Review- Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

Back cover as provided by Goodreads

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South — when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my wayCaine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction...especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

So the first chapter of the book is so amazing that I have to post at least the opening lines:

“My name is Gin, and I kill people.”

Normally, my confession would have elicited gasps of surprise. Pale faces. Nervous sweat. Stifled screams. An overturned chair or two as people scrambled to get away before I buried a knife in their heart—or back. A sucking wound was a sucking wound. I wasn’t picky about where I caused it.

“Hi, Gin,” four people chorused back to me in perfect, dull, monotone unison.

But not in this place. Within the walled confines of Ashland Asylum, my confession, true though it might be, didn’t even merit a raised eyebrow, much less shock and frightened awe. I was relatively normal compared to the freaks of nature and magic who populated the grounds. Like Jackson, the seven-foot-tall albino giant seated to my left who drooled worse than a mastiff and gurgled like a three-month-old child.

This 1) made me laugh rather manically and 2) immediately sucked me into the Elemental Assassin Series. The premise of Jennifer Estep's urban fantasy series takes no prisoners. In this world there are vampires, giants, dwarfes and elementals. Elementals have the ability to control an element such as air, water, fire or stone as well as off shoots such as lightning, metal etc. Gin Blanco is the main character of the series, an elemental assassin whose day job is as cook at the Pork Pit a local bbq restaurant.

Gin is a very strong main character (my kind of woman), who is somewhat jaded to the world. While she is an assassin, she does not enjoy killing people but only sees it as a career choice. She is witty and quick witha strong sense of loyalty to her friends and family. As the back cover explains, Gin wants revenge after her mentor and handler is brutally murdered. Her partner in crime is Finnegan Lane, her handler's son. The two strike out into corrupt Ashland looking for the murdered.

I don't want to give out any more spoilers, since I would not be able to do the plot justice, The character development is great and the action allows the plot to move very nicely. There are no parts that one gets bogged down. The only annoyance I had was the obligatory love interest during the book, but in the end I was okay with the plot line. I think it is because it's not all sunshine and rainbows that brings the book together in the end.

I would definitely recommend this read, and afterwards you will definitely want to read the other books in the series.

Rating: 4.5/5
Arianna

Review - Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Consort is the third book in Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter Series.

Blurb from Goodreads:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel
Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new
evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer,
vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire
after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael
himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms
darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

This is the continuation of the Guild Hunter Series. I was a little apprehensive since I was not a big fan of the last book Archangel's Kiss. However, this book contains loads more action as well as character development than the previous and I really enjoyed the read. The story still focuses on Elena and Rapheal,but many of the other characters have more of a storyline.There is still a great amount of focus on their love... blah blah blah. Normally I have no problem with love in a book, after all Black Dagger Brotherhood focuses a lot on love, but in this case three books talking about their complicated love life is enough for me. I ended up reading the book wanting to know more about the other characters such as Illium, Dimitri and Jason. This definitely has a setting reminiscent of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and has quite a bit of potential for more storylines. There is also a great plot line about the complicated relationship of Elena and her father. In the end I still connected with Elena and her attempts to adjust to the new life she now lives.  The action was seamless and flowed nicely, and kept the plot moving forward.

Overall the book was enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it as a read. There is also an upcoming book on Dmitiri(super badass vamp) which I'm super excited about. 

Rating: 4/5

~Arianna

Release Day - Carolyn Rosewood's Haunted Heart

Happy release day to Carolyn Rosewood! Carolyn's first full length novel, Haunted Heart, is available today from Etopia Press.


Blurb:

Rowena Sommers thought moving back home to restore her beloved Aunt’s home was the key to starting over. Van Whitney thought taking the job would keep his business afloat. When a ghost hunter tries to convince Rowena the home is haunted, can these two escape the past and find a future together?

We wish Carolyn success with today's release and look forward to reading it. If you just can't wait for a preview, check out this excerpt, courtesy of Carolyn.

Excerpt:

She didn’t need Hollywood, or Brett Fontaine.

Rowena Sommers stuffed the latest issue of Celebrity back in the magazine rack, glancing around the Pilot gas station to see if anyone was watching. She sipped her coffee, fuming over the slant of the article.

Contrary to what the reporter said, her relationship with bad-boy leading man Brett Fontaine was in trouble long before she filed a libel suit against him for leaking her personal e-mails to the tabloids. The dumb-ass reporter should have checked the back issues, like the ones with candid photos of Brett and his female costars, taken every time he went on location. They ran right next to the stories with headlines like: Who’s Keeping Rowena Company While Brett Romps in Australia?

A woman in denim cutoffs and an Ohio State T-shirt plucked a copy of the magazine from the rack and glanced sideways, her eyes wide. “This is you. On the cover.”

Rowena studied the picture, taken on the steps of the Van Nuys courthouse three weeks ago. The day she won her lawsuit against Brett. The same day she found out her great-aunt Lunette had died. She’d trade twice the settlement amount to hear Aunt Loony’s voice again. “Yes. That’s me.”

Rowena took another sip of coffee as she tried to formulate an answer that didn’t involve telling this woman where she could stuff that magazine. Her cell chirped. Saved by the ring tone.

