The Book Vixen

Book Review: Bear, Otter, and the Kid by T.J. Klune

2013-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Bear, Otter, and the Kid
Series: Bear, Otter, and the Kid, book 1
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: August 2011 by Dreamspinner Press

Three years ago, Bear McKenna’s mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six-year-old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they’ve muddled through, but since he’s totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn’t actually doing much living—with a few exceptions, he’s retreated from the world, and he’s mostly okay with that. Until Otter comes home.

Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world... something or someone.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: I devoured Bear, Otter and the Kid and HIGHLY recommend it to MM fans who love character-driven romance with outstanding secondary characters and a truly humorous narration.

The Set Up: Bear’s mother left him three years ago to raise his precocious younger brother, the Kid. Bear stumbled upon a village to help raise the Kid which consists of his best friend Creed, long-time girlfriend, Anna, and his elderly next door neighbor. Otter is Creed’s older brother and he and Bear have always had a symbiotic relationship Bear never understood—until Otter left then suddenly returns to turn Bear and the Kid’s lives upside down.

Why I Read this Book: This book is on nearly every Best of List for MM fiction. People universally adore this book, which is precisely the reason I didn’t read it for so long since a book rarely lives up to its hype. Except in this case…

What I Liked: This is an amazing story of love, friendship and the ties that bind humans to each other. Bear’s relationship with the Kid is outstanding in its love, commitment and acceptance for who they each are and what they mean to each other. Kid is an amazingly fun, precocious child and I loved his important role in Bear’s life and this book. They have a pseudo-father-son relationship but it’s more playful given that Bear is only twelve years older than Kid and that they’re both muddling through growing up together while taking care of each other. Bear and the Kid’s relationships with Creed, Anna and the next door neighbor are all wonderful relationships full of love, understanding and hurts that make up our relationships with each other. I loved this cast of characters because they’re flawed but continue to love and support each other. It is impossible for me not to feel invested in all of these characters who are trying to live meaningful lives, do good things and keep their heads above water. Yes, they’re all young (except the elderly neighbor) but this didn’t feel like a New Adult book because they face adult challenges with a maturity and understanding of long term consequences that I find missing in New Adult characters I’ve read.

I have to also mention the extremely humorous narration of this book. Bear is the narrator and his spastic way of telling this story had me laughing out loud more than once, usually where the Kid is involved in his quest to be a “vegetarian eco-terrorist.” For instance, Kid writes a love poem for Bear to read to Otter and I couldn’t stop giggling since the first time it was mentioned.

What I Also Liked: And now onto the romance…I’m not sure where to start it’s so delicious. Bear doesn’t know why he feels the way he does about Otter and when Otter returns home after his time in San Diego, Bear has to make a decision on what his feelings mean. This is the crux of romantic tension—what does Bear feel and what does it mean? Bear is a free-association thinker who overthinks everything and while this was hard to read sometimes, I could see why Otter was so in love with Bear. And Otter’s vulnerability to Bear was absolutely astounding in its raw honesty. I sometimes cringed at how vulnerable Otter made himself to Bear, especially given Bear’s indecision, but this made the novel an emotional rollercoaster. The sexual intimacy wasn’t quite as explicit or as frequent as in my favorite MM romances but it was enough to be satisfying and fit the tone of the book well.

What I Didn’t Like: I was reluctant to read this book in part because of the first person narration which I often find lopsided. The only time I felt cheated was when Bear was telling readers about Otter’s time in San Diego. It lacked the punch that I was wanting, especially since it answered the mystery of why Otter went away and what happened to bring him home. Instead of hearing from Otter, it’s filtered through Bear. Other than this one time I loved the narration since Bear is such a humorous, though perhaps not always honest, narrator.

IMO: This book more than lived up to its hype and made me a believer in the author and his unique way of storytelling.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Built 4 It by Daisy Harris

2013-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Built 4 It
Series: Love Bots, Book 3
Author: Daisy Harris
Genre: Science-Fiction, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: NetGalley
Published: January 2012 by Ellora’s Cave

When a riot erupts in Built4’s stein-building lab, the alpha stein Kee drags a submissive young lab assistant into his cage. Kee’s been studying the human. Ben’s sad eyes and slender form call to Kee—urging him to equal parts lust and possessiveness.

Prisoner to the alpha, Ben surrenders to the stein’s fierce determination and gentle seductions. He’s long hated his job, feeling like a monster for following his boss’s orders, especially once he’s seen intelligence flickering in the alpha’s green eyes.

If Kee’s to escape, he needs Ben’s help to learn about the world outside the laboratory—a world full of people, sex and experiences Kee’s only beginning to discover. And guilt-ridden over the things he’s done, Ben can only forgive himself if the alpha forgives his sins first.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Not quite sure what to say about this strange novella as one of the leads seemed like a Cro-Magnon man, literally, not because he was a jerk.

The Set Up: Kee is a stein, a man fully grown in a lab but without real brain activity though possessing an ability to learn quickly. He’s been lusting after the human lab technician, Ben and once finally freed, he captures Ben. Ben gives in to the gentle giant and helps Kee adapt to life outside the laboratory.

Why I Read this Book: I recently enjoyed a forthcoming release from this author, From the Ashes, about a Latino firefighter who falls for a man he helped after his house burnt down and thought I’d give one of her backlist a try.

Mixed Results: You ever read a book and after you have no idea what just happened? Yeah, that here for me. This writer has a great imagination to create a world where steins are humans but without the intellectual abilities humans possess. The science-y (shaddap, I know it’s not a word!) part of this novella was certainly imaginative.

The romance however was just plain odd. Ben isn’t happy shipping out the steins for medical research or to their death but his attraction to Kee is a big leap. Kee starts as nearly a mindless body but learns through TV rudimentary human thought and speech. For me this made for a very strange romance with a tad of ick when the men became sexual. Even their discussion about their sex includes childish hand gestures from both Ben and Kee and the whole romance ended up forced, strange and slightly icky for me.

IMO: I have a new oddest book I ever read!

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Moon by Laurann Dohner

2013-05-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Moon
Series: New Species, Book 10
Author: Laurann Dohner
Genre: Paranormal romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: April 30, 2013 by Ellora’s Cave

Dr. Joyce Yards has never met anyone as irresistible as 466. Their therapy sessions are growing hotter, his raw sexual hunger becoming aggressive, and he refuses to discuss anything except the possibility of getting her naked. Joy understands the dire consequences if she indulges her passion. It will break her heart but she must walk away.

Moon has been drugged, his memory shattered, and he’s now little more than feral, a dangerous threat to everyone. In their need for help, the NSO doctors turn to the only female Moon ever cared about—the one who left him behind two years ago.

Moon isn’t the same male Joy once knew. There are no rules now. If sex tames the wild beast and triggers his fractured memories, allowing him moments of lucidity, then Joy will give him everything, body and soul. She’ll do whatever it takes to save him—even at the cost of her own life.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Enjoyable addition to a series I love but not my favorite because of the reunion romance.

The Set Up: Dr. Joy Yards is a New Species therapist when they’re first released from captivity. 466 is one of her patients and he pushes her to act on their attraction. Joy knows the serious consequences for both of them so she runs away. Now two years later, 466 is called Moon and has been inexplicably drugged so the New Species council brings Joy to help since Moon has told others of her abandonment. Moon and Joy can no longer fight their attraction.

Why I Read this Book: I love this series and await each new release.

What I Liked: I love the New Species. I’m a sci-fi fan so the idea captures my imagination. The premise is that these species of humans were created in labs by splicing animal DNA with humans. The pharmaceutical company tortured these hybrid humans for years before they gained their freedom. The New Species characters from the previous books have strong appearances in this book and I love that. I also enjoyed the inclusion of new secondary characters and hope they get their own books with HEAs, especially the caustic Jericho and the biker bad-boy Harley who is Moon’s best friend.

What I Also Liked: The romance between Joy and Moon hits all the expected points. It’s deliciously erotic and has a decent amount of tension. Joy and Moon should take to each other more, especially about their pasts, but when they do finally have their big discussion it has some emotional pay off. Still, I’ll be honest, most of the romance takes place between the sheets and that ain’t bad.

What I Didn’t Like: I’ll admit I’m not a reunion romance fan and this romance didn’t change my mind. So much time is spent explaining why Joy made the decision she did and how much it hurt Moon that it steals the show from their current romance. Plus, it makes their romantic conflict predictable because it’s purely a matter of understanding and forgiveness. There are no twists and turns in this romance unlike the other books in the series because Joy and Moon already knew each other and readers know how an erotic romance is going to turn out.

Second, Moon was drugged most of the book so I never got a sense of his personality. Part of the charm in this series is that the heroes have an innocence and naivety to them that is rare in romance but because Moon is literally out of his mind half the book I didn’t get this from him. The New Species characters have a different kind of relationship to the world around them since they grew up in labs so they don’t relate to people or sex in the same way others do in romance books and I love this. However, I didn’t get this from Moon’s character and I missed that greatly.

IMO: Series readers like me should absolutely read this just for the world building and the secondary characters; I enjoyed it on that level and think others will too. New readers should go back to the first book and catch up because this likely won’t be the book to capture your attention as a reader.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane

2013-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Racing for the Sun
Author: Amy Lane
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: April 26, 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

"I'll do anything."

Staff Sergeant Jasper "Ace" Atchison takes one look at Private Sonny Daye and knows that every word on paper about him is pure, unadulterated bullshit. But Sonny is desperate, and although Ace isn't going to take him up on his offer of "anything," that doesn't mean he isn't tempted.

