TBR - Betrayed: Days of the Rogue by Nicky Charles

Believe it or not, I have done no reading this week. I know, I know, what is the world coming to? I blame a full work week  and a new addiction to Candy Crush Saga.  I think it’s out of my system now, so instead of telling you what I read this week, I’m going to share with you what’s on my TBR (To Be Read) list and give an excellent Canadian indie author a little pimp. ;) What’s next for me? Betrayed: Days of the Rogue by Nicky Charles.

From Nicky Charles’ website:  

His mate killed in a horrific explosion, ex-Enforcer Damien Masterson now lives as a rogue werewolf.  Grief stricken and filled with rage, what depths will he sink to in his search for revenge?  And who will be caught in the crossfire?  Will it be Eve, a Fae just entering the Awakening stage?  Or Rafe McRae, part empath and part wolf?  It’s been said that a rogue Enforcer is too dangerous to be allowed to roam.  A suspense driven story of love, betrayal and revenge, this latest addition to the Law of the Lycans series is a sequel to Bonded.

I started the Laws of the Lycans series a few months ago on a recommendation from a friend, and I enjoyed them. The first book, The Mating, was good and the characters hooked me enough that I kept going – and I am so glad I did! These books are great paranormal romance, with strong Alpha males (literally, lol), suspenseful stories, and steamy scenes.  Each book is better than the last for me, especially since we get updates on the characters from the past books.  In a way, this series reminds me of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, in that we get to see the story of a different character in each book, but the supporting players are familiar favourites.

When I got notification that Betrayed was published, I downloaded it immediately and moved it to the top of my TBR list. I HAVE to know what happens to these wolves, and it is said that Betrayed is the grittiest novel of them all. I can not wait!!  Come and join me with this series – Nicky Charles offers all her books for free (Yes, ALL OF THEM. FREE) on her website. Just click the book cover below for the link!

REVIEW - Tell Me It's Real by TJ Klune

Tell Me It’s Real is a m/m romance with a premise so many of us can identify with  - Paul Auster, who sees himself as plain and ordinary, with no exemplary characteristics,  simply can not believe it when Vince  Taylor, perfect hunk of man meat he is, is interested in a relationship.  Certain he’s just being “Freddy Prinze Juniored” (a la She’s All That) Paul reluctantly gives things a chance, afraid to follow his heart in case he gets hurt.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book! There is something about TJ’s writing that I just love – the writing is adult, the language can be dirty, sarcasm and quick wit abounds. I also love his tendency towards slightly neurotic, yet totally real in their craziness, characters. (*coughs* Otter…) Tell Me It’s Real totally delivered.   Paul is so quirky, I love the tangents his mind takes and how his thoughts just come out of his mouth. I was laughing constantly throughout the book, not only because Paul was hilarious, but because I saw so much of myself in his thoughts. (Although mine aren’t quite as cool, quirkily, and sarcastically articulated, lol) 

Vince was just the sweetest thing I could imagine. He saw and knew Paul’s heart immediately and never stopped to question it. His unassuming and calm manner was such a compliment to Paul’s high energy. Yet when it came to sex, Vince he was so forward , his confidence so totally swoon worthy, that Paul couldn’t help but stop fighting and be taken along for the ride. (HA! Pun intended. ;) )

I also have to say I loved the relationship between Paul and his best friend Sandy/Helena Handbasket.  You could feel the love and deep caring even through all the traded barbs, and the quiet scenes between the two of them were some of the most touching scenes I have read in a book in a very long time. Bravo TJ for this, you perfectly captured the love and deep affection that exists between tried and true best friends. 

My only drawback to this book is that sometimes it seemed to be a little over the top. At first I just chalked it up to just not being completely in tune with the world of gay men and drag queens – and truth be told, that is likely a large part of it. The more I read however, I think some things were exaggerated a little too much in order to make a point or get a laugh.   Now, please don’t get me wrong, this happens all the time in romantic comedies – and the instances in Tell Me It’s Real certainly don’t detract from the story. They did make me laugh, exactly as they were intended. It was only after I finished reading that I looked back and realized that they weren’t necessary. The book would have been just as funny and sweet without it, and perhaps just a little more real.

So overall?  3.5 stars, plus one star named Paul James Auster, for 4.5 stars. Wait. Make that  4.75 stars for the sneaky ending that had me screaming in frustration!   (TJ Klune, you know what I’m talking about, and I was ready to go bat-shit crazy all over your Facebook page for that.  Luckily, I kept reading. ;) )  

Bookophiles, go give this book a try. It may not seem your thing at first, but a love story is a love story – and this one will drag (queen, ha!) you right in. Tell Me It's Real is available for download  from Amazon (link below, click the pic), Barnes and Noble, and Dreamspinner Press. 

REVIEW - And With Madness Comes the Light (EIT #6.5) by Karina Halle

February 14 found me giving myself the best Valentine’s Day gift possible – Mr. Dex Foray.  And With Madness Comes the Light is an Experiment in Terror Novella (6.5) that covers Dex’s point of view of the events from the end of The Lying Season through to the end of On Demon Wings.  If you haven’t read the Experiment in Terror series yet, STOP. RIGHT. NOW.  And then… GO GET STARTED. Darkhouse is book one, and it is free on Smashwords.  This series is incredible, one of my all time faves, and I haven’t had one person read it that didn’t love it. 

Now. The best part of And With Madness Comes the Light? It’s Dex’s point of view. We get into that pervy and sarcastic mind of his, discovering his true thoughts and feelings and, let’s be honest, falling even more in love with the man.  He is deliciously tortured in this novella, more so than usual, and you will be his by the end, I swear.

Karina has done an amazing job, as always, capturing the thoughts and feelings of her characters.  The despair/anger/love/hate/depression/desire that is eating at Dex is fully palpable – reading this I was taken back to the instances where I have felt the same way, and those same feelings lived again with Dex.   It was so true, so real – she has that pain down perfectly.

For a novella, this packed in everything I need to be fully satisfied by a book. Five stars, get it, read it, love it, ‘nuff said. 

REVIEW - The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, a human scientist of sorts who has committed her life to protecting the world from the “evil” of vampires.  The thing is, Sydney doesn’t exactly think vampires are so evil any more. Sure, the Strigoi are vicious, but the Moroi and Dhampirs that she has come to know as part of her assignment of protecting the princess-in-hiding  do not fit with the image she has been indoctrinated with her whole life.  The Indigo Spell continues Sydney’s journey  in uncovering the corruption in the Alchemist ranks, coming to terms with her growing magical ability, and accepting that she just might be falling in in love with the vampire Adrian Ivashkov.  How far will Sydney go in straying from her lifetime of teachings in order to do what she thinks is right?

Those of you familiar with Richelle Mead might recognize The Indigo Spell as book three of the YA Bloodlines Series, a spin-off of her highly successful Vampire Academy Series.  Bloodlines quickly became my favourite of the two, and The Indigo Spell did not disappoint! It has everything I like in a book - great characters, some good romance (more so in this book than in the others in the series) and a mystery to solve.  The ex-Alchemist Marcus Finch had me totally curious, and a renegade witch on the loose added to the urgency. I really enjoyed this book, but I will admit I especially enjoyed Adrian and Sydney. They are really built upon in this book, and I loved being a part of it as the reader.

Sydney is such a real character to me. She is amazingly smart when it comes to learning, science, and knowledge – but is completely clueless when it comes to people, societal norms, and her own image. This is highlighted and expanded on in the book as a result of her sheltered upbringing, but truly, Sydney feels no differently than any other girl her age.  Her thoughts, fears, and insecurities are made very clear through Richelle Mead’s writing, as are her strengths and incredible will, bringing the heroine to life in a very true way – and ensuring that the reader loves and roots for her.

And then there is Adrian. Oh my Adrian. Probably one of my fave book boyfriends of all time. This guy is sweet and tortured and sarcastic and sexy and smart and true and full of heart and…yeah. Like I said. Pretty much the ideal book boyfriend, lol.  Adrian is what they call a “spirit user” meaning that he has the ability to tap into or influence the minds/feelings of others.  With being a spirit user comes the risk of insanity – and sometimes Adrian falls into these wonderful times where he is so influenced by spirit that his heart is laid bare through his words and actions. It’s an amazing way for the author to let us really know him, and wow, does it work.

I watched, enthralled, as he painted a large silver heart with flames edging one side. The whole design was Celtic in style. It was beautiful.

“Where did you get that from?” I asked in awe. I’d seen a lot of his work but never anything like this.

His eyes were on his heart, completely caught up in his work. “Just something kicking around in my head.  Reminds me of you. Fiery and sweet, all at the same time. A flame in the dark, lighting my way.” His voice…his words…I recognized it as one of his spirit-driven moments. It should have unnerved me, but there was something sensual about the way he spoke, something that made my breath catch. A flame in the dark.

If you can read that and NOT swoon a little for Adrian…well. Maybe we just can’t be friends.  

The Indigo Spell and the rest of the Bloodlines Series are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.

Weekend Freebies - February 10

Just a short list today, I hope you find something you enjoy! Please remember these are just freebies that I have found, they are not necessarily recommended by me. Also, prices change quickly so please double check before you commit to buy! International readers, if the Amazon link doesn't work for you please check Smashwords. Some books can be found there!

Up Close and Personal (Spotlight Series) by JS Taylor - Erotica read about a director and an actress...

Lucky Charm (A Romantic Comedy) by Marie Astor - Sounds like a good afternoon comfort read...

Fairy Metal Thunder (Songs of Magic #1)  by JL Bryan - A YA Fairy Tale (Smashwords link)

Kindred (Book 1, The Kindred Series) by Erica Stevens - YA, vampire hunters, forbidden love? Downloaded!!

Captured (Book 1, The Captured Series) by Erica Stevens - taken hostage as a vampire's blood slave...sounds good to me!

Immoral Beloved by Ava Ayers - "Immoral Beloved is an erotic fantasy novel containing explicit material, a cast of freaky apparitions, a wicked ménage à quatre and thirteen bad-ass wolves." Hmm....

REVIEW - Collide by Gail McHugh

After the death of her mother, Emily Cooper heads off to start the rest of her life in New York City. She will be rooming with her best friend, and her successful wall street boyfriend Dillon will be by her side.  When Emily meets Gavin Blake through her work as a waitress, she immediately takes notice of “Mr. Tall, Dark, and Fuckable Handsome.”  What starts as simple appreciation becomes more complicated when Emily discovers Gavin Blake is already entwined into her new world – as a best friend and client to her boyfriend, Dillon.  As the two spend more and more time together, Emily struggles with her intense new feelings for Gavin, and her love and loyalty to Dillon.

I WANTED to like this book.  I WANTED to love it. I had heard great things, read the swooning over Gavin,  seen the 350+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.  I thought this was a sure thing.  For me, it wasn’t.  While I’ll agree that Gavin is an interesting character and worth some leading man love, the story as a whole was far too cookie cutter for me to really enjoy.

I knew this wasn’t going to be what I hoped when  the very first thoughts of Gavin’s we were privy to were, “Though his father had told him stories about it happening, until that fateful afternoon, Gavin Blake had believed that love at first sight didn’t exist.”  It goes on to say, “…he felt drawn to her as if a rope bound to his waist, and she was on the other end pulling him to her.”    She sees him and is immediately afterwards telling her friend, “I don’t know; it was the strangest reaction I’ve ever had with someone.”  *sigh* Yes. It is one of those.  They see each other, are drawn to each other, and just can’t stay away.  There is the motivation for the rest of the book.

This book also includes a  successful, rich, leading man who always gets what he wants,  a working class unassuming leading lady who has more inner strength than she realizes,  ex’s who show up at inopportune times and of course are seen by the current love interest,  and a marriage that just  “can’t” be allowed to happen. Combined with the insta-attraction, I can’t live without this person after knowing them for three minutes, love at first sight, you have just about every romance cliché there is.

This book was well written, the sex was hot, but the story and the characters fell flat. It’s not that they weren’t good – but they were good the first time I saw them.  Now they just seem tired and uninventive to me.  I wanted to like this, I really did, but I need more from my books.  I’ll give it a 2.5, maybe stretch to a three simply for the decent writing.

REVIEW - Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade

Emma Pierce is a student trying to find her way after the death of her best friend and sister, and the loss of her long time boyfriend.  Jackson Taylor is a cocky ladies man who is dealing with issues of his own.  The two hang out and flirt every Friday night at Pete’s Bar, but it is nothing more than some innocent fun – or given their shared past,  is innocent and uninvolved even possible?

Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade was a freebie a few weeks back.  I thought it looked decent and it had some good reviews so I thought I’d give it a try. I liked it, the characters were real enough, the flirtation between Emma and Jackson was fun, the conflicts and personal growth were enough to keep this from being just your basic romance.  The romance was downright steamy, and the whole book was well written, with a good plot progression as the layers got peeled from our main characters.  It had everything it should have to make a great book, and everything I usually "need". Unfortunately, something just didn’t fit.

This book is full of incredible quotes on life and love. I don’t know if I have ever highlighted so many moving quotes in one piece of work!  Kudos to Rachael Wade on her amazing writing in this regard. Unfortunately, I think that is where I lost the feel for this book. Emma and Jackson had all these amazing insights into life that I just didn’t find believable.  For one, for people this young to have it all figured out in the way they did was unrealistic. Some of these things I didn’t even figure out myself until recently! (No, I am not disclosing my age. Suffice to say I am older than the main characters, okay? LOL)  My second hang up, was if Emma and Jackson had all this sage advice to give out, why couldn’t they follow it themselves?  Why didn’t they see just how stupid some of their decisions were?   It just seemed to be a contradiction.  To most people they might not even notice, or think this was a big deal. It just rubbed me the wrong way in this book and kept me from appreciating it as much as I could have.

Overall, I give Love and Relativity 3.5 stars.   It is a good book, and many would enjoy it because the flirtation and romance is good and steamy.  It just wasn’t the book for me.

Weekend Freebies Feb 1-3, 2012

Yes, I know it is late - but better than never, right? Here are your weekend freebies!! Unless stated otherwise, I haven't read these yet so please don't take my list as recommendations. These are just free books that I've come across that I or some of you may enjoy. :) WAll of these are free as of the time posted, but please check before you buy - the prices can change quickly!

This Tangled Thing Called Love: A Contemporary Romance Novel by Marie Astor

Valentine Collection (Valentine Anthology) by Jennifer Conner - Two short, sweet romances - just in time for Valentine's Day!

Sophie's Sacrifice (Quartzton Series) by Elle Amery - looks like one of those feel good, basic romances

Maid in the USA (The Bad Boy Billionaires Series) by Judy Angelo. (smashwords link, I believe may be free on Kindle for US)

Snoops in the City (A Romantic Comedy) by Darlene Gardner. (smashwords link) An undercover PI falls for her subject...

Tollesbury Time Forever (Frugality Book 1) by Stuart Ayris. Okay, this is bit of a detour from my usual suspects, but something about this Psychological Thriller's description has be intrigued.

Spank: The Improbable Adventures of George Aloysius Brown by Alan Daniels - Seems to be a unique view on erotica, all reviews are 4 and 5 stars!

To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory - (smashwords link) First book in the Dulcie O'Neill series. (Book 6 was just published!) I've read this and enjoyed it!

A Curve of Claw and A Flash of Fang by R.E. Butler - Romance/Paranormal/Erotica, both books in the series are free. I want to read A Flash of Fang because of this description alone: "Contains M/F/M interaction and plenty of were-bear loving." Cracks me up!!

Review - Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway

Believe it or not, I’m having a hard time finding the words for this review.  I loved this book, simply loved it – and yet somehow that doesn’t seem enough.  Something in this book really spoke to me; the characters, the story, the issues, and the dialogue just came together to create a wonderfully enjoyable piece of writing.

Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway tells the story of Freda, a young Irish woman working two jobs to make ends meet as she figures out just what she would like to do with the rest of her life. Enter her new neighbour Nicholas, or “Vivian” as he first introduces himself to “Fred”, a completely hot and tempting New Zealander who seems to be instantly attracted to Fred.  Intrigued by her new friend, Fred jumps at the opportunity to see Nicholas perform at his new show…and is completely stunned when she realizes his “show” is a drag queen cabaret act.  As she comes to discover the hows and the whys behind this unique man, you can’t help but be dragged along for the ride (pun intenteded ;) ), making for an unique and emotional read.

By now you should all know what makes a great book for me – the characters. And if you read the description above you have to know how I feel about Nicolas!!  Loved, loved, loved him.  Given the topics covered in this book, you know it was exceptionally written when you completely understand every aspect of this man, why he is who he is, and can no longer find the supposed issues in what seems to be an unconventional lifestyle.  

“We all paint on a face to show the world,” Nicolas replies philosophically. “For some of us, that’s quite literal.” He takes a brief pause. “When you’re passionate about something, you don’t mind suffering a little discomfort.”

This man is deep and complicated and yet laid bare and open all at the same time.  Tats and muscle, dress and make up.  As Nicolas says himself, “So this is me darling, a complete and total contradiction. A fucking mess.”  Ahh, but what a mess  you are Nicolas. As I said. LOVED him.

Luckily for me, Nicolas was not the only strong character in this novel. Fred is an amazing and interesting young woman and I identified with her immediately.  Yes, she is prone to some rather longish rants and side tracked internal discussions (an issue to some), but to me it just really made me get to know her.  I loved hearing her unique observations and takes on the world she finds herself in.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt more drunkenly happy, as I allow a six foot tall drag queen in rainbow high heels to twirl me around the empty night club to the beats of “Rock DJ” by Robbie Williams.”

My first thought on reading that? “OMG, that would be soooo much fun!! And I love Rock DJ!!!” LOL! I loved the quirkiness of Fred, so close to my own.  Her insecurities, dreams, and thoughts were similar to mine as well – she was like my younger, Irish, literary twin. LOL!

As you can tell already, the background of this story is unique. It’s not something you would run across every day, and it is not a typical romance novel. This book has some deep and emotional issues, and L.H. Cosway writes in some amazing insights into the human conditions of love and loss.  I loved this book, I can not say it enough.  When I was done, I missed the amazing characters, but more importantly it made me feel as if I now had an increased appreciation for the distinct differences we all have.  Read this. It’s that simple. 100% whole hearted recommendation from me.

Painted Faces is currently .99 on Amazon - click the photo for the link!