“I have to take this. Excuse me.” She headed for the counter as she opened the phone with her free hand. “Tricia, impeccable timing, as always. You just saved me from an inquisitive fan.”

“And judging by the sarcasm in your voice, I’m guessing you’ve seen this week’s Celebrity?”

She glanced back toward the magazine rack, where the woman and a teen dressed like Lady Gaga were reading the article out loud. “Yeah, I’ve seen it. And as if this day could get any worse, I’m forced to drink gas station coffee.”

Tricia laughed. “No Starbucks in Creek Ridge, Ohio?”

Her best friend’s voice reached across the miles, tugging at her heart. Had it been a huge mistake leaving LA? “God, I hope there’s still a Starbucks here.” She took another sip. “This is actually better than the brown goo they tried to serve me at the Holiday Inn Express this morning.”

“Have you been to Aunt Loony’s house yet?” asked Tricia.

Rowena swiped her credit card through the machine. “On my way now. I’ll call and let you know what the contractor said.”

Ohio State and Lady Gaga moved behind her in line, still talking about the article. Rowena’s fingers trembled as she put the card back in her wallet. She pushed past them without a glance. As she opened the door to the parking lot she heard one of them mutter something, but only caught the words “Hollywood” and “bitch.”

Wonderful. Back in town less than twenty-four hours and already someone thought she had an attitude. So much for believing the gossip wouldn’t follow her home.

She waited until she pulled out of the parking lot in her brand-spanking-new Infinity SUV before screaming. Dialing her iPod menu to Led Zeppelin, she turned up the volume, loud. Angry, frustrated, rebellious. Perfect.

The readers of Celebrity weren’t interested in the story behind the lawsuit. They didn’t care about the string of bullshit promises Brett had made. Or the callous way in which he’d trashed her costume design career and her industry contacts with a few keystrokes, all because she’d dared to issue him an ultimatum.

They only cared about two things: reading her personal e-mails, and how much money the Superior Court of Los Angeles had ordered him to pay her because of what he’d done.

They didn’t care why she was in Ohio, or that Aunt Loony was dead. Brett’s money wouldn’t bring her back. Fun and zany, she’d been dubbed Aunt Loony by Rowena’s father when he was a teen, and she’d loved Rowena and her five siblings as if they were her own.

Fresh grief mixed with anticipation. Willow Lane was less than two miles away. Would she be able to handle walking through Aunt Loony’s house, knowing she’d never see her warm smile again?

Spotting a cop parked in front of a strip mall, she braked. Just for good measure, she turned down the volume on Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. She could see the headlines now: Rowena Sommers Arrested for Speeding in Hometown!

The memories overwhelmed her when she turned onto Willow Lane. She’d spent almost as much time on this street as her own, two blocks over. It hadn’t changed in ten years. The oak tree in front of Traci Westphall’s house, where she used to hide from her older sister Emma, still had dead branches along one side. Two doors down, she half expected Bud Williams to materialize in his driveway, sweeping up leaves and twigs while he muttered about the damn, dirty trees.

The scent of roses, lavender, and freshly cut grass filled the air. May sunshine shimmered on the pavement. The smells evoked memories of the end of each school year, when the magic of summer stretched out endlessly. Summer vacation meant going barefoot, walking down by the railroad tracks, and staying outside after dark to catch lightning bugs.

She was home, ready to be part of this town again. To be with people who made her feel safe, wanted, and who didn’t measure their lives by the latest Nielson ratings or market shares.

But would they welcome her? Or had they read the tabloids while laughing at the girl voted Most Likely to Trip Over Her Own Shoelaces? She’d tripped all right, landing smack in the belly of the gossip machine.

The imposing Queen Anne at the end of the street, just before the entrance to Oak Park, rose into view. Despite the faded siding and missing shutters, the grandeur of the home still took her breath away. As her eyes settled on the four-story tower, she remembered summer nights in the second-floor bedroom, wishing she could live with Aunt Loony. Her own room, with no Emma harassing her or parents screaming at one of her brothers.

She slowed the car, turning off her iPod. Letting her gaze travel up to the top floor of the tower—the lookout point—she recalled her big brother Jake and his friends pretending they were pirates. Part of the game included the ability to see all the way to Cleveland, where ships from exotic places like Spain or China would pull into port, stuffed with treasure beyond imagination. She was usually stuck playing the kidnapped damsel in distress or a cabin boy. They’d ignored Emma when she repeatedly pointed out Lake Erie had never been plagued by pirates, nor had treasure ships sailed on the Great Lakes.

The trim lawn and pristine flower beds brought a smile to her face. Her little brother had actually kept a promise. If a contractor showed up, he’d have kept two. For Mike, that would be a record.

She raised her eyes to heaven. “Thank you for the house, Aunt Loony. I promise to take good care of it.” She could almost hear Aunt Loony’s hearty laugh and see the twinkle in her green eyes.

Her smile faded at the sight of a silver Mercedes parked in the driveway. If that belonged to the contractor, she was about to get ripped off.

She parked the SUV in front, then caught the hem of her favorite summer skirt in the door as she tried to make a graceful exit. She glanced toward the Mercedes. Too late. The driver’s side door was already open. Classy way to make a first impression, Rowena.

