Mixed Book Bag

Guardian (The Lost Fleet) by Jack Campbell

2013-05-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Science Fiction/Space Opera

From Goodreads:

"Admiral Geary’s First Fleet of the Alliance has survived the journey deep into unexplored interstellar space, a voyage that led to the discovery of new alien species, including a new enemy and a possible ally. Now Geary’s mission is to ensure the safety of the Midway Star System, which has revolted against the Syndicate Worlds empire—an empire that is on the brink of collapse.

To complicate matters further, Geary also needs to return safely to Alliance space not only with representatives of the Dancers, an alien species, but also with Invincible, a captured warship that could possibly be the most valuable object in human history. Despite the peace treaty that Geary must adhere to at all costs, the Syndicate Worlds regime threatens to make the fleet’s journey back grueling and perilous.

And even if Geary escortsInvincibleand the Dancers’ representatives safely unharmed, the Syndics’ attempts to spread dissent and political unrest may have already sown the seeds of the Alliance’s destruction."

This is short and sweet this time. I have followed this series from the beginning. Guardian has the same cast of characters and is a continuation of the previous Lost Fleet Beyond the Frontier books. Guardian is a good story but for me it lacked the tension that was part of the previous books in the series. I could not tell from the ending if this was the last book in the series or if there will be more. If there are more I will continue to read.

I think reading this series from the start is the best way to know what is going on.

Ace published Guardian by Jack Campbell in 2013.

To Capture a Rake by Lori Brighton

2013-05-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

Historical Romance

From Goodreads:

"After her husband's death, Elizabeth Ashton knows she must remarry ? and fast. But not just any man will do. She must find Lord Ashton's long-lost bastard nephew and convince him to wed, cementing his claim to the family fortune and rescuing Elizabeth from certain ruin. Her desperate search will reveal a world she never knew existed ? and a love she never dreamed possible? Forced into prostitution to protect his darkest secret, Gideon spends his days pleasuring London's wealthiest women. Only one hope burns inside his guarded heart: that someday he will escape the gilded confines of Lady Lavender's brothel and reclaim his freedom. When a widow hires him for a two-week-long seduction at her country estate, he spies his chance ? never imagining the young beauty will reawaken a passion he thought long dead? Bound by desire, only together are they strong enough to face their enemies ? and to claim the promise of love."

Set in Victorian England To Capture a Rake is a little different from other romances. It is however the second book I have read lately where the hero is a male prostitute. Gideon Drake is the unlikely hero. Elizabeth Ashton is the one to rescue him. I liked both characters. Their journey to a HEA was interesting and full of surprises. Both kept secrets and that added to the tension. There were also some side characters that caught my interest. I do wonder who Mr. Smith really is.

The story had some disconnects but as I was reading an ARC they may not be in the final edition. There were some surprises in the story. This is the second book in a series and I liked the story enough to go find book one. To Capture a Rake will be released in June of 2013.

Montlake Romance published To Capture a Rake by Lori Brighton in 2013.

Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove #4) by Tessa Dare

2013-05-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

Historical Romance

From Goodreads:

"What’s a duke to do, when the girl who’s perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can’t live without?
Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to “Spinster Cove” and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.
Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn’t dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week’s employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother’s “duchess training”… and fail miserably.
But in London, Pauline isn’t a miserable failure. She’s a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff’s desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won’t be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?"

I laughed so hard reading parts of A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove #1) that I could not continue reading. I looked for that humor in the next Spindle Cove books but I did not find it until Any Duchess Will Do. Here that humor is sprinkled through out the book. Griff sets up many of the situations and Pauline just takes what he says and runs. I loved both characters. Griff’s mother, the Duchess, starts off as someone you would love to hate but as the book progresses she becomes someone you have to love. She is pulling for Pauline the whole time. There are many obstacles to Griff and Pauline’s HEA but in the end love conquers all.

Most of the characters in Any Duchess Will Do are new to Spindle Cove but all are great additions to the series. It is only near the end of the book that some of the previous characters appear but they do play an important part in the story. The plot is fun, the pacing great and the romance feels very real. Pre-order now so you can start reading on May 28^th when Any Duchess Will Do comes out.

I received an ARC of Any Duchess Will Do from Edelweiss.

Avon published Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare.

