in growth and I really want to see it happen. This book is also full of adventure and a sense of exploration that I think that not only older YA but younger YA and MG readers would enjoy. I really want to know what is next for our characters in the next 2 books.

I received this ARC from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Cornerstone (The Cornerstone Series #1) by Misty Provencher

Nalena Maxwell has been branded ‘The Waste’ at her new school, due to her mom's obsessive paper hoarding. Nalena desperately wants something to change in her life, but when she receives a sign (and it's the wrong dang one) inviting her into a mysterious, ancient community, too much changes. What she knew of her family, what she thought of her life and what she believed about her future, is no longer applicable. Seventeen years worth of family skeletons come crashing into Nalena's life and it is the boy...the one that smiles at her like he wants to hear everything she'll ever say...that already knows her powerful secrets. But it is only Nalena that can choose between protecting the life that is already crumbling beneath her feet and the one that might sacrifice everything she could ever have.

The story starts out our heroine, Nalena. She is living with her mom who has a compulsion and a horder of paper with names and dates. This, as well as the harassment by bulling at school, helps us to understand how isolated Nalena feels and how strong she is by surviving everything and still finds ways to cope.

When we meet Garrett the world starts to evolve for Nalena and a world full of trusting people and important secret missons become the focus. I admit that during this time my emotions mirrored Nalena as her frustration grew as she became more aware of how much of this world she didn't know. I was upset with her mother as important information was kept from her and found her parental abilities lacking. Nalena needed to understand her new found world and make decisions. You can't make those important decisions in a vacuum. Fortunately, we do get answers enough for us to feel like she can make those important decisions and I softened quite a bit with her mother as her motives and parental involvement became much clearer.

Yes, I did love Garrett and enjoyed their bit of romance. However, there were times I really had problems with him. He knew what kind of existence she had at school, so I was upset when he wasn't completely straight with her (and where was he prior?). He had to know it was hard for her to trust and would have liked him to be much more upfront with Nalena. He, however, did nothing too bad and it made sense for a kid without full knowledge of the world. I think he redeemed himself when he made no bones about who he was with and who he loved to their classmates.

I give this book 4 stars. It's a interesting YA and I really didn't expect to be so involved with these characters. I recommend this book to those that enjoy PNR YA. I really can't wait to read the next book, Keystone.

I won this book from Heather from Buried in Books (and told I needed to read it, she was right) and no compensation for my review was given.

Bloggy PS:

Check your local ebook seller... it's free!! WHEE!

Breathe Book Blitz

Breathe (Atlantis #1)

by Suzanne Cox

Published: October 22nd 2012 by Suzanne Cox Books

17 year old science prodigy, Laney Brookes, is looking for two things: a cure for the flu virus that’s ravaging the world and the truth about what happened to her father. Using clues from her father’s secret journals, she and her two friends Kate and Carter follow what she thinks is the path to the answers.

It’s a path that lands them in the lost world of Atlantis, a world struggling to survive. Laney finds more than just answers in Atlantis. She finds love. To get her friends and herself home, Laney will have to travel into enemy territory, led by Andrew a young Atlantean determined to return his people to power. In the process she’ll even unravel the mystery of her missing father. But first, she’ll have to figure out who the real enemy is.

Goodreads link:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16122111-breathe

Author Bio:

I remember writing my first stories when I was about nine or ten years old. I've been writing ever since. In 2002 I decided to seriously try and get some of my work published. On February 14th of 2005 I sold my first book, A Different Kind of Man, to Harlequin Superromance. While trying to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up, besides a writer, I went to college (alot) and worked a variety of jobs. I have a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in secondary education, a bachelor of science in nursing, a master of science in career and technical education with an emphasis in adult education and most recently, a master of science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner. I was also a National Board Certified Teacher in career and technical education. Along the way I've worked as a high school English teacher and an elementary teacher. I've worked as a registered nurse on a cardiac unit, brain injury rehab unit, and several different medical-surgical units. I've also done stints as a home health nurse and a commnunity health educator at a hospital, and many years as an allied health instructor at a high school career and technology center. Presently, I'm working full time as a family nurse practitioner at an inpatient psychiatric facility.

