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Sarah Harian – The Wicked We Have Done – Interview and Review

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Sarah Harian – The Wicked We Have Done – Interview and Review

 

The Wicked We Have Done
Chaos Theory – Book #1
by Sarah Harian
Release Date: March 18th, 2014

The Wicked We Have DoneLinks to order The Wicked We Have Done:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
Evalyn Ibarra never expected to be an accused killer and experimental prison test subject. A year ago, she was a normal college student. Now she’s been sentenced to a month in the compass room—an advanced prison obstacle course designed by the government to execute justice.

If she survives, the world will know she’s innocent.

Locked up with nine notorious and potentially psychotic criminals, Evalyn must fight the prison and dismantle her past to stay alive. But the system prized for accuracy appears to be killing at random.

She doesn’t plan on making friends.

She doesn’t plan on falling in love, either

 

Review:

The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian is the first book in her new adult dystopian  thriller, Chaos Theory series. When asked to review this book, I thought the premise sounded interesting, and decided to give it a try. I was totally surprised to find myself immediately hooked and unable to put this book down until the very end. If this is Sarah Harian’s debut novel, please please count me in for the next one and thereafter, as this is a magical beginning to a wonderful career.

The Wicked We Have Done is a story of survival and redemption in a futuristic world.  Not quite like the Hunger Games, though with a survival theme very similar.  This is a story with young people who have been convicted of a major crime, who are given a choice; immediate death penalty or accept a one month stay in The Compass Room. If they survive, they will go free, but the percentage of survival is slimmer then none.  The Compass Room is even scarier than the arena in the Hunger Games.  This was a thriller a minute, and though these characters, many of whom were bad to the bone; some of the others you found yourself caring very much for, as you prayed and rooted for the their survival.

Evalyn Ibarra is our heroine, who is the major focus of this story.  Evalyn committed a terrible crime, and is considered a terrorist, and very much hated.  But is Evalyn truly guilty?  Throughout the book, there are some flash backs, as we find out what really happened, and why.   From the start, when we meet Evalyn, we find ourselves becoming attached to her, as we watch her say goodbye to her little 5 year old brother, who was adorable and precious.  Evalyn’s strong love for her brother stood out.  Allowing us to ask ourselves, “can you truly be capable of such love, and yet be a cold blooded murderer”? We knew there was something more behind it, as we anxiously waited to find out more.

When taken away, Evalyn travels with the other criminals who are going to The Compass Room, and before they reach their destination, a video is shown describing each of their crimes.  To tell too much more would be giving too many spoilers. But I will say that Harian gives us some fantastic characters; Evalyn is awesome; Casey, was mean at the start, but turned into an equally awesome hero; Valerie, was totally unlikeable when we first meet her, but she too turned out to be great; Jace, Tanner, were also very good, and the unredeemable characters were written very well.  Harian had us glued to our seat, as each of them in The Compass Room must face their past, and find a way to survive against the odds, at the same time prove that they can be redeemed.  Will Evalyn survive?  Is there life after The Compass Room? 

The Wicked We Have Done is a totally different story of survival, in a terrifying race to the finish.  Harian pulls quite a bit of our emotions in this exciting story, filled with nonstop action & great characters; while reading we range from emotional, scary, sad,  and very very intense. Within this tense story, there is a budding romance that at first you could not imagine, but turned out to be a beautiful slow to build relationship.  I cannot wait for the next book in this series.  Sarah Harian is an excellent writer, and I can look forward to more of the same in the future.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview-Blue

Sarah Harian 2

 

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Sarah Harian to discuss her debut novel.

Welcome to The Reading Café, Sarah.   Having read The Wicked We Have Done, I was completely in awe of your writing in your first book!  We are happy to do this interview and learn more about all things Sarah Harian.

 

 

Sarah: So glad I could share it with you. Thank you!

TRC:  Please tell us something about yourself?  Have you always been interested in writing?

Sarah:  I’ve been writing since I was eight. I was super into Nancy Drew as a kid, so naturally I started a novel about twins who discovered a secret tunnel in their basement. When I was older I got really into fan fiction. I kept trying to write a novel of my own but was always too impatient to get past the first 50 pages or so. Finally, when I was twenty, I finished my first book. So yes, I’ve always been interested in writing. The writing part sucks (haha) but I absolutely love creating stories.