In the towering maple on the front lawn, a pair of robins started to chirp, probably about her clumsiness. She released her skirt then took a deep breath, turning to look at the man leaning against the Mercedes. Her mouth fell open as she scanned his face. It couldn’t be…

Vance Whitney—everyone calls me Van—belonged to the perfect, popular crowd of cheerleaders and jocks that had made her existence at Creek Ridge High a lesson in insignificance.

He crossed muscled arms over a forest green polo shirt that set off his luminous blue eyes, even at this distance. Broad shoulders tapered to a trim waist, and the khakis he wore accentuated his long legs. The same confident grin she remembered spread across his tanned face.

This is the contractor Mike called? No way. Not happening.

No matter how hot he still looked.

~Lily

Bwahaha

I so love Entertainment Weekly right now.


~Lily

Review - Eat Slay Love by Jesse Petersen

Eat Slay Love is the third installment of Jesse Petersen's Living with the Dead series. The lovely Helena and I have previously reviewed Married with Zombies and Flip this Zombie (click the links for the previous reviews). We both enjoyed the first two stories in the series, and the third only increases my love affair with the world Petersen has created, zombie infested as it may be. I tore through the entire story in two sittings and like a zombie after brains, I. Want. More.


Blurb:

Sarah and David have survived the zombie apocalypse. They stood side by side and fought the undead, mad scientists, and even bionic monsters until the unthinkable happened. A zombie bite. But not even that could stop them. Now, with a possible cure in hand, they're headed east, looking for a safe zone behind the rumored "Wall." They're feeling pretty optimistic.

That is until Dave stops sleeping and starts lifting huge objects.

Eat. Slay. Love.

Because they haven't got a prayer.

First off, because I don't think we've mentioned it before, I adore the covers for this series. I love the pink silhouette of Sarah and David embracing...with their weapons still firmly in hand. It's sweet in a very post-zombie-apocalypse type way and rather simply conveys what the books are about; a couple sticking together even when that means hacking apart the undead.

***As always, spoilers ahead***

Eat Slay Love is my favorite of the Living with the Dead series. Although I adored the first two books, the tone seems to have changed in this latest installment. It's a bit darker, the implications are a bit heavier, and the scope seems to have gotten larger. What was once a story of two people against the zombie hoard is now two people partnering with others to save the world. I am 100% onboard to see what (and who) Sarah and David take on next.

Unlike Married and Flip, the objective isn't just get out of Seattle alive or get away from a mad scientist and his bionic creations (and, lest we forget, zombie guinea pigs). Sarah and David aren't just trolling around the badlands taking the odd zombie extermination job. David has had a close brush with death -- or undeath -- and that's changed them both. Their focus has moved from strictly internal (them as a couple) to external (them as a couple and what remains of the world). David and Sarah are in possession of a zombie cure and need to get it to the Midwest Wall (if the Midwest wall exists) and into the hands of those who can use it for good. Not an easy task considering distance, zombies, crazed cults, and a government who's more interested in covering up the apocalypse than trying to do anything about it.

Sarah and David are joined in their journey east by a stalkerazzi reporter who's not ready to put down her camera and a drug-addled rock star with amazing moments of clarity. And then there's the little matter of David's new abilities. Abilities that make him seem a little like a zombie himself...

This is a great, highly entertaining story. There are places that had me laughing out loud (garnering concerned looks from my husband), and places where the on-page tension got so high I was tempted to flip to the end of the chapter just to see what happens (I didn't). Told from Sarah's point of view, the story is likewise filtered through Sarah's sarcastic, no holds barred personality. This allows readers to see Sarah's fondness for pop culture references and her yearning for pre-apocalypse food. It also shows readers how very much she loves her husband, and just what she's willing to do to keep them alive and safe(ish) in a world that's far beyond her control. Petersen balances comedy and action perfectly, keeping me engaged and reading straight through to the end.

While I don't think it's necessary to read the first two books in the series to enjoy this one, I highly recommend doing so. Not only are they great stories in their own right, they set the scene for the events that play out in Eat Slay Love. I recommend adding these to the top of your TBR pile today.

Eat Slay Love will be available for purchase June 28, 2011.
A big thank you to Jesse Petersen for an advanced review copy of Eat Slay Love.
To read the first chapter of Eat Slay Love FREE, click here.

Rating: 5/5

~Lily

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Females

Last week, I posted about which actors I would choose to play the lead male roles in a Black Dagger Brotherhood movie (or TV series - that's right, I'm looking at you HBO). Now for the female side of the Brotherhood:

Mila Kunis as Beth

Emily Rossum as Mary

Cobie Smulders as Bella - because Z needs someone as tough as he is

Scarlet Johansson as Marissa

Kristen Bell as Doc Jane

Laura Vandervoot as Cormia

Dianna Agron as Ehlena

Charlize Theron as Xhex

Jon Huertas as Dr Manny Manello - If Payne's a Brother, Manny has to be counted here. Somehow, I don't think he'd mind being included with all the women

Those are my picks for the Shellans (and Manny). How do they weigh up against the version of the Shellans you picture as you read? What did I hit head on, and what did I miss by a mile?

