A Book Obsession..

Stealing Time (Early Review)

, by KT

Stealing Time by Elisa Paige
Time #1

It wasn't that she wanted to live forever. She just didn't want to die.

When artist James Wesley realizes Evie Reed is dying, he is so moved by the beautiful reporter's determination to live that he makes her immortal—a vampire, like him. She's the woman he's been waiting over 150 years for. Though initially shocked by the change, Evie quickly embraces her second chance at life, and love.

Just as James and Evie begin to define eternity together, a zealot breaks an ancient treaty, threatening a peace between humans and vampires that has stood for a thousand years. And when he focuses his hatred on Evie, the immortal lovers find themselves swept up in a deadly supernatural war...

The book starts with Evie getting the worst news of her life, the cancer is terminal and there is nothing they can do. She plans on living out the rest of the time she has left on her terms, but her time comes much quicker than anticipated when a truck hits her cab. To save her life a secret admirer, James, changes her into a vampire. Although her new life is very different and overwhelming at times, she still falls quickly head over heels for him. However, her bliss is cut short when a war breaks out and an ancient treaty is broken. With everything crumbling around them, they must stand strong to have any hope at surviving the war.

Evie had a rough childhood. At a very young age her mother dumped Evie off on the porch of a Grandmother she has never met. While her grandmother did care for her, she wasn't the type to coddle, so Evie grew up keeping herself at a distance from everyone. She struggled at first to accept her feelings for James, but once she did, it felt like a floodgate had opened. I really loved the chemistry between them as well as his determination to be a gentleman. At any point during her vulnerability her could have taken advantage of her weaknesses but he never once thought to despite the fact that is part of a vampire's instinct to claim the ones they turn. They work really well together, they had the comfort that ususally only comes from years spent together. Things were pretty steamy as well, but not overdone.

Something I have always liked in vampire/werewolf books is a very strong mate bond. Most of these type books talk about predator or animal like instincts, so it would make sense for them to be fiercely protective of their mates. Perhaps I am a romantic, but I love the whole "mate for life" idea or soul mates. James and Evie really developed this type of bond and I love how the author made the mate instincts very strong in this book, yet didn't make them seem over done.

Just to warn everyone, this book does have a pretty big cliffhanger ending. I had thought this was a stand alone novel, so the ending really caught me off guard. However, I am glad it will continue as I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more about their adventures. I highly recommend this book for both paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans as this book is a very good blend of both genres. There is plenty of romance, but the plot moves along nicely, and it more than kept my attention. Try this author out, you won't be disappointed.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Pre-order at Amazon:
Stealing Time

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Paranormal Romance
New Author
Vampire

It's Monday! What are you reading (26)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, 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 what I read this past week:

Pack of Lies by Laura Anne Gilman (Review)
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (Review)

Pack of Lies definitely impressed me. I wasn't too thrilled about the first book, but this one was much better and the series seems to be going in a really interesting direction. I'm really glad I stuck it out because this one was definitely worth reading. As far as The Iron Queen goes, Well I LOVED IT! The resolution was very fitting, but surprisingly there was also a cliffhanger. It turns out there will be more books, but they will be about Ash. I'm actually really happy about this because I would have been really sad if their stories had not continued as I love the world and characters that Julie Kagawa has created. I really recommend checking this series out.

I cannot tell you guys how much I love Netgalley. They are by far the easiest way to get ARC copies of books that I have found, and the titles available keep getting better as more publishers are added and it becomes more popular.

Okay, so I actually read these two books a while ago, but I saved the reviews for closer to the release dates. I personally don't like to read a review of a book that won't come out for months as it usually torments me even more about a book I'm desperately waiting for. Besides, if you read that review too early, by the time the book finally comes out, the hype has died down and you have forgotten about it. That is why I post my early reviews within 2-3 weeks of the release. That is early enough to still get pre-orders in, but not so far out that you forget about it before the book is finally released.

What do you guys think? When do you typically post your early reviews?

