Tag Archives: Carmen

The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel – a Review

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The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel – a Review

 

the book of ivyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual.

This year, it is my turn.

My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power.

But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.

Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…

Review:

The Book of Ivy read like the Hunger Games of recompense by marriage; several young ladies vying for the chance at marrying Bishop, the prodigal son of the president himself. That honor goes to 16 year old, Ivy, only she has plans to incite a revolution by killing Bishop and revising life as they know it. Told in a fresh, energetic, thought-provoking fashion, Amy Engel not only inserts you in a divisive society plotting against and undermining the other, she immerses you in the culture of a dystopian society set in 2075 replete with impossible rules and demands.

I am different from all these girls surrounding me because marrying Bishop Lattimer has not fulfilled my destiny. My mission is not to make him happy and bear his children and be his wife. My mission is to kill him.

You hooked already?! You will be. It was fascinating to learn all the limits of this supposed utopia (formerly southern Missouri). The fallout of nuclear war dismantled society’s infrastructure (50 years later, they’re still contending with intermittent use of electricity); “traditional” female jobs (though having babies is favored) fall to those young girls who weren’t chosen in the wedding (and consequently shunned), etc…These poor kids are even discouraged to mingle with neighboring communities in an effort to prevent the awkwardness of arranged marriages. Crazy, right?! And while Ivy is willing to do her part for the movement (the rival faction), her own lines of right and wrong begin to blur. She begins to question if her family’s love depends upon the success of the mission. Bishop isn’t the calculating monster her father and sister profiled. In fact, Bishop alone would whirl any girl’s mind…

He just stares at me. In moments like this, it’s easy to see how he was born to be a leader. His is the kind of face that intimidates simply by existing, so handsome it’s almost scary.

Though born of privilege, Bishop isn’t a chip off the old block. He’s got ideas of his own with an inner core forged of steel that is set to pound and upend presumptions. Why at one point, Bishop was supposed to marry Ivy’s older sister. He sought a reprieve. Wait till you find out why (the how…wow!) Bishop’s an affable, but complex 18 year old. When all the other husbands are enjoying the “perks” of procreation, Bishop is restrained and respectful of Ivy’s innocence and anxieties about their marriage. What’s Bishop’s agenda – he’s too good to be true!? Ivy better get into his good graces to execute the plan (pun intended). She’s only got three months…and Bishop’s mesmerizing. Bishop is seriously swoon–worthy, my friends.

Romance? It’s here and it’s to die for! The building of trust, authentic interest in each other’s welfare, the attraction they can no longer deny. Ms. Engel does a brilliant job of keeping you on the edge. She tortures you with privileged Intel Ivy is collecting for her father’s cause (her own?), but simultaneously enchants with a budding, tender love story. Both compete for your complete attention and earn it gloriously.

What a finale! I was trembling with grief the second Ivy’s plan took shape (and shed more than a few tears in its wake). I inhaled this book and desperately miss the characters already. November 2015 is an inconceivable amount of time to wait for the sequel, The Revolution of Ivy, but wait (impatiently) I will.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Love Me To Death by Marissa Clarke – a Review

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Love Me To Death by Marissa Clarke – a Review

 

Love Me To DeathAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Medical research scientist Elena Arcos has always lived her life under the radar. When she is shot in a convenience store robbery, she finds herself rocketed into supernatural insanity courtesy of a sexy immortal law enforcer. He’s convinced she’s some kind of freaky half-vampire thing and that her deceased dad was the real deal: a blood sucking monster. Yeah, right. As a Slayer, an elite law enforcer descended from Azrael himself, Nikolai Itzov’s orders from the Underveil General are clear: Kill Elena Arcos or die. The only thing holding him back from that directive is the overwhelming urge to protect her. Too bad she’s also the offspring of his father’s murderer. Kissing Elena, let alone being with her body and soul, can never happen. Nikolai and Elena find themselves in a life and death battle to stop a plot designed to lift the Underveil and enslave humans. With her analytical mind and his centuries of training, they might be able to foil the plot with their lives, and maybe even with their hearts intact. But in order to succeed, he must help her become the very thing he hates the most: an Undead.

