Enemy Storm - Release Day Review

Enemy Storm (Chronicles of the Empire #3)
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
It's never a good day when a radioactive hunk of starship nearly drops on your head.

The Claugh Empire attacked Edie's planet fifteen years ago, murdered her parents, and left the teen for dead. So when a wrecked Claugh starship interrupts a salvage mission, she's torn between revenge and rescuing survivors—especially the stirring captain with an uncanny ability to rekindle her dead emotions. Something about him inflames the urge to come to terms with her past. But the mercenary in Edie doubts trusting a former enemy will bring her redemption or put old prejudices to bed.

When a new common enemy, hell-bent on wiping out humanoids, threatens to bury them all, the captain tries to convince her a mutual coalition might breach their political impasse—all for the greater good.

What did I think of it:
I totally reread the previous books in this series before picking up Enemy Storm, but this book is also perfectly readable as a standalone. That said: You want all of these books!

I fell in love with Edie from the start. She's smart, resourceful, and compassionate. When a Claugh starship crashes practically at her feet, she's ready to walk away, but it's her compassion that makes her stay and gets her involved with V'kyrri (To those who read the previous books: yes: V'kyrri is the hero! *happy dance*) and his mission. A mission that forces her to confront her past.

This is such a great book! It's gritty, and doesn't pull any punches. Even with a romance at the heart of it, this is an intense story, and Edie and V'kyrri have to make some very hard decisions.

I was hooked from the start and kept rooting for the both of them to make it through their ordeals, and to find love together. I loved their interactions, as well as the growing trust between them.

As with the other books in this series the world building is great: I could easily picture the alien worlds and creatures Edie and V'kyrri encounter.

All in all this is an amazing and gripping read. You bet I'll be keeping an eye out for more!

Why should you read it:
It's an intense and action-packed SF Romance


buy from amazon

Enemy Games - Book Review (repost)

In preparation of the release of Enemy Storm I reread Enemy Games. Here's a repost of my review.


Enemy Games (Chronicles of the Empire Book #2)
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
Different species from different worlds make reluctant allies...

While combating a plague, scientist Jayleia Durante becomes a pawn in a greater game. With her father missing and intergalactic mercenaries on her trail, her decision to cooperate with Major Damen Sindrivik may prove advantageous...if she can control her attraction to the officer who abducted her.

Some secrets aren't worth keeping...

Damen, a spy from a rival government, will use anything, including his predatory instincts, to achieve his mission...locating Jayleia's father. She reacts to Damen's charm and seductive power, so why does he question her motivation?

Conflicted loyalties and enemies abound...

Traitors and the alien enemies threaten to destroy the galaxy. Jayleia must choose. Betray her father, risk her friends, and lose Damen, or prevent an Interstellar war?

What did I think of it:
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since reading Enemy Within, the first book in this series. And I can tell you this book was worth the wait.

Burnard manages to mix Scifi, adventure, suspense and romance into a thrilling tale that has you hooked from the start. The world building in this book is excellent and the plot is fast paced and intricate, which makes that you have to keep paying attention or you will easily lose track of what's going on. The romance and action storylines work well together and neither overshadows the other luckily enough.

So, no negative points? Only a minor one: Jayleia is a difficult character to get to know, but I liked Damen from the start, which made me invested in Damen's attempts to break through Jayleia's defenses to get to the person inside, so in the end this wasn't really a negative point at all.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling, romantic, SciFi adventure.


buy from amazon

Enemy Within - Book Review

Enemy Within (Chronicles of the Empire Book #1)
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
Horrific torture in an alien prison torpedoed Captain Ari Idylle's military career. Stripped of command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a PhD she doesn't want, Ari refuses to fly a desk. She intends to have her command back by any means possible, until pirates commandeer her father's ship, and she's once again a prisoner. Perhaps this cunning captor isn't what he pretends to be.

As far as Cullin Seaghdh is concerned, the same goes for Ari. Her past association with aliens puts her dead center in Cullin's cross-hairs. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. He can't afford the desire she fires within him. His mission comes first. He'll stop at nothing, including her destruction, to uncover her true purpose and protect what is his.

What did I think of it:
In preparation of the release of Enemy Storm (the third book in this series) I decided to reread the first two books.

And what a cool read this first book is!

I loved Ari from the start. She went through a lot and while it certainly damaged her, it didn't break her. She is fighting hard to reclaim her life on her own terms, even though there are people who are making it difficult for her.

When Cullin and his men capture her and the team she works with, she decides to cooperate to keep as many people safe and alive. From there on out she finds herself drawn into a dangerous game that might destroy her life (and heart) all over again.

The worldbuilding is amazing, and I especially love the creepy aliens that have held Ari captive and are a threat still.

I have read this book several times already, but once again I was totally hooked. I grumbled in annoyance at people making things difficult for Ari, cheered for her when things went well, and couldn't put this book down until the satisfying conclusion.

You bet I'll dive into Enemy Games as soon as possible.

Why should you read it:
Cool SF Romance with creepy aliens


buy from amazon

Emissary - Book Review

Emissary (Sekhmet's Army)
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
Years ago, I left my home in Menethes. I left in anger, cursing my mother. I was a child and a foolish one at that. I earned my sword and my place as a warrior in Sekhmet's Army. Now, the priestesses bid me return to the land of my birth. For fel sorcery has stricken the land. It has usurped the throne, enslaved the people, murdered the priests, and defiled the sacred precincts of every temple in the city. Sekhmet, the Fire in the Desert, demands justice.

She has chosen me to deliver it. Though I am strong, I have no shield against sorcery. If I fail, I die. Success? That, too, may well end in my death. But failure? Failure will cost me my soul.

What did I think of it:
This was a reread for me. This short story was first released in the anthology Thunder on the Battlefield: Sword.

And it was so good to revisit this story. I love how Marcella Burnard manages to create a whole world in such a short story. With a minimum of words she manages to have this story breathe atmosphere and life.

The story itself is beautiful and I wouldn't mind if Marcella Burnard writes more stories in this world: I'd gobble them all up I can tell you.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful Fantasy read.


buy from amazon

Enemy Within = Once Again Available!!! + Review

The amazing Enemy Within is once again available!

You want this SF Romance!


Enemy Within (Chronicles of the Empire #1)
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
Horrific torture in an alien prison torpedoed Captain Ari Idylle's military career. Stripped of command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a PhD she doesn't want, Ari refuses to fly a desk. She intends to have her command back by any means possible, until pirates commandeer her father's ship, and she's once again a prisoner. Perhaps this cunning captor isn't what he pretends to be.

As far as Cullin Seaghdh is concerned, the same goes for Ari. Her past association with aliens puts her dead center in Cullin's cross-hairs. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. He can't afford the desire she fires within him. His mission comes first. He'll stop at nothing, including her destruction, to uncover her true purpose and protect what is his.

What did I think of it:
I love this book!

It's got everything you want from a SciFi: spaceships, intrigue, nasty aliens and firefights. Add an intense and complicated romance to this mix and you got a story that sizzles and captivates.

Ari is a character that's been damaged, but luckily not broken and it makes you cheer her on and hope she will get a happy end in both love and her normal life.

Some plot twist I saw coming, but that didn't spoil the story for me in the least. And I have to mention the aliens! They're nasty and cool!

If you haven't read this book when it was first available, you really need to go get it asap. You won't be disappointed.

Why should you read it:
Spaceships, intrigue, nasty aliens, firefights and romance!!


Buy from Amazon

Nightmare Ink - Book Review (repost)

Nightmare Ink (Living Ink #1)
by Marcella Burnard
ebook

What is it about:
With her art and magic, Isa Romanchzyk has the power to create or destroy. In her tattoo shop, Nightmare Ink, Isa helps those in need by binding the power embedded in their Live Ink—the magical tattoos that can enhance the life of the wearer, or end it. But binding tattoos has earned Isa the contempt of her fellow artists—including her former lover Daniel.

When a friend comes to the shop with a tattoo on the verge of killing him, Isa can’t turn him away. For the first time in years, she works Live Ink—something she swore she’d never do again. But a broken vow soon becomes the least of her problems.

The real nightmare begins when she’s abducted and inked with a Living Tattoo against her will. Now, saddled with a powerful, amoral entity willing to do anything to win his freedom, Isa must fight to keep her Living Tattoo from consuming her completely...

What did I think of it:
I absolutely love all of Burnard's books I've read so far, so when I heard she had written an Urban Fantasy I had to read that as well of course.

And this is such a cool read!

The idea of Live Ink is really intriguing. At the start of the story there are a few hints about what these magical tattoos are, but later in the story it gets more and more clear that people who get Live Ink are in for a lot more than they know.

Isa is a complex, but very likeable, heroine. She wants to do the right thing, but it's hard at times for to see what the right thing is. She has been hurt, has her secrets (even for herself) and this made her cautious. She's not your average Urban Fantasy kick-ass heroine, but she has an inner strength that keeps her going.

There are lots of other cool characters as well, I really liked Isa's friends. They were there for her when she really needed them.

The story was suspenseful and had me hooked from the start. I kept worrying and wondering where things would go, and if Isa would find a way to survive what's happening to her. There's lots of intense situations, and lots of action.

The ending had me eager for more. Some major plot-lines get a resolution, but there are enough things left open that I need to know what will be next. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book once it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Urban Fantasy read.


Buy from Amazon

Damned if He Does - Book Review

Damned if He Does
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
Rejected by heaven, twisted by hell, what’s a damned dead man to do when he stumbles upon a life and love worth fighting for?

Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its perks: an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. Sure, Ole Scratch holds Dar’s soul in thrall, and Dar has to spend a few hours recharging in Hell every day, but it could be much worse. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath.

Fiona Renee has the life she’d always wanted: a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. Fiona’s dated. Had boyfriends. And hated every minute of it. She’s reconciled to being lonely. So when a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name—the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can answer: What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?

What did I think of it:
I love Marcella's books, so when she asked me if I wanted to read and review her newest book Damned if He Does, a light Paranormal Romance I jumped at the chance.

And this is such a good read.

Fiona isn't interested in a sexual relationship and has accepted that she will most probably stay single because of that. Then Dar enters her life and after a very rocky start of their relationship they learn more about each other, and they start to care about each other.

Fiona being who she is, this romance is all about emotional connection. I loved how the bond between her and Dar developed. The romantic story line is sweet, fun and heartwarming. I connected with Fiona from the start and rooted for her that everything would turn out ok. Dar is a cool character as well. He is a bit dense at times, but he goes through a lot of growth in this story.

The suspense story line is small, but fun. I loved how Satan was written and there was another demon I hope will get her own story. She came across as a character who has a very interesting story to tell.

Overall this is a very original and beautiful Paraonormal Romance. I can advice this to anyone who's looking for a well written and sweet paranormal read.

Why should you read it:
It's a heartwarming, fun Paranormal Romance


Find buy links here

Damned If He Does - Cover Reveal

I'm proud to present you the cover reveal of
Damned If He Does by Marcella Burnard!

I love Marcella's books, and this one sounds like another awesome read. and isn't that cover amazing!?

It will release on July 19th, and you can bet I'll be reading it!


Damned If He Does
by Marcella Burnard

Rejected by heaven, twisted by hell, what’s a damned dead man to do when he stumbles upon a life and love worth fighting for?

Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its perks: an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. Sure, Ole Scratch holds Dar’s soul in thrall, and Dar has to spend a few hours recharging in Hell every day, but it could be much worse. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath.

Fiona Renee has the life she’d always wanted: a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. Fiona’s dated. Had boyfriends. And hated every minute of it. She’s reconciled to being lonely. So when a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name—the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can answer: What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?


Marcella's website

Enemy Mine - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost)

Enemy Mine (Enemy #2.5)
by Marcella Burnard
ebook

What is it about:
It was a priority-two alert for beautiful Commander Cashel Khaleize: a contract put out on the life of Xiao Zhong. Professionally, Xiao was the Captain she reported to. Personally, he was man she desired. But as female Guild Assassin Mekise Tollenga closes in, Xiao wonders if even Cashel can be trusted with his safety. And with a tenuous bond between them, Cashel wonders how far she’s willing to go to earn that trust.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delightfully hot story.

Cashel and Xiao are great characters and I enjoyed the developing romance between them. For a novella the character development and the romance were very well worked out and believable. I sometimes felt neither of them took the treat of the assassin serious though, but with the sizzling hot sexual tension between them I couldn't blame them too much.

There's a slight BDSM element to this story that I very much enjoyed, but that's light enough to not scare away readers who are not into BDSM.

I do wish this story had been a little longer. I finished it much too soon and wouldn't have minded if the tension between Xiao and Cashel had been drawn out a bit longer. But I feel that way about every good story, so don't mind me ;-)

Why should you read it:
It's a hot paranormal romance


Buy it here

On McPig's Wishlist - Bound by Ink

I loved the first book in this series, so I can't wait to get my trotters on this book. And I think that cover is gorgeous!


Bound by Ink (Living Ink #2)
by Marcella Burnard

After being kidnapped and forcibly Inked with a Living Tattoo named Murmur, Isa thought she’d survived the worst her enemies could throw at her. She was wrong. Murmur is walking around her world in someone else’s body, and without him, Isa is losing control of her magic.

Then, in the middle of rush hour, a Live Tattoo comes off its host, killing over a hundred people. Isa discovers that Murmur’s nemesis, Uriel—a demon she believed defeated—is responsible. He’s seeking the power to force his way back into Isa’s world. If he succeeds, everyone Isa loves will be destroyed. There may be a way to stop him, but it will mean sacrificing Murmur—or herself…


Expected publication: November 18th 2014 by InterMix

Pre-order here

Nightmare Ink - Book Review

Nightmare Ink (Living Ink #1)
by Marcella Burnard
ebook

What is it about:
With her art and magic, Isa Romanchzyk has the power to create or destroy. In her tattoo shop, Nightmare Ink, Isa helps those in need by binding the power embedded in their Live Ink—the magical tattoos that can enhance the life of the wearer, or end it. But binding tattoos has earned Isa the contempt of her fellow artists—including her former lover Daniel.

When a friend comes to the shop with a tattoo on the verge of killing him, Isa can’t turn him away. For the first time in years, she works Live Ink—something she swore she’d never do again. But a broken vow soon becomes the least of her problems.

The real nightmare begins when she’s abducted and inked with a Living Tattoo against her will. Now, saddled with a powerful, amoral entity willing to do anything to win his freedom, Isa must fight to keep her Living Tattoo from consuming her completely...

What did I think of it:
I absolutely love all of Burnard's books I've read so far, so when I heard she had written an Urban Fantasy I had to read that as well of course.

And this is such a cool read!

The idea of Live Ink is really intriguing. At the start of the story there are a few hints about what these magical tattoos are, but later in the story it gets more and more clear that people who get Live Ink are in for a lot more than they know.

Isa is a complex, but very likeable, heroine. She wants to do the right thing, but it's hard at times for to see what the right thing is. She has been hurt, has her secrets (even for herself) and this made her cautious. She's not your average Urban Fantasy kick-ass heroine, but she has an inner strength that keeps her going.

There are lots of other cool characters as well, I really liked Isa's friends. They were there for her when she really needed them.

The story was suspenseful and had me hooked from the start. I kept worrying and wondering where things would go, and if Isa would find a way to survive what's happening to her. There's lots of intense situations, and lots of action.

The ending had me eager for more. Some major plot-lines get a resolution, but there are enough things left open that I need to know what will be next. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book once it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Urban Fantasy read.


Buy from Amazon

Nightmare Ink - Cover Reveal

I am proud to be the one to reveal the cover of Nightmare Ink by Marcella Burnard to you all.

I love Marcella's SciFi books Enemy Within and Enemy Games, so I can tell you I'm really looking forward to read Nightmare Ink, it sounds awesome.

And isn't that cover just gorgeous?!
(click the picture for a bigger and better view)


Nightmare Ink (Living Ink #1)
by Marcella Burnard

With the needle of a tattoo gun, Aisa Romanchzyk has the power to create and destroy. In her shop Nightmare Ink, Aisa helps those in need by binding the powers embedded in their Live Ink—the magical tattoos that can enhance the life of the wearer, or end it. But binding tattoos has earned Aisa the contempt of her fellow artists—including her former lover Daniel.

When a friend comes to the shop with a tattoo on the verge of killing him, Aisa can’t turn him away. For the first time in years, she works Live Ink into someone’s skin—something she swore she’d never do again. But breaking her vow soon becomes the least of her problems.

Aisa is horrified to discover her friend’s body in the shop, but the real nightmare begins when she’s abducted and inked against her will. Now, as she seeks retribution from the man who betrayed her, Asia must figure out how to bind her Living Tattoo before it consumes her completely...


Coming April 2014 from Intermix Urban Fantasy

A Guest Post about Zombies by Marcella Burnard + Giveaway

Today Marcella Burnard drops by with an awesome guest post about my favorite topic: zombies! Be sure to click on the link to the free e-only anthology that contains a short story by Marcella.

And as an added bonus: Answer Marcella's question in the comments and I'll pick a winner on October 1st, who will win either Enemy Within or Enemy Games (Winner's choice, open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to anyone who's legally allowed to enter)

The winner is Mel


Surviving the Shambling Hordes

Despite to all evidence to the contrary, I’m here by invitation. I swear I didn’t threaten, cajole or otherwise spindle or mutilate Sullivan to get that invitation, either. For proof, when I asked what I should write about, Sullivan mentioned favoring posts about pigs and/or zombies.

As I am not any kind of expert on porcine-kind, I can’t say much more than I’ve noted the obvious superior mental capacity of a few book-blogging representatives of the species. Also, if it’s true that pigs are experts at finding truffles (and I’m not talking chocolate here) they’re automatically my friends.

I think I can do better with zombies. Or at least, I hope, with surviving zombies.

Perhaps you know I live on a sailboat in Seattle, Washington. Here’s a photo.


What on earth makes relatively normal people leave a house and solid ground in order to cram all of their worldly possessions into three hundred square feet of living space? Without sinking said living space? For me, it was the adventure, the fact that I love the ocean.

For my husband? It’s because the boat is an excellent zombie outbreak survival platform. No. Really. He admits it in public. Which isn’t to say that he doesn’t *like* the boat, too, just that his justification for living a sort of alternative lifestyle isn’t entirely ‘cause I want to’. When I was trying to talk him into living aboard the boat, it is possible I trotted out the ‘just think what a great zombie survival plan a boat could be!’ Was he just humoring me or did he really buy it?

If you’re reading the McPig blog, chances are excellent that you already know the zombie apocalypse preparation drill (here’s the CDC’s prep guide just in case. )

· Food

· Water

· Supply of meds

· And of course, your zombie repelling weapon of choice



Slate recently published an awesome addendum list – it’s an article detailing what zombie movies don’t do. The article also has a few thought provoking notions regarding quarantine procedures and for zombie-powered devices. One or more of those ideas, altered to suit my story-telling purposes may show up in future novels. Even if they aren’t about zombies. Per se.

I can also admit that on board the boat, we’re implementing a few of the more practical suggestions regarding food and water.

Because the boat is home, our supplies are automatically in place. The boat holds two weeks’ worth of water. We always carry extra food (emergency rations in geek-speak, iron rations if you’re a Dungeons and Dragons nerd.) Assuming that whatever plague has reduced the bulk of humanity to walking corpses DOESN’T infect the sea life, we’d have a near endless supply of seafood available to our fishing hooks. The cats perk up every time we say that aloud. I think they’re secretly looking forward to the zombie apocalypse.

In an emergency, we could cast off within minutes and be out in the middle of some seriously deep water inside of an hour. Here’s hoping zombies don’t float. Knowing what I do about how the human body decomposes, though, I suspect that they do. I haven’t had the heart to point this out to my smug, geeky husband. He always seems so horrified by the fact that I know stuff like how long it takes for bacteria chowing on human flesh to produce enough gas to float the submerged corpse. It’s not my fault that one of our fellow liveaboards is a local medical examiner. She delights in trading gross medical/dead body information for homemade guacamole and corn chips. I get to meet the coolest people.

