A Book Obsession..

American Vampire (Early Review)

, by KT

American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout

He's the good kind of vampire...sort of.

Buried in the Heartland is a town that no one enters or leaves. Graf McDonald somehow becomes its first visitor in more than five years…and he was only looking for a good party. Unfortunately, Penance, Ohio, is not that place. And after having been isolated for so long, they do not like strangers at all.

Jessa’s the only one to even remotely trust him, and she’s desperate for the kind of protection that only a vampire like Graf can provide. Supplies are low, the locals are ornery for a sacrifice and there’s a

monster more powerful than Graf lurking in the woods. New men are hard to come by in this lonesome town, and this handsome stranger might be Jessa’s only hope for salvation.

Even if she has to die first…

On his way to have a good time, the vampire Graf gets stuck in his worst nightmare. He stumbles into a town that has had no one enter nor leave for five years. If that wasn't creepy enough, then add in a terrible monster that preys on the townspeople. He winds up having to rely on the first person he meets in town, Jessa, a gruff and angry woman. Even though she hates his guts, she knows his stuff will help her if she can trade it for supplies so she can survive. It becomes an uneasy alliance as they both need each other if they hope to survive not only the monster, but the mob mentality of the townspeople as well.

In the beginning of this book Graf was a really pompous character, and I didn't really care for him at all. Come to think of it, Jessa didn't show the best impression either. She was dishing out just as much snark and nastiness as he was. It took me a long time to warm up to both of them because of this, but as time went on I realized that their behavior was just a front for inner turmoil, especially for Tessa. She's had an extremely hard time of it and it's a wonder she really is able to cope at all. As both of them showed more of their real selves, I started to really care for them. There is a lot of sexual tension between them and the progression is very realistic. It doesn't feel forced even though they started out basically hating each other.

This is a fast paced unique romance. I enjoyed the non-typical setting of it, as well as the unusual circumstances the two meet upon. Unlike many romance novels that feel incomplete at the end, this one is very satisfying. I recommend this to any paranormal romance fans that enjoy a quick read that leaves a sense of fulfillment at the end.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Pre-Order at Amazon:
American Vampire

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Paranormal Romance
New Author
Vampire

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

, 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:

Spirit Dances - Walker Papers #6

by C.E. Murphy

Publication Date: April 1st, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Spirit Dances (Luna Books)

For Seattle detective Joanne Walker, spring is about new beginnings, She's mastered her shamanic abilities (mostly), survived a cannibalistic serial killer (barely) and now she's facing the biggest challenge of her career - attending a dance contest with her sexy boss, Captain Michael Morrison. But when the performance - billed as transformative - actually changes her into a COYOTE, she and Morrison have bigger things to deal with.

And there's more. Homeless people are disappearing, a mystical murder puts Joanne way out of her jurisdiction and with the full moon coming on, it's looking like the killer is a creature that can't possibly exist.
But Jo could probably handle all of that, if one ordinary homicide hadn'y pushed her to the VERY EDGE...

Cop or Shaman? The choice isn't easy. But it's one she just might have to make..

Blood Challenge

, by KT

Blood Challenge by Eileen Wilks

World of the Lupi #7

UNDER ATTACK
Lily Yu and Rule Turner’s engagement announcement is stirring up ugly passions in the Humans First camp. There’s hate mail. Death threats. Lily’s car is vandalized. But professionally, things are going smoothly . . . until a lupus in Tennessee goes on a killing spree.

UNDER SIEGE
In the labyrinthine world of lupi politics, things move at two speeds: molasses-slow and flashfire-quick. Months ago, Isen Turner, Rule’s father and the Rho of his clan, called for an All-Clan, but one obstacle still remains: the suspicions of one of the U.S. clans.

UNDERGROUND
The two problems seem separate. They aren’t. And the roots of both go a lot deeper—and weirder—than anyone imagines. The deaths in Tennessee are only the opening skirmish in an all-out war . . . one powered by subterranean forces such as our world hasn’t seen in over three thousand years.

In the begging of the book Lily and Rule are both the targets of nasty hate mail and vandalism, with both of them trying to protect the other. The a Lupus snaps and kills several people, but the conditions are a little fishy, so Lily and Rule fly out to figure out what is going on. Disaster strikes and when everyone is left to pick up the pieces, they realize the threat against the Lupi and its supports goes much deeper than they thought. Meanwhile Rule and the others are still trying to organize a meeting between all of the Lu Nuncios, which must happen before an All-Clan can truly be called. Of course suspicions run high due to Rule's position in the two largest clans, making this a challenge they just might not be able to accomplish.

Lily and Rule share the limelight in this book with Benedict and his new lady, while Cullen and Cynna take a backseat in most of the action. I've always been curious about Rule's gruff brother and I'm really glad he is getting a second chance. He was man of so few words that he remained mostly a mystery, and considering his past loss, it is no wonder he had a hard time enjoying life. However, it seems a certain someone could be drawing him out and finally giving him a reason to really live again. Only time will tell if they will as awesome of a couple as the others make, but I think they really have a chance.

The plot in this book is very complex, with several different small things all spiraling into the main conflict. It is a very intricate web, and it just amazes me how well the author ties everything together. There are so many different storylines, but she never once fails to blend them together in a way that will keep you entranced. Another thing I loved about this book was its greater focus on the Lupi rather than a case Lily is working on. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading about her cases, but the Lupi aspects have always been my favorite. This book shows a lot of their customs and protocol, which is very complex but fascinating at the same time.

While this series did have a rocky start for me, the more I read, the better the books got. This one however is the best yet so far. The ending was one heck of a cliffhanger, which is usually really frustrating for me, but this ending means some major changes are coming, and I feel it only added to the story. The Lupi's world is being completely turned upside down and things they thought were impossible, no long are. It seems things will really be escalating, and a most dreaded war will only take a single spark to ignite. I cannot wait for the next book, for so many different reasons that I can't name without spoiling, but suffice to say there should be plenty of action in the next installment. Anyone who has enjoyed this series, is sure to love this book, so I highly recommend running out and grabbing it as soon as possible. You won't regret it.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Blood Challenge (Lupi)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
Shifter

It's Monday! What are you reading (28)

, 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:

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (Review)
Stone Kissed by Keri Stevens (Review)

Unearthly is an amazing debut YA. It was very unique and definitely is a series to watch out for. The premise behind the book is absolutely amazing, and definitely is not predicable at all. Stone Kissed is a nice, quick PNR from a new author.

My upcoming list:

Blood Challenge by Elieen Wilks
American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout

Stone Kissed

, by KT

Stone Kissed by Keri Stevens

When Delia Forrest talks to statues, they talk back. She is, after all, the last of the Steward witches.

After an arsonist torches her ancestral home with her estranged father still inside, Delia is forced to sell the estate to pay his medical bills. Her childhood crush, Grant Wolverton, makes a handsome offer for Steward House, vowing to return it to its former glory. Delia agrees, as long as he'll allow her to oversee the restoration.

Working so closely with Grant, Delia finds it difficult to hide her unique talent—especially when their growing passion fuels her abilities.

But someone else lusts after both her man and the raw power contained in the Steward land. Soon Delia finds herself fighting not just for Grant's love, but for both their lives...

The premise of the book was great but I unfortunately found the romance in this book to be slightly unbelievable, at least on Grant's side. Perhaps unbelievable is the wrong word. A better description would be distant, in that I wasn't really sucked into it. Grant just was too calm and calculating about the whole thing, and it made it very hard to believe that he actually loved Delia. Love is something that is supposed to be all consuming, not something you weight the pros and cons of. I admired Delia's strength and restraint in keeping her heart hidden from him in order to stay an individual and not just another possession in his collection. She fell almost immediately head over heels for him, and while he offered everything she could have dreamed of, she stands strong. Having his heart means more than anything else possibly could, and she wouldn't accept anything less than his love.

Putting the almost one sided relationship aside, I enjoyed the book, especially how well fleshed out the characters and world were. The stone statues were probably the best aspect of the book as they added large amounts of comic relief. The fantasy aspect adds a nice touch to book without detracting from the main theme of romance between Delia and Grant. The book is definitely worth reading just for Delia's side, as she is a very strong and interesting character. I also found the "villain" to be both realistic and a very believable threat. I look forward to reading more from this author as this was a good new entry in to the paranormal romance genre. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a quick, lighter read, with a strong female lead.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Stone Kissed

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Paranormal Romance
New Author

Waiting on Wednesday (27)

, 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:

Lover Unleashed - Black Dagger Brotherhood #9

by J.R. Ward

Publication Date: March 29th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 9)

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can-but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?

Unearthly

, by KT

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Clara is part angel, giving her special abilities that she must keep in check to keep from notice. Being angel blood means she has a direct purpose in life that is the sole reason she exists. She has visions of a forest on fire and boy she knows she must save. Her family moves to the place from her dreams so she can fulfill her purpose, but things get complicated when she meets the boy from her dreams. The problem is that there is another boy, Tucker, and he just doesn't fit in with her purpose. She thought it would be easy to fulfill her purpose, but she quickly realizes just how wrong she was. There will be sacrifices and an ultimate choice between betraying her purpose, or her heart.

I absolutely loved Clara's character. She is so strong and determined, yet also like any other girl with insecurities. While it is apparent that she is very beautiful to everyone else, Clara stays very humble and just doesn't see herself that way. I was very impressed with her ability to see past the purpose "blinders" she had on in the beginning. While this goes against everything she was taught, it also allowed her to open up to loving Tucker. Going against the grain like she did took immense courage especially since she doesn't know what will happen if she doesn't fulfill her purpose. It is much easier to make a choice when you know the consequences than when you don't and I admire her for that.

For the most part love triangles frustrate me more than they entertain. I've just never been a huge fan of messy teen love angst. However, that being said there are a few books where the "triangle" was so well written that I cannot imagine the book any other way. This was one of them. Clara was definitely torn between the two main guys, but it wasn't your typical "I love them both" story. Suffice it say one she loves due to a sense of duty and honor, and the other is more a of a true love. Only time will tell whether her head or her heart will win in the end. By the end of the book my own preference in her final choice had changed several times, and I cannot wait until the next book to see where things go between the three of them.

To say that I enjoyed this book would be an immense understatement. It has to be one of the most original YA books that I have read in a very long time, especially one with a love triangle. The ending was a major twist that I never saw coming and I cannot wait until the next book to see what is in store for Clara and the boys. I devoured this book in one sitting, I just couldn't get enough. On a side note, the cover is gorgeous on the physical book. The online pictures just do not give it justice. All in all I have to say this would have to be one of my most highly recommended YA books, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Unearthly (Unearthly - Trilogy)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
New Author

It's Monday! What are you reading (27)

, by KT

Stealing Time by Elisa Paige (Review)
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (Review)

Stealing Time is a great book by a new author that is definitely worth checking out. It's a nice blend of paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

I went to bed crazy early Monday night so I could get up early on Tuesday to start reading Shadowfever. I was so excited about the book and I'm very glad my expectations were met. Check out my review to see what I thought of it.. Don't worry, there isn't any spoilers.

My upcoming list:

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Shadowfever

, by KT

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

Fever #5

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.

Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.

This book was very hard to review without spoiling anything. I can honestly say it was the most engrossing book I have ever read. From the beginning, until the very last words I was completely sucked in. In fact, I actually cried while reading the very first chapter, it was that emotional in such a short amount of time. All of the pressing issues are solved and the questions are answered. Only one major question remained at the end of the book, but the answer was something Mac decided she didn't really need to know. I don't have a problem with this as a little mystery makes things much more interesting in the end.

Mac is thoroughly tested over and over in this book, but just as she has in the past, she survives, she endures, and somehow comes out the other side stronger. She has grown so much from the girl that stepped off the plane, yet somehow never once lost who she really was at the core, despite being pulled in so many different directions. I understand now why everyone believed she only had a slim chance of choosing the "good" side of the prophecy. The odds against her were almost insurmountable, and a lesser person would have failed where she persevered. I truly admire her, and her willingness to stand up for what she believes in. I don't think a better person could have been picked for the fate of the world to rest on. Oh, and just as a little side note, she does finally kiss a man that she can't breathe without, and finds that breath is of little consequence. As far as who that man is, well you will just have to read Shadowfever yourself to find out. ;)

I'll admit, as much as I wanted this book, I also was a little hesitant to read it. I wasn't sure how just one book could tie up all of the issues and leave me with a sense of happiness and satisfaction. I am very happy to say that I was wrong and that I should never have doubted the author. The book was every bit as good as the predecessors and left me more than satisfied. Many times after reading a final book in a series I will feel almost hollow and just generally disappointed. Not because the book was bad, but because I just didn't feel any satisfaction in the ending or knowing that I was saying goodbye to the characters. With Shadowfever, this just is not the case at all. The ending is everything it should be, leaving me happy and content, an absolutely rare feat in any final book.

I would highly suggest not reading this book if you haven't read the first four. You need that foundation to give this one the justice it deserves. As the Author promised, it is a story about light, not darkness. However, as they say, the night is always darkest before the dawn and that definitely is the case with Shadowfever. Be prepared for one heck of a roller coaster ride full of countless emotions that will leave you reeling, and desperate to know what happens next. If I could rate this higher than a "five," trust me, I would. I hope everyone enjoys Mac's final trials in life, love, and war as much as I did. My hat goes off to the author for this amazing world she created and the awesome cast of characters. Bravo!

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Shadowfever

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

, 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:

Etched in Bone - The Maker's Song #4

by Adrian Phoenix

Publication Date: February 22, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Etched in Bone

SON OF A FALLEN ANGEL. FORGED IN VAMPIRE’S BLOOD. SWORN TO A MORTAL WOMAN. IF DANTE FALLS, THE WORLD FALLS WITH HIM. . . .

THREE LEGACIES ETCHED IN BONE

More beautiful and powerful than any creature the world has ever seen, Dante Baptiste has become the supreme target of the three worlds that spawned him. The mortal agents of the Shadow Branch have tried to control his mind through psychological torture. The vampire elders who guide nightkind society have plotted to use him in their bloodthirsty bid for power. And the Fallen have waited for millennia for Dante to claim his birthright as their Maker. But Dante belongs to no one—except the woman he loves. . . .

ONE PASSION SWORN IN BLOOD

Determined to face the Fallen and the world on his own terms, Dante hopes to piece together his shattered past and claim his future, with FBI agent Heather Wallace at his side. But in Heather’s human family awaits an unexpected enemy. One who could rip Heather from Dante’s heart and fill the holes with bullets. One who could force Dante to choose his darkest destiny—as the Great Destroyer. . . .