If I'm not writing I like to spend time reading. My husband and I share our home with our four legged children. Our boy and girl in puppy dog clothes, Toby and Sassy, who masquerade as Miniature Pinschers. We are also owned by three cats Chase, Jackson, and Spots. We are all terrorized by Gray Kitty, a stray who decided to stay and take over.

Author Links:

http://suzannecoxbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.suzannecoxbooks.com/

http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneCoxBooks

http://twitter.com/suz_anne_cox

Buy link:

Amazon

Giveaway:

US Only

• (1) copy of Breathe & (1) Marked.
• Sparkly nail polish that coordinates with the book cover.
• A stoneware necklace with concentric circle design from Breathe by Kaatee art.
• Metal bookmark

Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter:

Thowback Thursday!

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read.

Dead Witch Walking 
by Kim Harrison

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party...and to feed. 

Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining - and it's Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized. 

A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead...or undead.

I won this book from Felicia, The Geeky Blogger and I seriously can't wait to dive into it. She says I must read it so... I must! You must always do what Felicia says. It's true, it's a law or something. At least that is what she has told me... ;) Seriously, though... I can't wait to dive into this series.

So, what is on your shelves waiting for you to read?

The Warlock's Curse Blog Tour!

Why I decided to self-publish my third book (and it’s not why you think.)

By M.K. Hobson

I very clearly remember the moment I decided to self-publish The Warlock's Curse, the third book in my Veneficas Americana historical fantasy series.

I was sitting in a little Chinese restaurant near my work--one of my favorite places to take my notebook and write during my lunchhour. My agent had broken the news to me a couple of weeks earlier that Ballantine Spectra, the publisher of my first two books, had decided not to take their option on the next book in the series, so I was grinding feverishly on a proposal for a new stand-alone novel.

The news from my publisher had been disappointing, and it had also kind of taken me by surprise. The Native Star, my debut novel, had been nominated for a Nebula award and it had "earned out" (meaning that it had made enough money to pay for the advance Spectra hadpaid me.) I had thought these factors might allow my publisher to look beyond the lower sales number on the second book in the duology, The Hidden Goddess.

I was so confident, in fact, that I had already written the first draft of The Warlock’s Curse. And I was really excited about it--more excited, honestly, than I was about the (admittedly nifty) secondary-world political fantasy I was pitching.

What really bugged me, however, was knowing that even once I finished the proposal, I wouldn’t have an answer back for months. And there was certainly no guarantee that the answer would be yes. And even if the answer was yes, it would be at least another two or three years before the book saw print. And it could even be significantly more than that. I know other writers (all at a roughly similar stage of their career as I am) who’ve had to wait four, five, even six years for their book to get on to their big publisher’s release schedule.

The thought of waiting all that time to get another book on the market really worried me. After a lapse of that length, even if it I filled it with short fiction and internet antics, I’d be right back at base camp, packing my oxygen tanks for the arduous climb up PR mountain. But I’d put a lot of hard work into building an author platform and reader goodwill. I didn’t want to see it all go to waste. And that was the moment I decided that I was going to self-publish the next book in the series myself.

This decision had many immediately attractive elements. I could continue publishing on a nice, predictable, book-a-year schedule. I’d have the final say over the look and feel of my books. I’d get to keep all the rights. It was only as time went on that all the less-attractive parts started to reveal themselves. The huge risk, both financially and professionally. The long hours spent learning esoteric aspects of print and ebook production. The lingering stigma of being a “vanity published” author.

  Would I like to nestle comfortably under the wing of a traditional publisher again? Well sure, if it were as comfy and downy as I’d always imagined a traditional publishing arrangement would be. Even though self-publishing has come a long way, there’s still a feeling that I’m not quite a “real” author. But then, back in the days when I was running my own small business--working fifty hour weeks and hustling like mad--I never felt like I had a “real” job, either.