Review:

When Nikolai has his target, his vampire enemy in his hands on the brink of death (though he didn’t have the pleasure of causing her demise)…why on earth couldn’t he finish her…why would he suddenly freeze? Let’s follow the supernatural trail Marissa Clarke sets up in Love Me to Death, because where Nikolai leads…I willingly follow…

End of story. She wasn’t dead. Death had saved her instead.

A formidable slayer, Nikolai is “a terrifying being created to patrol the Underveil and execute immortals who broke the laws”. There should be no hesitation on his part. Except, there was a genuine vulnerability; a genuine innocence/ignorance about Elena’s nature that belied his Uncle Fyodor’s instructions to kill her on site.

When he had stood over her in the convenience store, ready to end her life, something had happened – something more frightening than death itself: He had felt the pull of her soul. A distinct tugging at his own, calling him to join with her.

I loved Nikolai and Elena immediately! His fierce exterior was intimidating, but endearing when he screwed up, pissed off Elena or made her cry. Elena…she’s a paranormal enigma. For 26 years, “she’d just gone along with the ebb and flow of life”; a hematologist who suffers from hypoglycemia. Is she going to freak when she realizes the cure is never going to be sugar! Ha…I love it!

The chemistry was scorching and written seductively. I loved everything about this book! Secondary characters were fascinating and I’m crossing my fingers Stefan, the droll Time Folder, gets his own book. Charming, powerful, and intriguing, but a “biological eunuch”? Say it ain’t so! Aleksi, the other slayer, is made of steel and is loyal to a fault (what she’s enduring at the fortress with Fyodor *shudders*). Ricardo, the vampire leader of the resistance faction was swoon-worthy and compelling. Then there’s Vlad, the epic vampire prisoner in the dungeon…Seriously, I have hopes for several spinoffs! The world building is amazing!

Truths will be revealed and people will be held accountable. Discoveries will be accepted, a prophecy of a legend will be fulfilled, and a fated love will be embraced. I was swept up in the sensual relationship of our H/H, but equally gripped by the events and subplots warring within such a dynamic community.

In short, this book was UNPUTDOWNABLE!  It’s a word I saw in a review somewhere, but I couldn’t resist borrowing it.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Judgment by Carey Baldwin – a Review

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Judgment by Carey Baldwin – a Review

 

JudgmentAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
When a coed falls prey to a sadistic killer, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy and Special Agent Atticus Spenser are called in to testify—one for the defense, one for the prosecution. With warring approaches on justice, these two rivals have been butting heads for years—both in the courtroom and out. And at first, this case appears to be no different.

But when a brutal attack leaves the accused man dead and Caity in critical condition, petty differences take a backseat to saving lives. As the lone survivor, Caity knows too much and the killer—a madman calling himself the Man in the Maze—is coming back for round two. Now, Caity and Spense must join forces to uncover the killer’s identity before Caity’s time—and luck—runs out.

 

Review:

How does an 18 year old deal with the death of her father, via lethal injection…administered by the Arizona State prison? By becoming a discriminating forensic psychiatrist specializing in cases of the falsely accused, naturally. Now Caitlin’s “bleeding heart” public persona is under attack – the near fatal kind! – when she’s linked to the defense of a killer. Will she be too obstinate to allow the protection of FBI agent, Atticus Spenser (the name alone makes me swoon)…the man who may (or may not) have a similar effect on Caitlin? Carey Baldwin is back, baby! And not only is Judgment cause for new release celebration, it’s the two secondary characters she’s brought forth from the background of Confession (review available here). In spite of their brief appearance, Caitlin and Atticus piqued interest. In Judgment, they shine center stage.

“I’m afraid there’s no question about it. We have a very dangerous and very determined criminal still at large, so I’m going to need you to stick like glue to Agent Spenser for the time being.”

When clues formulate theories, and motives are contemplated, Spense and Caity brainstorm a profile. Collaboration sparks an attraction, but more significantly – it allows them to recognize and admire each other’s particular expertise. The layers are stacking up; this kind of compatibility builds the foundation of a great relationship. From the onset, passion simmers (anew?), but Caity is determined to remain professional. How long can she detain Spense at arm’s length?

Ms. Baldwin builds up the mystery with sparsely provided Intel from the psychopath. She grips the audience with details of psychological assessments; profile analyses that were downright chilling. The assault in the car?! You better believe I checked my back seats! Paranoia aside, the examples provided clearly stem from Ms. Baldwin’s experience as a psychologist. I hope this profession has counseling and support with their own experts to decompress. This is disturbing, but compelling storytelling.

