Wednesday, 29 February 2012

RAK Round Up and signing up for March

And already Februari is coming to a close.

I pre-ordered a RAK for someone and received two RAKs myself:

Michelle send me Archangel's Blade.
An awesome book that I finished two days after having recieved it.

aLmYbNeNr send me Eat Slay Love.
Zombies!!!!
I'm probably reading this book when you read this post, so you'll get my thoughts about it soon.


Thanks Michelle and aLmYbNeNr!


And as I'm still enjoying myself very much with this RAK thing I will sign up again for March.

===================
RAK:

The RAK movement (=Random Acts of Kindness): it is an initiative organized by the Ladies at the Book Soulmates where everyone posts their whislists and then other people realize one (or more) wishes of a person. Meaning that they send some books to the lucky person they picked! Doesn't it sound fabulous?

Rules:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.

• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wish list and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}

• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!

• Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Teaser Tuesdays - The Mortal Bone


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The next time I opened my eyes, I was in a bed.
With demons, and my husband.
(page 56, The Mortal Bone by Marjorie M. Liu)

Monday, 27 February 2012

Bound by Fire - Book Review

Bound by Fire (The Twin Flames #1)
by Ronald Craft


What is it about:
An ancient promise.
A forgotten treachery.
Seven souls, bound by fire, will begin their quest for the truth.

Ilian, an apprentice blacksmith, has the heart of a god sealed within him. When Karena, the beautiful red-haired assassin, kills his father and rips his soul from his body Ilian becomes entangled in a rivalry that has spanned over hundreds of years.

However, even with his life turned upside down, and treachery at every turn, Ilian soon learns that there are worse people he can have at his side than a woman proficient in the art of assassination.


What did I think of it:
I had some trouble with this book because I didn't like Ilian and Karena. Luckily there was another character who had lots of 'screen time' and who I really liked.

Further on in the story another cool character popped up and along with a very decent story that made me curious where it would lead, those characters were enough to keep me reading.

All in all this is an entertaining fantasy story with sufficiently evil bad guys, cool magic, heroics and sacrifice. I'm not sure if I will read the next book in this Trilogy (Ilian didn't grow on me throughout the book and I usually like to read books where I can relate to the main character), but I will certainly keep an eye on Craft to see what other books he'll write.

Why should you read it:
It's an action filled Fantasy story.


Buy this book here

Friday, 24 February 2012

Aftermath - Book Review

Aftermath (Sirantha Jax #5)
by Ann Aguirre


What is it about:
Sirantha Jax has the right genes—ones that enable her to “jump” faster-than-light ships through grimspace. But it’s also in her genetic makeup to go it alone. It’s a character trait that has gotten her into—and out of—hot water time and time again, but now she’s caused one of the most horrific events in military history…

During the war against murderous, flesh-eating aliens, Sirantha went AWOL and shifted grimspace beacons to keep the enemy from invading humanity’s homeworld. The cost of her actions: the destruction of modern interstellar travel—and the lives of six hundred Conglomerate soldiers.

Accused of dereliction of duty, desertion, mass murder, and high treason, Sirantha is on trial for her life. And only time will tell if she’s one of the Conglomerate’s greatest heroes—or most infamous criminals…


What did I think of it:
I'm in two minds about this book.

I really enjoyed it, no doubt about that.
It was well written, the story was both beautiful and cool and after finishing it I was all disappointed I now have to wait till the last book in this series is released.

It's just that I got the feeling that some plot devices were used to pull a bait and switch on me. It's hard to go into this without giving away spoilers, but it feels like some things just happened to change the way the reader might feel about certain things and to bypass some other possible plot difficulties. Could just be me though.

All in all this is a good story with some hidden fangs (in my opinion) and I look forward to Endgame to see how Aguirre will let Jax's story end.

Why should you read it:
It's an amazing SciFi series.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday, 23 February 2012

Killbox - Book Review

Killbox (Sirantha Jax #4)
by Ann Aguirre


What is it about:
Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. With no tolerance for political diplomacy, she quits her ambassador post so she can get back to saving the universe the way she does best—by mouthing off and kicking butt.