My upcoming list:

Stealing Time by Elisa Paige (Early Review)
SHADOWFEVER by Karen Marie Moning
(I may not get the review up here this week, but you can bet that I'll be reading it Tomorrow ;) I have been anticipating this book like crazy, so I am so happy the release is almost here! Squee!!)

The Iron Queen (Early Review)

, by KT

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Fey #3

In less than twenty-four hours I’ll be seventeen.

Although, technically, I won’t actually be turning seventeen. I’ve been in the Nevernever too long. When you’re in Faery, you don’t age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I’m probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I’ve changed so much I don’t even recognize myself.

MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who’s sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I’m not sure anyone can survive it.

THIS TIME,

THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

Before Meghan even has a second to breathe, trouble strikes again. The iron fey are after her even though both her and Ash are exiled from the Nevernever. They thought they had left that world behind them. In this book they not only return, but are thrust right into the midst of extreme danger, where they quickly realize that Meghan is the Nevernever's last hope for survival. She is the only one who can withstand iron's cruel effects, so it is up to her to once again destroy the Iron King and stop the spread of the Iron Realm's poisons. It's an impossible task, but if anyone can do it, it would be Meghan for she harnesses both Iron and Summer Glamour, and has the determination to face anything that endangers the ones she loves.

The amount of personal growth Meghan's character did from the first book into the second is nothing in comparison to just how much she matured in this one. She is no longer content to sit on the sidelines and be protected by others. If there is danger, she steps right up and fights along side her allies. She has gone from being the liability of the group to one of its strongest members. I find her determination to always do the right thing no matter the consequences extremely admirable, as well as her unflinching devotion to anyone she cares about.

This book was jammed packed with so many emotions, fear, anger, betrayal, love, hate, misery, hope, the list could go on and on. The amazing thing was that I felt each and every emotion right along with the character. I was so far sucked in, that it all just felt so real. Even though the love triangle was still somewhat in effect in this book, its importance seemed much less. The resolution was very realistic, and I think it had the best possible outcome for all parties involved. As a certain character says, "Some of us have been around long enough to know when to let go."

I was completely caught off guard by the cliffhanger ending since I thought this was a trilogy. I panicked at first until I read a little further and saw that there will be a new book coming out from Ash's perspective. Even though the ending makes me desperate to find out what happens, this new gave me a little relief to know that we won't be kept hanging forever. All in all, if you enjoyed the first two books, then you will love this one. Make sure to pick it up as soon as possible. And if you haven't checked out this series yet, well what are you waiting for? You won't be disappointed.

(Received via Netgalley)
Rating:

Pre-Order at Amazon:
The Iron Queen (Harlequin Teen)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Darkness Becomes Her

by Kelley Keaton

Publication Date: February 22nd, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Darkness Becomes Her

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Pack of Lies (Early Review)

, by KT

Pack of Lies by Laura Anne Gilman

Paranormal Scene Investigations #2

FUNNY HOW LIFE CAN TURN YOU UPSIDE DOWN...

My name is Bonita Torres, and eight months ago I was an unemployed college graduate without a plan. Now I’m an investigator with the Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations team of New York. Pretty awesome, right?

The Cosa Nostradamus, the magical community, isn’t quick to give up its secrets, though. Not even to fellow members. Not even when it’s in their best interests. So we’ve been busting our tails, perfecting our forensic skills, working to gain acceptance. The team’s tight… but we have our quirks, too. And our Big Dog, Benjamin Venec…well, he’s a special case, all right.

But we can’t give up. We’re needed, especially when a case comes along that threatens to pit human against fatae. But one wrong move could cost us everything we’ve worked for…

The PUPI team gets a case that seems pretty open and shut. However, they quickly realize things are much more complicated. Tensions rise between the humans and the fatae and it will only take a single spark to ignite a dangerous showdown. Its up to the team to get to the bottom of the case before it's too late. Meanwhile other tensions are brewing as unexplained events happen between Bonnie and Ben making it harder for her to ignore her feelings for him. It seems almost everything is this book is only one step away from disaster and it's up to the team to walk that fine line without stepping over the edge.

