Monthly Archives: October 2016

October 24, 2016 · 1:37 am

Quote-tastic Monday: Dominance Never Dies by Lexi Blake

“Quote-Tastic” is a meme hosted every Monday on Herding Cats & Burning Soup. Head on over there to see what everyone else is posting about this week.

This is the eleventh book in the Master & Mercenaries series. These books are serious security/BDSM romances which are actually hysterically funny. I wouldn’t like them nearly as much if it wasn’t for the humor in them. It’s not the situations that are funny necessarily. It’s the lines and the characters reactions to each other.

Anyway, this book had a number of lines that I loved, but I’ll just give you one of Mia’s.

She should have damn well known that cleaning up after a couple of murders was definitely women’s work.

And that’s the closest any of these characters get to being a stereotype.

I highly recommend this series, BUT READ THEM IN ORDER. The story lines continue from book to book and you will be totally lost if you try to pick up somewhere in the middle. Of course, the books are so great that reading the entire series will be a treat.

By the way, book twelve Submission is Not Enough comes out this Tuesday, October 25th and I cannot wait.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Realistic, Romance

Tagged as Lexi Blake, Quote-tastic Monday

October 23, 2016 · 6:47 pm

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor, #6.5) by Jill Shalvis

Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Under the Mistletoe
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor, #6.5
Pages: 80
Publisher: Forever Yours
Date: December 4, 2012

Summary:

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he’s overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia’s love for a lifetime.

Review:

Four times! I have read this book (novella/short story) four times and never reviewed it. And it so deserves a review.

Under the Mistletoe is Mia’s and Nick’s story. If you are a fan of the Lucky Harbor series, you will remember teenage Mia. I always loved Mia and her boyfriend Carlos. I really thought they would end up together.

But people grow up and sometimes they grow apart.

Mia moved to New York to go to school and met Nick. Like Mia, he was given up at birth but unlike Mia, he never had a loving family of his own. Needless to say, he has issues and it is those issues that almost cause him lose Mia.

This is a great little story. It’s sweet and heartwarming. We get to see many of the characters (including Lucille) from the earlier books.

And, of course, it has a happily ever after.

Oddly enough, this one stands alone. I am compulsive about reading book series in order, but if you want a charming read and you haven’t read the others, you can still enjoy this one. But why would you want to? Read them all. You won’t regret it.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Realistic, Romance

Tagged as Jill Shalvis, Lucky Harbor, New Adult

October 17, 2016 · 1:28 am

Quote-tastic Monday and a Giveaway! Crimson Death by Laurell K. Hamilton

I have already posted a quote once from this book, but now that it is actually out I want to give you a little bit more from it. Not to mention that I also want to give everyone a chance at the giveaway that Berkley Publishing has been nice enough to sponsor. They are donating a previous book from the series (no, you don’t get to choose) which will be mailed directly to one of my commenters. I plan on selecting someone the end of this week – October 21st.

Anyway, now for another tidbit from the book. Do you know how hard it is to choose something without spoilers??

Edward has called Anita from Ireland and he is in full-on Ted mode. Those of you who are familiar with the series will know what I mean.

“Tell Jean-Claude howdy for me?”

“Howdy? Even Ted doesn’t say Howdy.

I’m American, Anita, we’re all cowboys, didn’t you know that darling?” he said in a drawl so thick it sounded like you should be able to do a Texas two-step on it.

Coming from someone born in the South, but raised out west, I completely understand stereotyping. Yes, I have a Southern accent (although Southerners always said I sounded like a Yankee -sigh-), but that does not mean I am a hick, or stupid, or conservative, or any of another thousand things that have been displayed in books and on film. And no, all Americans are not cowboys either.

Okay, off my soapbox.

Be sure and comment on this post or the previous review of Crimson Death to be eligible for the giveaway and Good Luck.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Paranormal

Tagged as Anita Blake, Crimson Death, Laurell K. Hamilton

October 11, 2016 · 7:31 pm

Back to Buckhorn (Buckhorn Brothers, #5.6) by Lori Foster

Back to Buckhorn by Lori Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Back to Buckhorn
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Buckhorn Brothers, #5.6
Pages: 88
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Date: August 1, 2014

Summary:

For odd-girl-out Zoey Hodge, the best thing about Buckhorn, Kentucky, was leaving it behind. And now she’s back—at least until she can nurse her mother back to health and hightail it out of there anew. But there’s one person she doesn’t mind seeing again. Garrett Hudson was one of the few who was always kind to her. Now he’s a firefighter—still one of the good guys, but with a sexy alpha charm that’s tempting her inner bad girl.

In school, Zoey was smart, witty and unafraid to be herself. Garrett fell hard back then, and he’s falling even faster now. As far as he’s concerned, there are all kinds of reasons Zoey should stick around. Her pet grooming business. Her mom. And the chance for him to prove that he can be her real-life hero in every way that matters…

Review:

I have been reading Lori Foster’s books for years and they are always enjoyable. They’re funny, but not fluff. There is always some type of serious subplot going on. Most of the time there is an animal involved which I love. And did I mention they are HOT? They are hot and sexy without being overly explicit. Explicit doesn’t bother me, it’s just these books aren’t. For example:

Zoe has been swimming in the lake and still has her very small bikini on. Garrett is trying to pull her into his arms.

“After resting her hands on his shoulders, she hesitated. ‘I don’t want to get you wet.’

‘Funny.’ He leaned down until she felt his breath. ‘I can’t say the same to you.’

Like I said, hot, not explicit.

This set of books is about the second generation of men from Buckhorn. Their dads, the original Buckhorn brothers, make an appearance and although they only have short scenes, they are just as appealing as they were in their own books.

All of Lori Foster’s contemporary romances are great. They’re the type of books you pick when you want a quick, good read. Something you know you are going to enjoy. She nails it everytime.

I do believe it’s time for a complete re-read of this series. In other words, it’s time to have fun.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Tagged as Buckhorn Brothers, Lori Foster

October 10, 2016 · 5:34 pm

A Killer Closet by Paula Paul

A Killer Closet: A Mystery by Paula Paul
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Title: A Killer Closet
Author: Paula Paul
Series: n/a
Pages:
Publisher: Alibi
Date: October 11, 2016

Summary:

Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.

But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again.

Review:

“There was a dead woman in Irene’s Closet.”

As soon as I read the first line of this book, I thought it was going to be good.

Boy, was I wrong?!

Only two of the characters were likable: Irene and Angel and I didn’t even like Irene all that much. Even the good guys got on my nerves.

The setting is Santa Fe, New Mexico and at times the book read like a travelogue. I’ve been there. Santa Fe is gorgeous, but all the extraneous information did nothing to advance the story.

And another thing, Irene runs an upscale consignment shop, and I mean upscale. We’re talking Prada, not Liz Claiborne. Of course, the clothing was integral to the subplot about her store, but I thought the multiple descriptions of how much she charged in contrast to what something cost retail were unnecessary.

There were contradictions and repetitive statements. Maybe these will be caught with editing, but a beta reader should have caught them before the book went to reviewers.

I have read another book by Paula Paul, Medium Dead, and I really enjoyed it. It was the fourth in a series, but still managed to hold my interest. This book is nowhere near the same quality. Unfortunately, based on my opinion of A Killer Closet, I am done. I won’t waste my time on another book.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Realistic

October 10, 2016 · 1:17 am

Quote-tastic Monday: Crimson Death

I am reading Laurell K. Hamilton’s new Anita Blake for the second time BECAUSE I neglected to write the review the first time I read it. The release date is tomorrow, October 11th and it’s only been a month since I read it. You would think I would be able to remember it well enough to review and I can. I just don’t think I can give it the justice it deserves. It’s a great book although there are things that happen that I really, really didn’t like.

Anyway, that’s why this week’s quote is coming from Crimson Death. I am reading it again. -sigh-

As long time readers of this series will know, Anita is terrified of flying. She doesn’t like takeoffs, landings, or anything in between. In this book, she has no choice but to take a multi-hour flight. Because she knows her emotions will be out of control, she has to contact everyone she has a metaphysical link with and that’s a really long list.

Her solution: group texts.

Yay technology. making polyamorous relationships better since the iPhone was invented.

And, once again, how did we survive without our cell/smart phones?

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Tagged as Anita Blake, Quote-tastic Monday

October 9, 2016 · 1:28 am

Crimson Death (Anita Blake, #25) by Laurell K. Hamilton and a Giveaway

Crimson Death by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review to follow.

But, wow. WOW!

UPDATED ON 10/9/2016

Title: Crimson Death
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Series: Anita Blake, #25
Pages: 576
Publisher: Berkley
Date: October 11, 2016

Summary:

Now, in her twenty-fifth adventure, vampire hunter and zombie raiser Anita Blake learns how far she’ll go to save someone she loves…

When Damian—Anita’s sometimes lover, servant, and friend—is kidnapped, Anita heads to Ireland. There she must face off against the vampire who created him. M’Lady, Moroven, Nemhain…under every name she brings terror and destruction. But Anita brings her own weapon to the party: Edward, the man known as Death itself…

Review:

I read this book the first time (Yes, I know. It’s not even out yet and I’ve already read it twice. That should tell you something.) in August. Because I didn’t review it then AND I enjoyed it so much the first time, I decided it deserved a re-read before a formal review. However, I did post to Goodreads my original reaction.

“Review to follow.

But, wow. WOW!”

After a second reading, I have to add Oh, wow!

It’s really that good. Are there things that happen that I don’t like?

Yes! Definitely. However, the one that bothers me the most really worked in the scene. And no, I’m not telling. Spoilers, people. Spoilers.

The main plot is Anita and a lot of her extended group go to Ireland to help them with a vampire problem. Ireland has never had vampires before or at least so they thought. Damian lived in Ireland for centuries although I had forgotten about that.

To me, the real plot is Anita’s triumvirate with Nathaniel and Damian. They are still learning how it works. The only one Anita has any experience with is the one she shares with Richard and Jean Claude and that one does not work well due to Richard’s issues. Longtime readers of this series know exactly what I am talking about.
Again, to me, it looks like the one she shares with Damian and Nathaniel is going to give her even more power than the one she shares with Jean Claude and Richard.

The main problem I had with the book is there are too many characters. I can’t keep everyone straight. I feel like I need an annotated list of who is who. Even Anita feels overwhelmed at times with all the people she is responsible for. -grin-

Would I get rid of anyone? No! I am just struggling to keep everyone in the correct role.

All of my favorite characters are there: Jean Claude, Nathaniel, Micah (but not enough), even Jason shows up for awhile. There’s a hint that he may have a role in the next book as well. I miss Jason. Edward has a large part, although he is mostly in his Ted character.

Even Asher shows up who I could have done without. I do see though how he added to the main plotline.

There is nothing to dislike about this book. No, I didn’t like everything that happened, but everything was important.

Read it! You’ll understand.

I ALMOST FORGOT! The publisher has very nicely offered a free book from the series to a random commenter. You can comment here or on my Goodreads review. If you are selected, I will contact you for your mailing address.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Tagged as Anita Blake, Giveaway

October 6, 2016 · 5:01 pm

Quote-tastic Monday: And yes, I know it’s not Monday

Thursday! Thursday’s the new Monday, right? Lord, I hope not. I’d hate to go through this week again. Anyway, better late than never comes this week’s Quote-tastic Monday. (And no, I’m not discussing the fact that I missed last week altogether.)

Jill Shalvis’ new book The Trouble with Mistletoe came out this past Tuesday (Okay, two Tuesdays! I’m behind in everything!) and I read it on its release day. The fact that I was in the middle of another book which I need to finish for review did not matter. It was a new Jill Shalvis people. There are priorities after all.

Anyway, Keane is petsitting/has inherited a cat from his aunt and he has no idea on how to care for her. The cat is destroying his house and is not hesitant to show her opinion of Keane.

. . . And then she . . .” He trailed off and appeared to chomp on his back teeth.

“What?”

“Took a dump in my favorite running shoes.”

Willa owns a pet salon and gift shop, so he goes to her for help. Unfortunately for him, she knows and hates him from high school . . . and he doesn’t even remember her. Not the best situation in which to be asking for a favor.

Fortunately for Keane, Willa is a soft touch particularly where animals are concerned.

“What’s her name?” she asked.

“Petunia, but I’m going with Pita. Short for pain in the ass.”

I love it! It reminds me of the old Disney movie “That Darn Cat” in which the cat was called DC for Darn Cat. The original pre-Disney version was That Damn Cat or at least that is what I have heard.

Anyway, the book is wonderful and the second in her Heartbreaker Bay series. Grab it. It’s lots of fun.