And her tactics are needed more than ever. Flesh-eating aliens are attacking stations on the outskirts of space, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.

Now, Jax must take matters into her own hands by recruiting a militia to defend the frontiers—out of the worst criminals, mercenaries, and raiders that ever traveled through grimspace…


What did I think of it:
This book is both beautiful and frustrating.

I love Aguirre's writing style and her world building. The overall story is amazing: it's grim, gritty and nail biting good. It's Jax and March that made this story frustrating for me though. I felt like banging their heads together countless of times. I've never encountered a heroine and hero who are so stubborn and so convinced that what they do is the right thing when obviously it's not.

If Aguirre had made Jax even slightly less likeable I'd probably would have thrown this book across the room, but Aguirre knows just how to keep me hooked: Even with all the frustrating relationship drama I couldn't put this book down until I finished it.

And let me tell you:
I was so glad I had already bought Aftermath, the next book in this series, because I needed to know what would be next.

Why should you read it:
It's well written, gritty SciFi.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Wishlist Wednesday - Shadow of the Witte Wieven


I just can't resist a book that is based on Dutch folklore.
I'm very curious how Peterson will use the Witte Wieven.

Shadow of The Witte Wieven
by Debbie Peterson


Despite a contract on her head, lone Drug Enforcement Agent, Aliyana Montijo must ferret out a mole and stop the assassination of top DEA officials, as so ordered by the Colombian drug lord she seeks to take down. The task is a daunting one, for there is no one she can trust. No one that is, until she encounters a most unlikely ally.

Former seventeenth century captain of the Dutch West Indies Company, Wolfaert Dircksen Van Ness, now from a parallel dimension, encounters the beautiful agent during an unearthly storm in the Bermuda triangle. Drawn to the Spanish beauty he rescues, he pledges his assistance, despite her reluctance to accept either his help or his heart.
Can Wolf bridge both space and time to claim the woman he loves?


Expected publication: April 21st 2012 by InkSpell Publishing

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Teaser Tuesdays - Blood Bound


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Just started this one. I heard good things about it so I'm very curious about it.

Only two-thirty in the morning, and I already had blood on my hands. The most messed-up part of that?
It was the hour that bothered me.
(page 7 (first 3 sentences of chapter 1), Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent)

Monday, 20 February 2012

Blood And Bullets - Book Review

Blood and Bullets (Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty-Hunter #1)
by James R. Tuck


What is it about:
He lives to kill monsters. He keeps his city safe. And his silver hollow-points and back-from-the-dead abilities help him take out any kind of supernatural threat. But now an immortal evil has this bad-ass bounty hunter dead in its sights...

Ever since a monster murdered his family, Deacon Chalk hunts any creature that preys on the innocent. So when a pretty vampire girl "hires" him to eliminate a fellow slayer, Deacon goes to warn him--and barely escapes a vampire ambush. Now he's got a way-inexperienced newbie hunter to protect and everything from bloodsuckers to cursed immortals on his trail. There's also a malevolent force controlling the living and the undead, hellbent on turning Deacon's greatest loss into the one weapon that could destroy him...


What did I think of it:
I liked this book, even though there were times I contemplated putting it down.

Deacon is a cocky bastard who's so full of himself at times that it grated on my nerves. The fact that all women he meets seem to fawn over him didn't help either.

So why did I like this book?

The story and action are really cool and the world building fits seemlessly into the story. No boring info dumps, but almost non-stop action from start to finish. Tuck's writing style is easy and fits both the action-filled story as well as Mr. Ego (a.k.a Deacon Chalk).

So once I tuned out the annoying character traits of Deacon Chalk and accepted reading this book was much like watching an action movie, I really enjoyed this book.

I most probably will be reading the next book in this series if only for all the cool fighting and pretty explosions ;-)

Why should you read it:
Don't read this story for likeable, well rounded characters: read it for the kick-ass action!