TRC: Tell us how you came up with the idea of your Chaos Theory series?

Sarah:  Most of my ideas are wilderness-based because I love nature and the mountains. I also have a weird obsession with either combining technology and nature or pitting them against each other. I knew I wanted to do this in Chaos Theory, but I also wanted to write something that was both thrilling and emotional. I’m a huge fan of LOST and was re-watching the series when I came up with the idea, and the show inspired me a lot.

TRC: The Wicked We Have Done, the first book in this series, is your debut novel.  Can you share with us your reaction when you found out your book was being published?

Sarah:  I was actually hiking when my agent called me and had no service. It wasn’t until I was driving back into town that I got her voicemail and emails that all said “Call me!!!” I was having heart palpitations until I found a place on the side of the road where I had enough signal to hold a call. I’m pretty sure I just said, “Okay,” when she told me the news because I was in a state of shock, but my hiking partner/BFF was sitting next to me and could hear everything, and she started having a silent freak out, which was amusing to say the least.

TRC:  Can you please tell us the general premise for your Chaos Theory series? Also, how many books do you anticipate for this series?

Sarah : The Chaos Theory series is about a near-future world where scientists can predict the moral compass of an individual through readings of emotions and hormones. When criminals are convicted of a crime, they’re tested in order to see if their evil doing was a one-time act, or if they’re truly wicked. The wicked are killed in a Compass Room–a technologically-advanced prison that measures morality when inmates are faced with simulations of their crime.

Currently, the series consists of two novels and a novella.

The Wicked We Have Done

 

TRC:  Please give us a brief description of The Wicked We Have Done?

Sarah:  Twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra is sent to a Compass Room after being convicted of shooting up her school. While faced with terrifying illusions of what she’s done, she also makes friends with fellow inmates, and ends up fighting to save their lives.

 

 

TRC:  What was the most fun/most difficult scene to write in The Wicked We Have Done?

Sarah:  The most fun scene, and one of my favorites, is the scene where Evalyn paints a sky on Casey’s chest. I love writing foreplay and it is both an odd and sexy scenario.

The hardest scene was a death scene (I won’t be specific because I don’t want to give anything away). For being the author of a book with a lot of death in it, I actually hate thinking about death and writing it. I end up crying a lot and need to take constant breaks. It’s pretty pathetic. 

TRC:  A Vault of Sins is your 2nd book in the Chaos Theory, which is set for a September, 2014 release.   Can you tell us anything about this sequel? 

Sarah:  I can’t say a whole lot, but I can say that the book is going to be about choosing the harder path when faced with tough decisions, even when you aren’t obligated to. It’s also going to be about Evalyn coping with being a nationally-hated figure and how she chooses to handle the darkness that her public image brings her.

TRC:  The Chaos Theory is a dystopian New Adult book. Do you have any desire to write other genres?

Sarah:  I write Young Adult as well as New Adult. I really love speculative fiction and plan on sticking with writing science fiction/fantasy/horror, etc.

TRC:  Can you tell us what are you currently working on?

Sarah: I’m currently working on a Chaos Theory novella that’s slated for August. It’s going to be in Valerie’s point of view. I’m very excited about it.

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write? 

Sarah:  I usually write on my couch, at a café, or on my patio. I tend to do a very bare-bones outline before starting, but nothing more. Then I just write—well, word vomit would be a more appropriate term. I don’t even know the characters yet or what scene is going to come after the one I’m writing. My first drafts are atrocious, and I end up rewriting the entire book. But it’s a necessary part of my process. I hate following strict outlines because they leave me no room to consider what could be. TWWHD went through probably ten drafts and one complete rewrite.

TRC:  Many authors have friends or family, that they bounce ideas and information back and forth.  Do you have anyone you like to discuss your story with? 

