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Friday, July 6, 2012
Review: Enslaved in Shadows by Tigris Eden
Series: Shadow Unit Book #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Author: Tigris Eden
Pub Date:
June 18th 2012
Publisher: Book Rhythm
Format: eBook
Summary from Goodreads
A man's Past leads to his Future......
Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.
When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.
The Heart of a woman is Tested........
Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she's endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.
Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?
One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.
The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.
Enslaved in Shadows is a new urban fantasy novel from debut author, Tigris Eden. Let me say up front that Tigris is a friend of mine. She's my fellow Sister of the Werefly and I was uber-excited to read her novel. I received the ARC in early June and started reading it with glee. The bad news is my "writing" brain took over as I read each page. There were editing challenges throughout that wouldn't allow me to sink into the story. The good news is - I had an ARC and Tigris let me know that changes were made to the final print version and many of the editorial issues were corrected. So instead of continuing with the ARC, I purchased the book with "One Click" and let Chessiebomb read to me. I'm a Text-to-Speech whore with my Kindle 3 - aka Chessiebomb. Listening to a book allows me to turn off my writing brain be 100% in reader mode. I'm happy to report It worked.
The world of the Shadow Unit is an interesting blend of the usual paranormal creatures such as werewolves and vampires, with a few new immortals that aren't commonly seen. The world building was extensive and felt a bit rushed at times, but being the first book in a series, it's expected.
The romance between the main characters, Jess and Draven is three-alarm chili hot with several steamy sex scenes. Jess is a broken woman trying to rebuild her life when her past catches up with her and turns her world upside down. Draven is pure alpha male and is a great contrast to Jess' personality. I wanted to know more about his background beyond the Shadow Unit. I wanted to see what made him tick. There were glimpses - but not enough to satisfy me. Hopefully we'll learn more in the next book.
There are a couple of torture scenes that I could have done without. One was okay and fit well with the scene. The second had me a "WHOA!" After learning about Jess and what she's running from, the torture scene didn't see balanced with the details. It was a bit much for me.
Overall, the story kept me hooked. I really enjoyed the secondary immortal characters and Ms. Eden in a great path to adding humor and snark between her characters. I look forward to learning more about them and their special skills in future books. Enslaved in Shadows is a great start to what I hope will be a long running series.
Get your read on!
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Guess What?
So...I'm back :)
I've been reading since I've been gone. A lot.
No. I mean it. A LOT.
So be prepared. The Reviews are coming.
I promise you won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Stop SOPA & PIPA!
Sometimes you DO need to pick a side.
Join the largest online protest in history! Tell Congress to stop this bill now!
Fight for the Future is a non-profit organization fighting for people's freedoms in a new digital age.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Review: Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison
Series: Elder Races, #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Thea Harrison
Pub: October 4, 2001, Berkley Sensation
Format: Paperback, 312 pages; eBook
In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling—without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.
Recently, Carling's Power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpen's kiss—the vampyric disease that's killing her.
With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss
It's been a while since I posted a book review so forgive me as I pour some oil on the squeaky wheels of my "review" brain.
*Ahem*. Have I told you how much I FRICKIN' LOVE THEA HARRISON? I may have tweeted it about a bazillion times already, but I do. Her writing style is a refreshing change from the typical paranormal romance. There are no plain vamps or shifters in Ms. Harrison's books. She gives us Dragons, Unicorns and Gryphons... yeah, you read that right. Gryphons!! Need I say more?
Rune and Carling are complete polar opposites. They're both ancient creatures, but Rune has managed to keep up with life and continues to reinvent himself as time passes. Carling, on the other hand has not. Her many years as a vampire have made her bored with life but the same "gift" that has given her long life is now killing her. As she tries to settle her affairs and prepare for her own death, Rune enters her life and they begin a journey of discovery and find a love that is timeless.
The romance in Serpent's Kiss is nuclear. There's no other way to describe it. If you've read Dragon Bound, you know Ms. Harrison isn't shy with the smex and she never disappoints. There's a certain scene that takes place in a hotel lobby that made me sweat! The wit and snark that is Rune jumps off the page. Here's one of my favorite quotes from Rune:
Just wait until you see what I can do with the fancy stuff, like a bed.
Of course, no Elder Races book would be complete without an appearance from the Wyr Lord, Dragos and his mate Pia. Here's my favorite quote from the Lord of Snark, Dragos:
“Bloody hell,” Dragos muttered from across the clearing. “I don’t know what the fuck that was, but something definitely happened.”
Serpent's Kiss is a "slow build" kind of story. By that, I mean Ms. Harrison is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. In the Elder Races series, each book helps to expand the world and characters she has created and Serpent's Kiss follows that same formula. Some readers feel that it slows the pace of the story, but for me I thoroughly enjoyed it. When an author takes the time to build a world so intricate and so complete that it's seamless from book to book, they've nailed it and will have me as a fan for life.
Get your read on!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 - A Year in Review
I hadn't planned on doing an end of year post - but with so many of my pals doing posts, it reminded me of how awesome 2011 was for me as a Blogger and a Writer. Without further adieu I'm sharing my quick thoughts about 2011 and all the fun I've had.
As a Blogger.....
As a Blogger.....
Can I just say I LOVE THEA HARRISON? Her debut novel, Dragon Bound is Book 1 of the new Elder Races series by this wonderful author and I was hooked from the first chapter. There are two more books and a novella in the series: Storm's Heart, Serpent's Kiss and True Colors (in that order). CHECK THEM OUT!
In August I attended Authors After Dark and finally met all of my blogger buddies face to face. It was pure heaven. Check out my post about all the fun here.
New 2 Me Authors
The books listed above represent my top author picks for 2011 for New 2 Me Authors. While the books were already published, with squee pressure from fellow bloggers I picked up several series from Ilona Andrews, Jennifer Estep, Alexis Morgan and Carolyn Crane. Three words -- OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!! Each series has it's own kick ass female lead or hunky hard cord hero. These are the first books in each of the series. If you haven't picked them up yet stop waiting and get to it.
As a Writer...
Next up - my very first trip to Romance Writers of America National Convention in New York. It was amazing! The seminars and workshops were great and I met so many of my favorite authors! Oh and I can't forget all the crazy free books!
To say 2011 was a year full of awesome sauce would be putting it mildly. I've met so many new friends, discovered new books and authors, I can't wait for 2012 to get started. So no time like the present :)
Happy New Year Everyone! May 2012 Bring You Joy and Happiness and lots and lots of good books!
Get your read on!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I just wanted to take a minute to thank all my friends, family and followers for your kind words of support and patience during my "unscheduled" blogging hiatus.
After completing my Triathlon, I'd plan to jump back in with my reviews and rambling posts, but a car accident and increased "real job" duties made it impossible. But I'm on the mend, finished with training and ready to get back into the swing of things.
So stay tuned! In January my blog turns 2! I'll be doing a ton a giveaways of books and bling from my favorite authors.
Thanks for sharing your love of books with me in 2011. I promise to keep things rolling for 2012. There are so many awesome books scheduled for release, it's going to be a blast!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
And The Winner Is......Lori Z!
Congratulations LORI Z! You're the winner of the copy of The Renfield Syndrome!! I'll be emailing you shortly with the details.
Thanks to everyone for participating and to KLB Virtual Events!
Get your read on!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Guess What? I'm a Triathlete!
Yesterday, I ran my first triathlon - The Ramblin' Rose - Charlotte Triathlon. Swim 250 meters. Bike 9 miles. Run 2 miles. When my buddy Penny suggested that I sign up, three other girlfriends were geeked to do it as well. So I gave in to peer pressure and I'm so glad I did.
The group we joined is called Tri It For Life, a non-profit organization that helps train women for their first Triathlon. Training started in June. I didn't know how to swim - so TIFL mentors taught me. Don't ask how long it had been since I rode a bike - but the mentors of TIFL worked with me and helped me get up to speed (excuse the pun). For the running portion I worked out with some great women who run every Tuesday and Thursday morning at a local mall. In the end - 12 weeks later - I was ready to DO THIS THING!
Pictures say more than words so here we go!
TRI IT FOR LIFE CELEBRATION DINNER 9/23/11
From left to right: Marlene, Dawn, Mentor Penny and Me
Sassy me! (30lbs lighter)
Me and Mentor/Cheerleader Extraordinaire Penny
TIFL Super Mentor Laurie. She taught me how to swim!
My Race Number
6:30 AM Transition Set up! RACE DAY!
Me and Sister Athlete Deborah
Fabulous Mentor Sisters - Erica and Penny
Marlene and Me Pre-Race
Waiting on the Platform for my turn to swim.
And hereeeee we go!
Starting the Run portion
I DID IT!!! 1 Hour 38 Minutes 12 Seconds
Many thanks to all my sister athletes and mentors who made this dream a reality.
Come on Ramblin' Rose 2012!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
KLB Virtual Journey: The Renfield Syndrome by J. A. Saare
Title: The Renfield Syndrome
Series: Rhiannon's Law #2
Genre: Urban FantasyAuthor: J. A. SAARE
Where do I start? How do I begin? As with other reviewers -- I don't want to give too many details --that will spoil the story and I really don't want to do that. What I can say is once again, author, J.A. Saare nails it! If you thought Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between was a great book - you will absolutely ADORE The Renfield Syndrome.
KLB has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader a copy of The Renfield Syndrome. All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address. Contest ends at 11:59 pm on 10/3/11. Winner will be selected by Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond. Good luck!
Check out the other great bloggers on the tour!
Get your read on!
Pub: August 23, 2011, Mundania Press
Format: Paperback, 212 pages; eBook
Summary from back cover:
Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.
Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.
After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.
Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.
After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.
Barnes & Noble : Amazon : Amazon Market Place : Powell's Books :Amazon Kindle : Alibris : Book Depository
Find Author Here:JA Saare on Goodreads : Twitter : Website
Where do I start? How do I begin? As with other reviewers -- I don't want to give too many details --that will spoil the story and I really don't want to do that. What I can say is once again, author, J.A. Saare nails it! If you thought Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between was a great book - you will absolutely ADORE The Renfield Syndrome.
Saare takes Rhiannon (and readers) on an emotional journey that will leave you clutching your chest in excitement. I love it when an author writes "outside the box" with their characters. For example, think of the number one thing a character would never do -- then make them do it AND make the consequences OMFG worthy. Yeah -- it's like that.
Just wanted to share one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Rhiannon's Law #68: If you're going to fly by the seat of your pants, rock out with your cock out. The landing is going to hurt either way, and you might as well make an impression when you nail it.”
We all know that Rhiannon is a smart mouthed-azz kicking-badazz chick. But Saare takes you deeper into Rhiannon's relationships and interactions with the characters in this book.
It's one thing to try and control events that occur around you, but Rhiannon is in 100% react mode from start to end. She can't control anything. Saare pulls no punches in this story line and she even throws in a few dirty kicks to the ribs while you're down. But trust me -- it's a good thing.
I wouldn't recommend that you read The Renfield Syndrome as a stand-alone. There are too many necessary references to Book 1 that you'll miss (it also adds to the excitement and pacing of the story). So if you haven't started this series. GET TO IT! If you're waiting on a reason to move on to Book 2 - stop procrastinating! You will not be disappointed.
GIVEAWAY
Check out the other great bloggers on the tour!
SCHEDULE:
Nikki Brandy Berry Review Sept 13
Buckeye Girl Reads Review Sept 16
Donna Guest Post Sept 17
Reading with Tequilla Review Sept 18
Thyra's book addiction Reveiw Sept 20
Drens B SPot Review &Giveaway Sept 21
Kickin Back With kiwi Review Sept 22
Asiain Cocoa Review Sept 23
Escape by Fiction Review Sept 24
Reviews by Molly Review Sept 25
Larissa's Bookish Life Feature Sept 27
JoJo's Book Corner Review Sept 27
Books N Kisses Book Feature Sept 28
Ash Review & Giveaway Sept 29
Love to Read 4 Fun Review Sept 30
Twimom Review Oct 2
Book and Movie Dimension Oct 3
Get your read on!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
KLB First Class Tour: Q & A with author Ty Langston
Published July 26th 2011
Lazyday Publishing
119 pages
Erotic Novella
Beth Mason seemingly has it all. A successful bakery/café called Decadent Dreams, good friends, and a nice home in Stamford, New York.