Instead, Ace takes Sonny under his wing, protecting him when they're in the service and making plans with him when they get out. Together, they're going to own a garage and build race cars and make their fortune hurtling faster than light across the desert. Together, they're going to rewrite the past, make Sonny Daye a whole and happy person, and put the ghosts in Ace's heart to rest.

But not even Sonny can build a car fast enough to escape the ghosts of the past. When Sonny's ghosts drive them down and run their plans off the road, Ace finds out exactly what he's made of. Maybe Sonny was the one to promise Ace anything, but there is nothing under the sun Ace won't do to keep Sonny safe from harm.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Oh my is this a unique and compelling read! Not an easy read but a must read for MM readers looking for an intense book.

The Set Up: Staff Sergeant Ace sees new recruit Sonny and knows he needs to look out for him and not abuse his offer of doing “anything” in trade. During their joint Army tour in bloody and brutal Afghanistan, Sonny shares his dream of owning a car repair shop and having Ace drive in drag races. Ace will do anything to make Sonny’s dreams come true even as Sonny’s past returns to haunt the men.

Why I Read this Book: I’ve read and enjoy Amy Lane’s angsty MM romance before and this synopsis intrigued me.

What I Liked: Ace and Sonny are desperate for each other like few romance couples are. Their emotional dependence on each other may not be textbook healthy but as a romance reader it was breathtaking in its intensity. Sonny is nearly non-functioning and Ace becomes his drug to function in his life and while I know this isn’t healthy, it made for a totally compelling read. Ace’s commitment and bottomless love for caustic Sonny was the perfect balance to Sonny’s intensity. The sexual intimacy between these two is just as fiery and desperate as their emotional relationship and seamlessly builds a powerful romance between two deeply troubled men.

What I Also Liked: Ace and Sonny are clearly in a low socio-economic status of US culture and this is rare in MM romance. They have a barely legit car repair shop; they race in illegal drag races; they live hand to mouth and Sonny never went to high school and doesn’t understand pop culture references. The dialect reflects who these characters are as people and I loved that. Sonny and Ace somehow end up with a hodgepodge of friends and they’re all unique characters: the giant Russian gay mechanic, the Latina teenager Ace rescues and Ace’s Army colleague-turned-spy. The unique socio-economic setting and secondary characters add stellar ambiance to the compelling and passionate romance.

What I Didn’t Like: This isn’t an easy book to read because of its raw intensity. Sonny has a desperation in loving Ace that readers know will come back to haunt the men. What Ace has to do in the beginning and the end of the novel to protect Sonny is beyond redeemable but his unapologetic actions are motivated by a love for Sonny so I can’t fault him but neither can I forgive him. There is a balance in what Ace does and in the fact that it will forever haunt him. The villains from Sonny’s present and past are both duly evil and provide the gut wrenching tension for the book but it’s not easy. Sonny is a survivor of horror most people can’t fathom and this book doesn’t pull any punches about what it was or how it affects Ace’s decisions to protect Sonny.

I can’t quit my day job so I feel ethically bound to say this book contains behaviors that could trigger readers. Sonny and Ace’s physical relationship is raw and rough and they engage in bonding behaviors that not all readers will be comfortable with. I won’t say what they are because it may spoil it but just that some readers may have difficulty with the choices these two complicated men make in their intense relationship.

IMO: This book isn’t for the faint of heart but for MM readers who enjoy angst-filled, intense romance, this book is a must read so long as triggering behavior isn’t troublesome for readers.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Never a Hero by Marie Sexton

2013-05-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Never a Hero
Series: Tucker Springs, Book 5
Author: Marie Sexton
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher via NetGalley
Published: May 13, 2013 by Riptide Publishing

Owen Meade is desperately in need of a hero. Raised by a mother who made him ashamed of his stutter, his sexual orientation, and his congenitally amputated arm, Owen lives like a hermit in his Tucker Springs apartment. But then hunky veterinarian Nick Reynolds moves in downstairs.

Nick is sexy and confident, and makes Owen comfortable with himself in a way nobody ever has. He also introduces Owen to his firecracker of a little sister, who was born with a similar congenital amputation but never let it stand in her way. When she signs the two of them up for piano lessons—and insists that they play together in a recital—Owen can’t find a way to say no. Especially since it gives him a good excuse to spend more time with Nick.

Owen knows he’s falling hard for his neighbor, but every time he gets close, Nick inexplicably pulls away. Battling his mother’s scorn and Nick’s secrets, Owen soon realizes that instead of waiting for a hero, it’s time to be one—for himself and for Nick.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Decent MM romance in a solid series. I like that the leads aren’t picture perfect but the ending was a tad abrupt for my taste.

The Set Up: Owen lives like a recluse because his mother made him ashamed of his congenitally amputated arm, his stutter, and his sexual orientation. When his new neighbor Nick moves in, Owen is finally comfortable around someone. Nick’s sister was born with a similar congenital amputation and insists Owen and she learn piano together. As Owen spends time with Nick and his sister, he slowly falls in love with Nick but each time Owen draws close to Nick, Nick pulls away.

Why I Read this Book: I’ve enjoyed a few books in this series so want to continue it.

What I Liked: I like the characters of Nick and Owen. Neither is picture perfect and they have cause to be the people they are. Nick’s secret is believable and compelling and Owen’s past abuse by his mother is heart wrenching. I like the realistic exploration of how two damaged people open up enough to have a relationship. This is a character based romance that some readers may think a bit slow but it was a fairly short novel (167 pages) so it didn’t drag out too much for me.

What I Also Liked: The strength of this series is the community of gay men in the town of Tucker Springs, where all the books are set. The leads from previous books make nice cameos here and I enjoy that. I also like that Nick’s sister plays a huge role in the story and she was a whirlwind I adored. I know this is an MM series but I can’t help but hope she gets her own story, even if just a secondary romance in another couple’s book.

I also liked the resolution between Owen and his family. I didn’t expect it and was pleasantly surprised how well that storyline concluded.

What I Didn’t Like: I thought the emotional denouement was a bit abrupt and lacked true resolution. I think an epilogue would have gone a long way toward making me feel relationship closure but where the book ended didn’t quite get it right for me.

Finally, perhaps I’m in comparison mode since I read book three in this series directly before this one, but this one lacked the intense eroticism of that book. I don’t think that’s necessarily bad, especially considering the characters in this novel. What I do caution readers about is the inconsistent eroticism in this series. This is about as PG13 as an MM romance gets with two sexual interludes where the previous book is about 200 pages of BDSM with sex toys and Dom/sub play. Given that the books aren’t written by one author I get that the publisher likely gives them leeway in regard to heat level so readers be advised it’s all over the sex spectrum.

IMO: This is a good addition to the series but didn’t wow me.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Finding Shelter by M.J. O’Shea

2013-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Finding Shelter
Series: Rock Bay, Book 3
Author: M.J. O’Shea
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: April 29, 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

Justin Foster has nineteen years of nothing but trouble behind him. After escaping his abusive father, he finds himself in Rock Bay, Washington, with his cousin Travis. Justin is bruised and has a hard time trusting, but with the help of his family and the small town, he might be able to heal.

Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe harbor: it can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man—by Justin.

Justin is attracted to Logan too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Good MM romance with a decidedly New Adult flavor but the community was so lovely I enjoyed the book anyway.

The Set Up: Justin has spent nineteen years as his father’s punching bag until he decides to leave for Rock Bay, Washington where his cousin lives. Justin is leery of everyone he meets but none more than Logan, his attractive coworker in the coffee shop. Logan may be getting over a break-up with his long term girlfriend but he can’t deny his incredible desire for Justin nor his need to care for the emotionally injured young man.

Why I Read this Book: I read one of this author’s other book, One Small Thing (my review), and loved it so thought I’d try another of hers.

What I Liked: It’s impossible not to root for the emotionally scarred Justin and the open and loving Logan. They’re both such likable characters that I truly cared and hoped they’d find their HEA with each other. Logan’s gentle seduction of Justin is lovely to read as he builds a friendship with Justin before asking for a sexual one. Justin is very reluctant to have any relationship with Logan but given his past with his father and the bullies and sexual predators at his school this is explicable. Logan and Justin’s sexual relationship has the youthful exuberance readers would expect from a New Adult book and I enjoyed this emotionally laden sexual intimacy.

What I Also Liked: I love romances set in communities and that’s the case here. Rock Bay is a small town but one where the gay men support each other. Justin and Logan work in a coffee shop owned by a couple who become a family for the young men, as well as Justin’s cousin and Logan’s best friend along with their significant others. I like the holiday parties and gentle ribbing of friends that this book contained. I hadn’t read any other books in this series but I enjoyed the setting and secondary characters enough that I may just pick them up.

The plot revolves primarily around Justin and Logan’s romance and I like this. Justin’s father plays a plot role but it’s nothing surprising and offers more character development for Justin than anything else.

What I Didn’t Like: I’m not a New Adult fan. I like my leads old enough to drink and not have to use fake IDs, as in this book. I know Justin had a lot of hard living so he was mature for his age but he was still nineteen and Logan wasn’t out of college himself. I’m not saying this was an absolute negative but not exactly my preference for character ages and development. At least the men were of similar age and maturity so I can’t complain about that.

I have to also mention the romantic tension drove me a bit batty. If these two would have just talked to each other the book could have been half as long and irritated me less. Even after Justin and Logan start building a life, Justin falls back into comfortable thinking patterns that nearly doom his relationship with Logan and frankly that irritated me. Logan couldn’t have been more loving and supportive of Justin and I think this is where the New Adult character of Justin irritated me. The social worker in me says Justin needs a therapist and some heavy duty counseling work to be able to sustain an adult relationship like the one offered in the book.