~Lily

The Black Dagger Brotherhood

I'm baaaaaaaaaack! Maybe not for long, but long enough to stop by and post. And fair warning, this post is going to be both lengthy and pack with beautiful men.

I went to see Thor last night and I swear, all I could think when watching Chris Hemsworth stomp, yell, and charm his way around the screen was "Holy f*ck! That's totally Rhage!"

I kinda expected the Beast to jump out and eat some Lessers Shield Agents

Which got me thinking. Helena and I have spent a LOT of time discussing who we think should play the Brothers should God and JR ever grace us with a Brotherhood movie (or, and I scarcely hope to dream, an HBO series). We don't always agree on the choices (although we both agree E.T. would make a GREAT Scribe Virgin), but in the light of the latest rash of superhero movies and all the beautiful, buff men they pack into them (God bless you, Marvel!), some of my choices have changed. So, here it is, my list of the guys I believe should play the Brothers:

Gerard Butler as Wrath - I always have the hardest time visualizing Wrath, then I saw a pic of Gerard with long hair. It all fell into place for me after that.

Chris Hemsworth as Rhage - the only thing missing is the Tootsie Pop

Wentworth Miller as Zsadist - My favorite

Ryan Reynolds as Butch

Alex O'Loughlin as Vishous - another fine man who's already played a vampire once, VERY effectively

Channing Tatum as Phury - And if Channing was playing Phury, I may actually like Phury...somewhat

Mark Salling as Rehvenge - Even if he didn't have a mohawk, he'd still be prefect for this role

Tom Welling as John Matthew

Kate Beckinsale as Payne - she's totally a Brother, no denying it

Do you agree with my choices? Who do you think should play the Brothers? Perhaps next week, I'll give you my picks for the Shellans, or the boys who haven't had their own books yet.

~Lily

In My Mailbox

This is my first IMM post.  I see them in my feedbox every week; figured I would join in the fun since I have a bunch of books from April and May to share with everyone!

Special shout out goes to BBPCon 2011 and all the amazing organizers, publishers, authors, and bloggers that took part in making this conference a reality.  Many thanks to the publishers and authors that contributed the books that I received below (these are all paper books, I haven't received the ebooks yet):
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs (Walker Books)
Thunder and Ashes by Z.A.Recht (Gallery Books)
Dying to Live by Kim Paffenroth (Gallery Books)
Beyond Exile by J.L. Bourne (Gallery Books)
Virgin by Cheryl Brooks (Sourcebooks)
Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning (Sourcebooks)
Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger (Gallery Books)
Play Dead by Ryan Brown (Gallery Books)
Songs of Love and Death Anthology (Gallery Books)

Courtesy of the author, Jennifer Turner:
Eternal Seduction
Eternal Hearts

Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales book tours:
Divergent by Veronica Roth

DTBs Purchased:
You are so Undead to Me by Stacey Jay
Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan
Bloodline: Reckoning by Kate Cary

Ebooks Purchased:
Enclave by Ann Aguirre
Glimmer by Vivi Anna

Happy Reading/Reviewing!

~Helena

BDB Book Club: Lover Eternal Discussion

This month's book club centers on the second installment, Rhage's book: Lover Eternal!

1. On a scale from 1-5, what would you rate this book? Briefly tell us why.

I rate this book a 5 all the way!  I have a Godzilla sized crush on Rhage on top of the fact that JR Ward's writing is spectacular.  See my prior review here.

2. Did you have any preconceived notions about this book given that we knew it would be from the point of view of a different brother?

I like the different views.  At first, I was worried that the magic of the first wouldn't be matched; however, the views already change so much within each novel that I did not worry much about the focus moving to another brother.  Rhage intrigued me in the first book, I am a lover of the smart ass so I highly anticipated a novel just about him. :)

3. What did you think of Rhage's transformations?

Holy boatloads of killer bees!  The Scribe Virgin never ceases to surprise me on how fast she flies up on the bitch-o-meter.  Seriously, she only gets better as the novels progress...

4. What did you think of Rhage and Mary's first encounter at the Brother's house?  Did you foresee a relationship forming after this meeting?

The first encounter was a bit creepy.  Honestly in the grand scheme of things, I never really liked Mary.  She seemed very weak and lacked a shred of confidence in the beginning.  As the novel continued, I started to like her more but she definitely is not a favorite of mine.  I figured a relationship would come out of the two of them simply because this is a romance novel; however, did I find them compatible in that moment, not really.

5. Ward seems to like forcing her characters to make some hard choices.  What did you think of Rhage's choice to save Mary at the end of the book?  Would you do the same for someone you loved?

I completely admired Rhage's decision.  I would one hundred percent do the same thing without a second thought.

6. Do you think John will become a brother after his transformation?

Yes, the foreshadowing definitely points that way.  The brotherhood could use some more new blood!

7. Do you think Bella will become Zsadist's shellan?  What, if anything, do you think this will do to Phury and Zsadist's relationship as a result given that Phury showed mild interest in Bella as well?

Zsadist deserves a compassionate and steadfast shellan, both qualities that I think Bella embodies completely.  I think Bella will be a point of contention between the two brothers; however, with the celibacy claim that Phury has undertaken and his martyr attitude around his twin, I don't think Phury would outright fight for Bella.