Judgment was unconventional in its sequence of events. More than once it felt disjointed by random revelations from the killer; insight seemed to be out of place/order. Having finished Judgment, I recognize a labyrinth theme/style cleverly utilized by Ms. Baldwin. She knows how to keep you intrigued.

It’s always a joy to read new material from Carey Baldwin. Judgment is no exception. I would have liked more exploration of their personal relationship. Spense has a situational eccentricity; a tell, if you will, when pressed. I expect to meet a gentler, romantic Atticus capable of sweeping the unflappable Caitlin off her feet (he’s already won me over!) If the conclusion is any indication, the Walk of Fame Killer is wreaking havoc in my hometown of Los Angeles. There is more to learn, and love, from Spense and Caity.   

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Midnight Betrayal

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.

Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.

Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim.

 

Review:

Louisa cannot catch a break. Six months ago, her pleasant life in Maine took a turn for the deadly (Midnight Exposure). Now she’s in South Philadelphia trying to rebuild her career and more significantly, her social life, when her past catches up and places her in the spotlight. Midnight Betrayal is book 3 of Melinda Leigh’s Midnight series and she’s made us proud!

For the second time, items stolen from her museum had been used by a killer. Six months ago in Maine, a madman had used stolen museum pieces in bizarre Celtic rituals that killed several people. Now it was happening again. Connor Sullivan had pulled her into the investigation.

If a colleague’s murder wasn’t terrifying enough, Louisa’s young assistant has gone missing and Louisa is mad with worry. Good thing Conor lives by. Good thing Melinda Leigh loves her fans! 😀 In spite of their brief interaction in book 2, Conor and Louisa’s collaboration was effective, pivotal to a case, and laced with attraction. I knew this book, their book, would be great – Ms. Leigh tempted us and delivered! Midnight Betrayal finds Louisa seeking out Conor for his assessment of the disappearance and assistance figuring out this mystery.

But the simultaneous disappearances of the replica knife and two young women tainted his pleasure. There were too many twisted connections in the events with Louisa, her intern, and the museum for Conor’s comfort. Something was brewing.

Can I just say that I loved Conor’s no-nonsense approach to Louisa?! He was so happy she sought him out. After listening to her concerns, his inclination to just take her hand was refreshing (as was all the other steam he directed her way). Swoon. Yes, her instinctual walls came up, pretty flimsy since she’s just as interested, but his 38 year old pride wasn’t so wounded; he was confident they’d figure it out. The stars have aligned – Louisa’s swooning pretty hard herself! ;D

When Conor turns out to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of Louisa’s assistant (whaaaat?!), Louisa is unfazed. Though their relationship has not progressed to professions of love, Louisa believes in Conor’s innocence and together they initiate a private investigation. It’s the fact-finding search that leads to the actual culprit, but the process is what enables them to pursue matters of the heart. I couldn’t love this book more! Conor and Louisa aren’t from the same walks of life, an issue that will undoubtedly make you want to wring Conor’s neck, lol, but their personalities are complimentary and the results rewarding.

In the middle of solving the case, Melinda Leigh weaves in another tense subplot: Louisa’s past. A deplorable man resurfaces alongside her despicable aunt whose presence only serves to taunt Louisa. Ms. Leigh knows how to entice her readers and allowing the POV of a murderer was an exciting, albeit disturbing element. The ramblings were gripping as you tried to decipher clues!  

There are murders to solve, friends to trust, hearts to heal, a love to grow. Midnight Betrayal stands as another success in Melinda Leigh’s awesome series. We are treated to updates on the Sullivan family (Jayne and Reed as well as Danny and Mandy), but the luster of Conor and Louisa was as brilliant as their predecessors. I miss them already! Not sure if there’s a next installation, she’s busy creating a new world for us to love, but we can always hope for more…more ANYTHING by Melinda Leigh!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

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The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey – a Review

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The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey – a Review

 

