Monthly Archives: July 2012

Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon, with Naked Empire, which is the 8th book in this series.

 

Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

I went into reading Naked Empire, knowing this from all kinds of feedback I had heard that this could be the worst of the series.  But surprisingly to me, I found this not to be the worst.  It was not Goodkind’s best by far, but not the worst.  I have mixed emotions on this book, some good and some bad, which I will note below.  My personal opinion is I liked Naked Empire better then Soul of the Fire, and Pillars of Creation.   At the end I will explain why I feel this way. 

The beginning of this book was slow picking up pretty much right after the Pillars of Creation, as it was in actuality sort of a continuation.  For a good part of the beginning of the book, Richard spent too much time explaining to Jennson his political views, and other repetitious stuff, such as the propaganda, speeches on freedom, especially to the Bandakar men.  This book had the possibility of being excellent, as the earlier ones, had this not been overdone.

But there were some good parts I really enjoyed. I loved spending the entire book with Richard, Kahlan, and Cara, especially after almost nothing in Pillars.  Loved spending more time with Zedd (though not good for Zedd and Adie).  Thought Zedd’s rescue was super, seeing Chase, Rachel, then Rikka and Captain Zimmer, each come on their own to rescue them.  That was fun. Nice to see Nathan again, even if it was for a short period.  Enjoyed Richard finally breaking through to the people and get them to help him fight the enemy.  Owen, Anson and the Bandakar men were good characters, and it is an excellent storyline that you do need to recognize & not blind yourself to evil, or you will lose in the end to that same evil.

Nicholas the Slide, was hideous, but an excellent villain.  I do not like Jagang, and look forward to the end when Jagang the Just, gets his justice from Richard & Kahlan.

Ok, why did I rate this book better then either Soul of the Fire or the Pillars of Creation.  Though it was not my favorite book, due the repetitious political speeches, it was a relaxing read. I did not like Soul of the Fire, hated the people of Anderith, and hated what they did to Kahlan.  Though nice to meet Jennson in Pillars, and some of the story was ok, I missed the main ingredient of SOT, Richard and Kahlan. In Naked Empire, there were many parts I found enjoyable, and interesting.  The end was very good; trying to find the antidote, winning the fight against the imperial order with the men of Bandakar, Richard finding the truth and learning to use his gift,  rescuing Kahlan, and the killing of Nicholas was exciting.  But most of all, I guess I am totally obsessed with Richard, Kahlan and Cara.  Just seeing them, spending almost the whole book with them, and reading nothing that stressed me out, made me rate this book higher then the other two.  

What did you think?

Reviewed by Barb

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THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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THIRTEEN by Kelley Armstrong -a review

THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong

THIRTEEN is the final instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Although the number of storylines, technically cross, into the 20s (with the many anthologies and short stories available), THIRTEEN is the last of the full-length novels. There remain many stories to be told (Morgan’s and Reese’s for example) but sadly, I understand why Kelley felt the need to close the door on the Women of the Otherworld series. I am also pleased she has announced that she has, at the minimum, three more anthologies set for release starting in 2014. Let us hope that Morgan and the others will get their stories written-nothing like introducing several new characters and never revealing the exact nature of their connection to the series.

THIRTEEN is the culmination of 10 plus years of story telling all starting with Kelley’s introductory WOTO novel BITTEN, where we were first introduced to Elena Michaels –the first and only female werewolf- and her mate and ‘sire’ Clayton Danvers. But the road to THIRTEEN began in the pages of the second story STOLEN with the introduction of Savannah Levine- a young 12year old witch left orphaned when her half-demon/half- witch mother, Eve Levine, was murdered trying to escape Ty Winsloe’s compound of imprisoned supernatural beings. Now 10 years later, Savannah is a young woman, hopelessly in love with the man who helped rescue her from Winsloe’s hold, and a major player trying to stop a 13th century child killer from successfully finding a cure for mortality and revealing the existence of the supernatural race.

Many of the WOTO characters reunite in this final chapter including the revelation that someone who was long thought dead, is very much alive-and for that reason alone-a few more storylines must be written. Kelley has exposed us to many different demons, half-demons, angels and Cabals, but THIRTEEN gathers some of the Otherworld’s nastiest demons and fallen angels in a struggle between ‘the good, the bad and the lowest of the low’. Yet the one whom you would have thought wanted to destroy the world, remains an angel behind the façade of one of most hated beings in the world of religious beliefs. And with the birth of child, comes a reunion between father and daughter, and a new Pack member who reluctantly admits that family is more important than pride.

Savannah and Adam will, at last, admit they have been dancing around each other for many years. Savannah’s proclamation that she has been in love with Adam since he ‘burned’ her initials into a heart, and Adam maintains that their age difference held him back from taking the initial steps towards a relationship will quell the angst of unrequited love. Their relationship has been frustrating throughout the series, knowing that they belonged together, but it will be Adam’s admission that he has felt the same way for a very long time.

Our favorite PACK will reunite in a short story at the end of the book-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. The previous Alpha will be vanquished from position in a head to head battle, a new Pack Alpha will be declared and their numbers will increase with the addition of a new member and his young family.

THIRTEEN is a fast paced, wild ride that will bring back many memories from the previous storylines. Cassandra and Aaron will sacrifice themselves to save a once-beloved Cabal member, while Jasper Haig is released to ensure Hope survives the end of the world. Many of the demon fathers make an appearance as the wall between the worlds slowly disintegrates, but the open portal will allow a beast so frightening, that even the powers of the supernatural are useless against its’ attack. THIRTEEN is a wonderful end to a fantastic series that will be missed by so many readers and friends. I would like to thank the talented Kelley Armstrong for allowing me to ride along on the amazing adventures of Elena, Clay and the Pack. They will truly be missed.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Molly Harper-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Molly Harper -Interview with the Author

From the Website: When Molly Harper was eight years old, she set up a “writing office” in her parents’ living room, complete with an old manual typewriter and a toy phone. And she (very slowly) pecked out the story of her third-grade class taking a trip around the world and losing a kid in each city. She had a dark sense of humor even then.

When Molly was considerably older, she headed for Western Kentucky University, where she majored in print journalism. After graduation, she landed a job with the Paducah Sun and married her high school sweetheart, David, a local police officer. After six years at the newspaper, Molly took a more family-friendly secretarial position at a local church office.

Her husband worked nights and Molly was alone with their small child in the “The Apartment of Lost Souls.” A big fan of vampire movies and TV shows, she decided to write a vampire romance novel. “I wondered what would be the most humiliating way possible to be turned into a vampire—a story that a vampire would be embarrassed to share with their vampire buddies over a nice glass of Type O,” said Molly.

Read Complete Bio: Molly Harper Website

TRC: Hi Molly and Welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires. We would like to start with some background information.  Please tell us something about yourself?

Molly: I am a former newspaper reporter turned romance author from small-town western Kentucky.  I wrote my first vampire book, NICE GIRLS DON’T HAVE FANGS, at night while I was working as a church secretary. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, David, a local police officer.  He was the inspiration for the character, Monroe, in AND ONE LAST THING…

TRC: What have been some of the challenges you have faced in your writing career?

Molly: I think, comparatively, my road to publication was fairly smooth.  There are people who spend years trying to get representation and sell one manuscript.  It took me a year to finish NICE GIRLS, and then about four months to find an agent and sell it.  I can’t complain at all there and realize that this is not a typical publishing story.  I am very, very lucky.

The challenge came after, when I was working full-time and writing at night to meet contract deadlines.  For about five years (2007-2012), I was getting an average of 4 to 5 hours of sleep at night because I would stay up way past midnight to write my manuscripts. Then I’d get up at 5:30 to get my kids ready for school, and go work a full day.  That wears on you after a while.   Fortunately, we reached the point where I could stay home and write full time earlier this year.  So I’m finally getting enough sleep. J

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information between each other and their family and friends. With whom do you share ideas and information and why?

Molly: I have a few author friends who are kind enough to put up with me when I’m stuck or need a barometer to determine if an idea stinks.  My mom, a lifelong romance reader, is also a good sounding board.

TRC: You have quite a wicked sense of humor that shows in your writing style. How would you describe your particular style of writing?

Molly: Snark-tastic.  For some reason, I see the world at a slight angle, and people seem to find it amusing.  My mom and dad are both very dry, funny people.  The stories and humor at family gatherings tend to be hyperbolic and wacky.  I think that shows in my writing.

TRC: Your heroine Jane Jameson is quite the ‘eclectic’ heroine.  Is there anyone in particular that you have ‘mirrored’ or emulated in the creation of Jane?

Molly: Myself.  I am shameless about injecting my own personality into Jane.  I wrote a book years before, which will never see the light of day.  It didn’t work, because there was nothing of my personality in the character.  I felt no connection to her and the intimacy that I seem to share with Jane and her world just wasn’t there.  So I gave Jane my love of books, my clumsiness, my occasional social awkwardness, and my ability to curse creatively.  We’re very similar, but different, because there are things Jane does that I would know better than to try.  (Mixing coffee and synthetic blood, for example.)  So far, it’s worked for me.

TRC: NICE GIRLS DON’T BITE THEIR NEIGHBORS was your February 2012 release in the Jane Jameson series.  Would you please tell us about the premise of the story?

LINKS TO PURCHASE:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
KOBO
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Molly: Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of wedding planning, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend, Gabriel, are coming along smoothly. That is, until she turns a fatally wounded teenage acquaintance, and the Council pronounces her responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane’s kitchen barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen’s appetite and maintain Gabriel’s jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighborhood isn’t enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane’s newly deceased grandma Ruthie has declared war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake she can’t even eat seem downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of…

TRC: Have you had any particular challenges with the character of Jane or the Jane Jameson series of novels?

Molly: Giving Jane so many problems.  I am afraid sometimes that I’m stretching believability that Jane – someone who’s generally pretty likeable – seems to attract so many mortal enemies.

TRC:   THE CARE AND FEEDING OF STRAY VAMPIRES is your July 2012 new release. Will you please tell us something about the premise of the book and the new spin-off series?

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Molly: I seem to be fascinated with poisoned vampires lately. I shot Gabriel with a poisoned arrow in NICE GIRLS DON’T BITE THEIR NEIGHBORS. I dosed a vampire’s blood with ghost chili oil in an upcoming anthology story, THE UNDEAD IN MY BED. And in CARE AND FEEDING, Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands–from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg–gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship–and certainly not anything else.But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.

Cal – who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way – offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn’t seem to understand the difference between “employee” and “servant,” Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him – particularly those concerning nudity. Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance–in the form of her very own stray vampire.

TRC: Do you have any plans to continue the Jane Jameson series now that you have started a spin-off series?

Molly: No, I have written the last title focusing on Jane. But I really love doing the spin offs. I can go back to that world and those characters but still have fun with new characters.

 

TRC: Do you have any plans to continue the werewolf series? If not, is there a particular reason or aspect that determined your decision?

Molly: I hope to make an announcement about that soon.

TRC: Have you ever been approached about a television series for any or all of your books? Have you ever considered writing for a television series?

Molly: No, I would love to see any of my titles make it to the screen. But I’ve never been approached. And I would love to write for TV, but I would probably be the “funny quip” writer who adds meat to the already sturdy plot structure provided by other writers.

TRC: Would you please tell us on what you are currently working?

Molly: I could tell you, but then I would have to send werewolves after you. (Sorry, the contracts aren’t actually signed yet, so I don’t want to jinx the project.)

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Molly: If you don’t have time to read, I would recommend looking up my books on Audio. It’s a handy way to get your reading time in while commuting to work, doing chores, etc. I never would have finished the Percy Jackson series without them. J Audible.com, iTunes and Amazon.com carry all of my titles on audiobook. Amanda Ronconi does a beautiful job narrating each one.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

Chicken Marsala

Favorite Dessert

Chocolate Truffle Cake

Favorite TV Show

The Office

Favorite Movie

“Daddy’s Dying, Who’s Got the Will?”

Last Movie you Saw

Lost in Austen. (Does that count? It was a miniseries.)

Dark or Milk Chocolate

Dark

Do you have any pets?

Two dachshunds.

Last Vacation Destination

Panama City Beach, FL.

TRC: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. We are looking forward to all of your new releases and re-reading our favorites. We wish you the best of luck with your writing career.

Molly has graciously offered a copy of THE CARE AND FEEDING OF STRAY VAMPIRES to THREE (3) lucky members at The Reading Cafe.

1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, pleaser register using the sign-in at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2. If you use one of the social log-ins, please post your email address with your comment, as twitter etc does not allow for email addresses.

3. Please answer ONE of the LIGHTNING ROUND questions.

4. Giveaway open to continental USA and Canada only.

5. Contest runs July 31 to Aug 3, 2012

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The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper-a review

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The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper -a review

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF STRAY VAMPIRES by Molly Harper

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF STRAY VAMPIRES is the new (July 31, 2012) release and spin-off from Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson Nice Girls series. I was introduced to the writings of Molly Harper through her Naked Werewolf series and thought I would give Jane Jameson a try. I must say the humor and comedic writings with which Molly weaves her storylines had me giggling and laughing.

Iris Scanlon, our heroine, is a take-charge young woman, raising her teen-age sister in a world where vampires and humans co-exist since the Great Coming Out of 1999- although not always a happy co-existence. Keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads in the fictional town of Half Moon Hollow, Iris owns a business (Beeline) that caters to humans and vampires-part events coordinator, part concierge services, and part personal organizer. As a “daywalker” she is a Daytime Vampire Concierge-doing special services for her undead clients who would otherwise be ‘indisposed’. But her most recent trip to a new client’s temporary home would find Iris sprawled on the floor trying to save the ‘life’ of a ‘poisoned’ vampire.

Cletus (Cal) Calix is an ancient vampire with ties to the World Council for the Equal Treatment of the Undead. In the town of Half Moon Hollow to investigate a series of unprovoked and vicious attacks by vampires against humans, Cal finds he is the victim of a potentially deadly poisoning and in the care of a very human female who has no desire to become friends, which suits Cal. Weak and barely able to stand Cal will find himself attracted to the spunky female and protective of her younger sister Gigi.

Iris is hoping her house-guest will leave, but sick and slow to recover, Cal needs a place to stay and continue his investigation behind a wall of secrecy. Possibly poisoned by the very vampires he works for, Cal and Iris begin a search that will put everyone at risk and possibly end the life of the woman he wants to call his own. As the investigation deepens Iris will venture out on her own, but soon finds herself caught between lies and deceit, and the knowledge that she should have trusted her instincts before she loses everyone she loves.

Many of Molly’s NICE GIRLS characters drop by for cameos giving the spin-off a recognizable and familiar edge. Blending the new novel with some of the Jane Jameson storyline flows smoothly and allows readers to feel like they never left Half Moon Hollow. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires had me laughing and crying. Iris is a strong-willed and spunky woman who knows what she wants but even lies and betrayal will cut deep when the heart is involved. This is a fantastic and wonderful storyline that I could not put down. Here’s to another great story from Molly Harper.

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Tonight in our 7th night, the book we will discuss is ………The Pillars of Creation.

The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind – a Review

The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind, is the 7th book in his wonderful Sword of Truth series.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  So here we go.

The beginning of the book wasn’t bad, as we got to know Jennsen, as well as meet her mother.  Sebastian at the beginning seemed a nice guy, though I am always suspicious of nice strangers early on.  Early on you knew he belonged to Jagang, so no mystery there.  The voice Jennsen kept hearing, we knew it was not Richard and once we found out that Sebastian worked for Jagang, we then knew the Keeper was back. 

The story began to drag for me 1/3 into the book, as they traveled, hid, then Sebastian gets arrested, and Jennsen makes a trip in the swamp (where no one goes) to see Althea.  The only interesting part was the snake, when she talked to it and he let her go; then later he saves her.  Cool    Hated when Oba killed the snake.  (mind you I hate snakes). 

I liked Althea, but it was confusing at times when she tried to explain to Jennsen.  I did like Tom, and was happy she ended up with him at the end.  The part with her rescuing Sebastian was totally unrealistic.  Back to Jennsen in a minute.

As for Oba, couldn’t stand him.  Did not even like him as a villain, he was too crazy, killed anyone he came into contact with and was totally over the top.  Sure his mother was bad, and she made him the madman that he became later, when he thought he would rule the world.  Of course, it was the Keeper who gave him even more power.  Oba got his just due at the end.

Back to Jennsen, during the middle, I didn’t like her a bit, because she jumped to conclusion that Richard was the voice, and let her self be totally trusting of a total stranger, did not try to find out who Richard Rahl really was, and was willing to kill him with such fierce passion.

As much as I was not crazy about part of the book, I did very much enjoy the end.  A lot of excitement, Zedd and Adie were great, and Jennsen, though suspicious something was wrong, was stupid. Lol.   But the end was great, and I was happy to see Richard and Kahlan again.  This is what made this book not great.  Waiting til the end to see them both, and just when you see them, we lose Kahlan right away. But it all ended well, and I did enjoy the end, liked Jennsen better, and look forward to her being part of Richard’s family.  Cara was funny when she said another Rahl she had to watch. 

I will continue my journey with Richard & Kahlan by reviewing Naked Empire next.  Feel free to tell us your thoughts on the many negative reviews on The Pillars of Creation…did you agree or disagree? We really do want to hear your thoughts.

Reviewed by Barb

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The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper-a review

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The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper-a review

THE ART OF SEDUCING A NAKED WEREWOLF (Naked Werewolf #2) by Molly Harper

THE ART OF SEDUCING A NAKED WEREWOLF is the second instalment in Molly Harper’s Naked Werewolf series. Stepping back to the first book “How To Flirt With a Naked Werewolf”, the book titles are a reflection of some of the content of the stories. Laughing at their ridiculous circumstances, the werewolves of Grundy Alaska find themselves in the precarious position of human nudity whenever they shift from wolf, and once in awhile, there happens to be an audience. This storyline follows Maggie Graham, whom we were first introduced to in the previous book.

Maggie Graham is the new pack alpha. Elected into the position when her brother Cooper stepped aside, Maggie knows it will be difficult, especially when all the eligible males come looking for a mate and Maggie is one of the few remaining females available. Wanting to keep the shifter line alive, Maggie considers her options, but when a nerdy yet sexy full human comes to their small town, Maggie is experiencing jealousy and emotional turmoil when ever another woman is in his presence. Could this human be Maggie’s future mate?

Nick Thatcher is a researcher- a self-professed nerd and a reluctant Trekkie. Hoping to discover the truth behind the myth surrounding supernatural beings and shape-shifting wolves, Nick finds himself in Grundy Alaska, chasing reports and sightings about giant wolves. And when the beautiful Maggie Graham tells him it is time to leave, Nick is determined to stick it out to the very end, even if it means, giving up everything he has worked for. But the wolves have kept to themselves, and are not about to let a human reveal the truth about their lives.

Several males are vying for Maggie’s attention including a distant cousin and a new comer to the pack. But distant cousins have been stroked off the list of potential mates, and the new comer is looking like her best opportunity for mate selection. And of course there is always the human-who for some reason-makes her heart flutter and her stomach drop every time he is near. Not withstanding an assortment of accidents, near death experiences and gunfire, Maggie is uncertain as to why her pack has been threatened. But like everything in life, there are people who do not like her choices and another pack looking for new territory.

The storyline is slow to build, as is the relationship between Maggie and Nick. Plenty of background information from the previous storyline weaves throughout the novel, which is always good for new readers to the any series. The characters are quick with the one-liners and snappy come-backs. Told from Maggie’s perspective, the reader is along for the ride as she debates the pros and cons of a full-breed mate versus the love of her life, and suffering the well-meaning intentions of a very large extended family. Molly Harper writes with plenty of humor that will keep a smile on your face when a certain wolf takes a bite out of someone’s ass.

LINKS TO PURCHASE:
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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Laura Kaye Guest Post-For the Love of a Greek God Hero

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For the Love of a Greek God Hero

By Laura Kaye for The Reading Café 

I’m so excited to be celebrating the release of West of Want, the second book in my Greek-mythology-based Hearts of the Anemoi series. When writing this book, I especially enjoyed the hero, Zephyros Martius, Supreme God of the West Wind and Guardian of Spring. Here’s why I and the heroine Ella Raines love him, and hopefully YOU will too!:

 

Godly Handsome. What else would you expect in a Greek god? LOL Let’s just say that cover does Zephyros all kinds of justice. Here’s a description from Ella: “She couldn’t stop her brain from resurrecting the image of Zeph tearing off his shirt as he sat on the edge of her bed. As if the man’s broad shoulders and bulging biceps weren’t impressive enough. As if the ridged muscles of his abdomen didn’t just call out to be traced. She had absolutely never seen with her own eyes, on a real man, that incredible cut of muscle just above his hips. But, yeah, he had it, and then some.” And that’s not even mentioning his killer blue eyes!

 

Super Powerful. The Greek gods are renowned for their supernatural powers, and Zeph is no different. As each of the Cardinal Anemoi can, Zeph can control the wind, the weather, and the nature of his season. He can exist in either elemental or corporeal form, and can travel between the human realm and the Realm of the Gods. As the most powerful of the Anemoi and as the God of Spring, Zeph also possesses healing powers of rebirth and renewal. For me, learning about and seeing in action the powers of a paranormal characters is a big part of the fun!

 

Lonely. After a string of devastating betrayals, Zeph not only chooses to be alone and not open himself up again, but he believes that it’s something fundamentally wrong with him that made the betrayals happen. As someone who has experienced her own betrayals, Zeph’s loneliness stands out like a beacon to Ella. She recognizes her own pain in him. And it bonds them together even as Zeph tries to resist her.

 

Tortured. Zeph carries his pain around like Atlas shouldering the world, and sometimes it causes him to act rashly. But Ella understands the pain that underlies these moments and that allows her to break through his pain as no one else ever has.

 

Devoted. One thing becomes central to Zeph’s happiness: Ella’s happiness. He thus becomes devoted to her pleasure, protective of her safety, supportive of her needs, and willing to sacrifice anything for her happiness. His love for her is true, deep, and unconditional. And I love that in a hero.

 

So, those are some of the reasons me and Ella are totally in love with Zephyros Martius.

 

GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY!: What makes a hero especially lovable and compelling to you? One commenter who leaves their email address will win an ebook of West of Want! Open to international! Good luck!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Laura Kaye

Don’t miss the West of Want in the Wild (thru 8/24) giveaway events, too! 

 

Thanks for reading!

LINKS for Laura Kaye Buy Laura’s Books, WEBSITE | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter Sign Up

“Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans.” ~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series

 

About West of Want:

Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted… When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive. Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her. Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.

 

About Laura Kaye:

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with all things paranormal. A published non-fiction author, Laura’s work as an historian and training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of other times and places. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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WEST OF WANT (Hearts of the Anemoi #2) by Laura Kaye

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West of Want (Hearts of the Anemoi #2) by Laura Kaye

WEST OF WANT (Hearts of the Anemoi #2) by Laura Kaye

WEST OF WANT is the second novel (July 2012 release) in Laura Kaye’s Hearts of the Anemoi series. Based loosely on Greek and Roman Mythology, the Anemoi are the gods of the directional winds-North (Boreas), East (Euros), South (Chrysander) and West (Zephyros) and connected to the seasons. Like many families, the gods do not always get along, and sometimes the infighting becomes terrifying and fatal. West of Want is a modern day fantasy and Zephyros storyline.

Zephyros Mauritius is the god of the west-wind: Master of the west wind: Supreme god of spring and the god of life and renewal. But Zephyros has lived many millennia knowing the pain of betrayal. And the pain deepens with the knowledge that the betrayal comes with a familiar face. Emotional and sensitive, Zeph’s anger boils until the storm he has created will prove near-fatal for a beautiful human female.

Ella (Maracella) Raines has lost her twin brother Marcus to a stroke. Despondent since her divorce and now grieving the loss of her brother, Ella boards their sailboat to say a final goodbye to Marcus. But a sudden storm capsizes the boat and sends Ella into the uncontrolled waters of Chesapeake Bay. Injured and dying, Ella wakes to find herself in the hospital with unimaginable pain and the vision of a god-like man in her room. Soon, all of her fantasies will come true.

Ella also has been betrayed, by the man she once loved, but she is quick to accept Zeph’s mythical story surrounding the Anemoi and their powers. With Zeph’s ability to heal, Ella makes a quick recovery, but using his magical powers on a human comes at a painful price and one that he will suffer at the hands of his own father. Daddy-dearest will have to face the wrath of the gods in due time.

As brothers go, the men remain close, but there is always an exception to every family. Eurus, the supreme god of the east wind and the god of misfortune, has always suffered the indignity of his father’s rejection. Growing up with belief that you are evil, becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as he interjects his disregard for human life and the loves of his brother, whenever possible. And now that Zeph has finally found true love, Eurus will make it his primary objective to take everything that is good from his brother. But in the end, it will be a father’s responsibility to temper the evil that he created when he rejected one of his own.

The sexual chemistry between Zeph and Ella is palpable and passionate. Zeph wears his emotions close to the surface and you can almost feel the love and desire as it curls between the pages. But once again, Eurus’ hatred for his brother’s happiness will end in tragedy and a trip to the Underworld will reveal a family connection that no one had seen coming.

WEST OF WANT is a fascinating look at the mythical gods from Greek mythology. There is some humor ‘poofing’ through the story, but there is also heartbreak and loss. The disfunctional family attributes are reminiscent of many modern day families, but with a paranormal twist and one that may bring you to tears. The sexual energy is steamy bordering on erotic, but the love of a man for a woman, will melt your heart. In the end, this is a romantic love story with a HEA. Another great storyline from Laura Kaye.

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper Books
KOBO
The Reading Cafe

Copy supplied by publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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