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Sunday, 19 February 2012

Ascension - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Ascension (The World of Ascension #1)
by Caris Roane


What is it about:
Alison Wells is no ordinary woman. Born with supernatural powers, she can never make love to a man without putting him in grave danger. But when her special vision reveals a glorious muscled man soaring overhead on mighty wings, she feels an overwhelming attraction she cannot resist—even as he tells her: “I have come for you. Your blood belongs to me.”

Kerrick is a vampire and a warrior who has fought his hunger for a woman’s love for the past two hundred years. As a Guardian of Ascension, he is sworn to protect Alison from the death vamp armies who crave her blood and her power. But Kerrick has cravings of his own—a forbidden longing to open his heart and veins to Alison. To share his blood…satisfy his thirst…and seal their fates forever.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This book had some really raving reviews, so that's why I picked it up.

Well....

Sometimes I think I might be too critical or maybe that I have a weird taste compared to others.

I thought both the story and the writing were chaotic and that the romance was overly dramatic. Kerrick really needed to have some sense kicked into him in my opinion.

I also didn't really care about both lead characters, especially Kerrick. There were some side characters that seemed much more interesting. The best scene in the whole book was a scene between Alison and another character and made me wish the book was about him and Alison, maybe then I would have liked this book more.

On top of that I think the word 'suckle' was used way too much during the more romantic scenes. Just one use of this word is enough to kill the mood for me and here it was practically used about every two sentences.

All in all I was not impressed and won't be picking up any other books in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a Paranormal Romance with winged vampires.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Saturday, 18 February 2012

Darkness Descending - DNF Review

Darkness Descending (Vampire Armageddon #1)
by Devyn Quinn


What is it about:
Fallen angels in the form of vampires are infecting humans one by one, creating an army fit for Armageddon. Jesse Burke, driven by vengeance to destroy the vampiric angels, has been protecting New Orleans from the onslaught, unaware that she has a much greater destiny awaiting her in the face of the oncoming apocalypse...

What did I think of it:
*spoiler ahead*
I did not finish this book!

It started out a bit slow, but ok. I had some minor grumblings, like the superhuman sentinels being named Palindromes (come on, it made me think of literature lessons in high school instead of immortal protectors) and the fact that I thought that Reyen, the Native American sidekick of Maddox was more interesting than Maddox himself.

But then about half way in and just when there was finally some action one of my pet peeves happened:
The hero and heroine have sex and right after the hero runs off to have intimate dealings with another woman!

That's when I decided to put down the book. I just didn't want to read the drama and whatnot that would unfold between Maddox and Jesse (Jesse of course saw him run off with the other female just to make things juicy) and only get a mildly enjoyable paranormal action storyline to go with it to take the edge of the drama.

I might read another book in this series, but only if it's about Reyen and I will toss it aside without any problem if again the drama is of the same kind as in this book.

Why should you read it:
It's a nicely written PNF if you can handle two-timing drama.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Friday, 17 February 2012

Intimate Exposure - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Intimate Exposure
by Portia Da Costa

ebook, novella

What is it about:
From the moment Red Webster arrived at executive Vicki Renard's firm, sparks flew between them. The photographer is supposed to create a company profile for its new owner, but he spends most of his time flirting with her. His sexy teasing infuriates Vicki...and piques a desire to submit to him. His hypnotic eyes promise what she's been secretly craving: a sexually dominant master, like the ones in her favorite erotic novels.

Investigating his new business incognito, billionaire F. W. Shanley--aka Red--is turned on by Vicki's fiery personality and undeniable beauty. When he discovers her reading a BDSM novel on her eReader, he knows he's found a woman who shares his desires and promises to be a challenging submissive.

When Red arranges a weekend at a secluded hotel, Vicki agrees to indulge in no-strings-attached erotic fun. But can she commit to this kind of life with Red when he realizes they can have so much more?


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Now this is my kind of BDSM story!

This story is well written, has a well rounded romance storyline and some seriously hot BDSM scenes.

I like how you get to see both Vicki's and Red's thoughts. It gave both characters more depth and it showed the growth both of them go through. I really love how Da Costa made it a whole new experience for both Vicki and Red instead of just making it about Vicki.

Even though Da Costa had lots of opportunity to add outside drama to the story, luckily she chose to keep this story away from it and to go for romantic and sexual tension between Vicki and Red. I really enjoyed the romance build up and I loved the intense erotic play between them.

I would advice this story to anyone who likes some spice added to their erotic romances and I wil most certainly investigate what other stories Da Costa has written.

Why should you read it:
It's an intense, romantic BDSM story.


Buy this ebook here

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Be Careful What You Wish For - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Be Careful What You Wish for
by Nick Howard

ebook, novella

What is it about:
Fairy Godmothers don't always know what's best. Or do they?

"If love is pain, I want to be hurt "

It must have been her distress over being dumped by Sir Justin that made Princess Lilly less than precise expressing her wish to her Fairy Godmother. Otherwise, she would not have ended up the indignant prisoner of Sir Gawain, a vile knight who wouldn't know how to properly treat a princess if the instructions whacked him upside his armored helm.

She should be angry, but she has no one to blame but herself, and no way out. The Kidnapping of Damsel Laws are very specific-once she is taken, she has no choice but to submit to his seduction. Every kiss, caress...and spanking.

Still, she's determined not to make it easy for him. If he thinks he will bend her to his delicious...no, barbaric intentions, he has a serious flaw in his logic. Yet as he carefully executes his plan of exquisitely pain-laced pleasure, she finds her body responding quite against her will. And her mind racing with immoral thoughts that threaten her jealously guarded virtue.

Until there is a very small, tiny, remote possibility that Sir Gawain might win her hand...

Warning: Beware, here be a dragon lurking. Contains the repeated exposure and abuse of a princess's sensitive skin. Readers with gentle sensibilities may find themselves breaking out in a most un-princess-like sweat, but fear not-the heroine retains her virtue. Er, at least until she’s the one tying the last knot…


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This story was a disappointment.

It tried a bit too much to be cleverly funny and that really didn't work for me. I also didn't like how the story practically glossed over the bondage and spanking scenes. It never got to the point where I (or anyone else I imagine) "broke out in a most un-princess-like sweat". It all was quite tame to the point of boring actually.

Too bad as the story idea is quite fun and lends itself to lots of interesting possibilities.

So this is definitely not a keeper for me and I most probably won't be reading anything else by Howard.

Why should you read it:
If you like cleverly funny written stories with very mild spanking/bondage maybe this is a story for you.


Buy this ebook here

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Wishlist Wednesday - Sins of the Son

The first book in this series was awesome so I'm looking forward to reading book 2.

Sins of the Son (Grigori Legacy #2)
by Linda Poitevin


When homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis sees a photo of Seth Benjamin on a police bulletin, she knows that Heaven's plan to halt Armageddon has gone terribly wrong. As the only mortal who knows of Seth's true nature, only she can save him. Aramael was a hunter of Fallen Angels until a traitor forced him into earthly exile. Now, with no powers and only a faint memory of Alex, his mortal soulmate, he will stop at nothing to redeem himself-even if it means destroying Seth in the name of the Creator...

Expected publication: March 27th 2012

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Teaser Tuesdays - Grave Witch


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

As I turned the doorknob a chill crawled down my neck. The ghost? I spun around. The ghost stood directly behind me, but I caught only a glimmer of his shape before he vanished again.
(page 48, Grave Witch by Kalayna Price)

Monday, 13 February 2012

Sunset - Book Review

Sunset by Jay Caselberg
ebook, short story

What is it about:
In a far flung colony world, sometimes you have to survive any way you can.

What did I think of it:
This is a creepy story.

Not so much because of monsters or scary events though. Even though this story is set on a distant planet it's more a psychological story that makes you think about human nature than that it's Science Fiction. It raises the questions 'What is humanity?' and 'When is it allowed to kill someone?'