But to be quite honest, when you get right down to it, an armpit is still an armpit. And at this point, I’m more interested in testing my own wings.

Author's Bio:

M.K. Hobson’s debut novel, The Native Star—the first book in her Veneficas Americana series—was nominated for a Nebula award in 2010. She lives in the first city in the United States incorporated west of the Rockies. Her favorite writers are Theodore Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, Booth Tarkington, Gore Vidal, and William S. Burroughs. The Warlock’s Curse is her third novel. You can find out more at her website, www.demimonde.com.

 

The Warlock's Curse

THE YEAR IS 1910. Eighteen-year-old Will Edwards has landed a prestigious apprenticeship at Detroit’s Tesla Industries, the most advanced scientific research center in the United States. It’s a plum prize for a young man who dreams of a career in the new science of Otherwhere Engineering.But his father doesn’t want him to go. And he won’t tell him why.Determined to get there by any means necessary, Will finds unexpected support along the way. His old friend Jenny Hansen—daughter of a San Francisco timber baron—is eager to help him for reasons of her own. And so is his estranged brother Ben, who he hasn’t seen in over ten years.But running away turns out to be the easy part. On the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday, Will is stricken by a powerful magic—a devastating curse laid upon his ancestors by the malevolent sangrimancer Aebedel Cowdray. Will must find a way to control the magic that possesses him—or the vengeful warlock’s spirit will destroy everything and everyone he loves.

Website: http://www.thewarlockscurse.com

Twitter: mkhobson

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mkhobson

Giveaway!

Prize package of *signed* copies of The Native Star, The Hidden Goddess and The Warlock's Curse as well as a swag pack of a Tesla Industries pin, magnets and a sticker *not shown*.
*Open to US only*

...AND
13 ebooks of The Warlock's Curse 
*Open worldwide*
Ends 12/30/12

Just fill out the rafflecopter form below:

Top of Tuesday!

I have been enjoying this meme on Felicia's The Geeky Blogger's blog and have finally found some time to join in. The other players are Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading. Button made by Missie at The Unread Reader

My submission this week:

Devil Without a Cause by Terri Garey

Idle hands are the devil's workshop. 

Temptation and seduction are the tricks of the Devil's trade, and when offered the chance to regain his wings by playing guardian angel, he's hell-bent on doing things his way... 

Faith McFarland is in need of a miracle. So desperate to save her sick child, she's willing to make a deal with the Devil: steal a ring worn by Finn Payne, the bad-boy rockstar who long ago sold his soul for rock 'n roll. Temptation and seduction become necessary evils, yet Faith's salvation means Finn's damnation...because the ring is all that stands between him and Hell. Falling in love was never part of the bargain, but now that they've tasted heaven in each other's arms, can they convince the Devil to give up his due?

Oh I know... too much coat, but still a nice view. ;) Still it's a fun book and I think those that read this one would like to play with Sammy the devil. :D I reviewed this one HERE. Oh and to make up for the coat covering I'll throw in the vid as well...

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by Moira Young

It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise. 

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

This is the second book in the Dust Land series with Blood Red Road as the first. When I read Blood Red Road, I honestly didn't think I'd like it. The writing style was unique and I thought it would draw me out of the story too much. I was wrong and that book turned out to be one of my favorite books of last year. So, naturally I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Especially when I thought it might feature Jack!

Well, I was wrong. It did have to deal with Jack in a prominent way but he wasn't in the book as much as I would have liked. It was more about Jack's motivations and who he really is in his heart and soul. It's also the beginning journey for Saba to find out what is really in her heart and soul. She didn't have time to ponder that the last time and had only survival on her mind.

With this transition in direction we get frustrated. We want all the details at once and yet it would be too much so we had to wait to figure it all out with Saba. Unfortunately some answers do not come in this book although I suspect they will be revealed in the future. However, we do, in the end find out about Jack so that answer helps us survive any other questions we might also want fulfilled.

