Early Review: Two Weeks' Notice by Rachel Caine

, by Kt Clapsadl

Two Weeks' Notice by Rachel Caine 
Revivalist #2



After dying and being revived with the experimental drug Returne, Bryn Davis is theoretically free to live her unlife—with regular doses to keep her going. But Bryn knows that the government has every intention of keeping a tight lid on Pharmadene’s life-altering discovery, no matter the cost.

And when some of the members of a support group for Returne addicts suddenly disappear, Bryn begins to wonder if the government is methodically removing a threat to their security, or if some unknown enemy has decided to run the zombies into the ground…





Life or rather unlife hasn't been easy for Bryn Davis in the past year, but since being killed and revived by a drug called Returne, she's been making the best of it as she can. She's moved on as best she can as she runs her funeral home and the occasional job for the government in exchange for the daily shot that continues her existence. But when her latest assignment reveals that several other Returne have gone missing, Bryn can't help wondering if the Feds have decided keeping Returne quiet wasn't worth the hassle anymore and have chosen to end the program. Permanently.

The conspiracy and paranoia are stepped up an incredible notch in Two Weeks' Notice. Now that the government has a major hand in Pharmadene the threat against Bryn seems to have doubled. Sure, the government claims to be completely running the show, but Bryn knows that an organization as secret and corrupted as Pharmadene doesn't easily disappear. Especially since one of the drug's creators is still on the run and out of the government's grasp. Either way, there is still only a limited supply of the Returne drug that she and the other revived are dependent on, and it is only a matter of time before the government starts to decide that maintaining their afterlife isn't worth the security risk. In fact I almost can't believe that Bryn and the rest of her allies haven't become just as insane about security as their scientist friend, Manny. If I were them, I would have long ago begged sufferance from him (and bribed with a lot of money), and hunkered down with him in his current stronghold. Then again, I just don't quite have the strength of will Bryn does, so I have to thank goodness that this is only fiction and not a reality. Especially as there also was another player added into the game that led to a shocking turn of events that I can't talk about without spoiling things. But suffice it to say that your head will be spinning once that plot thread is revealed. Even now, I am still in shock as I cannot believe the direction things are heading, but I'm sure the next book will be one heck of a ride because of it.

I really admire Bryn's character as she is both incredibly strong, but also isn't afraid of opening herself to others. Granted, she has had to adapt to some pretty horrible changes in her life which have left her much more sarcastic and hard. She also has this lone ranger mentality when it comes to trouble, but her reasoning for this is rather noble as she wants to keep the ones she cares about out of danger since they are much more vulnerable than she is, at least physically. On the emotional front however, Joe and Pat seem to have it together a whole lot more than Bryn and have become her steady rocks of support no matter how hard she may try and push them away for their own safety. Add in the rest of the supporting cast, and you have a small army willing to do anything and everything for one another, which makes them very dangerous to the wrong people. Love and loyalty more than anything can be the fiercest motivators, something their opponents will quickly learn.

My first thought upon finishing Two Weeks' Notice was rather incoherent, but it was something along the lines of "Holy bleeping bleep, that was bleeping insane!" It's not that the ending was an extreme cliffhanger, but more that the intensity of the book crept up on me so much that I hadn't realized just how sucked in I was until I finished. I looked up and realized hours had gone by without me noticing at all. I absolutely loved the first book, and had high hopes for this one as well, but wasn't sure how it could possibly top the series opener. Not only did Two Weeks' Notice top Working Stiff, but it completely blew it out of the water earning this series a place on my all time favorites list of Urban Fantasies. From the incredible cast of characters, to the fierce action and incredibly high stakes Two Weeks' Notice is one heck of a read and a must buy!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:






Pre-order:



Other Reviews:
Previous Books:
  1. Working Stiff

It's Monday What Are You Reading (106)

, by Kt Clapsadl


It's Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.






Here's my posts from the last week:



Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff (Early Review)
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake (Early Review)
Biting Cold by Chloe Neill (Early Review)

I featured Auracle by Gina Rosati for Waiting on Wednesday

This week's Bargain Books & Kindle Deals

T.G.I.F asked about Christmas in July. I posted my wishlist for trades :)

I received 6 books in the past two weeks. Check out my Stacking the Shelves to see which ones.

Ashley Robertson is giving away two copies of her new book Unguarded (Ends Tonight)

Giveaway of Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff (Ends Tonight)

I'm also giving away two ARC copies of Blood and Silver by James R. Tuck (Ends 8/6)

My Upcoming List:

Two Weeks' Notice by Rachel Caine (Early Review)
Blood and Silver by James R. Tuck (Early Review)
Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway (Early Review)

Blood & Silver Giveaway

, by Kt Clapsadl

Blood and Silver by James R. Tuck
Deacon Chalk Occult Bounty Hunter #2

He hasn't met a monster yet that could give him a scare. With ice in his veins, silver hollow-points in his chambers, and an innate ability to rise from the dead, what's to fear? The answer may be something he doesn't want to face. . . 