Zsadist's book is next!  Come back in June for the next book club!

~Helena

Review - Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave is the first in Ann Aguirre's young adult Razorland trilogy.  The second installment, Outpost, is scheduled for a Fall 2012 release.

Blurb from her site:

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

I LOVED this book!  Deuce, the main character, instantly pulled me into the story.  She is very proud of her community and her place within as a protector of her people, a huntress.  However, Deuce is hiding a "flaw", her sense of compassion and desire to question authority.  Both are traits Fade values and personifies himself.  Throughout the course of the novel, Deuce begins to discover that maybe the controlling enclave hasn't been completely honest with its populace and the dangers they face.

The action is top notch.  There are fighting scenes beyond every page flip both externally with the freaks and rival gangs and internally as the veil over Deuce's eyes begins to lift.  It was eye opening to see the world topside through each of Deuce's new revelations.  I was reminded of simple everyday items we take for granted in this life.

Aguirre did a phenomenal job on world building.  Each scene completely enraptured me and the contrast between the top side and underground worlds was beautifully orchestrated.  Within Enclave, the world became as important and tangible as the main characters.

Speaking of characters, even minor ones were well done.  Deuce as I mentioned prior, is very easy to relate and bond with.  Fade was harder to get a handle on in the beginning, but as Deuce grew to like and trust him, I did as well.  Tegan and Stalker worked well as additional characters; though I do hope to see more of them in future installments.  I think both characters have more to tell.

Overall, Enclave is an action packed, emotionally charged post apocalyptic thriller.  I loved the addition of zombies to the dystopia genre.  This novel proves to be an addictive start to a promising series!  If you are a fan of the recent dystopian fiction wave, make sure to add Enclave to your list.  For a sneak peek, the first two chapters can be found here.  Enjoy!

Rating: 5/5

~Helena

Hey Folks!

This week has been insanely busy in the barns.  The number of patients we have is crazy, but I am learning a ton and actually considering practicing some large animal medicine when I graduate!  Never would have seen that coming honestly.  Anyways, so that has kept me out of the blogging scene.  I hope to catch up on some reading and posting this weekend.  I did manage to read Enclave and it was fantastic!!!  I will elaborate more in a few days.  I am set to go watch a stop on the PBR circuit on Saturday, I am beyond excited.  I hope the rumors about Ochocinco are true; watching him ride Deja Blu would be hilarious.

~Helena

Blog Hop 6

Follow Friday time with Parajunkee!

Q. Circle time! Time to share. What character in a book would you most like to be, what character in a book would you most like to date?

Character I would like to be: Mac from Fever series
Character I would like to date: Rhage from the BDB

If you are interested, we have a giveaway currently in progress and ending on Sunday for a copy of Jennifer Turner's Eternal Seduction.  The characters rock!  Check out my review then enter in the giveaway!

~Helena

Book by Its Cover - Vegas Moon by John Locke

Ok yea, so this isn't the typical book we discuss on this blog.  The genre does not fit, but I found it absolutely hilarious looking and felt it would be perfect for our feature this week!  Ta Da....Vegas Moon by John Locke!

Summary:

In order to save his own life, Donovan Creed signs on as bodyguard to the most famous gambler in Las Vegas history, Jim “Lucky” Peters. Lucky, worth millions, has hit a losing streak and must raise a lot of cash in a short period of time from some of the world’s creepiest people. It doesn’t take long for Creed to learn that the person who holds the key to his survival is none other than Lucky’s smokin’ hot wife, Gwen, who has secrets of her own.

Helena's thoughts:

I couldn't find a bigger image, so I am sorry that it is a tad blurry.  Blurry or not, you have to admit that this cover is just hilarious and eye catching.  I mean a girl in crazy sexy red boots and a classic little black dress walking a ..........rooster?!  If this isn't a metaphor for a girl whipping a guy completely, I just don't know what is.  Really?!  I am still rolling over here ;p.  Even though this novel doesn't sound like my typical bag of tricks, it just might have persuaded me to get a copy solely on cover art alone.

Giveway - Eternal Seduction by Jennifer Turner

The generous Jennifer Turner, author of the Darkness Within series, has given me permission to give away the copy of Eternal Seduction she sent me for review earlier this month!  I am beyond stoked to introduce one lucky reader to this awesome novel!

Novel summary:

After living on the streets of New York City for over a decade, Logan Ellis admits her perceptions might be a little skewed. But twisted or not, there’s a satisfying irony in watching a well dressed vampire stand in the middle of a ghetto alley, windblown trash scraping small circles near his feet. What she finds even more intriguing, is waiting for him to decide whether or not he’s going to kill her.

Kerestyan Nelek hasn’t quite made up his mind. As the Lord of New York, he can’t allow a homeless drug addict, whose memories are packed with knowledge of vampiric existence, to run free in his city. It’s not the first time he’s been in this situation with a human, it’s just the first time in thousands of years he’s come face to face with one who doesn’t seem to care. And that’s what makes the decision so damn difficult.

What horrors would you have to witness before you went numb? How many years would it take for you to feel that way? What would it take to make you care again?

Logan’s answers are simple: the worst humanity has to offer, almost thirty…and something she never expected.