IMO: This is a good romance that I enjoyed, even if the leads were a little young for my taste and Justin’s abuse-survivor thinking wasn’t dealt with in a way I think was realistic.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Soul Magic by Poppy Dennison

2013-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Soul Magic
Series: Triad, Book 3
Author: Poppy Dennison
Genre: Paranormal Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: May 6, 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

Blood runs soul-deep. Cormac hasn’t been the same since the night the High Moon Pack was attacked. With his magic weakened, he’s consumed by a bloodlust he hasn’t felt since he first became a vampire. His need to replenish his power makes him a danger to his last remaining family member, and his hunger makes him careless. And that’s just the beginning of his troubles. Feeding from pack beta Liam Benson was supposed to slake his appetite, not leave him craving more.

Simon Osborne and Gray Townsend are trying to fight a being history says shouldn’t exist—one with all three types of magic. The pack must use all of their resources to combat the mysterious triad, even turning to the shady Council of Mages for help. While Cormac struggles to reconcile his past failures with his current desires, Simon must attempt the impossible: an alliance between mind, body, and soul.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Good conclusion to the series with a decent enough romance.

The Set Up: Cormac was injured in an attack by an evil mage and his vampire cravings have been turned on in ways they haven’t since he was first turned. Liam is the beta of the wolf pack that Cormac’s grandson is the Alpha-mate of and offers to feed Cormac. But the feeding ties Liam and Cormac together in ways neither is prepared for and the evil mage is renewing his quest to destroy the High Moon wolf pack and their allies.

Why I Read this Book: I loved book one in this series and book two was decent enough to keep me awaiting this book’s release to wrap up the series.

What I Liked: Cormac and Liam have a fairly straight forward romance that starts off sexual and progresses to include decent emotional intimacy. The sexual intimacy is beautifully erotic here, just as it was in the rest of the series and it makes up for the mostly superficial emotional intimacy between Liam and Cormac.

What I Also Liked: The best part of this series has always been the High Moon Pack and their allies. The Alpha and his mate, Gray and Simon, are leads from book one and they continue to be just as much of a focus as Liam and Cormac. I loved Gray and Simon in the previous books and adore them here but their relationship has deepened and includes their charming children and packmates. The connections between the Gray and Liam and Cormac and Simon, his grandson, are just as important to the story as the romantic relationship between Liam and Cormac. I’ve always enjoyed romances that build a community and this book and series has done that beautifully.

I have to also say, this book has a lovely epilogue. I love the length of time covered in the epilogue and where the characters are then. It was a lovely surprise to have such a thorough epilogue. I wish more authors would do this for final books in a series and other authors can learn from how well this was executed here.

What I Didn’t Like: Simon and Gray were such a strong couple, both in their sexual and emotional intimacy, that I think the others suffer in comparison. They and their romance are just as important in books two and three as their own book one and I think the focus is pulled from Liam and Cormac’s romance here.

Also, I was a little overwhelmed with the different magic talk all the time. I liked that it progressed the story of the High Moon Pack and their Allies fighting the evil mage but the magic talk just bored me a little toward the end. I was ready for the conclusion of the magic storyline and for the baddie to get his just dues.

IMO: This is a good book to end this three book series. I doubt a new reader could pick it up and enjoy it without reading the others in the series but series readers like me should be happy with the conclusion.

J9’s Rating:

J9’s reviews for other books in this series:
Mind Magic – 4 frogs
Body Magic – 3 frogs

Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway with Kate Meader

2013-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Author Kate Meader is here with us today sharing an exclusive excerpt from their latest release, Feel the Heat. Welcome to The Book Vixen Kate!

Thanks so much to The Book Vixen for hosting an exclusive, never-before-seen excerpt from my debut, Feel the Heat. Only $2.99 from Forever Romance!

Feel the Heat is the first book in my Chicago-set Hot in the Kitchen series about an Italian restaurant-owning family and the sizzling, sexy chefs who love them.

In this scene, Lili has just found out that she (and her butt) are trending on Twitter after a steamy kiss with celebrity chef, Jack Kilroy went video viral. Understandably, she’s feeling a little low and now Jack’s trying to cheer her up the best way he knows how—by cooking for her.

“Come here,” he said, pulling her back into the reality of hot male at close quarters. At the stove, he tested a pan with a few drops of water, then a couple of shards of butter, eyeing it carefully while the fat melted and bubbled. His hands shaved garlic, working fast, and she imagined they would do wonderful things to her body. When he threw in the slivers, the aroma exploded, dragging her closer. By the time he’d added a chopped chili pepper and dropped in several jumbo shrimp, tails still on, she was practically on top of the stove.
Down, girl.
The shrimp pinked up perfectly, and he held one by the tail and bit into it. “Mmm, that’s the stuff,” he murmured as he offered the remainder to her.
“No, you’re okay. Remember, I’m trying to cut out bad influences and that includes death foods like butter.” And you, she thought, keenly mindful that letting him feed her would stir up all sorts of sultry sensations in the deep south.
He muttered something in French. She responded with her blankest, least-turned-on look, and silently congratulated herself. Mistress of her domain.
“Butter. Give me butter. Always butter,” he translated. “That was the mantra of Fernand Point, a great French chef who died about fifty years ago.”
“Let me guess. He keeled over after a madeleine binge.”
The shrimp still beckoned, so she surrendered, placing her hand over his while she bit down on the chili-and-garlic-encrusted crescent of joy. God, so good. A trickle of melted butter drooled from the corner of her mouth and his thumb was immediately there, sneaky-fast, wiping it away. He dawdled, dragging her bottom lip down gently. A wild yet insistent pulse started deep within her.
His eyes bored into her and she pulled away, but her retreat was only physical. Riveted, she stared, hunger gnawing at her that was completely unrelated to food. He licked the butter from his thumb. The same thumb she wished was jammed inside her mouth this very minute.
“It’s okay to admit it, you know,” he said quietly.
Her breath caught. “Admit what?”
“That you like my food.” They both knew that wasn’t what he meant.
She held his molten gaze. “We’re in a contest tomorrow night and I can’t be seen giving comfort to the enemy. It’s best we keep this on a professional level, don’t you think?”
“So, no flirting.” He stepped in. Pretty damn flirty.
She backpedaled. “No flirting.”
Two more steps to make up for her withdrawal, and he cupped her jaw. The spread of his warm fingers along the curve of her neck was unbelievably sensual.
“Or kissing,” he said.
Her body acted fairly predictably to his provocation before what was left of her brain took over and insisted that her hormones would not be the boss of her. Little suckers refused to play ball but she talked up her best game.
“Especially not kissing.” She moved out of his reach. “Haven’t you heard? You’re bad news, Jack Kilroy. It’s all over the Internet.”
Discomfort brushed across his features. Her stomach pitched in guilt, but she made her back a titanium rod and steeled her resolve. Better a little upset now than a bellyful of heartache later.

Title: Feel the Heat
Series: Hot in the Kitchen, Book 1
Author: Kate Meader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published/Release Date: May 7, 2013 by Forever Romance

IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT . . .
Photographer Lili DeLuca spends all her time managing her family's Italian restaurant, instead of following her dream of getting an MFA. When famous British chef Jack Kilroy unexpectedly challenges her father to a cook-off, Lili decides she's tired of playing it safe and vows to seduce the tempting Brit. But once a video of her and Jack kissing goes viral and her luscious butt starts trending on Twitter, Lili fears she's cooked up a recipe for disaster.
. . . GET INTO THE BEDROOM
Jack Kilroy's celebrity has left him feeling used and used up. While Lili's oh-so-sexy moans when she tastes his delicious creations turn him on, he's even more aroused by how unimpressed this beautiful, funny woman is with his fame. He knows they could be amazing together, if she could only see past his bitch fork-wielding fan base. Now, as he's about to start a new prime time TV cooking show, can Jack convince Lili to realize her own ambitions - and turn up the heat in his kitchen?

Kate Meader writes contemporary romance that serves up delicious food, to-die-for heroes, and heroines with a dash of sass. Originally from Ireland, she cut her romance reader teeth on Catherine Cookson and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Mills & Boons thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, and she’s there. She has a bachelor’s in law (useless), a master’s in history (not as useless), and another master’s in library and information science (yay, using). When not writing about men who cook and the women who drool over them, she works in an academic library. Her stories are set in her adopted home town of Chicago, a city made for food, romance, and laughter – and where she met her own sexy hero. For news, excerpts, and recipes, check out her website.

Find the author online: website | blog | goodreads | twitter | facebook

Kate is giving away Feel the Heat foodie swag during her release tour: fun kitchen utensils, aprons, magnets, and more. For prize details, see her blog. Giveaway is tour-wide. See Rafflecopter widget for end date. Enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below. Note: This giveaway is being sponsored by Kate Meader. The Book Vixen is not responsible for notifying the winner or the delivery of the prize. See Terms & Conditions on Rafflecopter form for more details. Good luck to all who enter!

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Release Day Book Review: Predatory Anthology by Alexandra Ivy, Nina Bangs, Dianne Duvall, & Hannah Jayne

2013-05-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Predatory
Series: Sentinel, Book 0.5; Immortal Guardians, Book 3.5; Underworld Detection Agency, Book 4.5
Author: Alexandra Ivy, Nina Bangs, Dianne Duvall, Hannah Jayne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: NetGalley
Published: May 7, 2013 by Zebra

Out Of Control by Alexandra Ivy
Ph.D student Angela Locke has a crush on her sexy professor, Dr. Nikolo Bartrev. When she learns he's actually a Sentinel with extraordinary powers, she joins forces with him to catch a psychopath. But soon, their hottest pursuit is of each other...

