A Book Obsession..

Tempting Danger

, by KT

Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks

World of the Lupi #1

Lily Yu is a San Diego police detective investigating a series of grisly murders that appear to be the work of a werewolf. To hunt down the killer, she must infiltrate the clans. Only one man can help her--a were named Rule Turner, a prince of the lupi, whose charismatic presence disturbs Lily. Rule has his own reasons for helping the investigation--reasons he doesn't want to share with Lily. Logic and honor demand she keep her distance, but the attraction between them is immediate and devastating-and beyond human reason. Now, in a race to fend off evil, Lily finds herself in uncharted territory, tested as never before, and at her back a man who she's not sure she can trust ....

Lily has a very rough past, and because of that she developed a very tough persona for herself. She is strong and very stubborn and keeps everyone at a distance. This of course makes for some major friction when the Lupi prince, Rule, is relentless in his pursuit of her. What confounds Lily is that despite her wanting nothing to do with him, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. It becomes a battle of wills between them, with neither side really having any chance at winning.

I did find Lily's adamant refusal to accept her attraction to Rule, and any other unproven thing, to be a bit frustrating. She was so blind in her denial that she wouldn't even listen to any reason at all. To her, if it cannot be proven, it does not exist. For all her strengths, her strict adherence to facts is a major flaw in her character. She lives in a world where magic is abundant, so it makes sense that mystical unknowns would exist. Sometimes in order to grow we have to accept the fact that we will never know all of the answers. This is something Lily really needs to work on, and it just kept me from really "connecting" with her character.

Usually I prefer books that are written in first person. I just feel that I get sucked further into the book that way. However, this book being in third person worked really well. It was told mostly from Lily's point of view, but every so often, Rule would get a say in there too. I think this was a good way for the author to let us know what was going on without having to reveal it to Lily too soon in the book. Sometimes when books wait too long to reveal things I get frustrated, so this was a really nice way to avoid that.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and it was a pretty quick read. It did seem to drag a little at times, but it worked out in the end. It will be interesting to see where the relationship between Rule and Lily goes, as they definitely seem to clash. This is definitely a series with great potential.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Tempting Danger (The World of the Lupi, Book 1)

Its Monday, What are you Reading? (5)

, 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 week:

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs (Re-read)
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs (Re-read)
Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs (Re-read)
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs (Re-read)
Tempting Danger by Elieen Wilks
Mortal Danger by Elieen Wilks

This was my week off from school, but I didn't get in as much reading as I was hoping. However, that is because I visited a lot of family this week, and considering I rarely get to see them, I'll take the trade any day. I also did a beta read on a book called "The Heir" this week for an author that is trying to get opinions on her book before she tries to get it published. I was really impressed with the book, and I hope she is able to get it published. I would love to read sequels! I didn't get a chance to review the two new books I read this week, so look for them coming soon.

Here is my list for the upcoming week:

Blood Lines by Eileen Wilks
Night Season by Eileen Wilks
Motal Sins by Eileen Wilks
Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks

I'm going to keep the list low this week since the fall semester started today and it usually takes me a few weeks to get into the groove with it, so I'll be spending extra time on the classes. I hope everyone has a great week!

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (5)

, by KT

On fridays I participate in both Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop.

Follow Fridays is hosted by Parajunkee's View, and is just Fridays.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books, and runs Friday to Monday. There are new rules for the hop, so make sure to check out Crazy for Books for the details.

This week's hop question is:

How many blogs do you follow?

Well, as of right now before this hop, I follow 113 blogs. I'm always on the lookout for other bloggers with similar interests to follow. I try and find at least 3 new blogs to follow per week, because the more I find, the more places I have to share my love of books with ;)

Featured :)

, by KT

I'm featured over at All-Consuming Reviews today. I cannot say how honored I am! I'm also participating in her reviewer's challenge for the month of August. I have 18 reviews entered so far, and I hope to get a few more in before the end of the month. There are 4 total blogs hosting this challenge, with each having a huge prize pack to giveaway. Go on over and check it out. :)

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

, 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:

Shadowfever - Fever #5

by Karen Marie Moning

Publication Date: January 18, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Shadowfever

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 that 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 that contains 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 that haunts her dreams? More importantly, who is Mac 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 make a choice that will either save the world...or destroy it.

This is a book that I am crazy to get my hands on. The first four books ended in the steepest cliffhanger I have ever read! I hope the final book lives up to my expectations, and she keeps her promise for Mac to get some happiness finally.

Versatile Blogger Award x6

, by KT

Well, I just received the Versatile Blogger award for the 5th time. Needless to say, I am very honored. The first time I received it, I answered the 7 questions about myself and gave it out to 15 other bloggers. Here is the original post with my lists. Now, I'm not going to do all that again, but I did want to make a post for all the other bloggers who keep honoring me by choosing me for the award. Here they are in the order they gave them to me.

Missy's Reads & Reviews
Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing
Geek on the Brink
Today & Everyday
About Books Blog
Library Girl Reads

Again, thank you so much everyone!!!!

Teaser Tuesday (4)

, by KT

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser is from Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs. This is my second time reading this series, and it is just as good the second time. The teaser comes from 97% of the way in according to my kindle. (Sorry, no page number, that's one of the very few downsides to the kindle)

"Uncle Mike's smelled like beer, hot wings, and popcorn, which would have made it smell like every other bar in the Tri-Cities except that it also smelled like fae. I don't know that they organize themselves that way, but fae usually smell to me like the four elements that the old philosophers proposed: earth, air, fire and water, with a healthy dose of magic. None of those smells bothered me... only the blood"

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (4)

, by KT

Gale Force by Rachel Caine (Review)
Cape Storm by Rachel Caine (Review)
Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine (Review)
Blue Moon by Lori Handeland
Hunter's Moon by Lori Handeland
Dark Moon by Lori Handeland
Crescent Moon by Lori Handeland
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (Review)
Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning (Review)
Faefever by Karen Marie Moning (Review)
Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning (Review)
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Re-read)

Well, I finished my final early in the week, so I had plenty of time while the kids were napping/sleeping to read. Usually I have to be studying, so the break last week and this week as well is nice. I finished up the Weather Warden series, and then read a few one paranormal romances just for something a little lighter. I didn't review them as I prefer to review real series, because I like writing about character progression. I just read them sometimes for fun. Of course then I had to read something with a little more depth, so I read the fever series. I really wish I had of waited till closer till the final book came out, because the cliffhanger in the 4th book is horrendous. :( I also started to re-read the Mercy Thompson series so I can discuss it with my mom as she finishes the books.

Here is my list for the upcoming week:

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs (re-read)
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs (re-read)
Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs (re-read)
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs (re-read)
Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks
Mortal Danger by Eileen Wilks
Blood Lines by Eileen Wilks
Night Season by Eileen Wilks
Motal Sins by Eileen Wilks
Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks

Dreamfever

, by KT

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

Fever #4

MacKayla Lane lies naked on the cold stone floor of a church, at the mercy of the erotic Fae master she once swore to kill. Far from home, unable to control her sexual hungers, MacKayla is now fully under the Lord Master's spell. In the New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning's stunning new novel, the walls between human and Fae worlds have come crashing down. And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin's battle-scarred streets, she will embark on the darkest-and most erotically charged-adventure of her life.

He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister's murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac's every thought-and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V'lane vie for her body and soul, as she rallies the sidhe-seers to fight an impossible battle, and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac's greatest enemy delivers a final challenge...

It's an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth-about herself, and about the world she thought she knew.

Mac has come a long way, and only someone of her strength could have come back from the ending events of the previous book. Barrons is the one she could always count on, so it makes sense that he would be the one to be able bring her back. However, everything always comes at a price, and it may take more than Mac has to forgive him for what he has to do to restore her mind. I really sympathize with Mac. It has to be very confusing to feel betrayed yet saved by someone at the same time. I think what stings the most is that she really does care for him, so what happened means something to her, but she is afraid it didn't mean anything to him. Only time will be able to tell if they can "heal" and move past it.

"Savage Mac" seems to have all but completely taken over in this book. I understand she need that toughness and "armor" to protect her mind now, but I hope her softer side doesn't completely get lost. If there is no light in her, then there will be no difference between herself and the evils she is fighting. At one point in the book it is said that there is two sides to a coin and it can flip at any time. Mac adamantly refuses she will ever flip, and I truly hope she is able to uphold that vow with all the travesty around her.

I love Dani's character. She is hilarious with her constant cussing and crushing over the men even though she is only 13. She never should have had to see and go through all the things she has at such a young age. The saying always goes, "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger." This motto seems to be working for both Mac and Dani, as both keep surviving and come out the other side more determined. The two together are a great force to be reckoned with when they work together to bring down Unseelie.

Well, I thought a wait after the ending of the last book would be bad, but I was wrong. The ending of this one completely blows the last one out of the water. This one truly is a cliff where the last one can only be called stepping off a curb at this point. I still cannot believe the author left it where she did, and I know I'm going to spend the next five months agonizing over what going to happen in the final book. When I first started reading this series I couldn't believe I hadn't read it sooner. Now, I almost wish I hadn't yet so the wait wouldn't be so bad. I can honestly say I've never read a "worse" cliff hanger than the one in this book. I have a feeling the final book will be one heck of a doozy.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Dreamfever

Faefever

, by KT

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Fever #3

When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister's journal, she is stunned by Alina's desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister's killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.

Mac's quest for the Sinsar Dubh takes her into the mean, shape-shifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V'lane, an insatiable Fae prince of lethally erotic tastes, and Jericho Barrons, a man of primal desires and untold secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.

As All Hallows Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds with devastating consequences.

The beginning of this book is a little slow. Mac is going out of her mind waiting for All Hallows Eve, the day the walls are renewed. What she never really counted on was the idea that the walls would really come down. She was so convinced they would succeed and she would have a year to work on a way to keep them permanently up. What happens after the walls come down can only be described as horrific. So much is lost, and Mac may be the only hope at stopping the Unseelie.

I have to say the best part of this book was the Machalo. I don't want to spoil it, but I will say that anything that makes Mr. Serious Jericho Barrons lose himself to laughter is definitely something worth reading about. I never thought I'd see the day when his composure would crack on a happy side, but the Machalo sure did it. I laughed until I cried myself, its that funny.

I loved the fighting between Barrons and V'lane over Mac like two dogs over a bone. I love the snarkiness between them. You can practically see the steam roll off Barrons every time V'lane puts his name on Mac's tongue. Even though it is for her protection, he cannot stand it, making it seem like there just might some real feelings for Mac from Barrons. Why would he get jealous unless he cared?

I cannot believe the ending of this book. What happens to Mac is absolutely horrifying, and to make matters worse, the book just ends in the middle of those horrors making one heck of a cliff hanger. I finished the last sentence and had to check twice to make sure it really was the end. I'm glad the next book is already out or I would go insane with the wait. This isn't a book you want to read without having the next one handy. The series just seems to be getting better with more and more shocks. It will keep you on the edge of your seat then entire time and despite the rough ending, it really is an excellent read!

Rating: