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Review: Hit List by Laurell K Hamilton

Review: Hit List by Laurell K Hamilton

June 24, 2011 | 4 Comments

by Laurell K Hamilton
Imprint: Berkley
Publisher: Penguin Books
Publish Date: June 7, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Series: Book 20 in Anita Blake Series
Format: Kindle Ebook
My Rating: ****1/2  4.5 of 5 Stars
Blurb from publisher:
A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect “monsters” are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, U.S. Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.

My Review:
Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series is the ultimate guilty pleasure read.  I have to admit, I had been a little disappointed with the last few books in this series.  I am an Anita Blake fan, but the last few books were not my favorites.  I am very happy to say, I loved this installment in the Anita Blake saga.  There is so much that I would love to share about this book, so this review may be a little on the longer side.

In Hit List, Anita is on the road in Seattle as a US Marshall, hunting down the Harlequin.  Edward, fellow killer, US Marshall, and friend is with Anita, also helping track and kill the underlings of the mother of darkness.  Anita has developed much more control over the ardeur, and therefore is on her own in Hit List; her harem of “sweeties”  is back home.  While I love Anita’s main men, and I missed them, it was great to see Anita back in action, hunting the bad guys with the cops and Edward.

The most surprising (and perhaps refreshing to some readers) part of Hit List was the significant reduction of sex.  After so many books being filled with sex, Hit List was quite tame comparatively.  I actually would have enjoyed a bit more than what was presented, but I was still quite happy.  The only other thing I didn’t necessarily love was that after all this time, Anita still analyzes every relationship and hates having to feed the ardeur.  Part of this is just her character, but I am hopeful that she will continue to become more comfortable with who she is becoming.

Olaf was also back in action in Hit List.  Olaf continues to be a creepy character, but he brings an intriguing side plot to the story.  The conclusion of Hit List sets up plenty of exciting and promising story lines for the future.  After finishing Hit List, I found that I wanted more.  I am very eagerly awaiting book 21.  Thank you Laurell K Hamilton for an excellent book and I can’t wait for more Anita Blake.

You can find Hit List at Amazon.com



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Review & Giveaway! Changeling Moon

Review & Giveaway! Changeling Moon

June 23, 2011 | 37 Comments

by Dani Harper
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Publish Date: May 31, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Book provided for review
My Rating: ***1/2  3.5 of 5 Stars
**Giveaway info after review**

Blurb From Publisher:

He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything — until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf’s vicious attack.
As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw . . . and ultimate evil.


My Review:
 In Changeling Moon, after being viciously attacked by a wolf, newspaper editor Zoey Tyler’s life changes drastically.  Not only does Zoey find herself attracted to her rescuer, local veterinarian Connor Macleod, but now werewolf rumors are starting to spread.  Zoey is unknowingly in danger, and Connor feels compelled to protect her at all costs, or face loosing Zoey when the full moon rises.  
Werewolf and paranormal romance fans, Changeling Moon is a compelling new read that should not be missed.  Author Dani Harper weaves a captivating story about ordinary people with extraordinary abilities.  The setting is a small town in Canada, a close-knit community and plenty of open space.  The reader is able to uncover the hidden secrets of this small town, along with Zoey, who has hidden secrets and abilities herself.
The characters are interesting and easy to relate to.  Connor is the handsome, protective man, and Zoey is an independent, smart woman.  Their chemistry and romance is sweet and believable.  While they have instant attraction, it is not necessarily instant love.  
The structure of this werewolf pack was done very well.  It is nice to see a female alpha for a change.  Also, 


Dani Harper does a great job of blending werewolf mythology, magic, psychic abilities, and science in Changeling Moon.  Using the term Changelings for the werewolves was different, and quite agreeable.




There were not very many issues or problems in Changeling Moon.  It is a promising start to a series, and laid groundwork for future storylines.  Overall, Changeling Moon 










is a good read, and fans of paranormal romance, and werewolf stories will enjoy this novel.  



Be sure to watch for book 2, Changeling Dream, which is to be released later this month!



Changeling Moon can be found at Amazon


GIVEAWAY
I have the opportunity to offer a giveaway with this review.  The giveaway will run from Thursday June 23-Midnight July 1.  *This giveaway is coming from the publisher, so the contest is open to US and Canada*  Entering this contest is easy:
* Leave a comment on this review with your email address in longhand (ex. booksavvybabe AT gmail DOT com)
* for an extra entry, tweet/spread word about this giveaway (leave a direct link in a SEPARATE comment)

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Waiting on Wednesday (6/22)

Waiting on Wednesday (6/22)

June 22, 2011 | 5 Comments

“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly meme, hosted by Breaking the Spine.  Every Wednesday, we get to share what book or books we are eagerly awaiting To Be Released. 
Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter)This week, I am eagerly anticipating Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Blade.  This is book 4 in Singh’s Guild Hunter series.  This series is a favorite of mine, featuring angels, vampires, and steamy romance.  Need I say more?  Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
Trying to discover the identity of a murder victim brings together the vampire Dmitri and a hunter for the Guild, Honor. And as the gruesome murders continue, a lethal sensuality explodes between them.

So, that’s my Waiting on Wednesday pick.  What book are you eagerly anticipating?

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Review: Kisri by Moira Rogers

Review: Kisri by Moira Rogers

June 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

by Moira Rogers
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publish Date: June 21, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Series: Book 2: And the Beast series
My Rating: **** 4 of 5 stars

Blurb from Moirarogers.com:
After three years at war, Ennon bears the burden of seeing the High Lord’s vast armies home. Keeping thousands of fiercely independent lions in line isn’t easy. When his soldiers discover a beautiful, royal female hidden beneath an illusion spell, the lure of her inheritance threatens the order of his camp.
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The men of her family protected Kisri, until the war stole them away. Tired of defending herself from greedy suitors, she’s in search of her only remaining male relative. Instead she finds Ennon, her cousin’s most dangerous warrior. Perhaps the only man in the kingdom who has no interest in claiming her birthright. Which makes him unique…and tempting.

Delivering Kisri to his High Lord’s side–while keeping his distance–is Ennon’s one and only duty. Yet Kisri’s untutored advances crack his formidable resistance. And she proves to be a dangerously adept student. Especially when their passion wakes a magic beyond their control…

Warning: This story contains a dangerous shapeshifter warlord, a lioness with a sword, innocent passion, sexual awakenings and a happily-ever-after worthy of any fairy tale.

My Review
  


Kisri is book 2 in Moira Rogers And the Beast series.  I did not get the chance to read book 1 in the series, and I had no problem getting into the story at all.  The setting is right after a major war, and Kisri, a royal lioness, has been trying to find her cousin (the High Lord), the last male relative she has.  When Ennon, discovers Kisri in his camp, it becomes his responsibility to see Kisri safely to the High Lord.  However, attraction grows between Kisri and Ennon, and Ennon may not be able to leave Kisri untouched.

This short novella was a touching, romantic read.  Kisri is the kind of character I love, she is a tough, no nonsense lioness.  She knows how to fight, how to protect herself, and she is a woman who knows her worth.  The chemistry and the sparks hit Ennon and Kisri fast, and yet their relationship developed in a believable way.  I also enjoyed that the characters are lion shifters, and Kisri is an amazing lioness.

My only critique is that this novella was short.  Kisri is a hot, exciting read and I wanted to keep reading when the story came to an end.  I will be eagerly awaiting more books from this series, and I am looking forward to reading more of Moira Roger’s work.


Book 1 is Sabine, and you can find out more about this book and the series at Moirarogers.com.

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Teaser Tuesday (6/21)

Teaser Tuesday (6/21)

June 21, 2011 | 10 Comments

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Should Be Reading.  This meme is tons of fun.  Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read
*Open to random page
*Share 2 “teaser” sentences from that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO SHARE SPOILERS!!
* Be sure to share Title and Author so other TT participants can add the book to TBR lists!

InkedToday’s Teaser is from Inked, an anthology featuring novellas by Karen Chance, Marjorie M Liu, Yasmin Galenorn, and Eileen WIlks.  My Teaser today is from the first anthology of the book, Skin Deep by Karen Chance, page 113.
I started after Greyshadow, almost deafened by the renewed uproar of the crowd, only to be jerked back by an iron grip on my arm.  I smelled the musky scent of woods and predation and looked up to see Sebastian.

That’s my teaser, what’s your Teaser Tuesday?

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Review: A Tale of Two Goblins

Review: A Tale of Two Goblins

June 20, 2011 | 2 Comments

by HP Mallory
Publish Date: March 2011
Format: Kindle Ebook
Series: Book 2 in Dulcie O’Neil Series

My Rating: ***** 5 of 5 stars

Blurb from Goodreads:
A Dreamstalker— a creature that stalks and kills its victims in sleep.
A fairy in law enforcement determined to stop him.
A potions smuggler who possesses something she wants.
A vampire with his own agenda.
And a partner who couldn’t possibly be sexier or more frustrating.
Dulcie O’Neil is a fairy working in law enforcement for the Netherworld.
When Knight Vander approaches her with a case regarding comatose victims, she agrees to help him, imagining the most difficult part will be combating her attraction to him.
But, what Dulcie isn’t betting on is the fact that the case becomes personal when she learns all the victims are somehow linked to her.
When her best friend falls victim to the Dreamstalker, Dulcie must do everything in her power to ensure her friend’s survival, including associating with criminals and accepting the fact that desperate times do definitely call for desperate measures.

My Review:
  The Dulcie O’Neil series has quickly won me over.  I love the fun, light-hearted feel to the books.  Yes, the characters face dark creatures, and fight bad guys, but there is plenty of humor and all-around great entertainment.  The main characters are back in action, from Dulcie, Knight, Bram, even Quillan.  I did miss Sam a bit, though, as she spent most of the book a victim of the Dreamstalker.  However, Dulcie faced the villains head-on and went to deep, dark depths out of loyalty for her friend.  That fierce loyalty drew me to love Dulcie that much more.  She is an imperfect heroine, who happens to have fairy magic and human hang-ups.  
   While A Tale of Two Goblins is an urban fantasy book, there are hints of romance.  I really like how HP Mallory gives Dulcie’s character several options on the romance front.  There is Knight-the handsome new boss, Quillan-the disgraced former boss, and Bram-the handsome vampire, and they are all attracted to Dulcie.  They give the story a spicy edge that manages to be light-hearted at the same time.  There is plenty of room for possibility, and I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
  After reading both of the Dulcie O’Neil books, I will say that I am a huge fan.  Book 2 was even better than book 1, and I can’t wait to read more Dulcie O’Neil books in the future.  to top it off, the books are very affordable at amazon, these books are an awesome deal.  HP Mallory has a new fan!  I highly recommend this series to Urban Fantasy fans.

*Click to read my review for book 1, To Kill a Warlock
To Kill A Warlock is only 99 cents at Amazon.com
  

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