Musing Monday's, May 20, 2013

2013-05-20T15:53:00.003-05:00

Musing Mondays (http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/) asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits. •
Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
•Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

Today I am musing about books that are part of a series. While I was away several books in series that I follow were released. Once I got home I either purchased the books or checked them out from the library. I want to read them all at once but am trying to pace my reading and add some other books in between.

A new book in two of the books are released each around the same time each year. Both are historical mysteries with a touch of romance. Both have actual historical settings. Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson is set in New York in the early 1900's and What Darkness Brings by C.S. Harris is set in England in the early1800's. Both are part of series that I have followed from the start and both contain accurate historical references. Reading them as close together as I am started me thinking about how different authors handle series writing. Both C.S. Harris and Victoria Thompson write series where each book builds on the one before and while fiction are in some ways historically acurate. While you can read any as stand-alone books they are much better when read in order. Since I have been home I have finished both books and both series are continuing to hold my interest. I would recommend either series to mystery fans.

Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krantz is another book that came out while I was gone. She takes a slightly different approach to her series. She has created a universe where the paranormal is real and sets her books in that universe. She writes in that universe in three different time periods and uses three different names. Amanda Quick books are set in the past, Jayne Ann Krantz books are set in the present and Jayne Castle books are set in the future. From there she writes trilogies. Dream Eyes is the middle book in her current trilogy and while it solves one problem it also sets up the next book. Characters from previous books do show up but each trilogy has its own unique set of characters and actions. Each can be read as a stand-alone and the books have a universe in common instead of building on the previous book.

When I looked at the books I purchased and checked out at the library I realized that I read a lot of books that are a part of series and while there are similarities between how authors write series there are also some major differences. The attraction for writing is series is once you hook someone on the series you have a guaranteed reader and guaranteed sales. If you read this take a look at what you read and see how many of your favorites are in a series.

Trail of Dead by Melissa E. Olson

2013-05-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

Paranormal Mystery/Romance

From Goodreads:

"As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years she has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden. But after LAPD detective Jesse Cruz discovered Scarlett’s secret, he made a bargain with her: solve a particularly grisly murder case, and he would stay silent about the city’s unearthly underworld.
Now two dead witches are found a few days before Christmas, and Scarlett is once again strong-armed into assisting the investigation. She soon finds a connection between the murders and her own former mentor, Olivia, a null who mysteriously turned into a vampire and who harbors her own sinister agenda. Now Scarlett must revisit her painful past to find Olivia—unless the blood-drenched present claims her life first."

Trail of Dead is the second Scarlett Bernard Novel. I read and reviewed the first novel, Dead Spots, in October of 2012.

Sometimes a second book is a let down. That is not true of Trail of Dead. If anything it is even better that Dead Spots. One of the things that struck me this time was how two different authors can take the same premise and write books that are completely different. In the Alexia Tarabotti novels by Gail Carriger Alexia can negate supernatural powers or when near vampires and werewolves they become normal humans. Scarlett does the same but the stories and characters are completely different. The fact that it took me two books to even make the comparison is proof of that.

The world building was done in Dead Spots. The main characters are the same. Jesse, Scarlett and Eli are all part of the story but the focus has moved from Jesse and Eli to Scarlett. Trail of Dead builds from the foundation laid in Dead Spots. Again the writing is excellent, the plot well developed, the characters well drawn and tension builds to a satisfying conclusion. Again, there were some unexpected twists and turns. This book was based on a problem character from book one. That character is now gone. Trail of Dead could be the last Scarlett Bernard Novel but I am hoping that I saw a small set up for the next book. I will certainly be on the look out and hoping that the series will continue.

Trail of Dead is scheduled for publication June 4, 2013. I received an advanced reader’s copy review copy of Trail of Dead from Amazon Vine. You should pre-order your copy now. At 3.99 for the Kindle edition it is a bargain.

47 North will publish Trail of Dead by Melissa F. Olson in 2013.

Stacking the Shelves, May 18, 2013

2013-05-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I am adding to my shelves. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews. Follow the line to see what other have on their shelves.

I am finally home after being gone for 4 months. It has been hard to get back into the book blogging mindset so this is the first Stacking the Shelves post since I got back. It includes 2 1/2 weeks worth of books.