So without further ado, here are the rules:


Leave a comment with your email address and answer to this question:

Logan is not your typical heroine.  She is a drug addict and has spent the past decade living on the streets.  Do you enjoy atypical main characters?  What do you like to see in the main male and female characters?

Bonus points (please add these up in your comment for me, thanks!)

+1 for becoming a follower of this blog

+1 for adding vampsrus as a friend on goodreads

+1 for following Jennifer Turner's blog

Feel free to follow us on twitter @vamps_r_us or Jennifer's twitter @darknesswithin, no extra points though ;p

This giveaway will end at midnight CST on Sunday May 8, 2011.  I will notify the winner by email and they have 48 hours to respond or I will draw another name.  Giveaway is open to US residents (with free shipping) and international (if winner is willing to pay shipping).

I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I did :).

~Helena

Review - Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Eternal Rider is the first installment in Larissa Ione's new Lords of Deliverance series.  Immortal Rider, the second novel, is already slated for release in December 2011.

Blurb from back cover:

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

It is no secret that I adore Larissa Ione's Demonica series.  I have a particular fondness for a certain demon named Shade ;p.  Needless to say, I was super excited when I heard she was starting a new venture based on the four horsemen of the apocalypse, Lords of Deliverance.  I snagged it right when pre-orders went up and I was definitely not disappointed.

I LOVED this novel!  The characters are fantastic, she beautifully captured the emotional struggle within each horseman/woman and Cara.  We even get to hang out with some of the characters from the Demonica series that readers already have a bond with.  A special moment occurs for Kynan and Gem; I won't give it away but it made me smile!  Ione does a great job making her characters entertaining by displaying a sharp wit and dark sense of humor.

Lords of Deliverance is set within the same world as the Demonica series.  Much of the same rules apply and many of the same species are involved as well.  Fear not, if you have not read her other series, Ione has set up the Lords as a stand alone so no prior background is necessary.  Honestly though, if you enjoy either series, it is well worth your time to immerse yourself in the other.

Action jumped off each page; I raced through this novel and there was no lag to be found.  Cara is an interesting character and I hope to see more of her, while staving off the apocalypse in future installments to the series.  Limos, the horsewoman known as Famine, is featured in Ione's next novel Immortal Rider.  December can't get here fast enough!

Rating: 5/5

~Helena

Review - Eternal Seduction by Jennifer Turner

Eternal Seduction is the first in Jennifer Turner's Darkness Within series.  The second installment, Eternal Hearts, releases in the near future.  On her blog, Turner has been detailing release information, check here for up to date notices. :)

Blurb from back of book:

After living on the streets of New York for over a decade, Logan admits her perceptions might be a little skewed. But twisted or not, there's a satisfying irony in watching a well dressed vampire stand in the middle of a ghetto alley, windblown trash scraping circles near his feet. What she finds even more intriguing, is waiting for him to decide if he's going to kill her.

Kerestyan hasn't made up his mind. As the Lord of New York, he can't let a drug addict, whose memories are packed with knowledge of vampires, run free in his city. It's not the first time he's been in this situation with a human, it's just the first time he's come face to face with one who doesn't seem to care. And that's what makes the decision so difficult.

What horrors could you witness before you went numb? How long would it take before you felt that way? What could make you care again?

Logan's answers are simple: the worst humanity has to offer, almost thirty, and something she never expected.

I really enjoyed this novel.  It struck me as a mix of Lynsay Sands' and JR Ward's writing styles.  You have the intense family ties and emotional struggle between the two main characters typical of Sands and the darker humor and violence we see with Ward.  The characters are novel and relateable.  Odin is hilarious, I love the snarky smart ass types so he was right up my alley.  Kerestyan is the typical alpha male hero with a savior complex.  And Logan, well Logan is...

Logan is not your typical heroine.  However, put her drug use and homeless street waif life aside and you have a strong female character with a quick wit and a smart mouth that reminds me of myself. :)  Logan may be haunted by her past; however, as seen after her detoxification process, she is not completely shattered by her guilt.  Her will to survive and evolve into a better person is kindled by Kerestyan's devotion and love.

World building is superb.  I loved how Turner captured the dark atmosphere while still making the reader comfortable and able to believe in the love between each character.  This is particularly true with respect to Kerestyan's father Stefan, his interesting sense of interior design, and his games of choice.  The promise of a story lying just beneath the main story is intriguing.  What exactly is Stefan up to? How do the politics of this fragile vampire "nation" play out?  Are the Fledgings simply a nuisance or do they have a story to tell as well?  And my personal favorite, will we get to become more intimate with Odin? ;p  Yes I do have a decent sized crush on him lol.

Jennifer Turner did a great job with the start to a series that promises to be addictive.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.  If you are a fan of urban fantasy with a thick romance streak then be sure to check out Eternal Seduction!

Rating: 4/5

~Helena

Blog Hop 5

Today's question from Parajunkee's Follow Friday is:

Q. Keeping with the dystopian and apocalypse theme that seems to be running rampant on parajunkee.com, I have one very hard question for you: If you were stocking your bomb shelter, what books would you HAVE to include if you only had space for ten?