Ties That Bind by Nina Bangs
Cassie Tyler agrees to sub for her friend at the funeral home where she works. But she gets more than she bargained for when a group of men attack her and a vampire comes to her rescue. . .

In Still Darkness by Dianne Duvall
Immortal Richart d'Alençon can't forget the woman who rewarded him with a sensuous kiss after he saved her from a trio of vampires. While Richart knows that loving a human can only bring trouble, the taste of forbidden lust is too great to resist. . .

High Stakes by Hannah Jayne
When vampire fashionista Nina LaShay's design contest rival is found dead, she's the prime suspect. Sexy photographer Pike is number two. He's the kind of man who makes Nina salivate. But will she have to reveal herself to have him--and to save them both? Or does Pike have a secret of his own?

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Like any anthology, this is a mixed bag: enjoyed first two stories, adored the third and meh-ed the fourth.

The Set Up: Just read the synopsis above because I am way too lazy to recap four different stories. I will say the only thing that ties this anthology together is that they’re all paranormal romance stories.

Why I Read this Book: DIANNE DUVALL! I adore her Immortal Guardians series and have awaited Richart and his mysterious love interest since it was hinted at in book one of the series. I am also an Alexandra Ivy fan, though this is the beginning of a new series for her.

What I Liked: I *adored* Duvall’s story, In Still Darkness. It’s rare that a love story I’ve been waiting for lives up to its hype but this totally did. Richart is the Immortal who can teleport and he was involved in a secret love affair with a human in the first three books in the series and we finally get to see his love interest, Jenna. I love that Jenna isn’t your typical romance novel heroine in that she’s older and has an adult son. Given this is a short novella, the romance between Richart and Jenna is fairly straight forward and they’re honest with each other which I always like in romance. Jenna’s son plays a charming and believable character and the Immortal Guardians I’ve come to adore in the series have short roles here too which rounds out a perfect story.

What I Also Liked: I also really liked Ivy’s story, Out of Control. The world building is good here but not clunky since it’s probably only about 25,000 words. Our hero, Niko, is a Sentinel, a police officer of the supernatural who live in a realm above Earth called Valhalla, though known to humans. Niko is on a mission to capture a rogue supernatural who is hunting Professor Angela Locke for her skills in genetic research. I quickly became enamored of this world, especially as I got glimpses of Niko’s fellow Sentinels and boss who are delicious yummy heroes for future books. Angela and Niko fall a bit into the insta-mate trope but managed to have good enough chemistry for me to enjoy the story.

I have to admit to a reluctance to read Ties That Bind by Nina Bangs but I totally enjoyed it. I’ve tried this author before and couldn’t ever manage more than 30 pages of her vampire books but this short novella I enjoyed. Human Cassie with her seeming fragility was a great foil for vampire Ethan who has a “Second One” whose morbid beauty kills those who look at him. They have a gentle chemistry that I total bought and think other readers will too. Their romance is one that’s forged in battle with evil forces and I really liked the pacing of the story in both plot and romance. I did roll my eyes a bit at the end’s convenience but I read romance so whatever.

What I Didn’t Like: The fourth novella was meh for me. I’m predisposed to disliking fashionista heroines and High Stakes featured one. She was cotton candy to me with her perfection and even Pike, her love interest, was glitzy. This is a vampire-meets-Beverly-Hills story and it just didn’t hold my interest at all. I also didn’t think Pike and Nina have all that much chemistry which IMO is critical in novellas. To be fair, I read this after Duvall’s story which I adored so I’m allowing that I could have compared the two which made Jayne’s story suffer in comparison.

IMO: This is a good anthology with one huge highlight (Duvall’s story) and two others that are very good (Ivy’s and Bangs’) so I’d recommend paranormal romance fans buy this one.

J9’s Rating:

Release Day Book Review: Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster

2013-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Heart of Iron
Series: London Steampunk, Book 2
Author: Bec McMaster
Genre: Steampunk
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publisher via NetGalley
Published: May 7, 2013 by Sourcebooks

In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…

Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…

Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.

With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Excellent steampunk novel with strong romance and action plot I loved that lived up to my high expectations from book one.

The Set Up: Will is a loupe verwulfen with a price on his head by the Echelon, the ruling vampire-infected rulers of Victorian London. He can’t act on his hunger for the flirtatious Lena for fear of infecting her but he also can’t leave her unprotected. Pretty Lena is the perfect humanist spy in the Echelon court but she’s caught in the intrigue and wants Will as her protector. With both their lives at risk, Will and Lena have only each other to rely on.

Why I Read this Book: I adored book one in this series, Kiss of Steel (my review), and was anxiously awaiting book two.

What I Liked: I adore this world. The vampire and werewolf lore that is (over) used so often in paranormal romance is totally flipped on its head here. Both are conditions caused by infections with the vampire one being highly regulated to only the ruling class and the werewolf one being outlawed. The politics of the Echelon, the ruling vampire class, and the humanists, people who are tired of paying blood taxes to support them, is full of twists and turns that kept me spell bound. The steampunk elements of ironclad soldiers and humans with mechanical limbs is a perfect counterbalance to the vampire and werewolf storylines and is icing on the cake of this amazing world building.

The secondary characters are delicious as well. Lena’s half-brother and member of the Echelon, Leo, is going to be a stellar hero (I hope!) and he’s as wonderful in this book as in book one. Honoria and Blade, leads from book one, return here and it’s great to catch up with their loving romance and see it progress. Lena and Honoria’s brother, Charlie, and Blade’s hodgepodge of supporters provide a great community for Lena and Will’s romance. Even the visiting verwulfen from Sweden and the humanist rebel leaders flesh out this stellar novel.

What I Also Liked: Lena and Will have a compelling romance. The tension between them is very well paced. Lena’s persona of a flirtatious debutante is a mask she wears that Will can see through, just as Will’s beast persona is one that Lena sees through. I like the emotional connection between Lena and Will as it deepens the more time they spend together. Will’s protective love for Lena gives her a safety she’s always desired and this was a heartfelt romance I really enjoyed. The sexual intimacy built slowly but added the spice I always look for in romances.

I have to also mention that perfect balance between the romance and the plot action; sometimes one shines at the expense of the other but that wasn’t the case here. Lena and Will navigate the intrigue as the humanist plot to overthrow the Echelon and in doing so spend nearly the entire novel together. This gave plenty of time for the romance to develop as the action progressed and made for a perfectly interwoven story that held my attention.

What I Didn’t Like: Only that I have to wait for book three—and there better be a book three!

IMO: Stellar steampunk novel with outstanding world building and perfectly balanced romance that lived up to my high expectations set in book one.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Eternal Demon by Laura Wright

2013-05-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Eternal Demon
Series: Mark of the Vampire, Book 5
Author: Laura Wright
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: May 7, 2013 by Signet Eclipse

When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.

Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Excellent paranormal romance that redeems the series after book four’s dud.

The Set Up: Erion is a mutore, a vampire and shifter hybrid, and is on a quest to rescue his son from Cruen, his evil vampire nemesis. Erion learns Cruen is taking a bride, Hellen, so he kidnaps her to force a prisoner exchange. What Erion doesn’t expect is for fiery Hellen to capture his heart and complicate his quest.

Why I Read this Book: Series fan here. I didn’t like book four’s romance but the series’ plotlines were good and kept me interested in the series.

What I Liked: This is *exactly* the romance I needed to reconnect with the series. Book four’s romance left such a bad taste that I needed a stellar romance to continue the series. In Erion and Hellen I got that romance. Erion and Hellen start as enemies as he kidnaps her but they slowly begin trusting each other and this offers stellar emotional and sexual intensity. This is one of those romances were I could actually see what draws Erion and Hellen to each other and thought they became stronger people as a couple than they ever could apart. They offer each other the support, comfort and trust each needs to heal from past wounds and be the strong people they need to be. Yes, the ending was a tad over of the top on Hellen’s part as she makes a decision for them without Erion’s input but even this offered good angst and then stellar resolution not just for Erion and Hellen but Erion’s son as well.

I have to mention how awesome of leads both Erion and Hellen are. Erion’s is one of the classic damaged heroes but he’s not selfish in his pain like too many heroes are in my opinion. Hellen is a very untraditional heroine. What she does to one of Erion’s guards who tries to molest her had me simultaneously laughing and raising my fist in triumph. Such good characters here!

What I Also Liked: The paranormal world of vampires, mutore, and demons is so well imagined and kept my attention big time. I flew through this book. Erion and his friends/brothers are in a series’ quest to destroy Cruen, the evil vampire. In book four Cruen kidnaps Erion’s son (who doesn’t know he’s Erion’s progeny and therefore a mutore, but readers know) and this book’s plot focuses on Erion rescuing his son. This offers a great, fast-action plot but also plenty of emotional intensity as Erion learns what it means to be a father and how this intersects with Hellen’s demon family is just part of the adventure.

I should also say that this book has less of the Roman brothers than the other books but still enough for my taste. The Romans were great heroes and I like revisiting them but the mutore have captured my interest so I’m pleased to spend more time with them and can’t wait for all their stories.

What I Didn’t Like: Are you lost in this review? If you’re not a series reader you may be and I’m sorry for you since all the books, except book four, have ranged from good to excellent. I don’t think a new reader could jump in here and know what’s going on so don’t even try. But series readers will love this installment as I did.

IMO: This book righted the series for me with its stellar romance and strong plot.