The author, Moira Young, also knows how to write personalities in animals. Even if they don't have a lot of time on the pages. We also know that it is a harsh environment and not everyone survives. This kept me gripping at the book a lot, worrying about the animals constantly. Granted not everyone is as bad as me, but I swear I didn't breathe until the end of the book. For those who are like me highlight for animal spoiler: Saba's animals are fine. None of her animals dies. :) *end slight spoiler. I know it's not a big spoiler but some people actually like the tension this creates... it's just not me. ;)

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I was frustrated with the lack of answers, but at the same time I felt it was intentional. This is a transition book. It's Saba's transition, so it works. I'm curious as to the direction the author is going with these characters so I know I must have that next book! Oh and do read these in order. You'll be lost otherwise.

I received this ARC from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Iron's Prophecy (The Iron Fae #4.5) by Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase is finally getting used to being the Iron Queen, ruler of the Iron Fey. Her life may be strange, but with former Winter prince Ash by her side at last, she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

But when they travel to the Summer and Winter courts’ gathering for Elysium, the oracle from Meghan’s past returns with a dire prophecy: “What you carry will either unite the courts, or it will destroy them.” Now Meghan faces a devastating choice that may determine the future of all fey—and her and Ash’s unborn child…

A novella from the bestselling Iron Fey series

 Yea, yea... I know... I reviewed Ethan's book before this one. Please... like you are shocked that I read out of order... ;)

I got this book when it was free and so I needed to know what else I had missed. We find out that Meghan is pregnant and there is a prophecy about her child. A child of winter, summer and iron. Very powerful.

To me this was more a journey on trusting yourself with the unknown. Although I'm not a parent, I can see that this is also likened to the fear they may have when first learning they are going to add to their family. Will I be a good enough parent? What I do influences the child, so what can I do to make sure they turn out well? And like real life this book does not provide the answers to those questions. It's about trusting yourself and doing the best you can. I also think it sets up what is to come in the books about Ethan. This child is going to play a personal role in his adventures.

I give this novella 4 stars. It works as a in-between book. One that you know will provide you with more questions and answers, but also sets you up for Ethan's book, The Lost Prince. And despite what I do, I DO recommend reading them in order. :D

Book Blitz!

Lonely Souls (Witch Avenue #1)

by Karice Bolton

Published: 6/29/2012 by Bulldog Press

It’s two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother’s disappearance. Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother’s empty grave. 

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother’s disappearance. As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger. 

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness. Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it’s too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

Goodreads link:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13504052-lonely-souls

Altered Souls (The Witch Avenue #2)
by Karice Bolton

Published October 2012 by Bulldog Press 

The realm of Altered Souls brings nothing but unrest, deceit, and pain forcing Triss to come face to face with heartbreak from her past.

Facing a betrayal like never before, Triss questions everything she thought she knew about her family, coven, and abilities.

With the help of Logan, she embarks on a journey enabling her to confront the dark side of magic and the person who controls it. Realizing Triss’s ancestors have been seduced for centuries by the dark side, Triss and Logan must ensure no more in their world fall victim to the realm of Altered Souls, even if that means ending the ones they love.

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15828982-altered-souls

Author Bio:

Karice BoltonKarice Bolton is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy author living in the Pacific Northwest. All three books in The Watchers Trilogy are available now, Awakening, Legions, and Cataclysm. Lonely Souls, which is the first book in her new series Witch Avenue, was released in June 2012!

Karice married the love of her life who she met in high school, and she still can't get over how cute and funny he is. They have two English Bulldogs that are the cutest bullies in the world, and they use their cuteness to get what they want. Karice loves the snow and gravitates towards the stuff as often as possible! She enjoys skiing and tries really hard to snowboard, but often makes a nice little area to sit while everyone zips by on their board. She enjoys writing, and she also loves to read just about anything with print.