Sarah:  I have an army. I’m a very needy writer. Lucky I’m blessed with several AMAZING critique partners that will listen to me and help me figure things out. I believe strongly that every writer needs this sort of support base, as well as people who are willing to give brutally honest feedback.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Sarah:  These were awesome questions! Thanks so much for having me!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Dessert: Cookie Dough

Favorite TV Show: Tie between LOST and Firefly

Favorite Actor & Actress (TV or Movies) Currently Jennifer Lawrence and Tom Hardy

Last Book You Read: The Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman

Favorite Fictional Character (not your own): Currently a tie between Todd Hewitt from Chaos Walking Trilogy and Quintana from Lumatere Chronicles.

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Dark

Dog or Cat: Dog

If you want to learn more about Sarah, you can find her at the following links.
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Sarah, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions.  The Reading Café wishes you good luck with The Wicked We Have Done.

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Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

Concealed in DeathLinks to order Concealed in Death: 
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
In a decrepit, long-empty New York building, Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s husband begins the demolition process by swinging a sledgehammer into a wall. When the dust clears, there are two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it. He summons his wife immediately—and by the time she’s done with the crime scene, there are twelve murders to be solved.

The place once housed a makeshift shelter for troubled teenagers, back in the mid-2040s, and Eve tracks down the people who ran it. Between their recollections and the work of the force’s new forensic anthropologist, Eve begins to put names and faces to the remains. They are all young girls. A tattooed tough girl who dealt in illegal drugs. The runaway daughter of a pair of well-to-do doctors. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life.

Then Eve discovers a connection between the victims and someone she knows. And she grows even more determined to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and the evil concealed in one human heart.


Review:

Concealed in Death is the 38th novel in J.D. Robb’s In Death series.  Most of you already know that I am a In Death fanatic, and have read all 38 of the books, and all of the novellas, which Nora (she is J.D. Robb) writes a few times a year.  I love that that I can get my In Death fix without too long to wait (no less than 3 times a year, including the novellas).  Now to my review.

Concealed in Death begins with Roarke, who is and always will be the best and swoonworthy male character in the literary world.  Roarke has just purchased a broken down building, and while reviewing with his staff of what he wants done, he helps start the wrecking ball going by knocking down part of a wall. Of course, we knew something would happen, this is after all a murder mystery, and it is Eve Dallas, our fabulous murder detective.  Roarke calls in his wife, as behind that wall they found two bodies.

Before Eve, Peabody, and the rest of the police crew are done, there will be 12 bodies found, all bones, and all young girls between 12-15 years old.  What will make it a difficult case is that the murders took place 15 years ago. We get to meet a new interesting character, Garnet DeWinter, the new forensic anthropologist. There is an immediate clash of personalities between Eve & Garnet that will continue throughout the book, as they are both strong independent women at the top of their field.  Should be interesting where this will go in future books. 

While the bodies are slowly being identified Eve, her civilian consultant (Roarke), and Peabody delve deep into the history of the old building (The Sanctuary), which was a home for troubled, wayward children/runaways.  As is usual with Eve, we get to find out about the dead girls, at least some of them, such as Shelby, who was the leader of a group of girls.  The story revolves around her, and her friends, who are mostly dead.

With all the years past, and no clues, Eve will slowly begin to put the pieces together. Having had her own troubled childhood, will help Eve put herself in those children’s eyes.  We meet the people who ran The Sanctuary, Philly (Philadelphia) and Nash (Nashville) Jones, a brother and sister team, who had closed the The Sanctuary years before, as it was falling apart, and thanks to a benefactor, moved to a new, bigger and more exclusive building.

This was a different type of case then normal for the In Death series, with lots of details as they continue to dig into the past.  There was no tense murder that we normally witness or a horrible villain that we had to endure.  It was a sad story that came to life for us to see.  But it was an excellent story, one that kept your attention and one you had no idea who the murderer was.  The ending was filled with many surprises, and as I said before, totally different then usually done in this series, very well done.

