Book Review: The Devil to Pay

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions and bad tequila. Shannon McKee finds herself at the end of her rope, and she offers her soul to whoever can save her first.

Unfortunately, she sends that request to both agencies. Shannon’s plea is answered immediately by two men who couldn’t be more different from one another. Yet they share a bond and an affection for the stubborn Miss McKee that even they don’t understand.

When Heaven and Hell demand their payment, Shannon has no choice but to submit. No matter who gets her soul, she’s not getting out of this alive.

My lovely friend Maria Zannini sent me a copy of her new book, The Devil To Pay. Thank you! (She didn't ask me to pimp review it.)

This is Maria's first foray into indie publishing and I think she nailed it with a great cover, clean editing and formatting, and her usual amazing storytelling. The Devil to Pay is the first book in her Second Chances series.

At novella length (about 55 pages) there wasn't an overwhelming amount of world-building, just enough to ground the reader in the story, but what there was Maria peppered throughout the narrative and made every word work for its space in the story. Amazing characters but because this is the start of a series we don't learn everything about them.

We're pulled into the story by a situation I think most of us can relate to in this economy and we care about Shannon, worry about how she's going to get out of her predicament. Delicious hero number one walks in. Just when you think maybe Shannon has an answer...well, then it gets complicated :)

The story came to a conclusion, all the questions for THAT plot were dealt with, and the series was nicely set up. Still, I was left a bit disappointed in the ending. I can't completely put my finger on it. Perhaps it is that the romance wasn't resolved. But I have faith in the story and trust Maria. After all, this is the set-up of a series, and oh, there are so many ways things can go!

As a self-published series, I'm crossing fingers the wait won't be long between releases. What are you waiting for? Go pick up your copy of The Devil to Pay today :)

Book Review -- Harvest Moon

Dancing Cat angers her Ancestor, whose harsh punishment teaches her that true strength comes from the spirit within.

Cursed, abused, and desperate to know her future, Dancing Cat sneaks a glimpse inside her tribe’s Sacred Bundle, a powerful source of spirit magic. Instead of the future, she sees her most powerful ancestor, Small Tree and incurs her wrath. Small Tree strips Dancing Cat of everything — her home, her identity, even her gender – and drops her in the middle of enemy lands.

Injured, and in a strange, new body, she is befriended by Bearclaw who is on a spirit quest. He offers her assistance and asks for nothing in return; a kindness Dancing Cat had forgotten existed. She struggles to weave a path around the obstacles of friendship, identity, and longing in order to survive her eventual return home to face even further punishment.

And she does it while wearing someone else’s skin.

I met Krista D. Ball through Maria Zannini and have enjoyed getting to know her through her blog. When the chance came to read and review a story or two for her blog tour I jumped at the chance.

Last week I reviewed Flying Kite, Crashing Ship and this week is Harvest Moon. I loved the glimpse into the culture of the native peoples of Canada. I'm fascinated by the period and the people before Europeans came to North America, influencing and sadly taking over.

Harvest Moon is a powerful story about culture and identity, set against the backdrop of Northern Alberta, Canada (a beautiful area I assure you). The story is well researched and that information is woven beautifully within the tale of Dancing Cat. Dancing Cat herself is a sympathetic character richly drawn and even if you don't understand the culture that cursed her you are pulled into her suffering. The theme of being at the end of one's rope and needing to know if it is all worth it rings painfully true.

Ball masterfully uses conflict to move the story along while setting up a sweet romance. I'm guaranteed of Dancing Cat's HEA no matter which skin she retains. My only complaint is that I wanted more. More of the world, more of the characters, and more of Ball's brilliant storytelling voice. This is certainly a story I see myself revisiting like an old friend.

Don't forget to come back Sunday, July 17th, when Krista will be here!

Book Review -- Flying Kite, Crashing Ship

Crashing Time Ship.

The Space Commission hot on her trail.
French spies and flying kites.

For Dr. Sally Pescan, this can’t be good.

I met Krista D. Ball through Maria Zannini and have enjoyed getting to know her through her blog. When the chance came to read and review a story or two for her blog tour I jumped at the chance.

First up is her short story Flying Kite, Crashing Ship. A thoroughly delightful sci-fi/time travel romp. Ball's voice is strong and captivating.  She draws a wonderful picture of the differences between modern (or future) women and that of women from the Regency era.

With such a short piece it's hard to review and not have spoilers and I would have liked Ball to have explored these characters in a slightly longer story. However, for the length the characters are well developed. Ball includes enough world building to ground the reader and doesn't burden the story.

This was a quick read, perfect for an afternoon. I wonder if Ball has any plans to put together an anthology of her short works. I disagree with the price tag on this piece as a stand-alone work, and doubt I would have purchased it for myself, though I'm very glad to have read the story. Ball is an author to watch.

Don't forget to come back on Sunday, July 17th, when Krista will be here with a guest post!

Book Review -- Return to Shanhasson

In this final book of the Shanhasson trilogy, Shannari dal’Dainari has won the Rose Crown. She has her beloved Khul at her side. Yet shadows crowd closer than ever. Political machinations and assassination attempts have crippled her ability to protect the land and the people. When her children are endangered, she has no choice but to send them to safety.

Away from her.

Surrounded by grief, danger, and turmoil on all sides, the last thing she needs is another enemy threatening to destroy all she holds dear. Yet a Black Dragon stirs in the deserts of Keldar. He haunts her dreams, while a Keldari army amasses on her border. When he soars over the Shining Walls of Shanhasson, will she put a knife in his heart…or will Shadow devour her at last with dragon jaws?

Again, Joely Sue Burkhart hits it out of the park with this long awaited final installment to the Shanhasson Trilogy. A highly emotional read well worth the wait. (My review of book one: The Rose of Shanhasson and book two: The Road to Shanhasson)

Return picks up about three years after Road left off. Shannari is trying hard to balance her life as the High Queen of the Green Lands and her life with Rhaekhar as Khul’lanna of Nine Camps of the Sha'Kae al'Dan. The world and characters are richly drawn. The intrigue is amazing. The story flows smoothly with huge highs and heart-dropping lows.

I love Joely's masterful painting of the world. It's epic in classic fantasy fashion yet nothing is forced. It was nice to see the Keldar again (I first met this branch of the world in some of Joely's free reads).

Where Joely shines is her characters. Not a two-dimensional person among them. These characters are so real. (I think I said it best in my review of Road when I said, "I lived a lifetime between these pages!") I love with them. I laugh with them. I hurt with them. I cry and scream with them. Even with the hints peppered on Joely's blog I came apart completely at one point. And yes, I screamed, scaring the dog, LOL. There were more than a few tears, not just sad but happy ones too, during this story.

In Joely's own words:

However, if your heart isn’t singing with joy at the end...and yes, a few tears might spill from your eyes (I cry every time I read it)...then I’ve failed utterly and completely.

She doesn't fail folks! (Though I'm thinking Shannari's gonna be exhausted :wink:)

This trilogy is not a romance in the classic sense. Bad things happen to good people. But this tale isn't all about loss. It's about love and the power of that love. It's about the greatest gift and the greatest sacrifice. Shannari's road is long and hard but there is light in the darkness.

This quote from Kahlil Gibran fits the Shanhasson Trilogy to a tee:

Your joy can fill you only as deeply as your sorrow has carved you.

Be sure to read the series in order!

Book One: The Rose of Shanhasson

Book Two: The Road to Shanhasson

Book Three: Return to Shanhasson

Book Review -- The Vampire, the Witch, and the Werewolf

Haunted by paranormal abilities that she can't control, and plagued by nightmares about a demon that seeks her soul, Lily Anima travels to New Orleans in search of salvation.

In the French Quarter, Lily dives into the paranormal world and enlists the help of an unlikely couple: a vampire, Lawrence Justice, and a werewolf, Trevor Pack.

As the trio encounters ghosts, voodoo and unspeakable evil, will Trevor and Lawrence be able to help Lily turn her powers into a gift rather than a curse? And when Lily discovers that she needs to lose her virginity in order to embrace her powers and get the demon off her back, will the twosome be able to survive as a threesome?

Over Memorial Day weekend I participated in the Blog Tour de Troops and now have a long list of e-books from new-to-me authors to read. I started with The Vampire, the Witch and the Werewolf: A New Orleans Threesome by Louisa Bacio.

Okay, I admit it, I have a soft spot for menage stories and The Vampire, the Witch, and the Werewolf didn't disappoint. The sex sizzled and all three leads were delicious together. But the story was more than just a means to jump from one scene to the next.

"I thought you two were supposed to hate each other."