J9’s Rating:

Guest Post & Giveaway with Sandy James

2013-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Author Sandy James is here with us today talking about imagination. Welcome back to The Book Vixen Sandy!

I’m really happy to be the guest blogger today on Book Vixen!

Choosing a blog topic is always difficult. I didn’t want to have readers take a look at the first paragraph and think, “Boring!” I also didn’t want to write about topics other writers have covered again and again and again. That meant I have to stretch my imagination a little… which inspired me to talk about…imaginations!

Have you ever tried to stretch your brain and “invent” a world? It’s not easy to play God. Writers who do so deftly often end up being popular—think Hunger Games or Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. When I started writing my Alliance of the Amazons, I quickly realized just how difficult it was to create a world. But when it was all said and done, I came to an epiphany.

The most important thing I learned was a superhero is only a superhero if she faces a supervillain!

As you build a world, for every power given a supernatural being—whether a heroine or a villain—there’s got to be one for the opposition. How tedious would it be if the heroine gets super powers that are so strong the battle’s conclusion arrives too swiftly and easily? Superman is only truly a hero when he faces Lex Luthor.

Look at The Avengers. If you take the time to analyze what made it so successful, you’d see that it was Loki who drove the story. Sure, it was great to watch the tense sparks fly between Iron Man and Thor. The Hulk inspired compassion. Captain America made us melancholy. Hawkeye had a cute butt. And Black Widow showed women can kick ass too. But let’s be honest…it was Loki who made things happen. Had he been easy pickings, the movie would have been box office poison.

As I created my Amazons, I gave every bit as much thought to who would be their archenemies as I did to empowering my women warriors. While each book has a great villain, I have to say my favorite is in The Brazen Amazon, which released on May 6th from Carina Press. I picked Sekhmet, an Egyptian goddess who has set her sights on Zach Hanson—the story’s hero. For those of you new to Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet is one of the biggest of the baddies. She’s known as “The Destructor,” because her father—the god Ra—created her for one purpose. To destroy the world. Cue the Amazons to try to stop her evil machinations!

I enjoyed writing the Alliance of the Amazons so much that I’m now working on two new urban fantasy series. I hope to have news on them in the near future. I’m also blessed to have signed a contract with Grand Central Forever Yours for a new contemporary romance series. The first book—tentatively titled The Bottom Line—releases in February 2014. And don’t forget to catch the closing chapter in the Alliance of the Amazon when Sarita’s story—The Volatile Amazon—is released by Carina Press.

Thanks again to the Book Vixen for letting me hijack her blog today!

My income tax return says that I am a teacher. I had originally intended it to say “lawyer,” but romance, marriage, and motherhood set my life on a different course. I’ve been married to Jeff James since 1983. Even after all these years, he is still the love of my life. Jeff and I have two grown children who make us proud every day.

My husband and I share another strong and wonderful interest that is not only a great part of our day-to-day lives but has also become a running theme throughout some of my books. We own a small racing stable of Standardbred Harness horses, pacers to be exact. We have always loved the sport and as our children grew up enough to have their own interests, Jeff looked into what it would be like to own a racehorse. We jumped into the sport with both feet and are loving every minute of it. I’ve added a link to Jeff’s website if you’d like to follow the progress of our horses.

As another bit of personal information, I’d like to share that several years ago I was diagnosed with lupus. I know that there are others out there who either have had the same diagnosis or know someone who has. I’m sharing this because I want to encourage you all that chronic illnesses do not have to keep you down and out of the swing of life. I still teach, still work with my horses, have a wonderful family life, and am still able to spend hours at my laptop writing on my latest book.

Find the author online: website | goodreads | twitter | facebook

Title: The Brazen Amazon
Series: Alliance of the Amazons, Book 3
Author: Sandy James
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: May 6, 2013 by Carina Press

Zach Hanson is a tech wizard, capable of creating and improving gadgets--including remote nuclear warhead launchers. But he's always known that he's destined for something more, something greater, something...supernatural.
Powerful Air Amazon Gina Himmel is one of four sisters called to protect the world from those who would do it harm. Demigods in league with an Ancient have been taking over the bodies of leaders in the military and technological sectors, and Gina is sent to San Francisco to watch over Zach.

Under Gina's protection, Zach is introduced to a world of ancient deities, rogue gods and the bold, brazen Amazons who keep humanity safe. Amidst the whirlwind of battle, Zach and Gina discover a love that could give them the power to save the world—or destroy it.

Thanks to Sandy James, one lucky winner will receive an ebook copy of The Brazen Amazon, book 3 in the Alliance of the Amazons series. Good luck to all who enter!

No purchase necessary.
Must be 18 years old or older to enter.
Giveaway open Internationally. Void where prohibited.
Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Many will enter, however, only one will win.
Comments are appreciated, however, you must fill out the Rafflecopter form in order to enter this giveaway.
Please read TBV's Giveaway Policy before entering.
Giveaway ends 9:01 pm (Pacific Time) on 5/20/2013.

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Brianna is Participating in Bout of Books 7.0!

2013-05-05T12:05:00.001-07:00

I’m doing it – I’m finally going to (try to) participate in a read-a-thon! I’ve got books to be read and a read-a-thon is just what I need.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.
- From the Bout of Books team

Time Devoted to Reading:

With 3 kids, there are all kinds of distractions, interruptions, and chaos to be had on a daily basis so we’ll see how the read-a-thon goes. I plan to limit my computer time during the week of the read-a-thon and read as much as possible during my free time. I also plan to stay up late (after the kids go to sleep) and get some reading done then as well.

My Goals:

My goal is to read 5 books (or more). These will mainly be books I have for review. I also plan to participate in one, if not all 3, of the Bout of Books Twitter chats. And I want to visit other Bout of Bookers and cheer them on.

Books to read:

Halfway There by Susan Mallery
Trouble in the Making by Lissa Matthews (started already, need to finish) DNF
Game On by Tracy Solheim DNF
Nature’s Bounty by AUTHOR (Currently Reading)
Sworn to Protect by Jo Davis
True by Erin McCarthy
Freefall by Jill Sorenson
Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Updates:

Monday 5/13
# of pages I read today: about 154 pages
Books: Halfway There by Susan Mallery, Game On by Tracy Solheim
Thoughts: Twitter chat was fun. It’s hard being off the internet so instead of trying to avoid it altogether, I’ll limit myself to checking it to 1-2 times a days.

Tuesday 5/14
# of pages I read today: about 68 pages
Books: Game On by Tracy Solheim (DNF), His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey
Thoughts: I’ve had 2 DNFs during Bout of Books. Bummer.

Wednesday 5/15
# of pages I read today: about 96 pages
Books: His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey, Nature’s Bounty by J. Rose Allister
Thoughts: Good reading day today.

Thursday 5/16
# of pages I read today:
Books:
Thoughts:

Friday 5/17
# of pages I read today:
Books:
Thoughts:

Saturday 5/18
# of pages I read today:
Books:
Thoughts:

Sunday 5/19
# of pages I read today:
Books:
Thoughts:

My Bookish Wants & Gots (27)

2013-05-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

My Bookish Wants & Gots is a monthly feature that will post on the first Saturday of the month. I list the books I want - which can be old, new, or upcoming releases - and the books I recently got. My Bookish Wants & Gots was inspired by Book Chick City’s On My Wishlist and the Mailbox Monday meme.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.
A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

I’m a big time Nicholas Sparks fan. He writes it, I buy it. I don’t even have to read the blurb. The only sad thing is that The Longest Ride doesn’t come out until September 17, 2013 so it’ll be a while before I get to read this one.

His Risk to Take (Line of Duty #2) by Tessa Bailey

The greater the risk, the hotter the reward…
Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control—until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he’ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.

Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy’s avoiding, but when she walks into O’Hanlon’s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her—risks be damned. But there’s a connection between Ruby’s shadowed past and a case Troy’s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

Quite of few lucky readers who read His Risk to Take early have been raving about this one. The blurb had me at “pool hustler”. And it’s only 99¢ to pre-order!

WANT =====> GOT!

Wrong Bed, Right Guy (Come Undone #1) by Katee Robert

Seducing Mr. Wrong has never felt so right...
Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she’s been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he’s completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother’s matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan—buy some lingerie and climb into her boss’s bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead.

Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper on his mood, Gabe’s never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?

I was browsing around my local book store last weekend and this book cover jumped right out at me. The title had me intrigued. And when I posted a picture of the book cover online, people were very vocal about this book in the most positive way.

Operation: Endurance (When the Mission Ends #3) by Christi Snow

They had a single night of passion before he deployed on a risky mission.
18 hours on a mission gone very wrong was all it took to shatter all their hopes and dreams.

The hero:
He survived 6 months of captivity and torture, kept alive by dreams of her.

The heroine:
She thought he was dead and moved on only to have her world fall apart once again.

Two people who have been hurt more than any two people should ever have to suffer. Can they find redemption and healing with each other or will another threat shatter what’s left of them?

A tortured hero.

A grieving heroine.

A serial rapist who won’t give up.

Warning: This book features graphic sexual violence which some readers could find disturbing.

For review. I can’t wait to read the final installment in this series.

Trouble in the Making by Lissa Matthews

Johnny Trouble. He’s a commanding presence in leather and tattoos, both on stage and off. He’s had more than his fair share of groupies and lovers, but it’s time for a change. He reconnects with the woman whose memory has driven him crazy since high school. Liz.
She’s a quiet, shy romance author who likes her comfort zones. But when Johnny comes back into her life, Liz’s lust-filled private fantasies shift into overdrive and she nervously asks him to fulfill them.

Just one weekend is all she proposes, but the sparks flying between them aren’t temporary. She’s the particular brand of trouble he wants in his bed, bent over or crawling all over him. Forever.

For review. A celebrity/commoner trope! And the heroine is an author.

Rocky Mountain Rebel (Six Pack Ranch #5) by Vivian Arend

The best type of growing up involves getting down and dirty
Vicki Hansol made different choices than her less-than-reputable mom and sister, yet her fiery temper has left her branded with the same town-bad-girl label. When she desperately needs a change of scenery, her get-out-of-town-free ticket arrives—and requires she face down one of her deepest fears.

Easygoing Joel Coleman has nothing to complain about, but he’s never really done anything to brag about either. The youngest member of the Six Pack Ranch is looking to make some changes in his life that include stepping out from under his twin brother’s shadow.

So when the bold beauty with the smart mouth approaches him with a proposition, Joel is intrigued. Her request for him to teach her to ride soon takes on a whole new meaning. All that passion in his arms, his bed, in the barn…hell, anywhere he can get it? Bring it on.

But tangling the sheets leads to unanticipated complications, and by the time the dust settles, everything family means is going to be challenged.

Caution: Saddle up for some youthful vigor applied with great enthusiasm. Ropes, rails and raunchy sex—there’s more places to get dirty around the ranch than first meets the eye.

For review. I’ve only read one book by Vivian Arend and I’m overdue for another. I’m jumping in the middle of this series but hopefully I won’t be too lost.

Nature's Bounty by J. Rose Allister

When Nature Antillean, aka Nate the Crate, poses as a male stripper to arrest a sexy-as-hell fugitive, he has no intention of taking his disguise all the way—until he meets her. Lydia Franklin is more than eager to take her gorgeous strip-o-gram for a wild ride, considering how desperately life on the run sucks. The resulting encounter is explosive, but ends with Lydia handcuffed and Nate honor-bound to take her to jail. The fireworks aren’t over yet, however, for Nate discovers he’s now a victim of the same setup that got Lydia accused of a crime she didn’t commit.
With both of them declared fugitives, Nate must work with the woman he swore to bring to justice in order to defeat the plot and reclaim their lives. His hot body and stellar moves give Lydia plenty of motivation for teaming up in more ways than one, but she knows that the criminal he hopes to protect her from is one she must face—alone.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

For review. Hero poses as a male stripper to make an arrest? Count me in!

Just One Kiss (Fool's Gold #11) by Susan Mallery

He won't hesitate to put his life on the line...but will he ever risk his heart?
Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw's otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he's back in Fool's Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won't abandon her again-and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He's returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can't resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice's past doesn't make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they'll succumb to just one kiss... Then one more... Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone's control.

For review. I just love the Fool’s Gold series. I anxiously await each new release and can’t get enough of this small town romance.

Bending Over Backwards by Samantha Hunter

“They both lost everything, and then they found each other.”
Jasmine Stanford has to be the most stressed-out yoga instructor on Cape Cod. Years after a childhood trauma left her penniless, homeless and parentless, working hard to maintain her hard-won success and security is all she knows.

Controlling her carefully rebuilt life is Jasmine's first priority, and there's no room or time in it for sexy former stockbroker Leo Fischer. But the more Leo comes around, the more Jasmine feels her resolve crumbling.

Leo is-or was-a hotshot investment banker until a workplace tragedy wiped out his memory and his career. On Cape Cod to recover, he's at loose ends, his future uncertain...until Jasmine becomes his north star. But their relationship is only physical, and Jasmine keeps her distance, even when she's as close to him as any woman can be.

Jasmine is anything but indifferent to the desire exploding between them. A summer fling was fine when she thought Leo would return to New York. But she's falling hard-and the last thing she wants to catch her is the past...

Warning: This book contains a wounded hero hotter than a summer sun and sex in very flexible positions.

For review. This one sounds like a fun, sexy read.

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.
His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

Readers have been raving about this book so when I saw that it was a free Kindle book, I had to grab it.

What are some of your recent bookish wants and gots?

A small percentage of commission is received for purchases using these links. Commission earned will help maintain the site (domain name, blog design, postage, giveaways, etc.).

In My Pocket (25)

2013-05-03T13:19:00.001-07:00

In My Pocket is a weekly feature where J9 and I share some of the links we’ve collected in Pocket. (To find out what Pocket is and how to use it, check out my tutorial on Pocket.) Some links will be book-related while some may be off-topic. Who knows what you’ll find in our Pocket ;) And if you use Pocket, we invite you to share what’s in your Pocket as well.

In Brianna's Pocket:

25 things you don’t know about Kerry Washington. Scandal is my ALL TIME favorite show, like ever. And if you don’t watch that show, you should!
These laser-cut MacBook covers are pretty cool!
Bout of Books 7.0 is coming 5/13. I have yet to participate in a read-a-thon but I’m going to try to for this round of BoB. I gotta get all caught up on bloggy stuff so I can shut the computer off for the read-a-thon and get my read on. My sign up post will go up soon.
Who doesn’t love cute animal pictures, am I right? That horse is having a great hair day! And Amanda, if you’re reading this, there’s a cute giraffe just for you. He has a kissy face that has your name written all over it.
TBV’s own J9 has been an Avon Addict for the past 6 months and she’s had a blast. Here’s your chance to become an Avon Addict yourself. Hurry, you have until May 15, 2013 to turn in an application.
The RT Convention (Romantic Times) started earlier this week and Twitter just about exploded when a well-known author stood up during a panel to defend her book. Who was this author? E.L. James of the Fifty Shades fame. Here’s the scoop on what went down. The crazy part – E.L. James went incognito and no one knew she was there until she spoke up.
Did you know these books were censored? The first book mentioned surprised me – The Diary of Anne Frank. Who knew?
If you’ve ever ordered from Domino’s online, you’re familiar with their pizza tracker. Well, now they have set up a live web cam in one of their Salt Lake City stores and you can watch them make pizzas all day long. There’s nothing going on right now though, as I type this. Maybe later in the afternoon?
Iron Man 3 is now out! Who’s excited? Hopefully we’ll be able to see a showing this weekend, if it’s not completely sold out. Not up-to-date on all things Iron Man? No problem. Just check out these Iron Man GIFs and you’ll know all you need to know about Tony Stark. You can also check out these fan-made Iron Man suits while you’re at it. Um, wow.

Okay, so that’s enough links for today. I had 100+ links in my Pocket this morning so I had quite a bit to share with y’all today. (Link hoarder!)

Guest Post & Giveaway with Erin McCarthy

2013-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Erin McCarthy, author of the New Adult novel True, discusses why she chose to write a New Adult novel and what she hopes readers will take away after reading True. Welcome to The Book Vixen Erin!

What was it about writing a new adult novel that appealed to you? Did you do any special research for TRUE?

I love that the characters in new adult are raw and so honest. It’s a messy age, with poor choices and amazingly insightful choices. It’s the paradox of adult and child converging with total freedom. We don’t expect these heroines to totally have their act together yet and I like writing that because it’s so real. I didn’t do any research for TRUE other than consult with my best friend who is a judge over the legalities of Tyler’s problems.

What is one message you want readers to take away from TRUE?

That love, and people, come into our lives in unexpected ways and we need to embrace it, not judge it.

Erin McCarthy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 40 novels and novellas in the paranormal, contemporary romance, and young adult genres. The author is a RITA award finalist and an American Library Association winner of the Reluctant Young Reader award. She lives with her family in Ohio.

Find the author online: website | goodreads | twitter | facebook

Title: True
Author: Erin McCarthy
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Published/Release Date: May 7, 2013 by InterMix

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.
Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

Thanks to Berkley, one lucky winner will receive an ebook copy (Kindle/iBooks/Nook/Kobo) of True. Good luck to all who enter!

No purchase necessary.
Must be 18 years old or older to enter.
Giveaway open to US/CAN residents. Void where prohibited.
Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Many will enter, however, only one will win.
Comments are appreciated, however, you must fill out the Rafflecopter form in order to enter this giveaway.
Please read TBV's Giveaway Policy before entering.
Giveaway ends 9:01 pm (Pacific Time) on 5/17/2013.

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Cover Reveal: The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

2013-05-02T16:03:00.001-07:00

Title: The Longest Ride
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Published/Release Date: September 17, 2013 by Grand Central Publishing

Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.
A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.
Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

Here are a couple of quotes I saw on Nicholas Sparks’ Facebook page:

I’m so excited for this release! Especially since Nicholas Sparks did not have a new release in 2012. This is one of the books I’ll be reading for the 2013 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge. Fox 2000 has already acquired the film rights for this book-to-movie adaptation and the goal is for a theatrical release in February 2015. No surprise there – about the film rights already being required or the Valentine day release. So what do you think of the cover? Are you planning on reading The Longest Ride?

Mystery Giveaway

2013-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

J9 here! I am not a print book keeper. Brianna attempts to scare me into hoarding print books with scenarios of what-if-the-power-goes-out-for-days? Or what-if-your-Kindle-battery-explodes-in-your-face? But I'm not scared enough to keep print books yet. So in my ongoing quest to remain print book-less, I'm giving away 3 mystery books. No, not genre mystery books, but 3 books that are a mystery to you! I promise 1 will be a contemporary Brava romance and 2 will be Avon historical romances and all will be fairly new releases. But other than that--no details for you! Dare you risk winning?! *insert evil laugh here!*

One lucky winner will receive 3 books: 1 Brava contemporary and 2 Avon historical novels by well known authors, all released within past year. Good luck to all who enter!

No purchase necessary.
Must be 18 years old or older to enter.
Giveaway open to US residents. Void where prohibited.
Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Many will enter, however, only NUMBER will win.
Comments are appreciated, however, you must fill out the Rafflecopter form in order to enter this giveaway.
Please read TBV's Giveaway Policy before entering.
Giveaway ends 9:01 pm (Pacific Time) on 5/15/2013.

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Month in Review: April 2013

2013-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

J9 had the difficult task of deciding between 3 books for her TOP PICK this month. She had three 5-frog reviews in April, which is practically unheard of for her. (She’s stingy with her 5-frog ratings, as am I.) She ultimately went with Touch & Geaux by Abigail Roux. I, myself, had to pick between two great reads and went with Wrecked by Shiloh Walker.

I’ve made a couple of changes to the site, one of which is the slider on top. I’ve removed the ‘current giveaways’ widget from the sidebar. Giveaways will now be featured in the slider, along with highlights from the week.

Next month is June which means my annual Birthday Extravaganza is coming! If you’d like to sponsor a giveaway, you can contact me here.

I’ve been slacking in the reading department. I think I only read 6 books in April. I need to do my own little read-a-thon and get some books read! So many books, so little time. *sigh*

Books Reviewed on TBV:

Touch & Geaux by Abigail Roux – 5 frogs – J9’s TOP PICK!
Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison – 3 frogs
Covet Thy Neighbor by L.A. Witt – 3 frogs
Caught Running by Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban – 4 frogs
Tiglon by the Tail by Tia Fielding – 3 frogs
The Dungeon by Velvet – 3 frogs
Far From Home by Madeleine Urban – 1 ½ frogs
The Collector by Victoria Scott – 3 frogs
Frog by Mary Calmes – 4 frogs
With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane – 3 ½ frogs
Eternal Beast by Laura Wright – 2 frogs
Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye – 3 ½ frogs
Frat Boy and Toppy by Anne Tenino – 3 ½ frogs
Wings of Love by Scotty Cade – 4 ½ frogs
A Shared Range by Andrew Grey – 2 ½ frogs
Wrecked by Shiloh Walker – 4 frogs – Brianna’s TOP PICK!
One Small Thing by Piper Vaughn & M.J. O’Shea – 5 frogs
The Valentine’s Arrangement by Kelsie Leverich – 4 frogs
Not Planning on You by Sydney Landon – 2 frogs
Treasure of Love by Scotty Cade – 4 frogs
Just One Taste by Sami Lee – 3 frogs
Dirty Laundry by Rhys Ford – 4 ½ frogs
Bounty of Love by Scotty Cade – 3 frogs
Flawless by Cat Grant – 2 ½ frogs
Count Me In by Paige Thomas – 4 frogs
Foundation of Love by Scotty Cade & Z.B. Marshall – 4 frogs
Crazy Thing Called Love by Molly O’Keefe – 2 frogs
The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick – 3 frogs
The General and the Horse-Lord by Sarah Black – 5 frogs
Stroke of Luck by Trixie Stilletto – 3 ½ frogs
Good Question by Dawn Kimberly Johnson – 3 ½ frogs
Creature Feature by Poppy Dennison & Mary Calmes – 4 frogs
Half Moon Hill by Toni Blake – 3 frogs
Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare – 3 ½ frogs
Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath – 4 frogs

Posts:

J9 interviewed author Thea Harrison.
In My Pocket (21) – RITA Award finalists, getting approved on NetGalley, and a hilarious tweet.
My Bookish Wants & Gots (26)
Exclusive excerpt from Tin God by Stacy Green.
We participated in a Cut & Run web scavenger hunt.
In My Pocket (22) – an interesting condom application invention and a kale recipe.
Book Spotlight: Highland Games by Laura Hunsaker
Exclusive excerpt from Ask Me To Stay by Elise E. Ackers.
Excerpt from Revved by Chacelyn Pierce.
J9 interviewed author Rhys Ford.
In My Pocket (23) – exercise balls, accents, and jump roping.
What do you think of May/December relationships in romance novels?
In My Pocket (24) – 50 Shades of Grey – The Musical.
The final discussion for the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep read-along is here! If you’ve read Deadly Sting, let’s talk about it.

Current Giveaways:

2013 Reading Challenges/Goals Status Report:

Outdo Yourself – 32/100
Men in Uniform – 5/5 – COMPLETED
Nicholas Sparks – 0/4
Romantic Suspense – 2/13
Contemporary Romance – 17/10 – COMPLETED
Read 100 books – 32/100
Read 24 books from TBR Pile – 4/24
Read 12 Freebies from TBR Pile – 1/12

How was your April? What were some of your favorite reads last month?

Giveaway: Signed Set of the Elemental Assassin Series by Jennifer Estep

2013-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. Here are my Top Ten (spoiler-free) reasons why you should read this series, in no particular order:

Gin. She’s a kickass heroine and takes shit from NO ONE. She’s unapologetic about being an assassin, though she does have her own moral code and set of ethics that she follows.
The food. I get so damn hungry every time I read one of these Elemental Assassin books. And it’s really not fair that Gin has such a knack for cooking and baking, on top of her other, many talents.
There’s romance. Hot, smut-filled romance. Not so much as to take away from the urban fantasy world but enough to satisfy my inner vixen.
The hunt. As an assassin, part of Gin’s job is to hunt her prey and study them before going for the kill. I love the first hand account the reader gets, thanks in part that the books are told in first person narration from Gin’s point-of-view.
Finn. Love this guy and you will too. He cracks me up with his debonair persona.
The crew. Gin, Finn, the Deveraux sisters, and the Grayson siblings are a close knit group and I love the camaraderie between them.
Fletcher. He has a strong presence, given the circumstances. I love reading the parts of Gin’s flashbacks that involve Fletcher. Smart man, right there. Smart man with many tricks up his sleeves.
The world-building. It hooked me from book one. Hell, from the first page.
The banter. Gin has a sharp tongue and has no problem speaking freely. Some of the quotes Ash and I used in our discussion posts are freaking awesome. And there are many more quotes that we didn’t use that are just as awesome. You’ll find great, witty dialogue in these books.
Ingenious plotting. These books were not only well thought out with brilliant execution, but there is always something new and fresh with each new installment.

Here are the links to my spoiler-free reviews and the discussion posts (which have SPOILERS) I hosted with Ash from Smash attack Reads:

Thanks to Jennifer Estep, one lucky winner will receive a SIGNED set of the first 8 Elemental Assassin books: Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, Tangled Threads, Spider’s Revenge, By a Thread, Widow’s Web, and Deadly Sting. Did I mentioned they’ll be SIGNED? (Seriously, this is one of those times where I wish I could enter my own giveaway.) You can enter either here on The Book Vixen or Smash Attack Reads, as it is the same giveaway. Good luck to all who enter!

No purchase necessary.
Must be 18 years old or older to enter.
Giveaway open to US residents. Void where prohibited.
Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Many will enter, however, only one will win.
Comments are appreciated, however, you must fill out the Rafflecopter form in order to enter this giveaway.
Please read TBV's Giveaway Policy before entering.
Giveaway ends 9:01 pm (Pacific Time) on 5/15/2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

2013-04-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Lord of Wicked Intentions
Series: The Lost Lords of Pembrook, Book 3
Author: Lorraine Heath
Genre: Historical Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: Edelweiss
Published: April 30, 2013 by Avon

Lord Rafe Eason may be of noble blood, but survival taught him to rely only on himself and to love no one. Yet when he sets his eyes on Miss Evelyn Chambers, and earl's illegitimate daughter, he is determined to have her, if only as his mistress.

After her father's death, Evelyn Chambers never imagined she would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstances give her little choice except to accept the lord's indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldness belies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his, Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrook is hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroy them both until unexpected love guides the last lost lord home.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Surprised myself and really enjoyed this emotional romance which concludes a good series.

The Set Up: Rafe and his brothers survived their uncle’s attempts to kill them but it caused them to be alienated from each other. Rafe learned to wall his heart off but even he feels sorry when he attends the auction for a young woman’s virtue. Evelyn is the bastard daughter of an earl and thinks her brother is finding her a husband, not a protector. Rafe buys Evelyn and bargains her security for his pleasure but he gets more than he bargained for.

Why I Read this Book: Avon Addict here!

What I Liked: I was shocked how emotionally intense this romance was. This is a classic romance trope so I didn’t think the romance between Rafe and Eve would be so emotionally intimate. Rafe’s emotional thawing happens in believable steps that didn’t seem forced but seemed organic to his character development. Rafe’s issues with touch made him a much more complicated hero than most stoic historical romance heroes and I loved this. Eve’s refusal to be hardened by her experience is also part of the tension between her and Rafe and I thought it produced a fairly complicated emotional romance.

What I Also Liked: Rafe’s brothers were the heroes from the previous two books in the series and I liked revisiting them here. The relationship between the brothers is a sub-plot to all three books and comes to a resolution in this book that didn’t seem too perfect but offered the resolution I desired. The heroines from the previous books are also featured and put a bow on the series that I appreciated.

Eve’s complicated relationship with her deceased father and her brother were also well described. I like that Eve retained her joy of life even in the face of her brother’s abuse and her father’s benign guilded cage. Her character had as much development as Rafe’s and I like this in any romance.

Rafe’s past is also a huge part of who he is in his relationship with Eve. In the previous books Rafe is the emotionally distant brother who captivated me and likely did other readers as well. I wanted to know his story and what made him an emotional recluse and I got the answers here. The ending was extremely satisfying, on a romance level, sure but just as much on Rafe’s character which is what I wanted the entire series.

