Update- mini review

Here comes my age old excuse of running around like a chicken with my head cut off again...*sigh* There have been several more crises in the real world and I have been tied up (and not in the good way). First I read Prowl, which was about oh one step or two above mediocre. It was an anthology of shifter stories. If I had to choose a bright spot it would be the Karen Chance piece. Second, I am leaving today on vacation and you all know that's when I do my best reading, the last vacation brought you three reviews. I don't know how many you will get out of me this time but I promised a few friends I would not be working for the day job on the trip, pleasure reading only. *wink* So on that note I bid you adieu, I will be home Thursday so hopefully I will have the blog rolling again on Friday. Who knows maybe one of these books will inspire me to blog lakeside. *grins*

Me, Myself & Why

Mary Janice Davidson is my Queen.... anyone who has been following this blog long enough knows this.  She went out in a different direction this time, this is a crime novel, and I wondered if I would be able to love it the way I do my cherished Betsy books. I was happy to discover this novel had her signature humor and sinister sarcasm throughout the story. She is MJ after all, I don't know why I doubted her.  This tale is not without its twisted characters. It is about an FBI unit known as BOFFO, which only employs people who, well let's just say are different. There is a paranoid schizophrenic, an agoraphobic, several varying cases of obsessive compulsive disorder, and our heroine, Cadence who suffers from multiple personality disorder. Cadence has 3 personalities, herself, Shiro and Adrienne, who she calls her sisters. She develops the disorder at three years old after watching her mother kill her father and then commit suicide. Shiro holds the memories of the murder and is the one who appears in times of stress and anxiety. Adrienne is violent, unpredictable and dangerous and shows up when Cadence appears to be threatened. Each "sister" has a special quality that helps the FBI unit. The three working together are a task force of their own. The case the story is based on is a serial murderer who is not only aware of Cadence's situation, but is enthralled by and obsessed with it. This book is laugh out loud funny, has mild romance in the background, plenty of action and many turns to the plot. It will keep you guessing till the very end and you will never see it coming. It is smart and witty and an absolutely phenomenal read. Thanks MJ for the autographed manuscript and for the opportunity to fall in love with yet another of your amazing heroines!

House of Reckoning by John Saul

Alright people this is a hell of a read. No romance which is not my norm, but I have always been a huge John Saul fan ever since I was 7 years old and my big sister stole my aunt's copy of Suffer the Children and we would hide in the closet with a flashlight to read it because our parents thought it would give us nightmares. It so totally did by the way but hey live and learn. This an amazing story about an old asylum which has become the family home to the descendants of the doctor who ran it. There is also a child artist who imagines things into her drawings that come to pass and a young boy who has been diagnosed as clinically insane because of the voices in his head, but the voices aren't his imagination he is being haunted by 17 distressed souls. It is full of suspense and heart pounding thrills. For those of you who have never read him, John has a innate sense of right and wrong and the guilty in his books always receive the most appropriate demises. These forms of justice always make me feel so vindicated. This book is no less incredible than his others. He weaves a web of intricate details you don't piece together till you pull back and look at the whole picture. He never fails to blow my mind.

I am NOT DEAD!!!

OK I know I haven't even posted so much as an update and for that I am dearly sorry loves, I am. It has been a roller coaster ride of crazy around here! I tried to read a book called Wicked Things and I couldn't even get through it. I literally fell asleep trying over and over. So word to the wise, don't bother. I never give bad reviews on here but that needed to be said. I also tried to read Shifters which is an anthology. Two out of the four stories were alright the other two were not really bad just the whole been there done that thing. Too many pieces from too many familiar stories and movies that it was too predictable. I like original ideas and concepts when it comes to my fantasy world. So between trying to drudge through those and working double time at the day job, plus a funeral to deal with you can see why I am desperately out of touch lately. That said I do have one more post to write with a good review so stay tuned a few minutes please.

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

People I am in awe at the moment, give me a sec.... Alright, Jeaniene you have out done yourself with this one. I always liked Mencheres (OK let's just say we all know every one of you wants to tear his clothes off and worship his hairless body) but now I am officially in love. He has gone from a tortured soul to a passionate man desperate for all life has to offer. He is romantic and dreamy beyond words in this one ladies. No spoilers (you know I don't allow them) but the floating flowers in the shape of a comet has to be one of the most romantic gestures in the history of fiction. Not only that but please, making love while floating in the air has got to be one of the sexiest things I have ever read. It's no Chapter 32 Bones and Cat fans but runs a pretty close race! Somebody turn on the a/c! All in all the character development in this is way better than I thought truth be told before I started the book I was determined not to like Kira. I now more than like her I have decided I AM her.She is a tormented woman who's past is laden with sadness and full of darkness and abuse. She becomes this incredibly strong, savvy and courageous woman in spite of it all and her love for Mencheres is something straight out of fairy tale folks. This has definitely earned a place on the keeper shelf!

Grave Sins by Jenna Maclaine

OK Jenna, first of all I know I said I would do this sooner but as my follower you know I am swamped! I adore you as always.
Alrighty then, Grave Sins is the second in Jenna's Cin Craven series (see review on Wages of Sin) if you don't count short stories (see Strange Brew review ) and if it is even possible I am more in love with Michael than ever.  *feeling flushed* I want one of him Jenna locate me one quickly. Cin is stronger and much more magically advanced,  I love her character. Nothing like a kick ass witch turned vampire to tilt the world on its axis! The relationship between the two of them is so rich with passion and fraught with believability my heart pounds sometimes.
The Righteous are at it again this time they've been summoned by the High King to take care of a rogue who up till now has been a loyal follower to the King. Expect the usual excitement level full of magic and mayhem Jenna always delivers.
Full of action and suspense, this book will keep you wanting to read till it's through. Of course your family will be irritated with you for not cooking or cleaning or whatnot, but totally worth it. Trust me I didn't think she could get any better but she has done it. Awesome job my friend. Look forward to the next one.

We got a shout out!

A friend I met through the BDB group gave us a little shout out on her blog. Thought we could give her the same courtesy. Click on the title of this post to hit her site.Thanks Soxie!

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

So, we all love paranormal romance, but sometimes you can get bored of the same theme over and over. I kept seeing this book, but I hated the cover…don't ask, just one of my weirdness'. Finally, I looked it up one day and well hell it seemed different. It had my hot sexy changeling men and something else I love….psychics. I figured I would give it a shot. I read the entire series in a week; I stayed up all night to finish the first book. Slave to Sensation starts you off into this amazing world….it's earth but not as we know it. There are two species…There are the 'psy' who are the ruling race and are connected through the PsyNet. Emotions have been bred out of them using Silence. Then there's the "changelings" who vary from leopards to wolves down to rats even. The changelings; being animals at heart, are of course full of emotion. Having two opposites of the end emotional grids creates a lot of tension between the 2 races and they are on the verge of war. The first book we meet Sasha Duncan who is a Cardinal Psy. Sasha has a secret..she's flawed because she feels. And feeling can lead to 'rehabilitation' and then termination. Then in walks Lucas Hunter (fans myself) he is the Alpha leader of the Leopard Changelings in the California territory and he is pissed. Changeling females are being murdered and he wants answers. He will use anyone to get them, even Sasha because after all she is just another emotionless psy. Damn, is he shocked when he finds out different and they start working together when another female is taken. I loved watching these two characters grow, you can't help but fall in love with them. His prejudice, her feelings of failure. (Oh by the way Sasha’s mother is on the ruling council for the psy) You can't help but love all the characters in this book….and the best part is, the characters all follow through to the next books. So it's not like we learn about Sasha and Lucas and then never see them again. So get up and get to the book store, then we can discuss what you think before we move onto the second book in this serie

Side note

I have a dear friend who has been after me to review a book that she loved. I have been putting it off due to work and yet she still implores me. *smiles* So I said, "If it's that important why don't you write a review?" and she agreed. So I will get her post up this week as well. I hope you will all welcome her into your homes and hearts the way you have so graciously welcomed me.

The Demon's Lexicon

I usually don't review young adult novels, but when Sarah Rees Brennan sent me an autographed copy of her book The Demon's Lexicon I figured her generosity deserved a shout out.I had never encountered this author before so I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. It has all the action of your typical urban fantasy novel and it starts right at the beginning, you have your first demon and magician attack on page four.
The story is basically about two brothers, Nick and Alan, being hunted by demon-raising magicians and the pair of siblings they try to save, one of which bears a demon's mark. It is a fast paced read which will keep teens on the edge of their seats and coming back for more. Mild humor throughout makes the characters easy to relate to as well as endearing . I'm particularly intrigued by the relationship between Nick and Alan. This is the first in a trilogy of novels.I won't give away the ending but let me just say you won't know what hit you. The Demon's Lexicon leaves itself ready for the next installment and I am sure the series will be a big hit. Thank you Sarah for the gift. I will cherish it always.

M.I.A.

I cannot believe it has been an entire week since I have posted! I am almost finished with a few things so we should be able to get a review  or two up tonight or tomorrow. The BDB role playing group has kept me very busy. I had no idea how intricate and detailed it was going to be. *smiles* I love every minute of it though. On other notes, the day job is going well and the other blog I guest post for is getting huge, car problems are solved and everything is well in my world. It's amazing how when you relax stuff just falls into place! I will return with a review very very soon, but let me leave you with some words of wisdom a dear friend said to me last night: Being you is enough, nothing else is necessary. Think on that awhile loyal followers. Blog you later!

Christina Dodd-Chains of Ice

Hold up a second! *squealing jumping up and down clapping hands* Christina, I love you, love you, love you oh yeah and I love you! Whew! Now that the fan in me is expelled let's get down to the review. Chains of  Ice is book three of  the Chosen One series. This is by far the best in the saga to date. It is a little longer than the other ones ,but believe me you will appreciate that. The new characters are terrific. Especially John, who we got a hint of at the end of book two, he is phenomenal. Now I don't want to spoil anything, but as a Chosen One we all know he has special powers, I won't tell you what those powers are, but let's just say the girls are going to love ONE of them. Genny is also a new character who will join the ranks and also happens to be John's love interest. The old characters don't really make an appearance till almost two-thirds of the way through the book, except Gary (who, yes, boys and girls, we still HATE). As in all the Chosen One books they are basically trying to defeat The Others. It is, as always, full of the action and suspense we have come to expect from this series and, of course,  has some super steamy love scenes. There were a couple of chapters that had me hanging onto the end of my seat wondering how things were going to turn out. I adore Christina, for those of you who haven't read her books many are reviewed right here in this blog. My personal favorite series of hers is this one's predecessor, Darkness Chosen, which in my opinion should be read before this one, but this series CAN stand alone. Wonderful edition to the collection, Ms. Dodd, this one earns a spot on the keeper shelf!

Here we go

Alright lovelies, I realize I have been M.I.A. for a few days but I promise you it will be worth the wait. I have accomplished much loyal followers. This will be the first of 2 posts today! Alrighty then, let's do this thing! Nina Bangs has long been a favorite of mine. Her Mackenzie Vampire series is our topic of the day. Although you know I believe in reading in order, these are easily understood as stand-alones. I still hold to my belief though because there are a couple of supporting characters( Sparkle Stardust and Ganymede are cosmic troublemakers) that appear throughout the series and in order to appreciate their developing relationship (twisted at times) you must go in order people.Also the Woo Woo Inn and the Mackenzie Council (they protect the purity of the Mackenzie blood line) run through the series so follow my rules people.
The order is:
 The Master of Ecstasy- a time travel piece that has terrific elements of reality in it. I absolutely adore Darach he is a highlander and a vampire what a combo I am so in love. He lives in the 1700's and Blythe in the 2300's so the time travel is a heavy part of this story. Full of action and romance it is probably my favorite in the series.
Night Bites- Follows the story of Thrain and Cindy and brings us our first real taste of Cindy's Woo Woo Inn. The Inn practically becomes it's own character as we progress through the series.It is the Hotel to the Paranormal so to speak. Humans come as well but they truly cater to the preternatural beings. It is full of Nina's signature steam levels.
A Taste of Darkness- Brings us Reinn who hates being responsible to the Council and absolutely hates weres of any kind and Kisa a were-cat he falls madly in love with. It's a smart, sexy story filled with humor. You will love all the conflict and craziness in this one.
One Bite Stand- Declan is probably the sexiest vampire in the entire series, but he is also the darkest. This one has a considerable amount of action, much more than the others in the series. This is where all the pieces fall together, all the Mackenzie line questions are answered. Declan's love is a half breed harpy named Daria. For those of you who don't know, harpies are supposed to be hideously ugly, but unfortunately her father was a God and so she doesn't have the "ugly" trait. Talk about reverse self esteem issues. This one is also the most graphic, warning, rape is involved.
All in all this was an amazing series. I enjoyed watching Sparkle and Ganymede grow. Very well done Nina.

Red Reaper on Unbound

Apparently, I'm quite the scandalous character over on the BDB. But I must take a break from my notoriety and speak to my loyal followers. Today we are discussing Unbound, it is an anthology by Kim Harrison, Melissa Marr, Vicki Pettersson, Jocelynn Drake and my all-time favorite author in the universe Jeaniene Frost (my guilty pleasure). It was a well done collection, my main reason for picking it up from the famous "to be read" pile was that I needed a Bones fix. Yes, you heard me there is a Bones story, unfortunately for my libido it was a pre-Cat story, back when he was still just a bounty hunter. Sigh. But he was yummy just the same. All in all the book on a whole was a good read and worth looking into. Kim Harrison's story of pixies, gargoyles and an insane nymph was quite interesting. So followers add it to the shopping list.

I'm Official

Ok so no review this time just a side note, apparently mentioning the Black Dagger Brotherhood role playing group in my last post has brought me a little fame. I have officially been written into their scenario as the red_reaper and have been called a guilty pleasure. But of course all of you who read my blog know that already right? *wink wink* Anyway thank you Blay for making me a character in the BDB I will be thrilled to see how I turn out!

Dark Lover

First, let me apologize for not posting in three days! You would not believe how crazy it is around here, between the holiday weekend, my car breaking down and writing for the "day job" I have lost my mind. Now down to business, Dark Lover is the first in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. After reviewing Covet on here I literally got people begging me to read it. Also I got Brotherhood fanatics friend requesting me on Facebook and inviting me to join their role playing group. No, I'm not kidding she has die hard fans! I have been following their little role playing group, not participating, and was fascinated by their devotion. So here we are. I now understand. The Brotherhood is a series unlike any other. Her unique take on Vampires teamed with her edgy writing style and slew of deep dark characters has shown me once again she is an extreme talent. Her books are definitely worthy of your "keeper" shelf folks. In this installment Darius, one of the Brotherhood, is brutally murdered by the Lessers leaving behind his half-vampire daughter who is unaware of her heritage. His last wish is for his Brother Wrath to help her through the change of becoming  a vampire and protect her. Dark Lover is Wrath's story and I am told each book will tell one of the Brother's story much like the Argeneau series of Lynsay Sands. But folks, make no mistake this is hard core urban fantasy, just like in Covet, romance is in the background. The focal point of the series is the war between the Lessers and the Brotherhood. Dark Lover is full of violence,darkness and action just like Covet, I am placing J.R. on the must read list for the summer and have already bought the next book, Lover Eternal. J.R. you will forever be on my list of top authors, well done.

Rogue Hunter

The Rogue Hunter novels are a sub series within the Argeneau Vampire series by Lynsay Sands. I finished the first one tonight and as you would expect from Lynsay it is full of humor and torrid romance. The hunters for the Council are the vamps finding lifemates in these ones. We met these hunters(Decker,Bricker & Mortimer) in the Argeneau book Bite Me If You Can. Decker actually is an Argeneau though, his mother is Martine. This book is the story of Mortimer and Samantha. There is sort of a surprise ending from the other Argeneau novels but I loved it just the same. I will be reading the other two in this trilogy this week so I will let you know how they turn out.

Lisa Basso

I reviewed Lisa's other short story Blood Bonds a few days ago so if you read the post you know she's a new author with tons of potential. When she asked me to read Blood Under the Mistletoe, I wholeheartedly agreed. This was written before Blood Bonds and I already see growth in her as an author between the two pieces. Blood Under the Mistletoe is a short piece found in Holiday Treats at http://www.midnightshowcase.com/. It is about a vampire named Victor who has never allowed himself to feel love until he finds Holly a half-witch who is unaware of her heritage. When she is kidnapped he finally realizes what she means to him. It is a sweet love story with just the proper amount of action that I enjoyed reading. Thank you Lisa for sending it my way.

Sex Magick

A friend sent me a piece she wrote the other day. Sex Magick is the first in the Rune Witch erotica trilogy Laura Stamps is writing and I am looking forward to the other two. Wynn and Noelle have a great chemistry between them that Laura portrays well in this story. I find their relationship to be not only sexy, but believable. Laura has a descriptive writing style that I thoroughly enjoy. Now for those of you who don't normally read erotica be forewarned, it is graphic, but its supposed to be, its erotica for goodness sake. That said, if you need a little afternoon pick me up you will find it in Laura's books. Well done my friend, I look forward to the next installment.

Seriously going crazy

Almost done with Dark Lover, started the first of the Rogue Hunter books that are the spinoff so to speak of the Argeneau series, and I need to dig into this "to be read" pile because so many new ones are on their way to me.July 6 is a crazy day as you read in the post about my most anticipated summer releases.My life has been nuts trying to juggle everything I promise to get caught up soon. Whew!

Contest/ Interview

Great interview I always enjoy CJ


http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-sarah-rees-brennan.htmlhttp://cjredwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-sarah-rees-brennan.html

Welcome to Mysteria

I just finished Mysteria Lane. It is the sequel to Mysteria, for those of you who haven't indulged in this series let me just say this world is a ton of fun. Mysteria is a small town that was "accidentally" founded by an act of demonic kindness. Many magical creatures live in Mysteria; werewolves,vampires, witches, demons, fairies, you name it. At the town's center is a magical wishing fountain. It is written as an anthology, but unlike the ones you are used to with a vague theme pulling random stories together, these stories are all about the same town and the characters flow back and forth smoothly between the stories. Think Ray Bradbury's Illustrated Man or John Saul's Blackstone Chronicles. The same four amazingly talented authors write both books; Mary Janice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast. With a group like this you can't help but fall in love with this town and its people and beg the authors for a part three to this series. The stories are passionate and quirky, full of life and love. This is a delightful series that I highly recommend.

FYI

Ok so I am in the process of reading another collection of new authors as well as Mysteria Lane and Dark Lover so it may be a day or so before I can put out another review. Just so you know the 4 short stories I recently reviewed can be found at http://www.midnightshowcase.com/ in the volume called Dark Tales. Thanks to Amanda for sending them my way for review. The next set I am reviewing is Like That Spark which is not available yet (I was sent a review only copy) but will be published in print by Circlet Press. That collection is all highly graphic erotica pieces which I don't normally review so I will do one review as a lump post. Erotica is difficult to review for the same reason porn is, they are meant for a target audience and anyone else usually doesn't enjoy them. I promise to focus on the writing and not the storyline and be as objective as possible.

Love this

The next short story is Silent Treatment by Shawn McPike. This was terrific. Very imaginitive, the language was picturesque, and I absolutely never saw the end coming. This was as well written as a veteran author.  Mighty impressive, absolutely a hit.

Next in line

The third short story is super short, less than 20 pages. It's Cemetery Seduction by Roxanne Rhoads. This piece is definitely R rated folks. It is simply a short erotica piece that is decriptive and fast paced. I would like to see something from her in more of a novella length so we could fall in love with the characters a bit more. Overall it was a good piece.