Aww...nothing like an interruption to kick off a story and that's just what starts this tale. Lily interrupts Law and Trav. All three struggle with their attraction and Bacio nails the inner aghast of all three. I felt the character development was believable and the love story between these three people well done.

Meanwhile, the external challenges were well built and helped push the characters' growth. The story moves along at a nice pace and I polished this (approximately 134 page novella) off in one night. I felt there were a couple holes (or plot jumps) at both ends of the story. However, going back over the story I couldn't pin-point them without a complete re-read so while the feeling remains the details didn't thus not something I'd mark down for.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and will be keeping an eye on Ms. Bacio.

Book Review -- Captive Spirit

Sonoran Desert. Dawn of the sixteenth century.

Aiyana isn't like the other girls of the White Ant Clan. Instead of keeping house, she longs to compete on the Ball Court with her best friend Honovi and the other boys. Instead of marriage, she daydreams of traveling beyond the mountains that surround her small village. Only Honovi knows and shares her forbidden wish, though Aiyana doesn't realize her friend has a secret wish of his own...

When Aiyana's father arranges her marriage to a man she hardly knows, she takes the advice of a tribal elder: run! In fleeing, she falls into the hands of Spanish raiders and finds herself being taken over the mountains against her will. Now Aiyana's on a quest to return to the very place she once dreamed of escaping. And she'll do whatever it takes to survive and find her way back to the people she loves.

I finally got around to reading Liz Fichera's Captive Spirit and am so glad I did!

This is a first person narrative told by 16 year old Aiyana and at its heart lies a sweet love story played out against the desert and mountains around what is now Phoenix Arizona.   Aiyana was a very likable character full of grit.  She thinks on her feet.  Through her challenges, Aiyana realizes her heart belongs at home with her best friend, Honovi.  (I love the friends to lovers theme :happy sigh:)

Fichera weaves the intricacies of Native American daily life and ceremonies beautifully, bringing to life details that made me feel like I was there.  Heart-racing action, life-threatening challenges, and coming of age self-discovery are emotional and vividly written.

Captive Spirit was a well researched, captivating read.  I highly recommend it and am looking forward to Fichera's next release, Craving Perfect, due out this July 25th!

Book Review -- Fated

Torn apart by History

Bound for Eternity

I was lucky enough to get an early read of Carolyn McCray's upcoming release Fated. This was the first time I'd ever read anything by Ms. McCray and I was pleasantly surprised with a solid, well paced story.

I'll admit I likely wouldn't have picked this up for myself as I've moved away from historical, non-time-travel, romances in recent years. But this story reminded me of what I liked about them in the first place: a glimpse into history told in the non-dry arena of fiction. McCray obviously did a good amount of research and blended it well within the scope of the story. Added to that was a touch of paranormal making Fated an updated historical romance.

McCray's characters were well developed with goals and motivations. The story's intrigue alone would have been enough conflict but woven into that was the paranormal aspect...kudos for pulling that off.

The story is set in Caesar's Rome centering on Brutus and Syra. And it's hard to sum it up without giving away spoilers. We meet Brutus in the weeks leading up to Julius Caesar's assassination and are swept up in the political intrigue. Enter Syra. She complicates Brutus' life and not just by the attraction they feel for each other. I experienced a nice ahh-ha moment where Syra was concerned when clues peppered in the first half of the book coalesced in the last half...love when that happens.

Hop on over to your favorite e-book store and pick up a copy.  Carolyn McCray is just one of a large group of indie authors I'm coming to enjoy.

Book Review -- Garden Spells

Claire has everything she thinks she needs, until one day she wakes to find a stranger has moved in next door and a vine of ivy has crept into her garden...and her carefully tended life is about to run gloriously out of control.

I won Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen a few weeks ago from the fabulous Lynn Viehl.

Allen told a lovely story, and once I got started, I read quickly and was left with warm-fuzzies.

Every smiley moon, without fail, Claire dreamed of her childhood. She always tried to stay awake those nights when the stars winked and the moon was just a cresting sliver smiling provocatively down at the world, the way pretty women on vintage billboards used to smile as they sold cigarettes and limeade.

So begins Garden Spells. The story is of the Waverly family, an oddly-gifted group of characters who are trying (or not) to cope with themselves. They are helped (and sometimes hindered) by their garden, in which grows special flowers, herbs, and an eccentric apple tree. Allen characterization (and each character's specific form of magic) is well done, the world building is fully realized, and the vivid descriptions of Claire's catering left me hungry to try some of the delicious dishes. The darker moments in the story just bring the lighter ones out in better relief.

Garden Spells is magical and romantic.  A story about family, taking chances, and the everyday places magic hides. There are precious few novels that are especially unforgettable but this is one of them and I highly recommend it.

As Lynn Viehl herself said:

Ms. Allen's debut novel does not read at all like a debut novel, and it's the kind of book you end up sharing with everyone you know, even people who don't like to read, so it can work its magic on them.

Book Review -- The Sevenfold Spell

Have you ever wondered what happens to the other people in the fairy tale?

Things look grim for Talia and her mother. By royal proclamation, the constables and those annoying "good" fairies have taken away their livelihood by confiscating their spinning wheel. Something to do with a curse on the princess, they said.

Not every young lady has a fairy godmother rushing to her rescue.

Without the promise of an income from spinning, Talia's prospects for marriage disappear, and she and her mother face destitution. Past caring about breaking an arbitrary and cruel law, rebellious Talia determines to build a new spinning wheel, the only one in the nation—which plays right into the evil fairy's diabolical plan. Talia discovers that finding a happy ending requires sacrifice. But is it a sacrifice she's willing to make?

I recently received a copy of Tia Nevitt's The Sevenfold Spell., the first of the Accidental Enchantment series.

I loved this twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.  All the fairy tale elements you know and love are still present yet the different perspective keeps it from being just another retelling.

Talia is fully devel­oped.  She’s a very likable heroine, who just wanted a life with Willard, but was denied.  She picks her way through a life altered by the curse.  Talia grows and changes along her journey despite the cir­cum­stances dic­tating a lot of her choices.  I was rooting for Talia to get her happy-ever-after.

Everyone you expect make appearances, just not how you'd think.  I enjoyed the explanations such as why the fairies couldn't reverse the curse.  And was rewarded with a satisfying end that took in the entire scope of the story.

The Sevenfold Spell is a quick read and a good way to spend a free hour or two.  I'm looking forward to more from this series.

Book Review -- The Fever Series

Yep, the whole series is out, Mac's story done, so all you folks I've been telling to wait before starting this series can now do so, LOL.

I'll preface this by saying I've been a fan of Karen Marie Moning
since the first Highlander book came out. I've faithfully followed her, watched her writing grow, and even though the Fever series -- an urban fantasy -- isn't a romance Moning’s voice is there in force.

Darkfever (Book 1)

In Moning's own words...

The Fever World is a dark one, pierced infrequently by light, literally and metaphorically. I kept in mind a famous quote by Kahlil Gibran as I was writing: “Your joy can fill you only as deeply as your sorrow has carved you.”

Her writing is dark and meaningful and passionate. I was sucked into the world of Mac and Barrons and V’lane. Each of the players in the Fever world had their own agenda. And all of them searched for a powerful book.

Bloodfever (Book 2)

Like many readers, I didn't particularly like Mac at first. She grew on me though and I ended up cheering her on. She starts out as a spoiled Southern Belle -- pretty in pink blonde -- but the mysterious death of her sister sets her on a path forcing her to change and grow. She learns to fight and stay alive, learns she can see the Fae and sense their objects, and she’s tougher than she imagined.

Mac’s two heroes, for lack of a better word, are both dangerous and sexy. Barrons is powerful, mysterious, and one of the most complex and frustrating characters of the series. And I spent the series questioning who and what Barrons was. V’lane is just as powerful and mysterious, a “death-by-sex” Fae, and left me wondering whose side he was on.

Faefever (Book 3)

In the end, I was a Barrons gal, rooting for Mac and Barrons to find their HEA. It was a tough road, often violent (controversial even), and more things pulling them apart than you can shake a stick at.

The lines between the good guys and bad guys are blurred, leading to questions. So many questions! Plot twists, Moning’s masterful weaving of information, and this was a delicious, edge of my seat read.

Dreamfever (Book 4)

My frustration with the Fever series was that each book did not stand-alone. Tolkien may have done it but I don't think the average reader wants cliff-hangers that last as long as the ones in the Fever series did. (I know this was due in part to Moning's health and her refusal to release more than one title per year.) And oh what cliff-hangers! They ratchet up with each book from, “Mac has a mystery to solve” to “someone has died and Mac has lost everything.”