Purchased:

Her Sky Cowboy by Beth Ciotta
Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre
Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
Alien in the House by Gini Koch
Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas
A Counterfeit Betrothall/The Notorious Rake by Mary Balogh
The Handbook to Handling His Lordship by Suzanne Enoch
The Lost Fleet: Guardian by Jack Campbell
Blowback by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Darius by Grace Burrowes
Nicholas by Grace Burrowes

From the Library:

What Darkness Brings by C. S. Harris
Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz
Charming Blue by Kristine Grayson
T empting the Bride by Sherry Thomas
Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas
Cold Days by Jim Butcher
All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
Protector by C.J. Cherryh
The Cassandra Project by Jack McDevitt and Mike Resnick
Hellhole Awakening by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

For Review: (These are all Vine books and all have been reviewed on Amazon. They have changed their rules for reviewing and all must be reviewed by the publication date or no more books.)

An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands
The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
Trail of Dead by Melissa F. Olson
To Capture a Rake by Lori Brighton
Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter
The Lost by Vicki Pettersson

(I have more For Review books loaded but have just run out of time to enter. Look for a longer list next week.)

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens

2013-05-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Historical Romance

From Goodreads:

"The 2nd in the Cynster Sisters duo, #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens thrills with this fantastic tale of a Cynster who'll stop at nothing for love.

Lady Mary has been waiting years for this opportunity. Now that her sister has thrown off her spinster ways and become betrothed, it's finally Mary's chance for true love. She knows exactly who she wants --and it's not someone as wild, unmanageable, and sinfully seductive as Ryder Cavanaugh.

Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne, had never met a woman who wouldn't happily fall at his feet--or into his bed...until Lady Mary Cynster. But Ryder has made some decisions about his life and he'll only succeed at being the man he wants to be with Mary by his side. And convincing her of that fact is just the kind of challenge he thrills at."

While it is not a requirement that you follow the Cynster books I do think The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh would be more enjoyable if you were a fan of the series. Many of the characters from previous books are scattered through out the story. In some ways they are a distraction if you do not know their history. It makes it difficult to recommend this as a stand-alone although it can be read as one.

Both of the main characters are well written. Lady Mary always knows what she wants and does not hesitate to go after it. . Ryder Cavanaugh is the same. At the first of the story they are at cross-purposes but that changes. Once they come together the story changes. Now there is danger thrown into the story. All of the elements add up to a easy enjoyable light read.

Avon published The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens in 2013.

An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands

2013-05-14T02:00:00.000-05:00

Historical Romance

"The first in a new historical series set in the Highlands of Scotland, from Lynsay Sands, the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau vampire series and countless historical romances.

Annabel was about to take the veil to become a nun when her mother suddenly arrives at the Abbey to take her home… so that she can marry the Scottish laird who is betrothed to her runaway sister! She knows nothing about being a wife, nothing about how to run a household, and definitely nothing about the marriage bed!

But from the moment Ross MacKay sets eyes on Annabel, he is taken with his shy sweet bride… and the fact that she's blessed with lush curves only makes him utter his own prayers of thanks. But when an enemy endangers her life, he'll move the Highlands themselves to save her. For though Annabel's not the bride he planned for, she's the only woman he desires."

I really enjoyed An English Bride in Scotland. Ross MacKay and Annabel Withram are both great characters. Ross is prepared to refuse his English bride but takes one look at Annabel and goes through with the wedding. Annabel was supposed to become a nun but like Maria in the Sound of Music she just does not suit. Unlike Maria she does not have a kind Mother Superior. She is wearing a hair shirt and has whip marks on her back when we first meet her. Leaving the convent and becoming a wife is the best thing for her.

It is fun to see how she and Ross get along with one another. Annabel is frightened of the marriage bed and manages to put off the consummation of the marriage. Look for how Ross manages to get around the church’s rule that there should be no bedding on Wednesday. It is a great scene. Even though Annabel is worried that she will not know how to run Ross’s home she does all the right things by just being herself.

This is a very well written and plotted book. There is danger, romance, tension and a lot of fun on the journey to the HEA. I loved how the side characters added to the story. This is the first in a new series and I am looking forward to the next books.

Avon published An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands in 2013.