Author Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5240334.Karice_Bolton

Website: http://www.karicebolton.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karicebolton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karice-Bolton/218230041566833

Buy links:

Lonely Souls-

http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Souls-Avenue-Series-ebook/dp/B008EKQUBQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Altered Souls-

http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Souls-Avenue-Series-ebook/dp/B009YI59BE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352169469&sr=8-1&keywords=Altered+Souls

Giveaway:

SUPER huge giveaway with Kindles, gift cards, and swag packs! The more you share it, the more you can be entered to win. Go to the link below for the details.
(US only)

http://blog.karicebolton.com/2012/11/02/kindle-fire-witch-avenue-series-giveaway-begins-now.aspx

Throwback Thursday!

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read.

My submission this week:

My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland

Angel Crawford is a loser 

Living with her alcoholic deadbeat dad in the swamps of southern Louisiana, she's a high school dropout with a pill habit and a criminal record who's been fired from more crap jobs than she can count. Now on probation for a felony, it seems that Angel will never pull herself out of the downward spiral her life has taken. 

That is, until the day she wakes up in the ER after overdosing on painkillers. Angel remembers being in an horrible car crash, but she doesn't have a mark on her. To add to the weirdness, she receives an anonymous letter telling her there's a job waiting for her at the parish morgue—and that it's an offer she doesn't dare refuse. 

Before she knows it she's dealing with a huge crush on a certain hunky deputy and a brand new addiction: an overpowering craving for brains. Plus, her morgue is filling up with the victims of a serial killer who decapitates his prey—just when she's hungriest!
Angel's going to have to grow up fast if she wants to keep this job and stay in one piece. Because if she doesn't, she's dead meat. 

Literally.

Ever since I saw the cover art at Dan Dos Santos's site and then heard the title, I have wanted to read it. I actually have it on my shelf and I already know I want the next one which is also out. *sigh* I can't believe I haven't read it yet!

So, what is on your shelf waiting to be read?

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war. 

This is not that world. 

Ar student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is--and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it. 

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life. 

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. 

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into the book. Not because anything was lacking but because I was trying to catch up in my mind as to what had happened before. Yes, this is a series that must be read in order and also not too far apart. I just think you'd be able to get into the book quicker that way.

Oh but when I did... I really didn't want to put down this book. I was worried that it would lack as some second books do, but when I dreamed of scenes in this book at night, I knew there was nothing lacking here. Her words are as lush as the first one and the scenes they invoke are as interesting as the first. In some ways more so since we are ever so much more invested in these characters.

There were parts of this book that are heartbreaking and twists and turns I never saw coming. As soon as you thought things would do as planned HUGE wrenches would be thrown in and your heart twists at the outcome. There were times I wanted to throw the book and yell... NO! It can't be and then hold my breath to see if I was right. And although I will never have that same feeling again when I reread this book, I just know that eventually I'll be reading this series more than once.

Oh I give this book 5 stars. It ends in a bit of a cliffie, but nothing you can't handle. I think I'd be more upset if I had to leave this world after this book than knowing I'll be back hopefully soon. I recommend this to the older YA and adult crowd who enjoys adventure, fantasy and a lot of twists in a story that keep you on the edge of your seat. Oh I do think Laini Taylor has a fan in me!

I received this eARC from Little Brown Books and no compensation for my review was given.

Top Off Tuesday!

I have been enjoying this meme on Felicia's The Geeky Blogger's blog and have finally found some time to join in. The other players are Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading. Button made by Missie at The Unread Reader

My submission:

North of Need by Laura Kaye

While attempting to escape the agonizing memories she associates with Christmas, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband-and collapses in tears against the snowman at the sight of what she'll never have.Called to life by the power of Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things, and her heart opens enough to believe he's a Christmas miracle. But this miracle comes with an expiration-before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.

I actually reviewed this one last year (HERE) and I think this is a great book for those cold nights. What do you think? :)