As is with all the In Death books, there are always two stories that mesh together: the murder(s)/villians and there is Eve & Roarke.  They are such a great couple together, and their love for one another is just beautiful, sexy, heartwarming, and fun.  They are truly partners in every sense of the word.  38 books later, we can see Eve becoming more content in her life, letting her horrific past go, and opening up more to friends and family.  At the same time, Eve the cop, is still a tough, rough, in your face heroine, and that will never change.  She will always stand for the dead.  Concealed in Death is another wonderful addition to this fantastic series, which I pray continues for another 40 more. 

Reviewed by Barb

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Night Broken by Patricia Briggs – a Review and Giveaway

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Night Broken by Patricia Briggs – a Review and Giveaway

Night Broken Banner

Night Broken
Mercy Thompson series – Book #8
by Patricia Briggs
Release Date: March 11, 2014

night broken_front mech.indd

Links to order Night Broken: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.

Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.

Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s ex is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.

 

Review:
Night Broken by Patricia Briggs is the 8th novel of her Mercy Thompson series.  Mercy Thompson is another one of these fantastic kick-ass heroines.  Mercy is a walker, as she can shift into a coyote, though she is always a tough smart warrior in her human form.  Mercy is married to the love of her life, Adam, who is the Alpha of his werewolf clan, and because she is not a werewolf, Mercy still has to gain the respect and win over many of the clan members, mainly some of the female wolves.  Just when things were peaceful, Adam’s ex has stalker and she wants to come home to have the wolves protect her.  Mercy isn’t thrilled about it, but understands that Christy (the ex wife), is in danger.  Needless to say, these two will never get along, as Christy is a self centered bitch, who wants Adam back, even though she is the one who left Adam.  Mercy knows how much Adam loves her, and she isn’t threatened by Christy, but knows that Christy will try to undermine her with the rest of the pack. 

This is a part of the continual story, with Christy’s snide ways of undermining Mercy.  But the major part of the story is what the stalker who comes looking for Christy is; a creature in human guise that is more powerful then anything they have seen before, and Werewolves are very powerful.  This series has always had the supernatural, like Fae, & Werewolves; but this creature is a god, a volcano god to be exact, and there is no way to kill him.  Only Mercy, and her old friend Coyote have any chance at stopping him from killing everyone, including the Werewolves, unless they give Christy to him.  Werewolves stand by those they promise to protect, so that is not an option. 

What follows is an exciting and tense fight, which Mercy of course finds herself at times all alone to try to handle this monster.  As good as she is, this is an impossible task, and with Adam, they try to find other sources to help them, allowing us to see some of the oldies, such as Samuel, Coyote, Tad, Stefan, Wulfe, etc.  In between this, Mercy must also deal with the Grey Lord (Fae), who wants his father’s Walking Stick back, and threatens her to find it.  This is the magic walking stick that no matter how many times she gives it away, it always finds it way back to Mercy.  She also has to deal with her half brother, who has visions and comes looking to Mercy to warn her about this monster.

This was non stop action throughout, and at times very tense, especially when you worried how Mercy, Adam, and the others were going to get out of this battle alive.  Mercy is a smart, savvy and tough heroine, without shifting, and if anyone can figure out what to do it is Mercy. But things were looking dire right to the exciting climax. Were they able to stop the Volcano God?  Will Mercy survive Christy? There were a number of times I would have wanted Mercy to punch Christy, or even force the issue with those from the pack who sided with Christy.  I also thought the ending was great, but though it did end with a resolution, it did seem a bit abrupt, with some things that I felt were left open.  I guess for the next book, but I really enjoyed this story, and thankfully Patricia Briggs will continue to give us more of Mercy Thompson. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

giveaway
Patricia & her publisher are offering a paper copy of NIGHT BROKEN by Patricia Briggs to ONE (1) lucky commenter.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open to USA only.

6. Giveaway runs from March 11 to March 14, 2014, 2014

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The Darkest Joy by Marata Eros – a Review

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The Darkest Joy by Marata Eros – a Review

 

The DArkest JoyLinks to order The Darkest Joy:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository


Description:
A sexy and poignant new adult novel from New York Times bestseller Marata Eros, about two lost souls who find each other in the wake of tragedy, only to learn that love may not be enough to heal the wounds of a dark and tortured past…

Twenty year-old Brooke Starr has escaped the aftermath of a brutal tragedy by abandoning her music studies and moving north to take a summer position as a part-time deck hand on a deep-sea fishing boat. When her survivor’s guilt becomes unbearable, Brooke realizes there’s only one thing she can do to finally erase the pain.

Deep sea fisherman, Chance Taylor, has just wrapped his guitar set at the local saloon when he sees the silhouette of a young woman in repose, the full moon highlighting her shadow as she plummets from a pier too high for diving… into water too cold to survive. Without thinking, he plunges in after her, saving Brooke from drowning.

As Chance works to save her from her own emotional fragility, Brooke finally begins to learn how to save herself. But when their chemistry begins to consume them, Brooke withdraws. She’s determined to be the master of her own destiny… until the past catches up with her in a cataclysmic plan so dark, so final… it threatens their love and their very lives.

 

Review:

When I received this book to read and review, the first thing I noticed was the nice sexy cover.  I assumed (I know ) that this was an erotic novel.  I enjoy steamy sexy books in my stories, but I prefer my books a mix,  not just full erotic, so I never planned on reading this book.  A few days later, I read the blurb on the back cover, and discovered that this was a New Adult and it sounded good.  I decided to read it.  I am so glad I did, as I loved The Darkest Joy and came away very impressed with the writing of Marata Eros. 

The Darkest Joy blows you away with a beginning that by the time I was on page 2, I was already hooked. Our heroine, Brooke, who is a young pianist prodigy awaiting to be admitted to Julliard.  She is on her way home from school for Christmas, when she gets a call from her mom, who is worried about her travelling home.  What follows is a few minutes of hell, as Brooke while talking to her mom, hears the doorbell ring and then begins to hear the terrifying sounds of her family being brutally murdered.  Having lost her mother, father, brother and aunt, Brooke goes into shock, with anxiety attacks when she thinks about it.  She has a hard time dealing with it, and decides to sell her home and go to Alaska for a few months to get away from every one.  The aunt who was also murdered, left her a cabin in Alaska.

Chance Taylor is a fisherman, who runs his own business, and is our hero.  Chance is a hottie, who also plays the guitar.   When Brooke arrives in Alaska, she is befriended by Evan and Tucker, and she is invited to the local tavern that night.  It is here that she sees the gorgeous guitar player, not knowing he will be her boss, since she starts the next morning working as a deckhand.  But before that, listening to Chance play a certain song, brings on an anxiety attack and she runs away.  Brooke, thinking she doesn’t deserve to live, then attempts to kill herself, as she jumps off the bridge.  Chance comes upon her when she jumps, and he saves her life. 

What follows is a fascinating story of Brooke trying to accept her loss, handle her anxiety, and move on with her life.  She falls hard for Chance, as he does her.  Slowly Brooke realizes that her family would not want to her give up on life, and with the help of Chance, she begins to live again. She enjoys the different type of life in Alaska, and they friends she makes.  Her best friend from home, Lacey, constantly calls her to give her updates.  Just when Brooke is getting a handle on things, there are more murders of families from other upcoming pianist prodigies.  The FBI tries to warn Brooke that the killer is probably coming after her.

Since I do not want to give spoilers, this is a great story that has everything, tragedy, romance, sex, emotional turmoil, danger, brutality,  excitement, and suspense.  The first half of the book, Eros pulls all your emotions, and the second half you are on the edge of your seat.  There are some twists,  surprise at the wild ending as we reached the climax.  

Besides loving Brooke and Chance together, I thought Marata Eros has created a wonderful group of secondary characters from Evan, Tucker, Jake, Clearwater, and Lacey.  She has also created a terrible villain. 

This story was told in both Brooke and Chance’s POV.  I usually don’t like that, but it was good to see things from both perspectives.  Amidst all this tense emotions, Eros managed to give us a wonderful couple, who fall in love and find the joy from within the darkness.  The Darkest Joy was a terrific read and one of the best books I have read this year.  Marata Eros has put herself on my list to make sure I read more of in the future. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Spirited by Mary Behre – a Review

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Spirited by Mary Behre – a Review

spiritedLinks to order Spirited:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
She’s running from who she is…

All Jules Scott wants is to live a normal, quiet life–preferably one that doesn’t include ghosts. Jules’s ability for communicating with the dead has brought her nothing but trouble. Despite her best efforts, needy spirits always find her and draw her into their otherworldly drama. When one implicates her in a series of deadly crimes, she may need to entrust her secrets to the person least likely to believe her…

He’ll do whatever it takes to catch her.

Detective Seth English can’t get distracted from the big case he’s working on, not even by his alluring new neighbor. He doesn’t believe that Jules had anything to do with the string of robberies-turned-murders that he’s investigating, but when she keeps showing up in all the wrong places, his gut tells him she knows more than she’s letting on. To solve his case, he’ll need to expose what the sexy redhead is hiding–no matter how impossible the truth may be…

 

Review:

Spirited by Mary Behre is the 1st book in her new Tidewater series.  We meet our heroine, Jules at the start as she seems to be running from something, as well as missing her cell phone and keys to get into her apartment.  The fact that she ends up in our hero, Seth’s apartment sets the stage for a somewhat funny story, with mostly suspense and romantic elements throughout. 

Seth is a detective, and when this strange women climbs through his window in a bustier, he threatens to arrest her, thinking she is a hooker.  But Jules doesn’t really know how she ended up in Seth’s apartment, and tries to make him understand she went to a costume party, and lives in the same building. He did not believe her, until as he was taking her to the station, the owner of the building vouches for her, that she is his adopted daughter.  Seth lets her go, and soon both of them become the romantic couple of this story. 

Jules is keeping a major secret from Seth.  She is psychic, having the ability to see the dead, with the spirits coming to her for help.  Only her adopted parents know of this ability, and there was no way she could tell Seth that it was a spirit who led her to climb into his window.  What follows is a cute sweet romance that develops with Seth and Jules, in the midst of a major suspense story of murder; with Jules life very much in danger.  It seems that wherever she goes, Jules finds herself in a dangerous situation, as someone wants something desperately that she unknowingly has. The spirit is a murdered woman who tries to get Jules to help find her killer, but Jules has a hard time understanding her.  Seth senses that he is falling in love with Jules, but every time a murder or attack happens, he has to try to explain to his superiors that she is innocent. 

The last third of the book was an exciting story, not to mention also very hot between Seth and Jules.  Throughout the book, Mary Behre has added a lot of humor to this story that was fun.  I did enjoy Jules and Seth, and the mystery was very well done.  The only thing I did not really like was Seth’s attitude at times to Jules, when he would doubt her story. At times he went too far, even if some of her story sounded unbelievable, but he loved her and should have listened to her.  I thought she accepted his later apologies too easily.  I would have smacked him a few times.  Other then this, it was a very good story in this new series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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What a Woman Wants by Judi Fennell – a Review

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What a Woman Wants by Judi Fennell – a Review

 

What a Woman Wants
Manley Maids series – Book #1
by Judi Fennell
Release Date: March 4, 2014

What a woman wants

Links to order What a Woman Wants:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:

What happens when three irresistibly sexy brothers lose a poker bet to their enterprising sister? They get hired out for her housecleaning venture. Now, the Manley Maids are at your service. Satisfaction guaranteed. It’s what a woman wants…

Resort entrepreneur Sean Manley was all set to buy an historic mansion at a great price, making a name for himself while making millions, when the seller and a poker bet change the game. Now he’s in the place as a hunky male maid and there’s one more complication: Livvy Carolla.

The house is Livvy’s inheritance. Her plan? Unload it to the highest bidder and use the cash to start her own bakery business. One look at �the help” and she’s hot to take him with her. Until she finds out he’s got a secret agenda.

But when Sean falls for the free-spirited, strong-willed Livvy, he has new ideas for the estate—and Livvy’s part in it. If all goes well, they’ll both be getting what they want. And then some.

 

Review:

What a Woman Wants by Judi Fennell is the first book in her new Manley Maids series.  This is my first book by Judi Fennell and I really enjoyed it. I will be reading more of her books.  This was a sweet fun romance, with a hot couple.  We meet our hero of this book, Sean Manley (he is certainly manly :)) at the start when he and his two brothers lose a bet to their sister, who runs Manley Maids.  The cost for each brother is they are each required to spend two weeks doing maid service at different houses.  This story is about Sean, and our heroine, Livvy.

Livvy Carolla has inherited the Martinson Mansion from her grandmother, whom she has had no relationship, nor has seen much of her almost all of her life.  Livvy is struggling to start her own bakery, and jumps at the chance to use her inheritance to fund her plans.  Livvy arrives at the mansion with the knowledge that she has to complete a few stipulations before she can inherit.  There she meets the maid….hot hot Sean.  She knows nothing about the bet, nor why Sean is doing housekeeping work.  She also doesn’t know that Sean has a secret agenda to make sure Livvy doesn’t do the required stipulations to inherit, because he wants to buy the mansion at a reduced price and turn it into a million dollar resort.

What Sean doesn’t plan on is his immediate attraction to Livvy, which eventually will put a crimp on his plans, unless he can fight off his lust for her.  What follows is wonderfully hot romance, with so much humor within the story.  It seems Livvy has her own Noah’s Ark, and brings all her animals (birds, peacocks, pig, dogs, goats, etc). She planned to put them in the mansion barn, but when that is filled with boxes, they have to stay in the mansion until it is cleared.  Poor poor Sean, who has to clean up after them, but some hysterical moments happen throughout, as these “pets” adore Livvy and at times show their jealousy when Sean and Livvy act on their feelings. 

This was fast and fun book to read, as I enjoyed it all. I loved Sean and Livvy together, as they made a hot and sizzling couple.  The storyline with clues to be found was fun, and the animals just added to all the humor. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was Sean’s original attempt to take all of her inheritance away from Livvy, which would have been cruel.  Fortunately this is a happy ending.  If you enjoy romance, sexy couple, great storyline, and cute animals, I wholly recommend that you read What a Woman Wants by Judi Fennell.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop – a Review

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Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

Murder of Crows
The Others series – Book #2
by Anne Bishop
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Murder of the crowsLinks to order Murder of Crows:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository


Description:
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murders of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard—Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader—wonders whether their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or of a future threat.

As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet—and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

 

Review:

Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop is the 2nd book in her The Others series.  I love all of Anne’s books, and this series is not any different.  The Others is a different and fascinating story about the terra indigene (non humans, such as wolves, crows, vampires, elementals, grizzlies, etc) who control most of the world, and the humans, good and bad who live in lands The Others allow humans to live on.  The main storyline is a young woman, who is a blood prophet and lives among the terra indigene.  In case you have not read my review of the first book (Written In Red), a blood prophet is someone who must cut themselves to see the future. Written in Red introduces us to Meg and her arrival in the Lakeside courtyard where humans were minimal, as we discovered more about her, and how the others learned to care very much for this human, and how far they would go to protect her as one of their own.  Murder of Crows continues with these fabulous people we have become invested in.  Meg, Simon, Nathan, Tess, Vlad, Winter, Monty, Merri, and so many more wonderful and new characters that Anne has created in this fantastic world.

Though this is not a romance, Simon finds himself caring more and more about Meg, whom he cannot seem to stay away from;  but it concerns him, since he is non human, and should not care about any human.  They are just friends at this point, perhaps in the next book, this friendship will change.   But in Murder of Crows the story is two fold.  An evil group is killing crows or any other non human. The Others are determined to protect Meg, as well as stop the attacks; they concentrate on using Meg’s prophecies or clues to find the Enemy. The story is tense at times, with all the threats and unrest.

I cannot tell too much, since I do not want to give spoilers.  Only to say I loved this book, and the entire series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, which is a year away.  Just watching the others is fun, as you see them caring so much about “our Meg”; as well as learning some new and confusing things that humans do, which may or may not help them to understand humans better. This is so well done.  Simple things like flavored cookies for animals (wolves, etc) or humans taking notes is pretty funny.  It also helps the others form a workable relationship with some of the human police force to help find the enemies.

Murder of Crows is a fascinating world, deeply complex, with a fabulous cast of characters.  The story has everything, from fun, exciting, mysterious, tension and a wild climax.  But it does have an ending to this storyline, that also addicts us to want to continue into the lives of Meg and The Others.  Again I have to say I love everything about Anne Bishop’s writing, and Murder of Crows was great.  I would suggest you to start with Written in Red, if you haven’t started this series yet, and do not wait.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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Hold On To Me by Elisabeth Naughton – a Review

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Hold On To Me by Elisabeth Naughton – a Review

Hold On To Me
Against All Odds – Book #2
by Elisabeth Naughton
Release Date: February 18, 2014Hold on to MeLinks to order Hold On To Me: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
He thinks he’s finally found the one.
Mitch Mathews never believed in love—at least not the happily ever after kind. Then he met Simone Conners. Just one night with the sexy lawyer made him reevaluate his priorities and look toward a future he never planned. The only hang up is making her see it too.

She’s almost ready for a second chance.
What started out as a casual hookup with a rugged geologist has turned into something a whole lot more. Simone’s on the verge of handing over her heart, but fear over what Mitch will say and do when he learns who she used to be holds her back.

The past could destroy their future…
Just when Simone is about to take a chance on forever with Mitch, the mistakes of her past catch up with her. Suddenly it’s not just her safety on the line anymore, it’s his too. Forced into hiding, Mitch demands answers, and Simone realizes the only way to protect everything she holds dear is to delve into a past she’s spent fourteen years trying to forget. As they search for the truth, they discover secrets, lies and a rekindled passion that burns hotter than before. But they also uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. One that could cost them more than just their future…it could cost them their lives.

 

Review:

Hold on To Me by Elisabeth Naughton is the second book in her Against All Odds series.  I read the first book in this series, Wait for Me, which was my favorite romance suspense of 2012.  I was happy when I found out that Elisabeth was going to write a sequel, and it was going to be Mitch’s story.  I could not wait for Hold on to Me. 

The story starts with Simone, who we knew from the first book, as she was Katie’s best friend, and the woman that Mitch was falling in love with.  Simone has a hidden past, one she tells no one, and which she and her daughter Shannon have been running away from.  Simone finally thinks the past is behind her, and we watch her happily head home from a trip to meet Mitch.  But along the way, she gets a disturbing phone call that floods the past to the forefront, and a terrified Simone rushes to pick up Shannon and run again.  She runs into Mitch, who is all prepared to ask Simone to be his wife.  Because she fears for her life and Shannon’s, as well as trying avoid putting Mitch in danger; Simone tells him it was a mistake, and leaves him heartbroken, as she takes Shannon and leaves. 

This was the very start of the book.  An angry and crushed Mitch, also leaves to get away from it all, vowing to never trust a woman again.   But danger follows both of them, until the only way for them to survive is for them to work with Mitch’s family, including Katie, Ryan, and Tate.  The secrets that Simone must reveal, will help them try to find a possible resolution.  Ryan takes control, and Mitch is sent away with Simone into hiding. 

Their hot chemistry together brings them back into each other’s arms, but both their stubbornness and the ensuing danger constantly seems to bring them apart again. Mitch and Simone’s romance was very steamy, and you can tell how much they love each other.  Which was another reason why I wanted to take turns smacking them both at different times.  In Simone’s case, she loved Mitch, and it was this belief that she saving his life.  Mitch, after being hurt by Simone, took awhile to see reason; but I did feel bad when every time he would bring her back into his arms, something would happen to scare Simone again.  Mitch had his own secrets, which if he had told Simone, it would have helped them all. 

Elisabeth does a fabulous job creating such wonderful characters, as I was very happy to see Katie, Ryan, Julia, & Tate again.  All of them together was great. 

Hold on to Me was a great story, filled with non-stop action, excitement, danger and suspense. As I have said, it was a great romance, though I found myself being annoyed with Mitch & Simone a few times.  Nevertheless, a great story and one I wholly recommend.  If you have not read Wait for Me, I suggest you read that awesome book first, in order to know more about all the characters and Mitch and Simone. However, you can read Hold to Me without much trouble, even if you have not read the first book.

Review by Barb

 

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