Review: Much Ado About Jack

Much Ado About Jack (Shakespeare in Love - Book 3) by Christy English

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 1402270518
ISBN-13: 978-1402270512

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Christy English on the WEB: website, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

How To Tame a Willful Wife (2012), Love On A Midsummer Night (2013), Much Ado About Jack (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Much Ado About Jack, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

How to Become London's Most Notorious Widow:

1. Vow to NEVER remarry
2. Own a ship and become fabulously wealthy
3. Wear the latest risqué fashions in your signature color
4. Do NOT have a liaison at the Prince Regent's palace with a naval captain whose broad shoulders and green eyes make you forget Rule #1

Angelique Beauchamp, the widowed Countess of Devonshire, has been twice burned by love, and she is certain that no man will ever touch her heart again. But that doesn't mean she can't indulge a little—and it would be hard to find a more perfect dalliance than one with the dashing Captain James Montgomery.

After a brief torrid affair, James tries to forget Angelique and his undeniable thirst for more. The luscious lady was quite clear that their liaison was temporary. But for the first time, the lure of the sea isn't powerful enough to keep him away...

Thoughts:

Christy English continues her Shakespeare in Love series, with her latest book, Much Ado About Jack. A historical romance series with a nod to one of the greats is reason enough to read this book, but English also gives readers an adventurous love story between a Widow who has no wish to wed and a sea captain who wants to find something or someone that has a greater pull than the sea. Fans of the series know that English, once a Shakespearean actress, uses her experience with the work of the bard to temper her stories. She has a knack for taking Shakespeare and making it her own!

What I liked:

Shakespeare is one of my all time favorites and any series, no matter the genre that pays homage to Shakespeare's work is worth the time to read in my book. The first two books in this series were very good reads and I thought that English had a real grasp of the Regency world and what made readers want to read about it, but I think she has really outdone herself with this novel. Much Ado About Jack has all the right qualities that make stand apart from others in the genre. Strong characters, a simple, yet intriguing plot and strong romantic chemistry. 

Angelique was a heroine with some spunk. She was a confident woman, who knew what she wanted out of life and what she didn't want and in this case that was another husband. Being a widow in the ton provided her with the independence she craved, the wealth to do as she pleased and the opportunity to engage in romance without entanglements. Giving that up was not in the plan. I loved her. She was snarky and sassy and knew how to put a man in his place. She understood the rules of the ton and how to play the game well. She didn't mind being the one they all talked about, she reveled in it. My kind of girl.

James was a wonderful hero as well. A sea captain by trade, is not often known to stay long on the shore. The lure of the sea was often to great to keep them bound to the land and you could see that in his character. He had a sense of restlessness about him and an air of command that was undeniable. When he met Angelique he had certainly met his match. It would take a strong man to love a woman like that, and James fit the bill. 

I loved the banter between these two characters and the struggle for control which ensued. She was use to being in command and so was he. I think she treated him with disdain and aloofness partly because she knew he could be her downfall. I loved the way that English allows the reader to be spectator in this battle of wills. The ending was perfect for the two of them and I thought English was able to make everything flow naturally, no one had to give up anything they didn't want to and it felt like a win-win all the way around for characters and readers alike. 

This one has spicy moments to be sure and I think it was important that those times be organic and not forced. English knows how to bring the heat without overwhelming the reader. She proves that good love scenes don't have to be raunchy to grab the reader and not let go. I appreciated her use of language and description throughout the book, but it really was showcased in the interactions between Angelique and James whether in the bedroom or out.

What I didn't like:

Angelique was really mean to James in the beginning. I understood the reasons for that, but still thought perhaps the author could have lightened up a bit on him. James was a great character and took it all in stride. it probably even made him want her more.

Bottom Line:

This is an excellent series and great nod to one of literature's most celebrated authors. English does justice to Shakespeare and provides readers with a captivating love story between two very strong personalities. I look forward to English's next offering.

Much Ado About Jack is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

After years of acting in Shakespeare's plays, Christy English is excited to bring the Bard to Regency England. When she isn't acting, roller skating, or chasing the Muse, Christy writes historical novels from her home in North Carolina. Please visit her at www.ChristyEnglish.com

Review and Giveaway: Scarlet Devices

Scarlet Devices (Steam and Seduction - Book 2)

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Sensation
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425265781
ISBN-13: 978-0425265789

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Sensation)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Delphine Dryden on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Gossamer Wing (2013), Scarlet Devices (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Scarlet Devices, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

DRIVEN TO WIN. 
DRAWN TO LOVE.

Fresh from university, Eliza Hardison is determined to crusade for workers’ rights until her cousin Dexter, the Makesmith Baron, prevails on her to represent Hardison House in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally.

The competition is fierce, but only one opponent really matters to Eliza. Dexter’s protégé, Matthew Pence, was always like a big brother to her. But now she’s grown up, and Matthew has made a break from Hardison House with his own business venture—and made his own entry in the rally.

Matthew intends to win while keeping Eliza safe on the perilous route from New York to San Francisco. As the threats escalate through treacherous skies and uncharted American wilds, though, Eliza and Matthew must work together, discovering a bond deeper than either could have imagined…but is winning the rally more important than winning at love?

Thoughts:

Delphine Dryden's latest book in the Steam and Seduction series is all about the steam. Scarlet Devices is a Steampunk romance, with steam powered flying machines, steam powered cars and some steamy love scenes. Dryden sets her story during the Victorian era, in an alternative world where the United States is called The Dominion. The world Dryden has created is just similar enough to our own to ground readers and draw them into the adventure of the Sky and Steam Rally, a transcontinental race which leave Eliza and Matthew with plenty of questions and some serious steamy tension!

What I liked:

Not everyone is familiar with Steampunk and some of you may be wondering about what that essentially means. The Urban Dictionary defines it this way: 

Steampunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan "What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner." It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes. 


I have been reading steampunk since it's inception and I have always really liked it. Some authors do it justice and make it interesting and a cross between historical fiction and science fiction and others just sort of try, but don't quite succeed. Delphine Dryden succeeds... and how! Scarlet Devices is the second book in her Steam and Seduction series. I liked just about everything about this book. From the beautiful cover to the preview of the next book in the series, Gilded Lily. Dryden has created a world that is not unlike our own during the Victorian Era, but there are of course some major differences.

The world building for this series is quite elaborate and my take a little bit of concentration to figure out, but once you understand the logistics of steampunk it all falls into place. I loved the fact that Dryden chose a sky race as the setting for this novel. The American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally features companies who are attempting to be the winner in a transcontinental race from New York to San Francisco. But there are also some other underlying issues at hand. Several people have 'gone west' in the months leading up to the rally and have never been heard from again. The roles of women are still rigid and unbending during this time period. The Temperance Movement is gearing up and rights for workers is at the forefront. 

This is the backdrop for a very interesting love story. Eliza is just finishing college and she is dead set on making a change in the world. I liked her tenacity and her attitude. When her cousin suggests she might see a bit of the world if she enters the Sky and Steam rally it seems like just the opportunity to make a change in her life. Unfortunately, Dexter asks his friend Matthew to watch over her during the race. Matthew thinks it very inappropriate for her to race at all and it's on from there. Eliza and Matthew have a history and he has always come across as dismissive and uncomplimentary where she is concerned. These two make quite a pair and once they get over their issues with each other, sparks of a different kind start to fly.

I thought Dryden did an amazing job with character development in this book. Eliza starts out as bright eyed innocent, but soon learns that the world she lives in isn't quite at simple as it seems. Matthew starts out with some very clear ideas on what he believes a woman's role is, but in the end he realizes Eliza's worth and becomes her biggest supporter. I thought the author was able to make the changes in the characters realistic and believable. It was a wonderful part of the book.