JR Ward's Lover Mine and Lover Eternal

Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Fever series by Karen Marie Moning (5)

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

~Helena

Book by Its Cover - Immortal Rider

Larissa Ione's second installment in her Lords of Deliverance series, Immortal Rider, is set to hit shelves in  December of this year.  I know we have a long time to wait, but the cover is just too stunning!  I feel compelled to share it with you guys :)

Blurb:

Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

Helena's Thoughts:

I LOVE this cover!  Wow!  Where to start...lol.  The intense look the female model has on her face is consuming.  Her justice scales tattoo is perfect and the model has a definite Angelina Jolie badass thing going on.  The male model is super yums, digging the dog tag as well.  The lightning behind them and the grey tones sets the scene for a novel full of combat and strong emotional clashes.  Font colors are awesome, they contrast well with the grey scale and helps add a touch of femininity and heat.  Four horsemen symbol is really neat.  I love how the Lords get their own symbol just like the Demonica series did.  Really well done cover!  Visit Ione's blog and join in the ranting and raving :)

Share your thoughts on the cover, the series, future expectations, etc.  We love comments so don't be shy :)

Review - Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent is Veronica Roth's debut novel and the first of a planned trilogy.  It is set for release on May 3, 2011.

Summary:

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

First things first, isn't the cover just gorgeous?!  I seriously felt a magnetic pull to this book before I even laid eyes on the summary.  I opened up the pages and instantly delved into a masterfully crafted world of self exploration and governmental control.  Then a few chapters in, I fell head over heels for Four, the main male character.  To say I enjoyed this novel would be an understatement.  Divergent is a must read for young adults and adults alike.

Roth takes us on a no holds barred adrenaline trip along a rocky road of raw emotion, violence, and aggression.  She highlights each character at their worst and best moments; showing the duality and complexity of the human psyche.  This novel is about exploring the inner core in each of us and what we are capable of doing for self preservation and those we love in turn.

The characters are dynamic and well developed.  World building is fantastic; each faction left a clear picture and emotion for the reader.  Through the eyes of Tris, we gain insight into the inner workings of each faction, their governemental leaders/agendas, teenage angst, and parental relationships.  My favorite parts involved Trish learning who her parents really are on the inside and what they in turn are capable of as well.  And of course, the little glimpses into what makes Four tick raptly held my attention.  The characters make this novel and Roth did a fantastic job weaving it all together.

While searching for cover art, I came across the news that Summit has already purchased movie rights!  I am so beyond excited to see how they portray the world and characters on the big screen.

Roth has posted the first 100 pages of Divergent for your reading pleasure as well as a quick blurb explaining the thought/meaning behind the name of each faction.  Definitely check them out if you are interested!  Stick around and read her other entries too; I adore her sense of humor! :)

Rating: 4/5

~Helena

BDB Book Club: Dark Lover Discussion

This is a tad late...but life got the better of me recently.  So without further ado, here are my answers to the discussion for the first book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series: Dark Lover by JR Ward.


1. On a scale from 1-5, what would you rate this book? Briefly tell us why.

I would rate it a 4 out of 5.  See our review here for the reasoning behind the rating!

2. What did you think of the alternating point of views (Darius, Beth, Butch, Wrath, Marissa, Mr. X, Havers...)?

I love stories where we get a rounded and complete view of the plot line and setting.  Marissa is not my favoirte character; I pretty much loathe her in all honesty.  She strikes me as weak and so I tend to skim over her parts.  The whole drama with the Omega and Mr X really intrigues me...the whole keep your friends close but your enemies closer lol.  I really liked hearing from all the other characters and was deeply saddened that Darius' part was cut so short.

3. What did you think of the new language Ward created? (i.e. Shellan, Princeps, Doggen, etc.) Did it help pull you into the story or distract you?

The language helps build the world.  None of the terms are too far out there for me.  Once I feel like I can't pronounce them or that they all sounds the same, is when I lose focus in a novel.  Neither of which occurs for me with this series.  I also love the snide slang terms and phrases that each brother uses; they make me giggle like a little school girl!

4. We all know that this series is Paranormal Romance -- and we all know that's the good stuff, however, did you feel that Beth and Wrath moved a little too quickly in the beginning? How did you feel about these events given what had happened to Beth the night before?

Yes!  I was put off by Beth jumping in the saddle that fast after her almost rape.  The connection that they share is well developed and the level of intense loyalty/love helps smooth it over with the reader, but it was still a bit of a shock.

5. What did you think of Zsadist's surprise singing abilities?

I love that Z has a soft 'angelic' center...just like a Rolo!  Hehe!

6. How about that offer Havers made Zsadist in the end? Did you think Zsadist would do it? Do you think Havers punishment for this incident (or lack thereof) was fair?

Havers' offer was a display of pure cowardice.  If he was so upset about how he thought his sister was treated, why didn't he bring it up to Wrath himself?  I did think Zsadist might choose to go through with Havers' suggestion.  All we know about Zsadist from the first part of the book is how violent and void of emotion he is.  Havers' deserved a real punishment.  I don't necessarily think he should have been put to death, but simply brushing it under the table is crap. (yes that was putting it eloquently)

7. What did you think of Darius' decision to come back from The Fade, but never again know his daughter? What would you have done given the same choice?