The single biggest problem with having an excellent zombie apocalypse survival plan? You actually have to be there when the plague hits. You’ve seen the movies and read the books. You and I both know that never happens. Life goes to hell in a hand basket when you’re as physically far away from everything you need as is humanly possible. This is bad news for me. The hard truth is that if I had to run for my life from a pack of brain gnawing zombies, it’d be all over. I can’t run. Not just that I’m bad at it, which I am. I’m gimped in one leg. If I run, the bone in that leg will break. I’d be zombie chow. Course, the other option is that I’d be patient zero and therefore the one to come knocking on YOUR door asking to borrow a cup of your brains.

What about you?

What would you do to survive the zombies? Also, in the interest of padding my ‘To Be Read’ pile, what fiction book or books would absolutely HAVE to have with you while running for your life from the shambling horde?

---------------

Marcella writes science fiction romance (ENEMY WITHIN, ENEMY GAMES, ENEMY MINE all available now) for Berkley Sensation and urban fantasy for Berkley Intermix. Her first UF, NIGHTMARE INK, is due in April of 2014. She has a sword and sorcery short in THUNDER ON THE BATTLEFIELD called Emissary, and a short futuristic romance, Nobody’s Present, in the free e-only anthology TALES FROM THE SFR BRIGADE.

---------------


About Enemy Within (Enemy #1):

An intergalactic cold war-and some heated passion- from an inventive new voice in futuristic romance.

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn't built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari's past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.



------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

The Leprechaun Literary Haiku Throwdown - Contest

Hello and welcome to the Leprechaun Literary Haiku Throwdown. Becky of Bibliognome and I decided to join forces and put together an epic haiku contest.


To enter the contest write a haiku about a book series or character that you love.

Example of an entry:

One ring to rule them
A hobbit stands in the way
Watch out for Gollum

Haiku about The Lord of the Ring books
My email or way to contact me: LeprechaunLiteraryHaikuThrowdown@gmail dot com


There will be an overall grand prize winner from both blogs and then a runner up from each blog.

The prizes are:

Grand Prize Winner: $30 to The Book Depository, 3 books of your choice from Candlemark & Gleam, a choice of Marcella Burnard’s books either Enemy Within or Enemy Games.


Runner up 1: $10 to The Book Depository, 2 books of your choice from Candlemark & Gleam, choice of one of Jeffe Kennedy's ebooks

Runner up 2: $10 to The Book Depository, 2 books of your choice from Candlemark & Gleam, ebook of Rewrite Redemption by J.H. Walker


* Contest open to US and International, if you enter the contest make sure that The Book Depository ships to where you live. You can check that here.


Rules
1.) Haikus must be in 5-7-5 form.
2.) One entry allowed per blog.
(so yes: you can run over to Becky's blog to post a second haiku after you posted one here)
3.) Write your haiku along with your name email address in the comments. If you don't want to leave your email address leave your Twitter, or Facebook details. Just make sure I'm able to contact you to let you know that you've won.
4.) You don't have to follow either blog to win, but feel free to follow if you like what you see and leave any comments on reviews or posts that you find interesting. :)
5.) The contest will run from March 17th-31st.


Judges for the contest:

Me

@GeckyBoz

DizzyC, aka Carol lives in East Anglia, England with her husband and 3 children. Formerly a Teaching Assistant she is currently a stay at home mum. She fills any spare time reading and book blogging . Her blog's called Dizzy C's Little Book Blog.

@parrishlatern from The Parrish Lantern. He has an interesting post about haikus that can be found here.


Have fun everyone and a big thank you to the lovely people who have donated a prize for this contest.

Enemy Mine - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Enemy Mine (Enemy #2.5)
by Marcella Burnard
ebook

What is it about:
It was a priority-two alert for beautiful Commander Cashel Khaleize: a contract put out on the life of Xiao Zhong. Professionally, Xiao was the Captain she reported to. Personally, he was man she desired. But as female Guild Assassin Mekise Tollenga closes in, Xiao wonders if even Cashel can be trusted with his safety. And with a tenuous bond between them, Cashel wonders how far she’s willing to go to earn that trust.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delightfully hot story.