This book was filled adventure, after adventure as the race across the country heats up. Eliza and Matthew learn a lot about each other and even more about themselves. I loved the secondary characters and I am glad that Barnabas' story will continue in the next book in the series. The drama was interesting and showed the resourcefulness of the characters and certainly provided a lot of conflict. It was all very well done.

What I didn't like:

Matthew's disapproving nature in the beginning of the book was a little hard to digest. I am glad that the author chose to make him see the light toward the second two thirds of the book. He was a bit too abrasive for me in the start and I wondered if she would be able to redeem him... I shouldn't have worried.

Bottom Line:

This is a great steampunk romance and demonstrated to me why I like this sub-genre so much. Dryden uses the steampunk elements with a deft hand and allows the romance to take center stage. I loved the Sky race theme and I felt like this book ratcheted up the tension for the series as a whole. Looking forward to the next one.

Scarlet Devices is available NOW from your favorite bookseller. 

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Delphine Dryden tried unsuccessfully to get past being an English major by becoming a lawyer, a special education teacher, and an educational diagnostician. She finally gave up the fight several years ago and began writing full-time. When not writing or doing “mommy stuff,” Delphine reads voraciously and noodles around with web design. She counts herself fortunate to have two absurdly precocious children, and two delightful, if occasionally disobedient, mutts. Delphine and her family are all Texas natives, and reside in unapologetic suburban bliss near Houston.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Scarlet Devices by Delphine Dryden.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST,  March 12th.

1. Please leave a comment letting me know if you've tried the Steampunk sub-genre before and what you think of it.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Rule Breaker

Rule Breaker (Breeds - Book 29) by Lora Leigh

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 448
ISBN-10: 0425265455
ISBN-13: 978-0425265451

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Lora Leigh on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Tempting the Beast (2003), The Man Within (2005), Elizabeth's Wolf (2004), Kiss of Heat (2005), Soul Deep (2004), The Breed Next Door {Short Story in Hot Spell Anthology} (2005), Megan's Mark (2006), Harmony's Way (2006), Tanner's Scheme (2007), Wolfe's Hope {Short Story in Primal Heat Anthology} (2004), Jacob's Faith (2003), Aiden's Charity (2007), In a Wolf's Embrace {Short Story in Beyond the Dark Anthology} (2007), Dawn's Awakening (2008), A Jaguar's Kiss {Short Story in Shifter Anthology} (2008), Mercury's War (2008), Christmas Heat {Short Story in The Magical Christmas Cat Anthology} (2008), Coyote's Mate (2009), Bengal's Heart (2009), A Christmas Kiss {Short Story in Hot for the Holidays Anthology} (2009), Lion's Heat (2010), Styx's Storm (2010), Primal Kiss {Short Story in Primal Anthology} (2011), Navarro's Promise (2011), An Inconvenient Mate {Short Story in Tied With a Bow Anthology (2011), Lawes Justice (2011), Stygian's Honor (2012), Rule Breaker (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

WARNING: The materiel in this excerpt and book may be inappropriate for readers under the age of 18 years.
Excerpt from, Rule Breaker, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

There’s a fine line between animal instinct and human desire—and in her “highly erotic saga” (Fresh Fiction), #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh crosses it. 

Now, in her new novel of the Breeds, the mating heat continues… 

Lion Breed and enforcer Rule Breaker has just a few rules he doesn’t break. Not for anything. Not for anyone—like never have sex with a woman outside his own breed, especially a human woman. Especially someone too helpless, too fun loving and too full of life to ever be able to protect herself, let alone help him to protect her.

If the damned animal inside him insists on a mate, then why pick her? A woman who is an easy target and who can be used as a weapon against him at any time.

But what he suspects is mating heat may not be that at all. Just his animal instincts rioting, pacing, irritated whenever he's away from her.

Okay, he can handle that.

What ensues is a fiery affair that breaks all the rules of mating heat and will eventually endanger his mate with the very rules designed to protect the Breeds—for she’s possibly been working against them…

Thoughts:

Author Lora Leigh brings readers the twenty-ninth book in her Breeds paranormal romance series, Rule Breaker. Fans of the series have waited awhile for this one to come out and they definitely won't be disappointed. Leigh's fiery sex scenes and explosive story lines are all here as well as the resolution of several story threads from the last few books. Readers will fall in love with Gypsy, a young woman with a tragic past and Rule Breaker, a breed that will deny the mating heat until he can no longer fight it's pull. A great addition to a long-lived series.

What I liked:

This is another one of those series and authors that I have not had the privilege to read before. Which is good and bad when writing a review. The good part is being about to look at the series with new eyes. To see things that other reviewers may miss because of their connection to the series. The bad part is not knowing how to evaluate the author's work because you cannot tell whether this book is better or worse than what she offered before. That being said, I was very skeptical about jumping into a series in the 29th book of all things. However, I was completely taken aback by how much I liked the concept of the series and the characters I was able to meet in this book. Lora Leigh obviously knows how to write paranormal romance and I thought the world building, the sexual content and the characterizations were simply fantastic. Now, I have the difficulty of going back to read all 28 of the previous books before the next one comes out! Lions and Tigers and Wolves... oh my!

The Breeds series is based on the overall theme of a government experiment gone wrong. The combination of animal DNA with human embryo's has created an entirely new species, with many different breeds, Lions, coyotes, wolves etc. trapped within a human body. Believing the project to be flawed the very people who created them begin to experiment further, to imprison and kill many of the breeds they have created. Many have escaped and have started to build lives for themselves among the human population, but they are still hunted. I absolutely fell in love with the whole concept. Leigh certainly has an amazing imagination and she really seems to understand how this world needs to work to make readers interested in it.

Rule Breaker is the 29th book in the series and many would think that means it probably on the end of a declining series. I don't think so. Even though this is my first book in the series, I could tell that Leigh has a lot more in store for this series. Rule Breaker obviously ties up some loose ends from previous books, but it also asks new questions and that will take the series in a new direction from this book. I liked the fact that even though I was coming into the series way late in the game, I was still able to follow exactly what was going on. There were a lot of characters that obviously came from previous books, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything essential. I was able to see who they were and even see some of the motivations that drove them. I liked the mysteriousness of some characters that existed in this book and the openness of others. 

Rule Breaker was quite an alpha male even for a breed. His lion was fierce and protective and even a bit deceitful to his own ends. Rule was forced along with his brother Lawe to see their mother killed because of her mate and he refuses to think he would put a woman in that position. He tries to prevent finding his mate in every way possible. If he thinks it might be mating heat he runs, he doesn't take cases involving women, he essentially cuts himself off from anyone that might trigger his mating instincts which are so incredibly strong in breeds that they are unable to stay apart. But his lion has other ideas.

Nine years ago Rule Breaker assisted in the prevention of a rape that left a valued college dead and his sister completely destroyed by guilt and self-recrimination. Gypsy was totally devastated by death of her brother and believes his death to be her fault. Not only does she have to deal with that, but her parents blame her as well. She lives a life of danger by working undercover as a party girl to gain information for the Uknown, a group who supposedly has the best interests of breeds at heart, but who work outside the lines. Gypsy is embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, but throughout her life she has been protected, sheltered, even though she didn't know it. 

I was completely engrossed in this story from the beginning. I loved the characters, the concept of the story, the world building, you name it. Gypsy was such a wonderful heroine. She had experienced so much pain and heartache in her life and I just couldn't help hurting for her and wishing she could make peace with her demons. I couldn't believe the way her parents treated her and Rule even has his moments of total stupidity where she is concerned, but he redeems himself eventually. I loved the way that the secondary characters had such a presence in the story and how important they were to it's resolution. I wanted to know more about them and felt drawn to finding out what was going on. If the 29th book in a series can affect me that way, it has to be good... really good. I can't wait to learn more about this intriguing world. 