Musing Mondays, May 13, 2013

2013-05-13T08:59:00.000-05:00

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits. • Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s). • What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! • Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it. • Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us! • Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

The last one on the list works for me. I have been away from home for four months. During that time I had limited internet so my blog went on vacation with me. I did make a few posts but without the links and covers that I usually do. I have been home two and one half weeks and am finding it very hard to get back in the blog posting groove. Not only that but I was away from book buying during that time and now that I am back home I have already collected a huge TBR pile. It is amazing how many must read books come out in four months. Next week when I post here I will try for a list of library and purchased books. Hopefully by then I will be back in the groove. Right now there is more reading and less posting. Until next week!

Ghost Spin by Chris Moriarty

2013-04-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Science Fiction

I am on the Round the World Cruise and have limited Internet. I am using this time to catch up on my TBR pile on my ereaders. My posts are short with no links or graphics. Check my travel blog to see where I have been and where I am going.

Ghost Spin is a strange story with a strange story line. It is Science Fiction. It is set in the far future when an artificial intelligence named Cohen kills himself. This is unexpected. AI's don't kill themselves.

I kept reading this even though it was confusing at times. There are parts or Ghosts of Cohen that appear in the story. There is Cohen's wife Catherine. In her quest to find out if Cohen really did commit suicide she ends up sending copies of herself across the galaxy. As a result we have Caitlyn and Catherine, the same character but not the same.

Parts of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland are woven into the story and provide clues to what is happening. Ghost Spin is a well written and well thought out story filled with interesting characters. Don't expect it to be a quick read and don't expect all the loose ends to be tied up. At time it can be confusing as it moves from the present to the past and back. Don't quit. Do expect a interesting and challenging read.

Spectra Trade published Ghost Spin by Chris Moriarty in 2013.

The Wild One by Danelle Harmon

2013-04-14T11:27:00.005-05:00

Historical Fiction

I am near the end of my round the world cruise. There are just over two weeks to go. I have fallen down on posting so I will do this post now and the rest when I get home around the first of May.

The Wild One is Book 1 in the The De Montforte Brothers series by Danelle Harmon. I downloaded it free from Amazon before I left home. When I checked a few days ago it was still free. It is set in 1775, around the time of the American Revolution. If you like Historical Fiction you should pick this on up. A warning though; there is a real shocker near the end and you will probably want the read the next book just to see what happens.

The De Monforte family consists of four brothers and one sister. The set up reminded me of one of Mary Balough's series. The oldest brother is Lucian, the Duke, and he is always trying to control his siblings. The Wild One is the third son, Gareth. After the death of his brother Charles he is the Duke's heir. He has always been told he is useless and he tries hard to live up to his reputation. The Duke is working had to try to change him.

Juliet is from America and was going to marry Charles. She had his daughter after he was killed. He made her promise to go to England and stay with his family if something happened to him. As she neared the De Monforte home highwaymen stopped her coach. Gareth is injured while saving everyone. He is drawn to Juliet and the Duke sees away to use her to control him.

The story moves from there. There are some unexpected events and the journey to the HEA is very entertaining. Garth is one of the great bad boys. He is really a very good person underneath all of his pranks. Juliet is very serious and focused. They really compliment each other. Juliet needs the fun Garth brings and Garth needs someone who brings him down to earth.

I enjoyed reading Garth and Juliet's story and hope you do to.

The Wild One is an ebook published by Danelle Harmon in 2012.

And the Miss Ran Away With the Rake, Rhymes with Love by Elizabeth Boyle

2013-03-26T20:31:00.000-05:00

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Historical Romance

Goodreads Summary:

"Daphne Dale never could have imagined that when she answered an advertisement in the newspaper that she would find true love. Now she has the opportunity to meet her unknown suitor, but it means traveling to Tabitha’s wedding, and into the heart of her family’s sworn enemies. Everyone knows the Seldons are terrible rakes and bounders, but Daphne will risk anything to gain the happiness she is certain is right around the corner.

Lord Henry Seldon is aghast at the latest addition to the house party guest list—one would think after the unforgettable scandal Daphne Dale caused at the duke’s engagement ball, she wouldn’t dare show her face at the duke’s wedding. But here she is, poking her nose where she shouldn’t and driving Henry mad . . . with an unforgettable passion that will turn enemies into lovers"

Elizabeth Boyle writes some of the best comic dialog around. If you want a book with lots of laughs, fun characters and exciting ending And the Miss Ran Away With the Rake is for you.