Cashel and Xiao are great characters and I enjoyed the developing romance between them. For a novella the character development and the romance were very well worked out and believable. I sometimes felt neither of them took the treat of the assassin serious though, but with the sizzling hot sexual tension between them I couldn't blame them too much.

There's a slight BDSM element to this story that I very much enjoyed, but that's light enough to not scare away readers who are not into BDSM.

I do wish this story had been a little longer. I finished it much too soon and wouldn't have minded if the tension between Xiao and Cashel had been drawn out a bit longer. But I feel that way about every good story, so don't mind me ;-)

Why should you read it:
It's a hot paranormal romance


Buy it here

Top Pearls 2011

And here it is!
My post with my top reads for 2011.

As you might have guessed: Laura Bickle, Jess Haines, Gini Koch and Carolyn Crane again made it in my Top Pearls list of 2011, but because I just spend the last 4 days telling you how awesome their books are I will not talk about their books again, but name the other authors and books that rocked my reading world this year.

Ann Aguirre

I will confess I read Grimspace in 2010, but in 2011 I really discovered what an awesome author Ann Aguirre is.

Her Sirantha Jax series is an emotional rollercoaster ride with me loving Jax in Grimspace, loathing her in Wanderlust and loving her all over again in Doubleblind. I will most certainly be reading the other books in this series in 2012.

Enclave is my all time favorite Young Adult read! It has a wonderfully gritty post-apocalyptic story and world and Deuce is a really cool character. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.

Stone Maiden is a bittersweet, exotic fairytale and if you haven't read it yet: get the PDF free here (although I can really advice you to get it in print, it's beautiful).

I just started Aguirre's Corine Solomon series and I'm so going to get my trotters on all books in that series as well.


Ellen Connor

Ok, this is actually Ann Aguirre again, this time teaming up with Carrie Lofty to write some amazing Post-Apocalyptic Paranormal Romance.

It's the really amazing setting that makes this trilogy so utterly awesome, although the stories are really cool as well.

I can advice this trilogy to any reader of PNR who loves post-apocalyptic settings and I hope the Ellen Connor duo will decide to write more books together.


Marjorie M. Liu

I won the first three books of the Hunter Kiss series and the prequel novella in a giveaway and I must say I'm so glad I did. Liu's Hunter Kiss series is totally amazing. Maxine Kiss is a heroine I liked from the start and her demon pals are so cool. The stories are intense and full of action. At the moment I'm waiting impatiently for the 4th book in this series (which released this week) to arrive.

The Dirk & Steele series by Liu is just as wonderful as her Hunter Kiss series and so far I've read four books in this series and have a 5th book in my tbr-pile. I will most certainly try to get my trotters on the rest of the books in this series as well in 2012.


Some other amazing reads

Feast by Merrie Destefano: this is a wonderfully dark fairytale that draws you in and keeps you captivated from start to finish.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder: An awesome Fantasy that caught me by surprise and made me fall head over heels in love with its heroine and her love interest.

A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang: So much mentions of bacon in this book, but that couldn't stop me from loving this story about Abby and the Incubus she falls for.


My favorite Zombie Read

Married with Zombies and Flip This Zombie by Jesse Petersen are both funny and full of zombie mayhem. A terrific combination.


Voodoo Bride's favorite reads of 2011

The Goblin King by Shona Husk: Who can resist a Paranormal romance where the hero is a goblin king?

Enemy Games by Marcella Burnard: This is a perfect mix of Scifi, adventure, suspense and romance.

Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison: Tiago is so amazing! Go read this book now if you want to read a PNR with a swoonworthy hero.

Petals and Thorns by Jennifer Paris: A wonderful BDSM retelling of Beauty and the Beast.




And lastly some series that deserve an honorable mention:


The Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh
The Persephone Alcmedi series by Linda Robertson
The Elder Races series by Thea Harrison
The Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane

------
And that's my Top Pearls list for 2011!
Have a great New Year's Eve everyone and a wonderful 2012.

Enemy Games - Book Review

Enemy Games (Enemy #2) by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
Kidnapped while combating a devastating plague, Jayleia Durante fights to resist the attractive Major Damen Sindrivik, an officer from a rival government’s spy corps. But with her spymaster father missing, and mercenaries hot on her trail, Jayleia must join forces with the magnetic, charming and manipulative spy. She must see past her desire and remember that his single-minded agenda is for the protection of the empire - not her or her people.

Damen knows a shadowy network of traitors has allied with the violent Chekydran, and that Jayleia’s father holds the key to dismantling that web. She becomes his only lead in a circuitous round of hide and seek and despite their opposing sides, he can’t resist her. Too bad his instincts tell him Jayleia is lying to him.

Now Jayleia and Damen must find the love to match their passion and end the war or they’ll become the prey of the traitors they stalk, and one species’ civil war will consume the galaxy.

What did I think of it:
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since reading Enemy Within, the first book in this series. And I can tell you this book was worth the wait.

Burnard manages to mix Scifi, adventure, suspense and romance into a thrilling tale that has you hooked from the start. The world building in this book is excellent and the plot is fast paced and intricate, which makes that you have to keep paying attention or you will easily lose track of what's going on. The romance and action storylines work well together and neither overshadows the other luckily enough.

So, no negative points? Only a minor one: Jayleia is a difficult character to get to know, but I liked Damen from the start, which made me invested in Damen's attempts to break through Jayleia's defenses to get to the person inside, so in the end this wasn't really a negative point at all.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling, romantic, SciFi adventure.

Enemy Within - Book review

Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn't built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari's past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.

What did I think of it:
I love this book. It's got everything you want from a SciFi: spaceships, intrigue, nasty aliens and firefights. Add an intense and complicated romance to this mix and you got a story that sizzles and captivates. Ari is a character that's been damaged, but luckily not broken and it makes you cheer her on and hope she will get a happy end in both love and her normal life. Some plot twist were a bit too obvious, but that didn't spoil the story for me, I must say. I can only add that I hope Burnard will write more books in this setting.

Why should you read it:
Spaceships, intrigue, nasty aliens, firefights and romance!!

Eagerly Waiting For:

Here's three books that are on the top of my Wishlist, but as they're not released yet I'll have to be patient.

Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard
(Releases November 2nd 2010)

After a stint in an alien prison torpedoes her military career, Captain Ari Idylle has to wonder why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a PhD she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

Pirate leader Cullin Seaghdh may not be who he pretends to be but as far as Cullin is concerned, the same goes for Ari. Her past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights and if she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.
---------------

Alien Tango by Gini Koch (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #2)
(Releases December 7th 2010)

It's been five months since marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt started working with the aliens from Alpha Centauri, and she and Jeff Martini are getting closer. But when an experimental spacecraft is mysteriously returned to the Kennedy Space Center, Kitty and the rest of her team are called in to investigate. Now the team must survive murderous attacks, remove a space entity from a group of astronauts, and avoid an unhinged woman with a serious crush on Kitty's high school boyfriend. And that's all before evil masterminds decide Kitty's extermination is vital.
---------------

Rogue Oracle by Alayna Williams (Oracle series #2)
(Releases February 22nd 2011)

Criminal Minds meets Fringe in this urban fantasy series featuring Tara Sheridan, a criminal profiler who combines Tarot card divination with her training as a forensic psychologist.

Agent Harry Li asks criminal profiler Tara Sheridan to consult on a case in which a half-dozen Cold War-era intelligence operatives have disappeared. Harry suspects a high-level conspiracy, but Tara isn’t so sure: despite the lack of bodies, Tara’s Tarot cards strongly suggest there is a killer at work.

Beset with strange visionary dreams, both helped and hindered by her tenuous connection to an ancient secret society connected to the mythic Delphic Oracle, Tara must find a shadowy killer who, if not stopped, will continue to poison the future of all humanity.
---------------



So....
What books are you eagerly waiting for?