What I didn't like:

There were a few moments where I got a little confused, but that was purely because I had not read the other books in the series. It didn't happen enough times that it bothered me or caused me to feel totally lost, but there were those moments. I would recommend that readers read the entire series, because I am positive there are things I would love to know about what happened in the past. But it isn't completely necessary. 

Bottom Line:

I liked everything about this book. It might have been late in the series, but it only whetted my appetite form more of this amazing series. The overall concept was intriguing and the characters were amazing. Lora Leigh will clearly become a favorite of mine. Read this book... it's that good!

Rule Breaker is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Lora Leigh is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Breed novels, including Lawe’s Justice, Stygian’s Honor, and Navarro’s Promise. She is also the author of Nauti Enchantress, Nauti Temptress, and the Nauti Boys series which includes Nauti Deceptions, Nauti Intentions, and Nauti Dreams.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Rule Breaker by Lora Leigh.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 12th.

1. Please leave a comment about any other books you may have read by the author and what you think of her writing.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Disarm The Complete Novel

Disarm The Complete Novel by June Gray

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Books
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 0425272125
ISBN-13: 978-0425272121

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

June Gray on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

WARNING: The content of this excerpt and the book may be inappropriate for readers under the age of 18 years of age.

Excerpt from, Disarm The Complete Novel, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

June Gray's bestselling erotic serial is now available in print for the first time—as one complete novel.

When the secrets of the past begin to surface, the truth can be disarming…

Twenty-six-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry—now an Air Force officer—has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother’s shoes after he was killed in action.

That is, until the night when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother, who also happens to be her roommate? As the passion between them crosses the line into a territory that teases with the forbidden, Elsie decides to give herself to the man she has always desired. But Elsie is not prepared for where the relationship will take her.

Henry has been harboring two secrets. One can bring them closer together. The other will tear them apart. Now, with each startling new revelation, Elsie realizes that only she can decide if the past can ever be forgiven—and if a future with Henry is worth fighting for.

Includes a never-before-published bonus short story.


Thoughts:

June Gray's serial erotic love story has finally been compiled into one book, Disarm The Complete Novel. Readers can finally experience this immensely satisfying tale of the ups and downs of love and the military all at one time. Gray's story still reads in part like a serial because it was originally released that way, but that doesn't make it any less intense and emotionally evocative. Readers will go from tears of happiness to tears of sadness and back again as they read the struggles Elise and Henry face in finding their own happy ending. 

What I liked:

I'm not often a fan of serials, because I am usually very impatient to find out if my favorite characters end up together or if a particular situation resolves in the way I thought it would. But I will have to say that reading a serial that has been put into a complete novel is a totally different experience. I still get to experience all of the highs and lows and intense situations and feelings, but I don't have to wait for the climax. I liked that fact that each part of the serial had a different name and it was easy to tell where the breaks in the story were and how I would have felt had I not been able to read the rest at that point. I liked the format a lot and I think it really worked for this particular story very well.

Elsie has been in love with Henry practically all her life. But there were obstacles to their relationship even from the beginning. Henry was Jason's best friend. Her brother meant the world to her and Henry only thought of her as his best friend's little sister. Or so she thought. I liked the fact that Elsie didn't let her life pass her by because of her crush on Henry, but she also didn't give up on the hope that one day things might be different. I enjoyed the fact that through out the book, she kept that hint of love in the back of her mind of him, even as he took over the role of a surrogate brother when Jason is killed in combat. It was like the romance was lying dormant between them until the time was right. A very realistic rendering of how the heart works.