The two main characters are wonderful. Daphne Dale wants a sensible husband. She is in London for the wedding of her friend Tabitha Timmons to the Duke of Preston and plans to find that husband while she is there.

Lord Henry Seldon is the sensible one of his family. Uncle to Preston (the Duke) he has managed the family business and keeps everything from falling apart for his entire life. He has never been considered a rake before.

Letter writing brings them together and when Daphne and Henry first lay eyes on each other at the ball for Tabitha and Preston they know they are destined to be together. That is until they find out that she is a Dale and he is a Seldon. It seems their families have been enemies for generations. Each reacts with horror and then the fun begins. This is where the great dialog comes in. The book was filled with too many scenes where I could not stop laughing to keep count.

Watching the two of them fight their attraction was wonderful. They went to great lengths to try to stay apart. It did not help. They would be in the same place and their interaction always deepened the attraction. Daphne sees sensible Henry as a rake. Henry sees Daphne as anything but sensible. They are made for one another. They have to fight both of their families and that adds to the fun. Even how they finally manage to get together is unique.

Look for a really fun filled read in the second Rhymes with Love book from Elizabeth Boyle. Along Came a Duke (click to see my review) is the first book .

Avon published And the Miss Ran Away With the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle in 2013.

Hammer of Angels by G.T. Almasi

2013-03-22T17:02:00.000-05:00

Alternate History

I am on the Round the World Cruise and have limited Internet. I’m using this time to catch up on my TBR pile on my ereaders. My posts are short with no links or graphics. Check my travel blog to see where I have been and where I am going.

I don’t want to give too much away so this is a very short review.

Hammer of Angels picks up a few months after Blades of Winter ends. It picks up with Alix in an action scene and does not stop for the entire book. I like action and a really interesting Alternate History so I was eager to see how the series held up in book two. I was not disappointed. The plot is full of tension and, the characters are interesting. I had wondered how Alix would react to Brando. I like how that part of the story was handled. There are two main stories in the book and they overlap. While some issues in both stories are resolved there are still thing up in the air. Book three should be really interesting.

A word of warning about the series. All of the world building was done in book one so if you start with Hammer of Angels you may be completely lost. I recommend you get Blades of Winter and read from there.

Del Rey published Hammer of Angels by G. T. Almasi in 2013.

I received an ARC of Hammer of Angels from Netgalley.

A Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle

2013-03-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

Historical Fiction

As I read Chapter One of A Bride by Moonlight it sounded very familiar. Then I realized it is the same as a scene from a previous book but from a different perspective.

Royden Napier and Elizabeth “Lisette” Colburne are back but this time as the main characters. Napier does not know what to think about Lisette. He is not sure if she is innocent or guilty of murder. He does know that in spite of everything he is very attracted to her.

He is called to his estranged grandfather’s home to solve a mystery and he is warned that there will be pressure put on him to wed someone not of his choice. Using blackmail he convinces Lisette to go with him and pose as his betrothed.

The story unwinds from there. There is a lot of tension in A Bride by Moonlight; tension between Napier and his family, between Napier and Lisette, tension caused by Lisette’s past and tension from past secrets in both of their lives. Both Napier and Lisette must face the fact that not all of the past was as it seemed. The plot is full of surprises, twists and turns, and of course romance. The journey to Napier’s and Lissett’s HEA is really fun read, one you don’t want to miss.

While A Bride by Moonlight is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone.

Avon Published A Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle in 2013.

I received an ARC of A Bride by Moonlight from Edelweiss.

NIghts of Steel by Nico Rosso

2013-03-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

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Steampunk Romance

I am on a Round the World Cruise and have limited Internet. I'm using this time to catch up on my TBR pile on my ereaders. My posts are short with no links or graphics. Check my travel blog to see where I have been and where I am going.

From Goodreads:

Return to The Ether Chronicles, where the skies above the American West are about to get wilder than ever

Bounty hunter Anna Blue always finds her fugitive. But her latest mission is filled with mystery: a high price for an eccentric inventor. And her biggest rival, Jack Hawkins—a startlingly handsome, entirely unsettling man whose abilities match her own—is hunting the same bounty. Neither will back down.