My biggest frustration about the last book was the extremely slow pacing. This book however, really picked it up. As soon as they pick up the case, it becomes a roller coaster ride to solve it. I really love how the team or "pack" is really working great together now. While they still clash at times, they really have solidified their bonds and will stick together through it all. I really love how all of them interact, especially the "big dog bosses." Despite their gruff exteriors you can tell that underneath they really care for their "puppies."

This book had some major sexual tension. Bonnie has always been extremely open about her personal life and sexual preferences, or lack there of as she doesn't discriminate on gender. However, for once she may just have some secrets. From the start she has had a major attraction to one of the bosses, Ben Venec. In this book, it becomes apparent that he has some serious attraction to her as well. They both know it would only be a recipe for disaster so they try their best to stay away from each other. But some pretty strange things start happening between them that make it almost impossible to stay apart. Only sheer will power keeps them separate. You can almost taste the tension coming off the page.

I'm really glad that I gave this book a chance. After reading and not really enjoying the first book I was pretty sceptical about continuing the series. The biggest reason I did was while very slow, the first book did pave the way into a really intriguing world. The premise behind these books is really interesting and original, and I'm really glad this one was able to hold my interest much better. The additional sexual tension really added to the book as well, and makes me very eager for the next installment. All in all, it was a much better book than the first one, and now that the world is fully established, and the kinks are mostly out, I hope the series continues on this "new" path.

(Received from Netgalley)
Rating:

Pre-order at Amazon:
Pack of Lies (Luna Books)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy

It's Monday! What are you reading (25)

, by KT

Death's Sweet Embrace: A Dark Brethren Novel

Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara (Review)
Awakened by PC and Kristin Cast (Review)

Thanks to Netgalley I was able to read the second book in the Dark Brethren series early. I enjoyed the first one, and this one even more. This series is definitely worth checking out for paranormal romance fans who like an overall series arc. I also read Awakened, which I have been waiting for awhile. I know this series has been getting a lot of flack, but I enjoyed it. I think this book started a step back in the right direction, and the next one should be back to the gang all working together again, I hope.

My upcoming list:

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (Early Review)
Pack of Lies by Laura Anne Gilman (Early Review)
Blood Challenge by Elieen Wilks

Awakened

, by KT

Awakened by P.C and Kristin Cast

House of Night #8

Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…

And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?

In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?

Dealing with the aftermath of her soul shattering, Zoey still isn't herself. She needs Stark more than ever and she knows the Goddess has truly blessed her by giving him to her. She decides to stay on the Isle of Skye for the time being to give herself some time to cope and regroup. Meanwhile Neferet continues on her path of darkness and destruction, but now she has the Council backing her again, making her that much more of a threat. Of course Stevie Rae is still bound to the Raven Mocker and it is really starting to cause problems. Her heart is being ripped in two from hiding the secret and her true feelings, and something has to give before it is too late. The stakes only keep getting higher in the quest for light over darkness and it will take all of them to hold to the path of the Goddess and not give into the darkness.

Everything really seemed to come to a head in this book. I won't get into specifics to ensure nothing is spoiled, but I will say that several issues from previous books do get a sort of resolution, while many other ones rear their ugly head. This book is told from several different perspectives, so we get to see how everyone is dealing without getting stuck with only Zoey's view. Sometimes rotating point of views can be very frustrating to read, but after I got used to it, I realized that the rotation made this book much better than it would have been with only Zoey. The conflict is now so much bigger than her, so that warrants the views of others being seen. The rotation was executed nicely and it was very clear who had the focus at the time, making it flow really well.

This book at root seemed to be about solidifying relationships. Again I won't go into specifics, but the lack of unity from the previous is well on its way to being resolved. One of the biggest things I loved about the early books in the series is how close knit Zoey and her friends were. As time went on, however, that was less and less the case. It was so hard to see everyone "splitting" apart, that it made the books slightly less enjoyable. I was very happy to see things start in the right direction in this book, and the "gang" banding together again despite the awful things that have happened. I look forward to the next book with hopefully a stronger and unified front, that will let them lean on each other and become a true force against the darkness again.

As I mentioned before, the rotating perspectives took me some time to get pulled into the story, but once I did, I was completely sucked in. The stakes are just as high as the previous books, if not higher, and the characters have been tested well beyond their believed limits. Their continued perseverance is nothing short of admirable, and I cannot wait for the next installment to see how everyone handles the shocking ending events. Everything has changed, and everything is at stake, making this a very good addition to an already great series.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Awakened (House of Night)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
Vampire

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Angelfire

by Courtney Allison Moulton

Publication Date: February 15th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Angelfire

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Review: Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara

, by KT

Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara

Dark Brethren #2

Teenage shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness-a union of avengers including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes...and forbidden lovers.

A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of a blossoming terror rising from ancient history: the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.

After losing her brother, Dylan, in the last book, Kitt is just trying to start over. When her ex-lover and their shared twins that she hasn't seen since their birth show up at the academy she is teaching at Kitt nearly loses it. She doesn't even get a chance to breathe before she is thrown into a investigation into a serial killer that is preying on the students of the academy. Things get really messy when the group realizes that the symbols that are carved into the victim's chest point to an evil ancient threat that could mean the death or enslavement of every last parahuman. They must all work together to stop the killer before it's too late because the threat is bigger than any of them could possibly realize.

The main characters from the last book returned for this one. While Christian only shows up for a small cameo appearance, Antoinette and Oberon play an important role. However the focus of this book really is the star crossed lovers, Kitt and Raven. Their history is extremely complex with a ton of baggage. When Kitt gave birth to their twins, she gave them up to protect them and spent the next 20 years trying to get her status in the pride reinstated. Raven disappeared at the same time, only to reappear when the pride found the girls. Their attraction to one another is so strong that neither can really resist even though being together is a recipe for disaster.

I loved Raven's character. When things went bad and their twins were hidden from Kitt's pride, he abandoned his pack and traveled with the girls to stay with them and help raise them. After they were found almost 20 years later, he came back with them at a great risk to himself despite the bounty on his head. He is highly trained and is definitely someone you would want to have in your corner. He also didn't seem to lose any of love for Kitt despite all that time apart. My feelings about Kitt's character are a little more murky. There isn't really a definable reason, but I just couldn't seem to feel a real connection to her. Perhaps it is because she chose to abandon her daughters to be raised by someone else rather then standing up and fighting to keep them. She just didn't seem to have much of a backbone and I prefer my heroines to be strong.

I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first one. While the first one served as a good introduction into the world and characters, this one really cemented my connection to the characters. I really liked how all of the characters were important to the story and not just the two lovers. The "big bad" threat is just starting to reveal itself and I think the group in in store for a world of danger. In the next book I'm hoping Oberon will be the focus, as the grumpy old bear could use a little love in his life. All in all it was a good read with some really interesting characters and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment.

(Received from Netgalley)
Rating:

Pre-Order at Amazon:
Death's Sweet Embrace: A Dark Brethren Novel

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Paranormal Romance
Shifter

It's Monday! What are you reading (24)

, by KT

Need By Carrie Jones (Review)
Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson (Review)

I started the Need series, and so far I like it. I love the covers, and I was hoping the story would live up to them. I also read Linda Robertson's latest book, Arcane Circle. I LOVE this series. Persephone is really an awesome character, with a heart of gold as well as some major determination. I devoured it in one setting, and I'm actually even more desperate for the next one to come out. Sometimes waiting for books can be really hard, and this series is definitely one of them.

My upcoming list:

Death's Sweet Embrace (Early Review)
Awakened by PC Cast