Henry was a piece of work. He was a great friend to both Jason and Elsie and he wanted to protect her when he knew Jason no longer could. Now the two of them are roommates and things are a bit more complicated. I loved the fact that they had been friends for so long. They really knew each other, or they thought they did. Henry is a bit closed off as a character, he has a lot of issues within himself that he needs to sort out. Issues with survivor's guilt, issues with feeling worthy of love and Elsie stands by him throughout it all. She even lets him go when she wants nothing more than to hold him close.

It is a very intense romance, with a lot of emotional upheavals. I think more so because of the way it was originally written. The author had to create a conflict for each individual part of the story and that meant a lot more shaking up of things than in a normal novel. The struggles that Henry had within himself created a lot of the necessary conflict that carried the story and Elsie stands as the stopgap, the port in the storm. The military aspects of the book were well written and had a lot of depth as well. Gray does an excellent job of showing the reader how a military family copes with the hard questions. What if my love one doesn't return? What if he or she is fundamentally different when they do come back? 

There were parts that made me emotionally exhausted as I read this one. So much was going on inside both characters. Gray obviously wanted to show readers the depth of emotions both good and bad and she pulls it off beautifully. Both characters grow so much throughout this one. Disarm is just a very emotional read that might be too much for some readers who are looking for a fluffy, happy, romance, but it was just right for me.

What I didn't like:

Not much to talk about here. I liked this one a lot. Gray is obviously a very gifted writer. If she could pull this off in an erotic piece that was originally meant to be read as a serial, I can only imagine was she could do with a feature length novel and more time to tell her stories. An excellent romance!

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a romance that is extremely emotion based, this is the book for you. I actually liked the serial dynamic of the book and I didn't think I would. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is literally blinding at some points and the love scenes are definitely worthy of the erotic genre. A great book about the ins and outs of a military romance.

Disarm The Complete Novel is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

June Gray is a daydreamer who, at the age of ten, penned a short story inspired by a Judy Blume novel and has been unable to stop writing since. She loves to tell stories that titillate and enrage, that break the reader’s heart and put it back together again.

Her fairy-tale life has been lived on four different continents—most recently, in a two-hundred-forty-year-old castle in rural Germany owned by a Graf. She was born in the Philippines, raised in Australia, and now calls the United States home, and she can currently be found enjoying the shores of Miami with her husband, two daughters, and a miniature schnauzer.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Disarm The Complete Novel by June Gray.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 7th.

1. Please leave a comment describing how you feel about serials or if you like it all together. LOL.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Falling Light

Falling Light (Game of Shadow - Book 2) by Thea Harrison

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Sensation
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425255107
ISBN-13: 978-0425255100

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Sensation)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Thea Harrison on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Rising Darkness (2013), Falling Light (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Falling Light, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

Centuries ago, two lovers were torn apart by forces beyond their control. Now they have been reunited by destiny and are willing to sacrifice everything again - and again - to save a world on the brink of extinction. The Game of Shadows continues...

Troubled by dreams of strange creatures and unfamiliar voices echoing in her head, Mary had always felt disconnected from this world - until she met the enigmatic stranger Michael. He knew about Mary's past. He was in it. Searching for her. His soul mate. And it's taken centuries to find her, to re-engage her in an ancient, celestial cause: find the Deceiver before he destroys the world.

Haunted by scores of deaths - their own - Mary and Michael have drawn on the wisdom of the ages, and the power it has given them, to fight the most malevolent force known to man. Joining a select band of warriors, Mary and Michael are nearer to understanding the Deceiver and all he stands for. It's a terrifying reality that also brings them closer to realizing their own destiny and purpose. And realizing that love - like evil - is eternal.

Thoughts:

Falling Light is the second book in Thea Harrison's Game of Shadows series. This series is a complete departure from Harrison's paranormal roots and follows a darker more philosophical route. With hints of Urban Fantasy and a love story that lasts through the ages, readers who love Harrison's Elder Races series may have some difficulty adjusting. Can a healer and a soldier really find common ground? Harrison's smooth writing style and fantastic world building skills are present in Falling Light and will have readers clamoring for more.

What I liked:

One of the things that I really appreciated about this series, is Harrison's commitment to doing something unexpected. Reader's who have read the Elder Races series are certainly in for a big surprise with this book and the series in general. Game of Shadows is not paranormal romance series which is what we are used to from this author. Urban Fantasy tends to be darker, has less romance, and focuses on a different kind of goal and those characteristics certainly fit this book. Falling Light is so unlike Harrison's previous work that some readers may be taken aback by the difference, but I think it essentially stems from the fact that this book is Urban Fantasy and not Paranormal Romance. There are some definite distinctions.

Mary and Michael are quite a couple. They are aliens who have sacrificed their lives on their home planet to follow a villain known as the Deceiver to Earth in order to stop him. Unfortunately, they have to keep reincarnating themselves in order to continue their quest. They are susceptible to human life-cycles and they must find each other again with each new incarnation of themselves before they continue the battle. They are definitely old souls. Mary is a healer with exceptional skills and Michael is a soldier. They are so very different from each other, yet their love has survived centuries. The concept was highly original and the world building was phenomenal. It is a very complex world these two live in and their battles with the Deceiver are brutal and all encompassing. Being a fan of Urban Fantasy I understood the differences and how every thing needed to work together to make this series work. And I think Harrison has done a wonderful job with it. 

Urban Fantasy titles are generally light on the romance side of things and that was the case in Falling Light. Readers have come to expect a lot of steamy romantic scenes from Harrison and will probably feel like this romance doesn't quite cut it, but I have to disagree. You have to consider the rules of the game. In Urban Fantasy the main focus of the story is something other than the romance, it is almost a distraction from the goal in most cases when the hero and heroine hook up. So I didn't expect anything different and wasn't bothered by their not being a lot of spice. 

The main goal was stopping the Deceiver. Now that these two are back together, they need to regroup and get ready for the final battle. They go to find Astra their mentor but they are not really clear on Astra's motivations. She will stop at nothing to stop the Deceiver and that might mean sacrificing Mary and Michael to reincarnation once again. Who can they trust? If they make the wrong decision the results could be catastrophic. I loved all of the philosophical debate in this book. There is a lot of soul searching and trying to figure the meaning of life so to speak and I found all of that very interesting. 

What I didn't like: 

There was a slower pace at some points in the book and there were definitely some disjointed moments that didn't seem to fit the periphery of the story. I might chalk that up to the fact that this isn't the genre Harrison has frequented in the past and that might explain some of it, but I think it was mostly just the nature of how the story unfolded. It needed those moments of levity to inspire the right amount of darkness in the story. It created a philosophical conflict as well as a physical one. Very interesting concepts to be sure.

Bottom Line:

This is not a book for the reader who wants a light- hearted romantic tale. It isn't the escapist's readers idea of a good read. It's one that you have to think about a little bit, follow closely and immerse yourself in. And it is not what reader's have come to expect from this author. I liked the fact that she took a chance and created a very original and entertaining Urban Fantasy read. It is not a stand alone so make sure you read the first one before you start it, or you will be completely lost. If you are looking for something different this might be it.

Falling Light is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Thea Harrison resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction. You can check out her website at: www.theaharrison.com, and also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Falling Light by Thea Harrison.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 7th.

1. Please leave a comment describing what you like about this author or if it's your first time reading her work.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Reaper's Legacy

Reaper's Legacy (Reapers Motorcycle Club - Book 2) by Joanna Wylde

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Books
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 0425272346
ISBN-13: 978-0425272343

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Joanna Wylde on the WEB: website, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Reaper's Property (2013), Reaper's Legacy (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

WARNING: The content of this except and the book may be inappropriate for readers under 18 years of age. 