Deacon Chalk normally has no trouble telling innocent victims from real monsters. So protecting an abused pregnant were-dog is a no-brainer. . .until a vicious lycanthrope leader and his brotherhood target Deacon, other shape-shifters, and any humans in their way. Suddenly, Deacon is outnumbered, outgunned, and unsure who--or what--to trust. The only edge he has left is a weapon hungry for his soul and his most savage impulses. And using it will ...




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacking the Shelves (7)

, by Kt Clapsadl



Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Here's the books that I have received in the last two weeks:

For Review:


Thank you Grand Central Publishing & Dutton!!


From Netgalley:


Thank you Harlequin Teen!!

From Edelweis:




Thank you Pocket Books!!

Won: 

 


Thank you Literary Escapism/Hanna Martine!!

From the Library:

 


Early Review: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

, by Kt Clapsadl

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill 
Chicagoland Vampires #6


Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.



(Note: If you did not read Drink Deep, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT read this review or you will be horribly spoiled.)



The universe should have given Merit at least a small break for a happy reunion after certain someone's miraculous return. But that just isn't in the cards as her somewhat former best friend's turn to the dark side stands in the way. Mallory is determined to steal a something that would unleash all evil unto the world, and Merit has the best chance at stopping her. It becomes a wild goose chase across the country in a fight that she must win at all costs. But Mallory isn't the only problem as someone else wants the book too, and he makes Mallory's powers look like parlor tricks. Merit is in for the fight of her life.

I was utterly crushed by the events of Hard Bitten. Losing Ethan was simply horrible. I was every bit a shambled mess as Merit was, right up until the very end of Drink Deep when the awaited miracle happens. Now in Biting Cold, I had expected Ethan and Merit to be head over heels for each other and all the issues and insecurities between them to be a thing of the past. So, when they weren't I couldn't help being a little disappointed. Of course once I took a step back I realized that even death wouldn't have been some miracle cure for the issues between them. Granted, it definitely was a major wake up call for Merit, but that doesn't mean she would be able to be happy with the constant indecision Ethan finds himself in when it comes to her. There is a whole lot of healing that needs to happen first, along with a good deal of change, but it seems like they are finally taking a step in the right direction. Only time will tell, as there have been so many false starts, I am almost afraid to believe this one will stick, but I have more hope this time around than I ever did before.

It really is amazing how much Merit has grown from the start of the series. She has truly come into her own, both as a Woman and a powerful Vampire. As much as I do not want to admit it, I think the issues between her and Ethan as well as his death forced the most growth upon her. As much as he strengthened Merit and helped her become who she is, a part of her was still held back by her reliance on him. Once that tie was severed, she was able to become the Vampire she was meant to be, with the confidence to back it up. In fact it puts her on more of an equal footing with Ethan, now that he is her support rather than a crutch. Here's a swoon worthy quote:
Ethan leaned in, his lips at my ear. “Irresistible force,” he said. “Immovable object. Choose the one you want to be, and do it. You are a vampire of great power, Merit. Prove it to us, to the city of Chicago, to the Houses. Prove it now.”
And prove it she does. I personally don't think Cadogan House could possibly have a better Sentinel, and I'm just glad to see that Merit is finally realizing her true worth.

I'm really impressed with the way Chloe Neill handled everything that went on in Biting Cold. There were a whole lot of events happening that should have been overwhelming, but were all seamlessly blended together to form a incredibly exciting book. After the massive shakeup of Hard Bitten, I was worried that this series was on its way out, but after reading Drink Deep and especially Biting Cold, Chloe Neill has proven that the Chicagoland Vampires are here to stay. Biting Cold is one exhilarating ride from start to finish that you won't want to miss!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:






Pre-order a copy from:



Other Reviews:
     Literary Escapism
     Goldilox and the Three Weres
     Gizmo's Reviews

Previous Books:
     1. Some Girls Bite
     2. Friday Night Bites
     3. Twice Bitten
     4. Hard Bitten
     5. Drink Deep

T.G.I.F. (13)

, by Kt Clapsadl



This Week's Question:

Christmas in July: If Santa were to come down your chimney in the middle of summer, which books would you want him to leave for you under the tree?

Hmm, well since I'm really lucky that I have some really fabulous publishing contacts that I get early copies of books from, and that I have a really awesome library about a half an hour away that always gets the rest of the titles I want, I'm going to feature the future release books that I'm dying to get a hold of. You know, the ones that take a miracle to get early, or they are still too far off to even hope for, making me crazy desperate for them. I'd definitely love a Santa who brought ANY of these books to me.
(Or someone who would want to trade if they just happen to already have one of these ;) Just let me know.)






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