I'm not sure if I like this story. It's thought provoking, it's edgy and it disturbed me.

All in all a story that made me think, but that I don't plan on revisiting any time soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a disturbing and thought provoking story in a SciFi setting.


Buy it at Musa Publishing

Sunday, 12 February 2012

Twin-Bred = Free on February 15th and 16th

Twin-Bred by Karen A. Wyle is now part of KDP Select. Amazon Prime members can borrow the book for free, at least from now until May 10, 2012 or so, and everyone will be able to download it for free from Amazon on this coming Wednesday and Thursday, February 15th and 16th!

Friday, 10 February 2012

That Thing at the Zoo - Book Review

That Thing at the Zoo
by James R. Tuck

ebook, novella

What is it about:
Shredding monsters is his stock and trade. He sniffs them out, tracks them down, and corners them. End of story. But when the tables are turned, expect the unexpected.

Knowing his enemy is a rule Deacon Chalk swears by. But he's never seen anything like whatever is leaving the Atlanta Zoo's most dangerous predators bloodless, skinned, and hanging high in the treetops. And he's only got until sunrise to keep it from turning the entire city into a slaughterhouse.

Now Deacon is in zoo lockdown with a handful of staffers to save. His zookeeper backup has more guts than monster-hunting experience. And the only chance Deacon has to run this thing to holy ground is to unleash his darkest, most uncontrollable instincts...


What did I think of it:
This is a really cool novella.

Deacon Chalk is a kick-ass monster hunter who doesn't shy away from taking extreme measures to get the job done. He's gruff, direct to the point of rude, but likeable and with an intriguing past.

The world building is minimal, but effective enough to set a dark mood for this story, which is well written, fast paced and full of action. Next to a really cool and explosive tale of monster hunting and slaying this novella gives small hints to what other horrors Deacon might encounter in the future and it made me eager to read more about Deacon and the world he lives in.

As with every good story, this novella was much too short and I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tuck's full sized novel Blood and Bullets, so I can get my next Deacon Chalk fix.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool, kick-ass novella about a monster hunter.


Buy this ebook here

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Touch of Power - Book Review

Touch of Power (Healer #1)
by Maria V. Snyder


What is it about:
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...


What did I think of it:
Until recently Poison Study was by far my favorite book of those written by Snyder, but then I read Touch of Power and now I'm undecided about which of the two is the best.

I love the world Snyder created in Touch of Power. It's original and Snyder manages to breathe such life into this world that it feels believable and real.

Avry is a complex and intriguing character and although there were times she frustrated me, I couldn't help loving her from the start. The rogues who kidnap Avry are all well worked out characters as well and even though some of them felt a bit stereotypical, I really liked them.

The story is full of action, heartache, suspense and intrigue. There are several parties after Avry and all of them have their own (nefarious) reasons. Combined with Snyder's easy writing style all the action makes that you race through this book in no time, leaving you both satisfied and hungry for more. The perfect read for anyone who loves a good Fantasy adventure story.

I already am looking forward to the next book in this series and will be rereading Touch of Power often.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Fantasy story full of action and adventure.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Wishlist Wednesday - The Evil Visitor

This one sounds like it might be a cool and scary read:

The Evil Visitor
by Fernando Sobenes


Northern Kuwait 1991 during the Persian Gulf War. Peter Donovan, lieutenant in the US Army, commanding a group of soldiers; walks into an ambush in the Iraqi desert and as a result a massacre occurs. There he finds an amulet that he puts in his pocket without knowing that it contains a hidden power; and because of it, has his first terrifying encounter in a grave underneath the sands of the desert with an evil being that takes him to death's door.

Several years pass after these events and Peter, after leaving the Army, moves to a place in the United States where he settles down, gets married and begins a family. It's beautiful place where people live happily far from the stress of the big city.

Peter serves as the town sheriff and gets together on the weekends with some other families. Their lives continue with peace and happiness until the day when they play with the Ouija Board, using the amulet that Peter brought from the Iraqi desert. They unintentionally open the door for evil to enter their lives; destroying them, sowing fear and death.