Excerpt from, Reaper's Legacy, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart—and her virginity—to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn’t have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach’s step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he’s never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious—her son Noah. Unfortunately, Zach’s a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah’s only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living in near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands—with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club—to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn’t Sophie’s plan for her son, but Ruger isn’t giving her a choice. He’ll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she’ll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way…

Thoughts:

Books about motorcycle clubs don't usually have sweet little boys in them. But Joanna Wylde's book, Reaper's Legacy does. Reaper's Legacy is the second book in the Reaper's Motorcyle Club series and features the inner workings of a group of riders to whom loyalty and brotherhood means everything. Wylde takes readers into the gritty and often dangerous world of that motorcycle clubs often run in. It is a riveting and emotional read that fans of the motorcycle club theme will not soon forget.

What I liked: 

I am a huge fan of Sons of Anarchy, so I was really excited to read about Joanna Wylde's version of the motorcycle club. It has become a very popular theme in romance of late and I had yet to read a book with that setting. To say I was satisfied with this book is an understatement. I was expecting a book filled with violence and mayhem to some extent but what I wasn't expecting was the relationship that Ruger develops with Sophie's son, Noah. It was amazing to see a big, strong, tattooed and pierced biker fall completely in love with a little boy. That was an element of the story that melted my heart. So totally uncharacteristic of the type of person I thought it took to be a biker. That was a nice plot line that totally worked.

Ruger and Sophie have some history. Ruger catches Sophie and his brother in the act, the night Noah is conceived and gets a view of Sophie that haunts his dreams from then on. She has always harbored a secret crush on Ruger, despite her relationship with Noah's father, who turns out to be a real deadbeat. It was like the chemistry between these two characters was just simmering under the surface waiting to be let out and when it does, it's really hot. But it takes more than just good sex to make a relationship with the biker work.

Ruger is one tough customer. He is the epitome of an Alpha male. He can be rough, crude, dangerous and just about any other word that comes to mind when you think, down right bull headed and a little mean. But he has a real soft side. It comes out when he deals with Noah and with Sophie. He never loses that bad boy edge to him even when he and Sophie get together, but he mellows just a little bit where she and Noah are concerned. I am glad he didn't give that up and that Wylde allowed him to keep that sharp sense of who he was.

Sophie has a son to think about. If it were just about sex that would be one thing, but Noah is involved. Ruger wants to protect her and her son, but he lives in a very dangerous world and she isn't sure that's the way she wants her son to grow up. It's a very big obstacle to her relationship with Ruger. She wants more of him than just his body and she isn't sure that she is willing to pay the price. I thought she was one strong woman. When things got tough she did the one thing she could, survive. A overall great character.

This was just an all around great love story, with a very intriguing setting. I loved learning about the motorcycle club and why things were the way they were. I thought Ruger's past was important but not essential to his relationship with Sophie and I thought she was trying to be the best mom she could be. When it came to the love scenes all I can say is... Geez Louise! I thought the story was explosive but the Wylde really lets go when it comes to the sex scenes. Hold on your hat with this one, it's quite a ride.

What I didn't like:

I had a few issues with Ruger's repeated issues with fidelity. He has to keep reminding Sophie that he probably won't be faithful. It happened so much I started to think it was just a prideful thing to say. Like I can cheat on you at any time, get used to it. I'm happy to say he didn't do that, but I wish he had only had to say it once to get his point across. 

Bottom Line:

Great story set in an interesting motorcycle world. I loved the ins and outs of the club and the relationship Ruger had with Noah. Ruger was a real gem, a very rough diamond, but he had a heart of gold. I liked this one a lot and look forward to reading more like it.

Reaper's Legacy is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Joanna Wylde has written several erotic romances for Ellora's Cave and lives in Idaho.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Reaper's Legacy by Joanna Wylde

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 6th.

1. Please leave a comment describing your interests in motorcycle clubs, etc.
2. Please fill out the FORM.