When a rogue Man O' War flies his airship into the California skies, guns blazing, Anna and Jack are forced to team up or die. But it isn't the danger that has them ready to flare like gunpowder. They've circled each other for years as competitors only. Fighters and outsiders, they never thought they'd find a kindred soul. As hot passion and raw need draw them together, can they survive this mission long enough to track the most elusive fugitives their hearts

Nights of Steel features two great characters, Anna Blue and Jack Hawkins. The plot is interesting. The romance is hot. The action is nonstop. This is steampunk and it contains very interesting inventions that add a lot to the story. The only draw back is the world building. This is #4 is the Ether Chronicles and if you have not read the first three you will be a little lost. Because everything in this world was developed before Nights of Steel it is assumed you know the history of this world and how it works. Don't let that stop you. Just read on and then go back and read the first three.

Avon Books published Nights of Steel by Nico Rosso in 2012.

I received an ARC of Nights of Steel from Edelweiss.

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Santuario by G. B. Gordon

2013-03-15T06:43:00.000-05:00

Science Fiction/Mystery

I am on the Round the World Cruise and have limited Internet. I'm using this time to catch up on my TBR pile on my ereaders. My posts are short with no links or graphics. Check my travel blog to see where I have been and where I am going.

The prolog set the stage for Santuario. A Santuarian generation ship landed on Jarovegur 200 years ago. Jarovegur already had inhabits and they segregated the newcomers to an island that they called Santuario hoping they would fail to survive. The opposite happened. There is a move to end the isolation and not everyone is in favor of that happening.

That is where the mystery comes in. There has been a murder on Santuario and someone from the mainland is sent to help in the investigation. While the story is based on finding the murderer it is really a story about human interaction. The story is very character driven. The two main characters are from opposite societies, Alex from Santuario and Bengt from the mainland. From Bengt's viewpoint nothing is as it seems and from Alex's viewpoint Bengt does not begin to understand how things work on Santuario. Their struggle to work together is the main focus for the story and allows the issues to surface and develop.

Much of the story revolves around the move to open up the island and the effect it will have. The mystery is there to bring the characters together and to allow all the issues to be brought out into the open.

I liked the story and was drawn into the conflict between Alex and Bengt. Using two different cultures on the same planet has been used before but it still works to set a stage filled with tension and misunderstanding. While there was an end and a solution to the story there is plenty of room for more stories set on Jarovegur.

Riptide Publishing published Santuario by G.B. Gordon in 2012.

I received an ARC of Santuario from Netgalley.

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm

2013-03-12T06:39:00.000-05:00

Time Travel Romance

Jamie is the Geek Girl in the story and Mike is the Scandalous Earl. Jamie writes music and lived a vicarious life playing online games. When she help clean out a storage locker she falls through the mirror on an antique wardrobe. It seems she has been called as the perfect mate for the Earl. Of course love and the HEA is not as easy as that.

Jamie and Mike have an exciting journey. Mike was involved with a woman who is very jealous. Even though he as broken it off she is still trying to win him back and she does not care how. Mike is about to ask the wrong woman to marry him. And how does Jamie fit in. Well she does not at first but eventually Mike realizes he loves her. Then the trouble really begins and Mike pushes her away for her safety.

Jamie is a different type of time traveler. Her main interest is music and online games. Mike is a typical 1800's male. It leads to some interesting scenes between the two. I had some trouble getting into the story but once I got past the first few chapters I did not want to quit reading. If you are looking for a slightly different time travel romance pick this one up.

Sourcebooks published The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm in 2013.

I received an ARC of The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl from Netgalley.

Nexus by Ramez Naam

2013-03-06T05:19:00.000-06:00

Science Fiction

Nexus is a really fast paced Science Fiction Thriller. Set in the near future it deals with what might be the next step for man. Some of the science in the story is around today but the author takes it to a whole new level. Nexus is a drug that can elevate people to a higher level. It can also be used to control others.

The two main characters in the book, Kaden Lane and Samantha Cataranes, are on opposite sides. Kaden is working to release the drug to everyone. Samantha works for the government and her job is to stop Kaden. Everything develops from their first encounter.

The writing in Nexus is superb. The action is non-stop. The plot is well developed. I loved the way scenes were presented in quick terse paragraphs. It kept the tension level high. I think this is a must read for any hard science fiction fan.

Angry Robot published Nexus by Ramez Naam in 2012.

I received an ARA of Nexus from Netgalley.