What I Didn’t Like: I admit, the set-up for this book is a VERY familiar trope: young innocent has no clue she’s to be the mistress of a wealthy, emotionally distant man who is cured by her magic-woo-ha. I almost stopped reading at this set up but am so glad I gave the book 10 more pages because the relationship quickly became more than the set-up. The emotional relationship progressed so much further than I expected and even the sexual intimacy was different than the usual forced seduction of historicals that use this trope.

IMO: This is by far the best of the series and may be one of the best historical romances I’ve read in a long time. The emotional intensity along with extremely well developed characters makes this an unusually good historical romance in my opinion.

J9’s Rating:

J9’s reviews for other books in this series:
Lord of Temptation – 3 frogs

Elemental Assassin Series Read-Along: Deadly Sting Discussion

2013-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Smash Attack Reads for today’s discussion on Deadly Sting.

Previous Discussions:

Book 1: Spider’s Bite
Book 2: Web of Lies
Book 3: Venom
Book 4: Tangled Threads
Book 5: Spider’s Revenge
Book 6: By a Thread
Book 7: Widow’s Web

Book Review: Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

2013-04-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Beauty and the Blacksmith
Series: Spindle Cove, Book 3.5
Author: Tessa Dare
Genre: Historical Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: Avon Addict
Published: April 30, 2013 by Avon Impulse

Beautiful and elegant, Miss Diana Highwood is destined to marry a wealthy, well-placed nobleman. At least, that's what her mother has loudly declared to everyone in Spindle Cove.
But Diana's not excited by dukes and lords. The only man who makes her heart pound is the village blacksmith, Aaron Dawes. By birth and fortune, they couldn't be more wrong for each other...but during stolen, steamy moments in his forge, his strong hands feel so right.

Is their love forged strong enough to last, or are they just playing with fire?

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Unique set up for a historical romance with a commoner hero and high-born heroine. I enjoyed their honest relationship with its sexual and emotional intensity.

The Set Up: Diana is the town’s virginal beauty who’s been secretly lusting after the town’s blacksmith, Aaron. Would these unlikely people ever be able to make a relationship work?

Why I Read this Book: Avon Addict here!

What I Liked: I loved the set up here with Aaron being a craftsman blacksmith and Diana being the lady. They have realistic discussions about whether they can find middle ground to build a relationship on. They communicate very well with each and I love this in my romance. Aaron trusts that Diana knows her mind and Diana trusts that she loves Aaron without trying to change who he is. I was pleasantly surprised by the sensuality in Diana and Aaron’s romance and love that the author had both leads be sexual equals.

What I Also Liked: This is a light-hearted read with good secondary characters. Diana’s charming sister, Charlotte, is a lovely character with plenty of spunk. Given this is a novella, the romance is primary, as it should be, but there is a slight sub-plot of items coming up missing in the boarding house where Diana and her family live. The conclusion of this was humorous and fit with the tone of this light, fun novella.

What I Didn’t Like: I’ve not read any of the other books in the Spindle Cove series so all the characters were a bit much for me, especially because the couples from the previous stories were mentioned constantly.

IMO: I think series readers will love this novella and new readers, such as me, should be able to look past all the characters and just enjoy this fun, sexy romance.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Half Moon Hill by Toni Blake

2013-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Half Moon Hill
Series: Destiny, Book 6
Author: Toni Blake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: Avon Addicts
Published: April 30, 2013 by Avon

Trying to escape her troubled past, Anna Romo has come home to Destiny determined to carve out a place for herself. When she buys the old Victorian house on the hill with the intent of furnishing it into a Bed and Breakfast, she’s thrilled by the possibilities.

Ex-biker-gang member Duke Dawson is as much a fish out of water in Destiny as Anna, but he’s handling it fine until an accident scars not only his body but his mind. When Anna stumbles across him in an old cabin in the woods near her newly acquired house, at first she’s terrified. But they work out a deal - she’s willing to keep his solitary living arrangement a secret if he’s willing to help her with some of the heavy lifting at the house.

Working together on the renovations, romance brews between Duke and Anna. That is, until war hero Jeremy Sheridan returns home in a blaze of glory and sets his sights on Anna. Suddenly torn between the outgoing and charming Jeremy and the intriguing Duke, Anna’s heart is torn between two paths and left with only one solution.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Good small-town contemporary romance though likely should be read as part of the series.

The Set Up: Anna moved to small town Destiny, Ohio and wants to open her own bed and breakfast. Anna finds ex-biker Duke living in an old cabin on her property and they work out a deal for Duke to help Anna on her B&B renovations. Slowly a romance between them sparks until war hero Jeremy returns to Destiny and set his sight on Anna.

Why I Read this Book: Avon Addict here!

What I Liked: Anna and Duke’s romance is sexually intimate but with the touch of emotional intimacy that is a must for me in romance. Anna and Duke are both loners so I enjoyed watching them open up to each other. I was a tad surprised how quickly they moved their romance to the bedroom but since I like erotic romance that was fine for me.

What I Also Liked: I really liked the parallel romance in this book. Anna buys an old Victorian home to turn it into a bed and breakfast. During the interior renovations she finds the diary of a high school student from a wealthy family. The diary chronicles the budding love affair between the young woman and the poor drifter living in the same cabin that Duke does currently. I love this romance and its inclusion into Anna and Duke’s romance. Plus, the bittersweet ending made me sniffle a bit.

What I Didn’t Like: I’m not a small town contemporary reader and hadn’t read any of the previous five books in the series so I was a little lost. Lots of stuff is happening to the couples in Destiny that I’m sure will delight series fans but for me just stole the limelight from Anna and Duke’s romance.

Second, Jeremy. I’m not a fan of the love triangle in books and this one didn’t change my mind. He wasn’t a terrible character but felt like a place holder guy to add tension between Anna and Duke. The romance had enough tension in my opinion and didn’t need Jeremy’s addition.

IMO: I think series fans will gobble this installment up. New readers may be turned off by all the secondary characters and stories but Anna and Duke’s romance may be enough to turn it into an enjoyable read as it was for me.

J9’s Rating:

Book Review: Creature Feature by Poppy Dennison and Mary Calmes

2013-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Creature Feature
Author: Poppy Dennison and Mary Calmes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: March 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Thanks to his good-for-nothing brother, Andrew Hughes is up to his eyeballs in debt and needs a job fast. When a nursing position opens up in Myerson, Arizona, Andrew has no choice but to take it, despite a warning about how difficult a patient Caleb DiMartino can be. Andrew can deal with a little trouble—but Caleb’s strange family, the armed guards, and the unknown cause of Caleb’s mysterious illness may be beyond his skill set.

Landslide by Mary Calmes
For three years, paranormal courier Frank Corrigan has been working for incubus demon Cael Berith. Cael knows Frank is his mate, but Frank is pretty sure Cael doesn’t even like him, never mind want to spend the rest of his life with him, so their personal relationship is at an impasse. When Frank’s sister, Lindsey, gets bitten by a werewolf she's sleeping with—and possibly witnesses a murder—Frank rides to her rescue. If he’s lucky, he might just save his love life too.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Really enjoyed this double-feature book with one good romance and one stellar romance both with strong paranormal worlds.

The Set Up: Diagnosis Wolf features Andrew whose slimy brother stole all his money to pay gambling debts forcing Andrew to take a job caring for a mysteriously sick man. In Landslide Frank has been a courier for the incubus demon Cael for three years while Cael claims they’re mates. When Frank’s sister is bitten by a werewolf and witnesses a murder, Frank rides to the rescue with Cael at hand and their relationship will change.

Why I Read this Book: In my interview with author Rhys Ford she mentions she just finished this book and really liked it so I had to try it.

The Stories: I adored the romance between Frank and Cael in Landslide because of their incendiary sexual tension. Cael is a thousand year old powerful demon who never expected his mate to be a human so he reacted badly to Frank when they first met. Frank thought Cael’s reaction was one of disgust since he’s a man with handles to love and has kept Cael at arm’s length in the ensuing three years. These men know each other well so their sexual tension is delicious. One of their kisses was more erotica than most sex scenes I’ve read. I really enjoyed watching Cael convince Frank that he values and loves him no matter that no one else has in Frank’s life. Cael is vulnerable to Frank which is at odds with his incredible power that he unleashes when Frank is threatened and I loved this juxtaposition.

The plot forces Frank and Cael to travel from Long Beach to Arizona to help Frank’s sister, Lindsay, after she’s bitten by a werewolf and witnesses a murder. I liked this plot because it brings Frank home to his family and friends and shows Cael firsthand how Frank was maltreated by them. This offers Cael real insight into who Frank is and why he needs Cael. The plot also showcases the complicated paranormal work the author created where paranormal creatures live side by side with humans but by different sets of rules.

Diagnosis Wolf is a classic MM shifter romance but I still enjoyed it. Andrew’s brother stole his life savings and ran up his credit cards so he’s struggling and takes a job caring for a rich patient with a mysterious illness. Caleb is the patient and immediately attracted to Andrew. This romance isn’t wow for me but the attraction is believable and enjoyable. For me the best part of the romance was the epilogue where the author shows the men’s commitment to each other after they’ve been together for some time.

The plot is fast paced but predictable as Andrew’s brother’s gambling debt plays into why Caleb is sick. It’s not all that unique of a plot but it was still pleasant enough and kept my attention. I did really like Caleb’s father as the pack Alpha and how he interacted with human Andrew. It seemed realistic, well, as realistic as a story featuring a man learning about werewolves can be!

IMO: This is an above average MM read that I really enjoyed, especially the second feature. I recommend this fun double-feature with strong romances and good world building.

J9’s Rating: