Teaser Tuesday: Time Thief by Katie MacAlister

May 20, 2013 | 9 Comments

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  This meme is simple and fun, you just pick up your current read, flip to a random page, and choose 1 or 2 teaser sentences to share!

Katie MacAlister recently debuted a new Paranormal Romance series, Time Thief.  I am just starting this one, I’ve been eager to read it.  I hope you enjoy the teaser, and keep in mind that my teaser comes from the advanced reviewer copy and is subject to change in the published copy. 

Time Thief Summary from Goodreads:

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DARK ONES NOVELS!

Outcast due to their ability to manipulate time, shunned by the mortal and immortal worlds alike, a Traveller’s life is anything but easy.

Peter Faa is a member of the Watch tracking down a murderer, and unfortunately, all clues seem to point toward his own estranged family of Travellers. Any of his cousins could be guilty, but which one? They’re all experts in the art of stealing time…

After surviving a lightning strike, Kiya Mortenson is determined to get just one thing in her life right. And if that means taking a job as nanny to five pugs on a campsite in the Oregon wilderness, then so be it. It doesn’t hurt that the job comes with some spectacular male eye candy, including her new boss’s gorgeous grandson. If only she didn’t keep having this strange sense of deja vu…

When Peter discovers his own family is stealing time from Kiya, all bets are off. While she may drive him crazy at times, it’s clear that it’s not just lightning that’s creating some serious sparks between them. And he’s not going to let secrets, lies, or a devious murderer keep Kiya from where she belongs: at his side.

Do you have any book teasers to share?  Let me know in the comments, or leave your teaser in the comment section.

Happy Reading!

Paranormal #Review: Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

May 20, 2013 | 2 Comments

Dead Ever After

by Charlaine Harris

Source: *I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart…

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…

Book Savvy Babe’s Review:

Dead Ever After is the last book of the Sookie Stackhouse series.  The series has had ups and downs, but in the end, I have nothing but love for Charlaine Harris who created a series that hooked me onto paranormal books and inspired me to continue to branch out in my reading adventures.

The Sookie Stackhouse series is the very first adult paranormal/vampire series I ever read.  I started reading this series years ago, I have invested a lot of reading time in the Southern vampire and supernatural filled world that Charlaine Harris created.  I’ve loved Sookie from the start, she is a southern, down-home girl who becomes embroiled in supernatural drama because of her unique “extra” talents.  Sookie is a telepath, she is unique, she is cute, and fiercely loyal.  Through the series, Sookie made some good decisions, some terrible decisions, and her life took all sorts of turns.  In Dead Ever After, Sookie’s story finally comes full circle as Sookie starts making real decisions about her future.

At the end of Deadlocked (book 12), it became clear that Sookie was on-the-outs with the vampires, including her vampire boyfriend Eric.  That theme is continued in Dead Ever After.  The vampires play relatively minor roles in this book in comparison to earlier books.  I missed Eric, but his character has changed through the series, and the allure of the vampires dwindled.  Other than Eric and Bill, the vampires are as over Sookie as she is them.

There are several dangers to Sookie in this book, she has been framed for the murder of her former best friend, Arlene, and mysterious enemies are out to kill her.  Sookie’s friends come to her side to bail her out,  have her back, and help her stay alive.  I loved getting to see so many characters again, from Quinn the weretiger to Bob, the former cat.  There have been so many characters through the previous 12 books who had an impact on Sookie, and Charlaine Harris did a very good job bringing them together for Dead Ever After to help tie the series up.

As for the outcome, the finale to the series, it was fairly predictable.  There was no huge surprise for me, no “I can’t believe Sookie did that,” or “What the hell?”  There were a few head-scratching moments (mostly including Eric and Sam), but, I could see the direction Sookie was heading a few books ago, and I believe that this was the right path for her.

The Dead Ever After finale was not epic, it was simply an end.  I am satisfied with this last book though.  I know that there is no way for Charlaine Harris to make every reader happy, but I felt that this last book was fitting to the series.  I think that I will always want more Sookie, but all good things must come to an end at some point.  Sookie Stackhouse will always be a favorite character of mine and I will always be grateful to Charlaine Harris for introducing me to the spectacular world of paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

*On a side note* For those of you who are curious, my favorite book in this series is book 4, Dead to the World.  I have read and re-read Dead to the World at least 10 times now *

#Romantica #Review: Mine to Hold by Shayla Black

May 18, 2013 | No Comments

Mine to Hold 

by Shayla Black

Published by: Berkley Heat

Rating: 

A friend’s duty.

Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While Tyler supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to lean on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over, Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.

A lover’s desire.

After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a stalker determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the killer, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney—body and soul—Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…

Book Savvy Babe’s Quickie Review:

I LOVE Tyler. I am declaring Tyler my new book boyfriend. Tyler is a big, protective male with a heart of gold. He was dealt some life-changing surprises, and has made his share of mistakes, but he mans up and sets out to take care of his own and make things right.

It took me awhile to really like Delany. I was irritated with her for her decisions and for keeping so many secrets from Tyler. However, she went through some very difficult times and the woman has mettle. I came to really like her character as well. Delany and Tyler had excellent chemistry, their sexual encounters are super hot, but also emotional.

This Wicked Lovers series gets better and better. Shayla Black has a talent for writing characters that get under my skin, for better or worse (I have been caught yelling at the book characters while reading..). I always find myself wrapped up in the character’s stories and I love seeing how each of these enigmatic, alpha, sexy men find happiness.

For readers who like contemporary erotic romances (which I call romantica), the Wicked Lovers series is a series you should not miss.

*my review of book 7, Ours to Love is will be up next week!*

Happy Reading–

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow: Book Boyfriends & Naughty Gifts

May 16, 2013 | 6 Comments

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!

Hey Everyone, it’s been a long time since I’ve joined in, and did I ever pick a fun week, LOL.  Here’s this week’s question:

Question of the Week: You just walked into your bedroom to find your favorite book boyfriend lying on your bed with three naughty gifts. Who is it and what are they? 

Link to Goodreads

Ha!  I am going to go with one of my more recent book boyfriends, Tyler from Mine to Hold by Shayla Black.  Tyler is a big, protective man with a super sweet heart.  I just want to grab him and keep him, LOL.  Ok, on to the naughty gifts…

1. Chocolate sauce
2. Whipped cream
3. And of course, handcuffs 

Use your imagination a little bit… such a nice fantasy scene right there…

Anyhow, who would you pick and what naughty gifts would you choose? If you are a new follower, be sure to let me know and how you follow so I can follow back!

Contemporary Romantica #Review & #Giveaway: Blush by Lauren Jameson

May 16, 2013 | 17 Comments

Blush 

by Lauren Jameson

*Contest sponsored by publisher*

From the author of Surrender to Temptation comes a provocative story of overwhelming passion set free with one exquisite touch.…

Madeline Stone is determined to heal from her tragic past, one difficult step at a time…and she doesn’t need any distractions. Then she meets a mysterious and captivating stranger—and over a glass of outrageously expensive wine, her world turns upside down. Try as she might to banish the wealthy business mogul from her thoughts, Madeline can’t fight Alex’s staggering appeal or his enticing offer of intimate discovery.

Alex doesn’t date—at least, not in the traditional sense. Still, he wants Madeline…and his sexual intensity provides her with a much-needed escape. They embark on a tumultuous erotic affair, one that takes them to the pinnacle of obsession and desire. But underneath each explosive encounter lie dangerous secrets waiting to consume them both.…

Lauren Jameson is a writer who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. She also writes erotic romance as Lauren Hawkeye.  Visit her online at www.laurenjameson.com and twitter.com/LaurenHJameson.

Review by Heather, Book Savvy Babe:

Rating: 

Lauren Jameson was a new-to-me-author when I picked up Blush and I am sure that I will be reading more from her in the future.

Blush started off a bit slow for me, it took me awhile to understand the characters, whose pasts and natures are slowly uncovered.  Madeline was especially confusing, she was at odds with herself for most of the book and I had a difficult time connecting to her.  However, as Alex pushes her boundaries and challenges her, Madeline starts to sort herself out.  Alex is a dominant, through and through.  He has a tough time sorting through Madeline’s issues and uncovering her submissive side.  Alex and Madeline go through a lot of angst and on/off, together/not together ups and downs.  This type of relationship has a tendency to put me off and frustrate me, however both Madeline and Alex grew as characters and they kept me reading.

Blush is a romantica novel which includes some graphic, and very steamy, BDSM scenes.  Lauren Jameson did a great job setting the scenes and showcasing the attraction and heat between Maddy and Alex.  Alex is part owner of a private, exclusive BDSM club, In Vino Veritas.  I am intrigued by the club and the secondary characters who are introduced there.  Even though I had some mixed feelings and a slow start to Blush, I enjoyed the book overall.  I am definitely curious to see where Lauren Jameson will take this series and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

The publisher, NAL, is sponsoring this giveaway contest.  Three lucky winners (US/CAN only) will receive one copy of Lauren Jameson’s sizzling new novel BLUSH!  Due to the adult nature of this book, entrants must be 18 to enter and have a US/CAN mailing address.  The contest will run for 1 week, from today May 16, 2013 through Wednesday May 22.

How to enter: Simply leave a comment on this post and fill out the Rafflecopter below

Good luck and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Paranormal Romance #Review: The Cursed by Alyssa Day

May 15, 2013 | 5 Comments

The Cursed

by Alyssa Day

*Source: E-galley provided in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley*

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars 

New York Times bestselling author of the Warriors of Poseidon series Alyssa Day returns with a thrilling new series of paranormal romance and a heated battle between good and evil fought to the death on the streets of New York…

Bordertown private investigator Luke Oliver’s beat is the dimensional fold in Manhattan between the human and supernatural realms. But now a secret from his past—the League of the Black Swan—has surfaced. Because Luke isn’t any ordinary P.I. He’s the Dark Wizard of Bordertown, and he never backs down from a fight.

But this time the fight threatens his life and his heart. Rio Jones, the only woman he loved, needs his help against a deadly menace. Luke pushed her away once before, so she’d never fall prey to the curse that threatens to destroy him. He swore he’d never let her go again.

Luke and Rio, with the help of the newly reformed League, must keep evil forces from taking over Bordertown—all the while battling a passion on the razor’s edge between danger and desire. And going to take everything they have just to stay alive.

Book Savvy Babe’s Review:

The Cursed is my favorite kind of paranormal read; a book that blurs the genre lines between paranormal romance and urban fantasy.  The Cursed features a kick-butt, snarky heroine, an urban fantasy setting full of magic and supernatural creatures, and a sizzling romance that heats the pages.  Alyssa Day has me hooked on this new series, this is one urban fantasy and paranormal readers do not want to miss.

When the book begins, Rio is a “mostly human” woman trying to get by and survive in Bordertown, a supernatural city pocketed away in New York.  Rio’s life suddenly gets complicated, she gains unexpected enemies and turns to the hot wizard/private investigator Luke Oliver for help.  Luke and Rio have known each other in passing, but Luke has done his best to avoid the temptation that is Rio.  When Rio needs help, he can’t help put step in and do his best to protect her.  Rio is more than she appears, and as her 25th birthday approaches, the danger to Rio rises as does the sizzling attraction between them.

I happen to love snarky, kick-butt characters and Alyssa Day has delivered some excellent characters in Rio and Luke.  The dialogue and interactions between Rio and Luke are very witty, sarcastic, and thoroughly entertaining.  I wanted to share an example.  This is not a spoiler and it’s a pretty fun teaser (I was highlighting all over the place in my e-reader).

I love that Luke and Rio do their best to stay true to themselves while life throws them road blocks and changes and adjust to having someone significant to share life with.  Luke has some serious power that gets ramped up by his protective instincts towards Rio.  I love Luke and Rio as a couple.  As more of Rio’s mysterious background is revealed, the story becomes even more intriguing and complex.  

The setting and world-building of The Cursed is fantasic.  Bordertown is an intriguing place, a world hidden within the human world with ties to various different dimensions.  Bordertown is full of paranormal beings of all kinds, from various realms and magical abilities.  There seemed to be no end to the different types of supernaturals that popped up throughout the story.  Luke is the go-to guy to solve problems in Bortertown, and the problems are as varied, complex, and as unexpected as the supernatural entities that inhabit Bordertown.

I only fell deeper into the story as I read.  As I stated earlier, Alyssa Day has completely hooked me into this new series.  The Cursed is a fast-paced, entertaining, I-didn’t-want-to-put-it-down book and I absolutely want to read more in this series.  The secondary (and other various side characters) are well-developed as well as the protagonists and I am itching to see where this series will go.  The Cursed is only book 1 in this brand new League of the Black Swan series.  I sincerely hope that there are many more books to come.  Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy readers, I absolutely recommend giving this book a try.