A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz

2013-03-05T16:22:00.000-06:00

Steampunk/Paranormal

There are so many options for Steampunk books and it is fun to see what an author puts into their world. Liesel Schwarz has created an interesting mix of steampunk and the paranormal in A Conspiracy of Alchemists.

Eleanor is an airship pilot, something out of the ordinary for women. She is in Paris to pick up cargo set up by Patrice, her agent. It turns out this is not any ordinary cargo. Part of it is just a small wooden box and before Eleanor can get it to her airship it is stolen. . The other part is Marsh. A man Eleanor clashes with from the very beginning.

All of this is part of the world building. The box contains something the Alchemists want and need. March is part of an opposing group that is trying to stop the alchemists. Eleanor has special talents that she does not want to acknowledge. Both groups are trying to get Eleanor and her talent. You just have to keep reading to find out who is the good guy and who is the bad one.

There is a very interesting world built in A Conspiracy of Alchemists. While some elements are common to steampunk many are unique to this book. The book is also filled with interesting characters. Marsh and Eleanor carry the bulk of the story but there are side characters that add interest and color to the story. The plot is well developed. The dialog keeps the story moving in an active manner. All in all a very well written book.

This is the first book in a new series. While this part of the story is complete and has a satisfying ending there is a teaser epilog that sets up the next book.

Ballantine Books published A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz in 2013.

I received an ARC of A Conspiracy of Alchemists from Edelweiss.

If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen

2013-03-02T21:13:00.000-06:00

Historical Fiction

If You Give a Rake a Ruby is the second in the series that features Juliette, Lily and Fallon. All three are courtesans and have been know as The Three Diamonds. In the first book Juliette found her Duke and is now married. Now it is Fallon's turn.

Warrick Fitzhugh is one of the Rough Diamonds, men who worked undercover for the crown during the war. Now someone has killed one member and is trying to kill Warrick.

There is a complicated plot in If You Give a Rake a Ruby. Fallon has a past that is coming back to haunt her. Warrick is trying to find a killer while suffering from episodes of post traumatic stress. Fallon and Warrick are attracted to each other but Fallon feels that she is not good enough for him. Warrick is estranged from his family and racked with guilt about the death of his brother during the war.

Put all of this together and you have a fast moving journey to Fallon's and Warrick's HEA. Look for the solution to some of the issues in If You Give a Rake a Ruby but not all. Since it is the middle book in this series it also sets the stage for Lily's story.

This was one of those books I had trouble putting down. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Sourcebook published If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen in 2013.

I received an ARC of If You Give a Rake a Ruby from NetGalley.

Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy

2013-03-01T13:11:00.000-06:00

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Paranormal Romance

I am on the Round the World Cruise and have limited internet. I am using this time to catch up on my TBR pile on my ereaders. My posts are short with no links or graphics. Check my travel blog to see where I have been and where I am going.

This is the second book in a reprinted series by Kathryne Kennedy. It is a historical romance filled with the paranormal. I found the whole premise a lot of fun. It is set during Victoria’s reign and has both fictional and real characters for the time period. Magic is real and people have different magical talents. Lady Jasmina Karlyle uses here to protect her parents and keep their housewhole running smoothly. She is not expected to wed. Everything changes where she tries to return a broach her mother took. It is a jewel of great power and send Jasimina on an unexpected and exciting adventure.

I loved the premise and world building in the story. One unusual aspect of the world is that Shapeshifters are shunned and considered not quite right for proper society.

Jasmina is a great character. I loved her Aunt Ettie and the two shape shifters who came into Jasmina and Ettie’s lives. Sterling is wonderful and perfect for Jasmina and for me his animal shape was something of a surprise.

Double Enchantment is filled with action, adventure, danger and of course romance. Pick it up for a great read.

Sourcebooks published Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy in 2013.

I received an ARC of Double Enchantment from Netgalley.

Badlands Bride by Adrianne Wood

2013-02-28T05:07:00.000-06:00

Old West Romance

Badlands Bride is set in Colorado in the late 1800's. Lily HIghfill and Mason Donnelly are the two main characters. Lily is the daughter of a very prominent family from Boston. She has lived for years with her Aunt in Denver and is looking forward to finally going home to Boston. Mason is a journalist who lives and writes in the West. He is suffering from writers block. The two meet when Mason and Lily are both at her grandfather's fossil dig in the Colorado badlands. Both are very appealing characters.

This story has a great journey to the HEA. There is danger, excitement, romance, and a great many twists and turns before we get to the HEA. Both Lily and Mason have make changes in their lives and their perceptions in order to have a happy ending. One thing thtat kept the story interesting was that it is hard to tell who is the good guy and who is the bad guy until the very end of the story. One final twist in the story really blindsided me. Look for a good story with a great setting in Badlands Bride.

Pocket Book published Badlands Bride by Adrianne Wood in 2012.

I received an ARC of Badlands Bride from Edelweiss.

Checkmate My Lord by Tracey Devlyn

2013-02-25T05:13:00.000-06:00

Historical Romance

Checkmate My Lord is set England in the time of Napoleon. The two main characters, Catherine Ashcroft and Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton are neighbors. Catherine is newly widowed. Her husband, Jeffery, had not been home for years and her marriage had been over for a long time. Just before his death he wrote her a series of strange letters and Catherine goes to Sebastian asking for help in finding out what the letters really meant and how Jeffery really died. That action sets up the story.

I have often said that in romance it is not the destination but the journey that makes the story. While Checkmate My Lord is a very pleasant read the plot in is one that has been used many times. England is at war with France and has a secret spy network that is being threatened. The book is very well written but there were no surprises in the plot. That made the journey very predictable and I knew what was going to happen long before I got to the end. There were also several oblivious hooks for future books that did not add anything to the story line.

An added problem for me was the fact that this is the second book about the spy network and I have not read the first book. Even though a lot of back-story is added in the first few pages of the book I was still left in the dark about some of the side characters and what had happened in book one to set up this story. I recommend reading book one before Checkmate My Lord. All in all for me Checkmate My Lord was a bit of a disappointment.

Sourcebooks published Checkmate My Lord by Tracey Devlyn in 2013.

I received an ARC of Checkmate My Lord from Netgalley.

The Warrior Laird by Margo Maguire

2013-02-25T05:06:00.000-06:00

Historical Romance

The Warrior Laird tells the story of Lady Maura Duncanson who is trouble to all who know her and Laird Dugan MacMillan who is working to protect his clan. Lady Maura does not like her family and is trying to get away. Duncan has to raise enough money to pay rent on the land his family used to own. There is a lot of bad blood between Duncan's family and Maura's. When Maura escapes from the soldiers escorting her to an unwanted marriage to an old man. The story moves briskly from that point.

I love Lady Maura. She is nothing like others in her family. Her only goal as she escapes is to find and save her younger sister Rosie who has been sent away. She has a lot of love to give and while she finds that she loves Dugan she knows that her family history will prevent them from being together. Dugan knows that he cannot have Maura for the same reasons.

Both are very strong well drawn characters. I loved seeing them interact with each other. There are some very interesting secondary characters that help keep the story moving. Dugan's quest for money to save his clan adds a nice touch of tension to the story. There is enough mystery, romance, and danger in The Warrior Laird to satisfy anyone. The Warrior Laird makes very good use of the Highland theme by adding new twists and turns to a familiar journey to an HEA.

Avon published The Warrior Laird by Margo Maguire in 2012.

I received an ARC of The Warrior Laird from Edelweiss.

Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt

2013-02-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

Historical Fiction

Elizabeth Hoyt has done it again. Another great Maiden Lane story with another Ghost of St. Giles.

Godric St. John has been a ghost of a man since his wife took years to die. He is also one of the Ghosts of St. Giles. Two years ago he was blackmailed into marring Lady Margaret Reading. She was pregnant with another man's child (a man who had just been murdered) at the time but miscarried shortly after. She has been living the the country and Godric in the city but as the book starts that is changing. Margaret has come to town with two goals. Get pregnant and find her lovers murderer.

Margaret or Megs as she prefers and Godric are both wonderful characters. Both have lost people they love and both think they cannot love again. It is really fun to see how they both begin to live and love again.

Margaret also wants to find the person who killed her first love. That brings the story of the Ghost and a reappearance of the lassie snatchers from the last book into the story. The Ghost is in danger again. He wants to keep his identity from Margaret but things happen that make it harder and harder to do.

There is a set up for the next book woven into the story. The characters for this story appear but really do not play a part in Lord of Darkness. They did not add to this story. They only appeared as a set up for the third Ghost of St Giles book.

Grand Central Publishing released Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt in 2013.