It was my faith in Moning’s writing and the complexity of the characters that kept me reading this series. In the end I believe the series would have been done quite easily and well in three books vs. the five...something I've said since the second book.

Shadowfever (Book 5)

Yes, there is an overall arc. Book one = Act one, Book two = Act two (part 1), Book three = Midpoint Reversal, Book four = Act two (part 2), Book five = Act three. But even that doesn't quite equal out because Shadowfever was a whopping 594 pages long.

I think the Fever series is richer having read the Highlander series but it’s not necessary. I loved how Moning pulled world-building, mythos, knowledge of the Fae and Druids from the Highlander series to give the Fever series extra depth. I enjoyed referenced events from the Highlander series and favorite characters make cameos throughout the Fever series.

I loved the series and highly recommend it.

Book Review -- The Bloodgate Guardian

Worlds within worlds await through the Maya Bloodgate...

Dr. Jaid Merritt doesn’t do digs. The last time she ventured into the jungle, someone died. Now she’s content to decipher Maya glyphs from pictures sent to her by her famous archaeologist father. But when he goes missing while trying to perform a ritual based on her translations of an ancient codex, Jaid must put aside her fears and travel to Guatemala to find him.

After misusing the Bloodgates to bring his twin brother back from the afterlife, the Maya priest known as Ruin was cursed by the gods to stand as the guardian for all time. He was unable to stop Dr. Charles Merritt from opening the gates, and now demons roam this world. The last thing he wants to do is hurt the beautiful woman who is somehow infused with his magic, but if she uses the codex to retrieve her father, Ruin must do his duty. And this time, he won’t fail. Even if it kills him. Again.

I'm bias, I freely admit that. Joely Sue Burkhart is a friend, but she didn't give this to me as a review copy -- bought it with Mark's hard earned money, LOL -- and I didn't beta read The Bloodgate Guardianeither.

Once again, Burkhart blew me away with her attention to detail, research, and amazing characters. She built a fully realized world seeped with Mayan mythos. She doesn't burden the story with her research but weaves it within the plot seamlessly. A great twist on the "end date" stories out there.

He never hated his magic until it compelled him to kill.

I was pulled in from the first sentence, Burkhart kept the action moving, the tension high, and I didn't want it to end despite the very satisfying ending. Bloodgate is a strong stand-alone story yet open to a possible series. I loved the world and the people thus would be thrilled to see more.

The characters...what can I say?...they spoke to my heart, something that happens every time I pick up one of Joely's stories.

Ruin's delicious. A strong alpha man doomed to live forever alone consumed by guilt. Burkhart took a historical/mythological person and breathed life into him. No apologies made for his culture yet a person I could sympathize with.

Jaid's stronger than she thinks she is and I totally related to her. Jaid acts and feels how I imagine I would being thrown into that story.

They have an amazing chemistry.  The culmination of their feelings isn't as erotic as some of Burkhart's other works but it fits this story. One of the things I love about a Burkhart read is how she makes her couple work for their happily ever after. By the time Ruin and Jaid reach that point I blew out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. Kudos!

Definitely run don't walk to get this one.

Book Review -- The Emperor's Edge

Imperial law enforcer Amaranthe Lokdon is good at her job: she can deter thieves and pacify thugs, if not with a blade, then by toppling an eight-foot pile of coffee canisters onto their heads. But when ravaged bodies show up on the waterfront, an arson covers up human sacrifices, and a powerful business coalition plots to kill the emperor, she feels a tad overwhelmed.

Worse, Sicarius, the empire's most notorious assassin is in town. He's tied in with the chaos somehow, but Amaranthe would be a fool to cross his path. Unfortunately, her superiors order her to hunt him down. Either they have an unprecedented belief in her skills... or someone wants her dead.

I won a copy of The Emperor's Edgeby Lindsay Buroker and it is a wonderful fantasy romp. Buroker is one of a growing list of indie authors I'm following and love to read.  She's definitely an author to keep an eye on with her strong writing, clean and thorough editing.

Buroker's world building was solid without burdening the story and had a bit of a steampunk feel. Where Buroker shined was in her characters. They were all fully developed, even the secondary ones, and I had a good sense of their motivations.