Buy this ebook here

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Teaser Tuesdays - World War Z


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

It was bedlam, exactly what you thought the end of the world was supposed to look like. Part of the house was burning, blood everywhere, bodies or bits of them spewes over all that expensive stuff.
(page 110, World War Z by Max Brooks)

Monday, 6 February 2012

House of Pleasure - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

House of Pleasure
by Deborah Court

ebook, novella

What is it about:
When Jane Eden inherits an old Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Boston, she has no idea what secrets it harbors. She soon discovers that it's a magic house, fulfilling all the sexual fantasies of its female residents. Losing herself in sensual dreams that take her to exotic places and delightful historical eras, she never considers what will happen if she ever loses her heart.

Luke Thomas is Hollywood's most celebrated action-hero, used to swooning fans falling all over him. One day he meets a beautiful woman in a park who doesn't seem to be interested in him at all. It's a challenge he just can't resist. His desire to see her again transports him to Jane's house, and he gets lost in the arms of a lover who drives him into a frenzy of boundless pleasure. But will he gain her love when the prize is higher than she's willing to pay?


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I really loved Court's Bound to the Prince, so when the opportunity to read House of Pleasure came along I couldn't resist.

This is a seriously hot read!

I really enjoyed the erotic scenes in this novella: they're steamy, intense and very sensual. There were some menage scenes among them, but because the fantasy/dreamlike feel of the story I didn't mind those and in fact enjoyed them. (Yes, a surprise to me as well.)

The romantic storyline could have been more fleshed out in my opinion. I didn't feel a connection between Jane and Luke (besides the sexual connection, which is really hot) and would have loved to see a bit more growth in their relationship, but because this is an erotic novella first it isn't a real flaw.

All in all this story is a very enjoyable erotic fantasy and I wouldn't mind reading the erotic adventures of the other women who lived in the House of Pleasure.

Why should you read it:
It's a steamy and enjoyable erotic read.


Buy this ebook here

Sunday, 5 February 2012

Virals - Book Review

Virals (Virals #1)
by Kathy Reichs


What is it about:
Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.


What did I think of it:
I almost didn't finish this book as I really disliked Tory, the main character.

She's little miss Perfect: she's so intelligent, so smart, so misunderstood. (Can we say Mary Sue? Egh...)

But as the story is quite intriguing I did my best to put my annoyance aside and I continued reading. (By reading on I discovered she's not perfect after all actually: she's tone deaf O_0)

Anyway:
Apart from the above mentioned annoyance this is a fun read. There's lots of action, mystery and intrigue. I really liked some of the other characters, especially Hi, and I felt myself cheering the foursome on despite my dislike of Tory.

So I ended up enjoying this book and I might give the next book a try some day, although I hope Tory will grow up a bit and become less annoying.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice and easy paranormal(ish) YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Saturday, 4 February 2012

Bookish Pet Peeve - Love Triangles

A while ago I was talking with Jeffe Kennedy about Love Triangles and my dislike of them.

She mentioned that often it's obvious who the heroine is going to chose in the end and she was wondering why in such stories there's a Love Triangle at all.

I got my own thoughts on that and it's one of the reasons why I do not like Love Triangles. (The other being that I usually like the guy who's not getting the girl in the end.)

Love Triangles are often used as the ultimate 'Mary Sue' plot device: They are there to tell us how special the heroine is.

Because a girl/woman who is desired by more than one man must be something special surely!

It's lazy story-telling in my opinion. Instead of really showing me, the reader, why Mary Sue is worth reading about/fighting for/etc.. the author throws in an extra love interest (who we all know will never get the girl in the end, but will pine over her for a gazillion books) and presto: Mary Sue gains instant specialness.

Added bonus of the extra love interest is that the author can use him to get the hero/story moving. Jealousy, rivalry, mistaken gestures and stuff like that are all easy plot devices for the author to make things happen in the story.

There are probably Love Triangles out there that are better than all this, but most often I can sniff out the 'real' love interest within two sentences of meeting him and in such cases it is so tiring to read all the triangly stuff for books and books on end. I find myself not picking up books that probably have an amazing story if I read on the back that there are two boys (yup: the love triangles are especially heavily represented in YA fiction, although adult UF sure knows how to misuse love triangles as well) interested in our (modest, good natured, talented and brave) heroine.

So:
What are your thoughts on Love Triangles?
Are you as tired of them as I am or do you like them?
Any book suggestions without a triangle or with a triangle that's actually fun/exciting/cool to read?

Friday, 3 February 2012

Where Demons Fear to Tread - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Where Demons Fear to Tread (The Company of Angels #1)
by Stephanie Chong


What is it about:
Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure–seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…

After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy–sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries–old feelings. Now, their high–stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell.or a deliciously hot heaven.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a pleasant paranormal romance with a slight bite added to it.

I will confess I had some trouble with liking Serena at first, she's too good to be true, but she slowly grew on me. Julian on the other hand is one dark, sexy hero with enough flaws for both of them.

The romance has a nice build up. There were times I wanted to kick some sense into Serena, but overall I really enjoyed the romantic storyline. It's hot and intense.

There was a second storyline that was meant to give Serena and Julian some outside resistance in getting together, but I could have done without that storyline. It didn't add much for me.

The world building and setting are interesting and the book is written in a light and easy style.

So in the end this was a nice, uncomplicated read and I might pick up the next book in this series once it is released

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable romance with demons and angels


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Sea Glass - Book Review

Sea Glass (Glass #2)
by Maria V. Snyder


What is it about:
Like the colorful pieces of sea glass washed up on shore, Opal has weathered rough waters and twisting currents. But instead of finding a tranquil eddy, Opal is caught in a riptide. Her unique glass messengers which allow instant communication over vast distances have become a vital part of Sitian society. Once used solely by the Councilors and magicians, other powerful factions are now vying for control. Control of the messengers equals control of Sitia. Unfortunately that also means control of Opal. If that isn’t enough of a problem, Opal’s determination to prove blood magic is still being used is met with strong resistance. The Council doubts her, her mentor doubts her, and even her family is concerned. When her world is turned upside down, she begins to doubt herself. In the end, Opal must decide who to believe, who to trust, and who has control—otherwise she will shatter into a million pieces and be swept out by the tide.

What did I think of it:
This book seemed to suffer from middle book syndrome.

There are a couple of story hooks introduced that seem to go nowhere at this moment and that I can only assume will be picked up in book three.

Otherwise the story is both frustrating and intriguing. There's lots of stuff going on and I had to keep reading to find out how everything would fit together.

The love square from book one was reduced to a love triangle and while my favorite character was still Opal's main squeeze, again there were lots of hints this may not be so by the end of the Trilogy. I must say I'm at the point where I'm going to look for spoilers before reading book three, because I so loathe the other love interest that I'm not sure I want to read the next book if it turns out that Opal ends up with him.

All in all I liked the overall story, was frustrated by the romantic storyline and disappointed that some story hooks were left dangling. I'm not sure I will read book three, but I like Snyder's writing enough that I did pick up 'Touch of Power', the first book in another series.

Why should you read it:
It's an intriguing Fantasy adventure.

Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide



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Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Wishlist Wednesday - Kiss of the Goblin Prince

Today a book that's on Voodoo Bride's wishlist:

Kiss of the Goblin Prince (Shadowlands #2)
by Shona Husk


Trapped for centuries in the bleak Shadowlands, Dai clings to his humanity with a thirst for knowledge. But now he's free of the goblin curse, and some would say he knows too much—he can make nature bend to his will, influence the minds of others, and command magic. Yet love eludes him. Then he meets Amanda, a single mother with a sick daughter whom he feels compelled to protect. But could she possibly place her trust in the kiss of a goblin prince?

Expected publication: May 1st 2012