After her previous boyfriend dumped her six months before for not spending enough time with him, Beth decided that she had been through enough and wanted more in a relationship. Throwing herself back into the dating scene, Beth decided to go onto an online dating website called, ‘A Foreign Affair.’
Enjoying the different types of men from all over the world that ‘A Foreign Affair’ catered to, Beth became struck by a handsome man from Belarus named Yuri who was the former manager of the famed Rhapsody night club. After realizing that they had a lot in common, the two struck up a close, intense relationship.
Yuri, who’s been depressed since his nightclub burned to the ground and watching his best friend’s parents both die from a terminal illness, decided to take Beth up on an invite and join her for a fun-filled weekend in New York City.With both of them full of emotions, will the weekend be just what they needed or more than they bargained for?
As part of KLB’s First Class Tour with Author Ty Langston, I'm featuring an interview with Ty. Please join me in welcoming her to the B-Spot!
Dren: Thanks of much for joining me on your tour Ty! Let's get right down to it. Vampires or Werewolves? Why?
Ty: Werewolves. They’re sexy, hot (literally) and can play in the daytime.
Dren: Thanks of much for joining me on your tour Ty! Let's get right down to it. Vampires or Werewolves? Why?
Ty: Werewolves. They’re sexy, hot (literally) and can play in the daytime.
Dren: If you could tell us in 140 characters or less. (Twitter Style) How would you explain Decadent Dreams?
Ty: Sexy, Fun and Hot with a capital H.
Dren: What animal characteristics would you describe as closely related to your personality?
Ty: I’ve been told I’ve got good instincts.
Dren: What did it feel like when you got your first contract?
Ty: Beyond thrilled. It was the culmination of two years of work. I had been though a lot during that time. I got very sick, was hospitalized and was just getting to know my father and half siblings. It was a huge learning experience. I realized that time is our most precious commodity. So, I worked as hard as I could at trying to make a dream a reality.
Dren: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Ty: Write. Write all the time. Doesn’t matter how much or how little. Just try to write something everyday. Also, read. Read a lot. When I have the time, I try to read as much as I can. Authors are a talented bunch, in my opinion, there is more than enough room for everyone who has a talent for storytelling.
Dren: What is your writing process?
Ty: I tend to write at night until early morning. I write long-handed in a notebook and then I transfer it all to my laptop. (yes, I have a death wish. LOL)
Dren: What are you working on now?
Ty: A paranormal story called “Coming Home” which will be a part of Lazy Day’s 1st printed offering called “Indulgence” and wrapping up “Mail Order Groom”
Dren: What is the one thing you can't do with out when writing?
Dren: What animal characteristics would you describe as closely related to your personality?
Ty: I’ve been told I’ve got good instincts.
Dren: What did it feel like when you got your first contract?
Ty: Beyond thrilled. It was the culmination of two years of work. I had been though a lot during that time. I got very sick, was hospitalized and was just getting to know my father and half siblings. It was a huge learning experience. I realized that time is our most precious commodity. So, I worked as hard as I could at trying to make a dream a reality.
Dren: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Ty: Write. Write all the time. Doesn’t matter how much or how little. Just try to write something everyday. Also, read. Read a lot. When I have the time, I try to read as much as I can. Authors are a talented bunch, in my opinion, there is more than enough room for everyone who has a talent for storytelling.
Dren: What is your writing process?
Ty: I tend to write at night until early morning. I write long-handed in a notebook and then I transfer it all to my laptop. (yes, I have a death wish. LOL)
Dren: What are you working on now?
Ty: A paranormal story called “Coming Home” which will be a part of Lazy Day’s 1st printed offering called “Indulgence” and wrapping up “Mail Order Groom”
Dren: What is the one thing you can't do with out when writing?
Ty: Music and water. If I don’t have my headphones or Ipod, it’s a bad scene at my house.
Thanks so much for stopping by the B-Spot Ty! I wish you continued success in your writing endeavors.
Thanks so much for stopping by the B-Spot Ty! I wish you continued success in your writing endeavors.
Want to learn more about Ty? You can find her:
Purchase Links:
Schedule of Events
8-18 Xee’s Corner: Review
8-28 Author Chat ((More Info to come)) *Giveaway
8-31 Skyla: Review
9-4 Penny Pimpin
9-4 KLB Discussion
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