The heroine, Amaranthe, started out as a 'by the books' officer but as the story progressed she had to change and grow. She was a strong female character who could fight her way out of a mess if she had to but was just as likely to talk her way out of trouble. She becomes the leader of her little band of misfits somewhat out of default, another layer to her character as she struggled to fit into that role.

The hero (anti-hero?), Sicarius, was everything you could wish for in an assassin. I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding him that we learn bit by bit along with the heroine. Buroker did a masterful job of making me sympathize with Sicarius though arguably he's more villain than hero.

I loved the banter between these two characters. It often stole the show for me. Add to that the diverse characters within Amaranthe's gang and there were times I laughed out loud. This is a fantasy so I wasn't expecting a romance to develop between the leads yet I could see where their respect and friendship might someday lead in that direction.

The Emperor's Edge stands alone beautifully. The story questions are answered yet enough are left unanswered to allow for more in this world. And I really hope Buroker has more stories planned. There is a short story, Ice Cracker II, that picks up after The Emperor's Edge ended in a kind of Epilogue. Both are well worth the read.

Book Review -- True Believers

Something is killing off immortals, one by one.

Taelen Jessit is an alien emissary on a mission sanctioned by the U.S. government to search for ancient gods. His hunt leads him to a dig headed by archaeologist Rachel Cruz. When his military entourage forces Rachel's team out of the cave they were exploring, a flash flood hits the riverbed and threatens to tear them through the ravine.

In the aftermath of the flood, Taelen witnesses the incredible healing of Rachel's broken ankle and believes his gods have blessed her. He is inexplicably drawn to her, and she to him.

What Taelen doesn't know is that Rachel is Nephilim—a descendant of the gods his people worship—masquerading as a human to find the god-killer and destroy it. Rachel needs help to bring down the tech that is manipulating the Earth's magnetosphere and frying her people alive. She's given Taelen her heart, but can she trust him with her secret?

My friend Maria Zannini latest release is True Believers,and while I'm likely bias, she didn't give this to me as a review copy -- bought it with Mark's hard earned money, LOL.  Maria called this her red-headed step-child :snort: how could I not read it?

True Believers is a strong traditional sci-fi mixed with a unique romance based in our near future. Aliens have lived on earth for years masquerading as humans. So not a lot of world building needed yet what was needed for the alien culture, etc. was neatly woven into the story becoming a facet of the plot more than actual world building or back story. Kudos!

This was a thrilling, fast-paced read that engrossed me from the first page.  An epic tale blending sci-fi technology, military and political one-upmanship, aliens, and romance.  I re-read it to write this review and I'm still not sure how Zannini pulled it all off but she did!  She even had me cheering on the aliens to grind the humans to dust. 

Zannini's characters are strong -- not a doormat among them, male or female -- motivations and fears are clear.  Even the computers were fully developed characters (hope you plan to bring Bubba back Maria!).  Rachel and Taelen have a wonderful chemistry.  Their romance has the usual conflicts:  meddling family, demanding job, secrets that threatened their budding romance, extra appendages...  ;)  In the end, they overcome the obstacles, grow, learn to trust each other, becoming partners -- equals.

A must read for sci-fi, fantasy, and/or romance fans.  You can't go wrong with a Maria Zannini book, of course, I'm bias.

Book Review -- Devil's Eye

Trouble. That’s what wolf-shifter Mick thinks when a beautiful woman appears in his New Orleans bar with a hurricane at her back. His first impression is confirmed when Sophie starts asking questions about his missing waitress, Liza. Mick will do anything to rescue a member of the pack he’s made for himself, including forming an unlikely alliance with a woman with a badge.

I've been following Kait Nolan for a few years now. Cheering her on during her path to self-publishing. And am likely bias.

Devil's Eyeis Nolan's second novella in the Mirus World and is a fast paced, race against time, read. I love her ability to use the least number of words, creating the greatest impact. The story stands alone, so don't worry if you're reading out of order. The Mirus series is turning into some kind of awesomesauce (a word I picked up from Kait, LOL).

We first met Mick in Nolan's Forsaken by Shadow and I'm so glad to see more of him. Devil's Eye takes place over a few hours so I felt the development between Mick and Sophie was appropriate. Their chemistry is a blend of "now is so not the time" and want. While Forsaken by Shadow was a paranormal romance, Devil's Eye is more of an urban fantasy though the groundwork was laid for romance between Mick and Sophie. I definitely want to read about their HEA (happily ever after)!

I didn't want the story to end, wanted that extra page at the end, and Nolan can't write the next installment fast enough!

Kait Nolan is offering Devil's Eye free when you sign up for her newsletter. Who doesn't like free? A wonderful way to try a new author and I don't think you'll be disappointed in Kait Nolan!

Book Review -- Breathe

I recently won a copy of Breathefrom the generous Sloan Parker. I have to admit this was a little out of my comfort zone as a male/male romance. So if that bothers you, you will likely want to avoid the rest of this post.

Lincoln McCaw lost everything -- his home, his job, his partner -- after he caused a fatal accident. A year later, he's drowning the guilt and despair in whiskey, but he needs to move on. His sister and her kids are counting on him. Then he meets a man who ignites a passion Lincoln thought he’d never find. Too bad one night is all they can have together. Now he needs to figure out how to turn away from the only person who makes him feel alive…before whoever is sending him threats decides Lincoln needs to suffer more than he already has.

Jay Miller is surrounded by grief and misery until he finally gives in to all those years of sexual fantasies about being with another guy. Realizing he’s ended up in the arms of the man who caused his wife’s accident, he tries to pull away. But how can he give up a friendship he needs more than anything -- a friendship and a love that could save him? He may not have time to make the choice before someone else destroys it all.

As I said, this was outside my norm of man/woman romance but Parker did such a masterful job of breathing life into characters that I was caught up in Lincoln and Jay's story. The fact that it was two men was secondary, for me at least, to the amazing struggle these two people had to overcome to be together. To have such a major event tie them together while holding them apart at the same time, well, it left me breathless.

Forgiveness. Second chances. Love. All played key roles in the theme of this story. Added to that is the mystery around who's threatening Lincoln. Parker did an excellent job at keeping me guessing. I thought I knew, then bam! Love it when a twist like that comes along.

And of course, there is sex. It is a romance (romantic suspense), an erotic one at that. The tension is high, the stakes are huge, the sex sizzles, and Parker keeps the emotions in the forefront. Thus, the scenes are so much more.

In the end this was an amazing read of a poignant story with characters who stayed with me long after the last page was turned. I will definitely be reading more from Sloan Parker!

Book Review -- Lady Doctor Wyre

A dangerous technology could conquer the universe. Love could set it free.

Jane Austen Space Opera, Book 1

Charlotte, Duchess of Wyre, once held the Queen’s highest confidence—and the technological secret that keeps the royal heart beating. Fearful of what atrocities that Britannia might commit with her research, Charlotte turned to the galaxy’s most infamous assassin, Lord Sigmund Regret, to stage her own death.

Even without the simplest of luxuries, seven years hiding in the Americus colony is preferable to one day in the Tower of Londinium. Until a bounty hunter’s bullet forces her to revive her research. Now the same nanobots that keep the Queen alive also run rampant in Lord Regret’s body. Making his yearly Solstice visits increasingly…intimate…and complicating her courtship with the safe and honorable Sheriff Gilead Masters.

When the Americus colony declares independence, and her humble sheriff makes a shocking confession, Charlotte has had enough. Weary of running, tired of living without tea and silks, she fires a warning shot across Britannia’s bow: cease hunting Lady Wyre, or lose the technological power the crown holds so dear.

Her next task isn’t so simple. Somehow she must keep the two men she loves alive—and prevent them from killing each other.

First of all, I had the pleasure of working with Joely on this as a beta reader, thus may be a wee bit bias.

Just love that cover, don't you? 

Another amazing read! This story is a wonderful mix of steampunk, sci-fi, western frontier, regency London, and as Burkhart calls it "Jane Austen Space Opera." Burkhart peppered the world with enough information for you to see it, feel it, without burdening the story. A skill I admire. I love a richly built world but often find it slows the pace of the story...not so with Lady Doctor Wyre.

To describe the coverlet as colorful would be as great an understatement as stating that Queen Majel was simply a powerful leader.

That line speaks volumes about the world not just the owner of said coverlet. (And there is more to come in this world as a prequel is in the works as well as Majel's story.  :gleefully rubs hands together:)

Burkhart's trademark skill with the characters is in full force. (She utterly blows my mind with her characters.) She makes them live and breathe and I can see them walking off the page into the real world.

Charlotte's duality of girly-girl and scientist is awesome. She's a strong woman, no wilting violet, who has and will do what she must to survive, yet she remains true to her femininity -- love that.

If they want to lure me with a party, then let me prepare for a full celebration. Charlotte let a warm smile brighten her face and she clapped her hands with delight. "Oh, excellent! I haven’t enjoyed a decent soiree in ages. Do come in, gentlemen, while I pack for the trip."

She formed an unusual relationship with Lord Regret who just happens to be an assassin. I could completely see Sig and Gregar -- Joely has some great assassins in her backlist -- swapping knife throwing techniques over a pint. Who'd have thought assassins could be so appealing? A status quo hampered by her falling in love with the local Sheriff -- think Clive Owen here folks...'nuff said.

With a lazy smile to match his, she leaned back in her chair, all her tension and haughtiness traded for indolence. "Actually, he was very good, and I did not have to tie him up first to have my way with him."

So, so my favorite line in the story!

Then all hell breaks lose and not because Lady Wyre has found herself in love with two men!

Sig snorted. "Her, afraid? She lived in the mouth of the lion’s den, Sheriff. She can certainly handle one President and a couple of marshals. If I know her at all, she’s already managed to figure out why a shopping trip is in order."

I loved this story with its twists and turns and was engrossed from the first page.  It's so hard to write a review and not give away spoilers!  So I'll just say, buy it, read it, and maybe you'll see why Joely Sue Burkhart is an auto buy for me. Lady Doctor Wyre releases March 29, 2011 from Samhain Publishing.

Warning: Ladies in positions of power, stylish spaceships, BDSM. A ménage a trois featuring a duchess on the run, a gentlemanly assassin, and a rough-and-tumble sheriff willing to gun down anyone who gets between him and his lady.

Book Review -- Hurt Me So Good

Linky Update: Hurt Me So Good -- pick up your copy today *g*

I had the honor of working with Joely Sue Burkhart on this story as a beta reader -- and consider her one of my blogland friends -- so this review may be a wee bit bias. I love playing "what if" games and it was pure joy to do so with Joely, creating a sweet sub-plot. This is the second book in the Connagher series and releases next week on October 5th in e-book.

One sub to please the Master…in any way he wishes.

Victor Connagher is no stranger to the Dallas BDSM scene. As CEO of a risqué cable channel that caters to adventurous adults, he ensures the lifestyle is portrayed in a positive light. He even supports a local bondage club. Yet behind the cool, confident mask, Victor lives in fear.

Once, and only once, he lost control of his inner Dom—and it cost him his fiancée. Now, no one knows how hard he works to keep his darker appetite for pain buried. No matter how much his saucy, confident associate producer makes his fingers itch to once again take up his riding crop.

Shiloh Holmes is a sub, but she’s no doormat. She’s always suspected Victor has the skills to feed her insatiable need for pain, and now she’s found the perfect way to crack his formidable control. Develop a new reality show, America’s Next Top sub…and dare him to compete.

Week after week, as Shiloh fearlessly challenges the real Victor to come out of hiding, he realizes his past mistake was only a blow to his pride. If he loses Shiloh, he could lose his heart.

Warning: Explicit sex, BDSM, reality television, a very reluctant Dom, an audacious sub willing to do anything to win for him, and one very wicked riding crop.

Joely Sue Burkhart is a master, and I do mean MASTER, at character development. I always feel like I might be able to meet one of her characters in real life. They have hopes and dreams, fears and worries, had highs and lows. They are human. I love a great character.

In a nice twist for a romance this really is Victor's story because he has the most to lose. I loved watching him struggle with who he is. On the surface Victor is powerful, seemingly on top of the world. But he has flaws both real and imagined. Shiloh knows what she wants, sets out to get it, and knocks poor Victor's world on its axis.

I admit to not knowing a lot of the BDSM lifestyle, Burkhart's work has been my intro. She's writes with compassion and a well researched glimpse into the world of BDSM. The reality show was amazingly drawn out with a prefect blend of shuddering "not me thank you very much" and tantalizing "hmm."

Peppered throughout the story are Shiloh's blog posts, a sweet tie-in to Conn's story Dear Sir, I'm Yours.I can only hope Vicki's story (the third in the Connagher series) will have a similar tie-in. I understand Mal, a fascinating secondary character, is due for a happily-ever-after as well. For a Hurt Me So Good prequel teaser you can read Lie To You. You can't go wrong with a Burkhart read.