Darius obviously wants to be close to his daughter, to be able to protect her from harm.  I find this to be a noble and just cause.  This speaks completely true to character, what little of an impression we got to have before the explosion.  At the same time, if he never gets to know his daughter, then isn't the whole purpose of his returning a moot point?  If I could be certain that I would get to be around my loved one, then I would definitely do it.  It would be hard to lose those memories; however, if I got them back when I finally did pass into the Fade, I would be more willing to go through with it.

8. Compare the Brotherhood Books (on first impression) to other vampire series that you've read. Is is better or worse and how so?

There really isn't another series that I have found that compares.  I adore it, the characters are well built, the world is amazing, and the action/emotions are fiercely intense.  In recent installments, the novels have more of an urban fantasy edge to them than the typical paranormal romance; but, I like my novels with more of an edge and less of the funny fluff, so it fits me perfectly!  I have heard that Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series is similar; however, I have not picked up on that series yet...though it is on the TBR pile.

 ~Helena

Author Interview - Carolyn Rosewood

Earlier in the week, we were pleased to announce the release of The Last Soul, the anticipated debut of author Carolyn Rosewood. After a busy week of blog hopping, promoting, and celebrating, Carolyn has been gracious enough to stop by for our first ever Vamps R Us Author interview!

Kinda feels like it should have its own theme music, huh?

No matter how many times I see it, that's one HAWT cover

Welcome to the blog, Carolyn! It’s no secret we love our paranormal critters. Tell us what critters, creatures, or paranormal beings we will encounter in The Last Soul, and are they friend or foe?

The heroine of The Last Soul, Faina, is a demon who can take human form. We also meet Mastema, the demon for whom she works, and the one who's tricking her. Her best friend, Jahi, is also a demon and takes an active role in exposing Mastema to Apollyon, the king of demons.

Oooh, demons, power struggles, and trickery. Sounds fascinating. What inspired you to throw your pen (keyboard, creative brainpower) into the paranormal genre?

I've always been drawn to paranormal stories. I have a fascination with all things dark, creepy, spiritual and unseen.

Have you ever had a real-life paranormal experience?

Let's just say I've seen some weird stuff in my lifetime. I'll tell you about one of the earliest experiences. When I was around seven years old, we were at my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving. I have over a dozen cousins, and most of us were in the basement, where we decided to hold a seance to summon JFK. He had been assassinated the year before. Some of the older cousins had done this before, so we followed their lead. Thanksgiving in Ohio was usually cold and windy but that night, although cold, wasn't stormy. In the middle of our seance one of the locked basement windows flew open in a gust of wind and the candles went out. You never heard a group of kids and teens scream louder or saw them run up the basement stairs more quickly.

Child, teen, or adult, when locked windows blow open, I'm going to lead the terrified charge in the opposite direction. In the worlds you’ve created, what supernatural abilities would you wield?

I'd love to be able to travel through time, with full knowledge, of course, of what I've done so far. And I want to be able to make myself invisible. Imagine the fun you could have with that power!

Way too much fun. Are you the steadfast heroic type, the reluctant anti-hero, or the formidable villain?

I'm a steadfast hero. I'll defend to the death what I believe is right. And if someone messes with a friend, look out.

Is that a weapon you're wielding? *Maintains a respectful distance* Back to the writing, what character did you have the most fun creating?

Faina. Hands down. The entire story is completely outside my comfort zone, but I never had more fun writing one. I just let loose and made her sexy and daring.

Hollywood’s on the phone. Not only is The Last Soul going to be a summer blockbuster, you get to choose the leads. Who do you pick to play the main characters?

Jennifer Ellison as Faina and Johnny Depp, of course, as Jace!

*Pulls eyes away from Johnny Depp* Do you foresee yourself revisiting the world of The Last Soul in any future stories?

Yes! My current project is another paranormal romance novella called Hunted. This time it's Jahi's story.

What’s up next for you?

After Hunted I plan to finish my full-length paranormal/fantasy romance called Crossing the Dark Moon. It takes place in an alternate universe.

Nice! I'll be on the lookout for that. One final question. The zombies have invaded, do you flee or fight? Remember, we’re always looking to supplement our own zombie escape plans.

We fight of course! :)

I admire a woman with a zombie plan.

Thank you, Carolyn, for agreeing to be our first ever interviewee and doing such an awesome job of starting us off right!

To read an excerpt of The Lost Soul, click here. To purchase The Last Soul, click here. And if you need any more incentive, here's the warning that accompanies this title:

Be Warned: light bondage, sex toys.

My dear, you had us at "bondage."

~Lily

Blog Hop 4

Friday is nearly upon us, so it's time once again for Follow My Book Blog Friday blog hop, hosted by Parajunkee.

Q. What is on your current playlist right now?

My top five, in no particular order:
1. Kayne West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
2. Panic! at the Disco's Vices & Virtues
3. Sick Puppies' Tri-Polar
4. Foo Fighters' Wasting Light
5. Cee-Lo Green's The Lady Killer

What are you listening to?

Later today (Friday morning) on the blog, we have an interview with debut author Carolyn Rosewood, talking about her new paranormal novella, The Last Soul. This is too good to be missed!

~Lily