The Summer of Jake

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Description:
Life is just dandy for aspiring fashion designer Annalise Farley. She has a great job (or she will once her designs are discovered), parents who only slightly disapprove, a cat that thinks she’s a dog, and a best friend…even if she hasn’t seen her in a while. But then Jake Maxwell saunters back into her life. Jake, the love god. Jake, her best friend’s older brother. Jake, who broke her heart at sixteen without realizing it, then left to become a pro surfer. Now he’s back, having taken the surfing and business worlds by storm, and he’s ready for a new challenge—catching the eye of another girl. And he wants Annalise’s help. Helping Jake land his next girlfriend is too fraught with emotional danger for her liking, but then Jake offers to put her designs in his shops. Is that the sound of her life cracking at the seams? It’s hard to tell with Jake smiling at her like she’s the only thing that makes him happy…

Review:

Time to focus. I needed to be absolutely on my guard. “So, what’s the favor?”

He leaned back in his chair, linking his hands behind his head. “I’ve met my future girlfriend.”

“Oh?” There was that strange freezing thing again. Twice in one day was probably bad…Maybe I should check these symptoms with a doctor – paralysis of body parts could be a precursor to a stroke.

Yikes! It was bad enough to have just been fired from a job the day before, but to hear that your former crush wants your help to win over another girl?! No wonder Annalise is considering a triage at the ER. The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey was exactly what I needed before the back-to-school countdown. I was swooning from the get-go; picturing a sexy as hell David Gandy as Jake and Annalise…well…it’s obviously ME!!! You know you do it, too! 😀

So the negotiations are done: In exchange for Jake’s makeover (attire and manners) to impress Scarlett, two of Annalise’s swimwear designs will be featured at Jake’s surf shop. Easy enough. Will someone then please tell both of them to take this seriously and stop starring in each other’s fantasies?! Not this reader – otherwise, it would have been a dull book instead of a delicious romp! Hormones are raging and ruling over logic.

Yep, there was the body disobedience – a slight increase in temperature, a flutter in my belly, and a blush thing trying to come out. Why was I always blushing around him?

Jake’s charming and impossible to resist; especially when you’ve been carrying a torch for him in spite of his indifference. Or has he noticed Annalise all along? Genes (background story) and being his kid sister’s BFF were definite factors to keep Jake’s attention elsewhere, but hell if Annalise isn’t stunning and enticing now. Noooo…must resist!

If it’s any consolation, Jake, Annalise is far from immune – it took your coffee date proposal to propel her right back to those adolescent feelings (that have more than matured since then). This is why she banned all flirtation and insisted you remain professional. And yet when Jake adheres to Annalise’s (half-hearted) no-flirting policy, she feels a pang of regret on his follow-through. Sucks to do the “right” thing.

‘I don’t know. Maybe I’m looking for something.”

“You find it?”

“I think I’ve found part of it. Problem is, I don’t know what the rest of it is.”…

“You mess around too much. Always have a cocky smile on your face. You’ve managed to get away with that in surfing and your business, but not for this. This is going to be harder, and you’re going to have to make new rules about how to get there.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“I’ve got an idea.”

“Tell me.”

“Nope. It won’t mean anything unless you find it for yourself.”

I have an idea, as do you, you smart readers. Question is, will Jake recognize it, her, when she’s hiding in plain sight? Man, did I love this book! It was such a spirited, romantic, relatable story. Ms. Bailey’s use of spazzy inner monologue was freaking funny (and dear to my heart), as were her love for chocolate and the antics of her cat/dog, Rover. Water is my personal kryptonite, but Ms. Bailey lulled me with lush, not terrifying, images of its beauty. I wouldn’t consider myself “cured”, but I wasn’t a gasping mess, either.

The Summer of Jake should never be seasonal! 😉

Review by Carmen

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Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Take The Key and Lock Her Up
The Deadly Game series – Book #4
by Lena Diaz
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Take the Key and Lock Her UpAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
Detective Emily O’Malley just stumbled upon a killer’s lair—and the remains of a woman he kept locked away for years. But this killer isn’t done yet. More women are missing, and all clues point to Devlin Buchanan—the man who seems to know just a little too much. Emily’s instincts are rarely wrong, and now they’re telling her this sexy, mysterious man is hiding something big …

As a trained assassin for EXIT Inc—a top-secret mercenary group posing as an international tour company—Devlin “Devil” Buchanan isn’t afraid to take justice into his own hands. But when the hot new detective on his trail gets too close to the organization and a contract is placed on her life, Devlin does the only thing he can: he turns rogue agent and kidnaps her to save her life.

With EXIT Inc closing in and passions running hot between them, Emily and Devlin must work together to find the missing women and clear both their names before time runs out … and the key to freedom is thrown away.

Review:

…here she was, once again forced to do what she did not do best – make life-and-death decisions under pressure.

When Emily’s own partner helps her pass the detective test, ensuring she’s off the streets, “to keep the public safe”, your faith in that person is rather shaky. A profound evolution is about to take place, my friends. True to her penchant for rich, intense storytelling, Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz will insert you into Emily’s head, gauge options in heady situations she confronts, and suffer through doubts that have lived for too long. This is my third Diaz thriller and she never ceases to wreak a little havoc in my life – the consequences of reading till the early hours! This is me not complaining. 🙂

When Emily tracks an abductor to a basement more akin to an abandoned prison, she falls prey to a diversionary tactic (he literally locked her inside a cell and got away with his victim), but Emily’s life (and fate) is irrevocably changed by Devlin “Devil” Buchanan (older brother of the swoon-worthy Matt from Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead – available here). Devlin’s presence isn’t immediately questioned at the crime scene, weird, but even more interesting is his lack of interest in the police investigation. Oh, he was happy to make Emily’s acquaintance (her unforgettable soft curves), but cooperating with law enforcement doesn’t appeal to his sense of civic duty. Still weird, right? Devlin’s a hard one to figure out (and very good at hiding things), but I remember him as a background character and Ms. Diaz just makes him irresistible here. His initial approach might be crude, but it’s soon tempered by genuine vulnerability and charm (it runs in the Buchanan family).

An incidental, but impactful discovery of a gruesome, years-old corpse where Emily was locked up seizes Devin and thickens the plot.

“Holy shit,” he whispered.

“Ditto.” She lowered her phone. “Who gets to tell Devlin Buchanan that this skeleton is what’s left of his mother?”

Far from a doting mother, Carolyn was the love of Devlin’s father’s life, even though she divorced him (and abandoned the whole family) when Devlin was only 13. The knowledge of Carolyn’s forced captivity suddenly changes impressions and throws the Buchanan men into upheaval; a loyal force to protect their father. To add fuel to the fire, the first victim saved relays she’s only one of three women who were kidnapped by the mad man. So much going on, right?! The case progresses and expands; infiltrates what once was safe. Emily is swept up by the emotions and swears to bring the fugitive to justice alongside Devlin to repay him for saving her own life. Maybe it’s time they shake hands and call it a day because Devlin’s methods of apprehending fall way outside the police scope:

If Devlin had talked, he would have used the term enforcer, his actual job title. Enforcer was somewhat synonymous with agent at one of the alphabet agencies like the CIA or FBI, but without the shackles of laws and political policies to tie him down. The assassin role was only part of what he did, and only when absolutely necessary.

I couldn’t even begin to explain the twists and connections linking Devlin and his family. It is marvelously layered and worst of all, a real threat. I wouldn’t dream of spoiling that for you let alone capsulize or tiptoe around key clues. That’s the thrill in thriller and it’s wicked! What I can expand upon is the building sexual tension that stays unexplored for far too long, IMO, lol. Undeterred, but mostly out of insane, implacable desire, Emily vows to maintain ethical standards in the midst of hot pursuit (and that has little to do with the perp!) I’m not downplaying the chemistry because Ms. Diaz delivers shivers, but the beauty lies in watching Emily and Devlin begin to trust one another, develop strong feelings for one another, and recognize that they’re stronger together.

“Maybe you’re right that I shouldn’t have forced you to come with me in the first place. And maybe I shouldn’t have locked you up. But I did what I thought I had to do at the time to keep you safe. If you come with me now, we can be a team, find the missing women together. That way I’ll be able to protect you from my enemies and you’ll be able to do what you want to do – solve the case. You won’t be my prisoner. But don’t ask me to leave you here to die, Em. I can’t do it. I won’t do it.”

There were moments, several in fact, where I found Emily to be downright inept and a liability to her profession. Be it inappropriate, illegal interrogation or brandishing her gun on unarmed Devlin, it really got under my skin. In all fairness, due to time constraints (constant attacks and a general reticence on his part), Devlin has only skimmed the surface of his job description to Emily. Based on opposite sides of the spectrum, I suppose it’s natural to form an opinion, but never was there a couple more in need of a sit-down than these two. Devlin’s brash confidence and/or lone wolf mentality was a bit off-putting, but when their disparities leveled, so went their judgments and an innate strength, possessed by both, rose to the occasion.  

Take the Key and Lock Her Up is a complex story made up of unfolding details, misinformation and transformation. While I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger (you don’t see frown-y faces of utter frustration), the story is not over. Is there a way to embrace HEA on the run? Please read this story and let me know your theories! Or better yet, can I get a spoiler, Ms. Diaz???

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Veiled Target (Veilers #1) by Robin Bielman-Blog Tour and Review

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Veiled Target (Veilers #1) by Robin Bielman-Blog Tour and Review

Veiled Target Blog Tour Button1

Veiled Target
Veilers #1
by Robin Bielman
Genre: paranormal, romance, shifters
Release Date: July 27, 2014

Veiled Target

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tracking down Veilers—non humans—is only a sideline for Tess Damon. Vengeance for her fiancé’s murder is her reason for living. But with two botched jobs on her record, if she fails to eliminate her next mark, she’s dead. She’s not afraid to die, but not before she gets even. Too bad fate has a really bad sense of humor.

Hugh Langston, a wolfen half shifter, lives to keep both humans and his pack safe. But when rogue humans kidnap his apprentice, his rescue mission is compromised by a hot-as-hell, kick-ass woman who makes him think only one thing: mine.

Tess tries to ignore her feelings, but temptation trips her up. Especially when Hugh figures out he’s her next target and forces her into an inconvenient alliance that tests all the laws against their attraction. Now, with the line between good and evil getting blurrier by the minute, it becomes clear Tess’s only hope of living to see another day—and finding a murderer—lies with the one man she’s supposed to kill.

••••••••••••••••••••••

As an eliminator for Private Investigations and Elimination, or P.I.E. – the clandestine government-sanctioned organization that investigated and removed dangerous non-humans, or Veilers – Tess always worked alone.

Tess thought she was damn good at her job. When her mentor/boss threatens to eliminate her services if she fails her assignment, she had no choice but to take it as was seriously intended. The fact that her target was a wolfen was enough to keep her focused – thank goodness for vendettas. Easy peasy, right? Not when Hugh Langston, the “mark”, upends her world, breaks down her prejudice, and makes her melt. Shi* just got real! You all know my absolute bias towards vampires, but Robin Bielman’s Veiled Target has managed…to make me swoon for a wolf(en)! Let’s take this one book at a time, though – baby steps, please. 😀

When Hugh reveals his identity and mission to find his second-in-command, his attraction to Tess aside, her knowledge of the veiled community and her fearlessness (general badassness) brings him to his knees; he knows he’s a goner. Of course that only makes him dig his heels and dismiss those feelings as fast as they stir him up! I found their banter sexy and charged; their sexual desires hard-fought against logic. When they finally kiss, it was almost comical (almost). Hugh is poisoned during an attack by a supernatural creature and the antidote is nowhere to be found. Tess learns her saliva contains life-saving properties. Talk about taking sexy out of a deep kiss! Quite the opposite, I’m happy to report.

Hugh parted his lips and hers immediately followed. His tongue swept into her mouth and swirled around in such a delicious way that she forgot about everything she hated. Forgot about what day it was, what year, what name she’d been given. Everything inside her turned pliant, soft, agreeable.

Now…wasn’t there elimination business…wasn’t Hugh supposed to be Tess’ target?! Awkward. The magnitude of Tess’ noble kiss, lol, takes on deep impact (which they’re both denying) and simultaneous conflict of interest. I voted for chucking the job and rendering more “first aid” services, but Tess decides to capitalize on Hugh’s abilities. As pack leader of the Night Runners, she’s asked Hugh for help to find out who killed her friend five years ago (you think Hugh’ll freak out when friend = fiancé?) Of course that will complicate matters, not to mention feelings, because you’re not supposed to bite the hand that feeds you, right? (Does that adage even apply here? Uncharted grounds with wolves, I tell you!)

Lots going on, right? Indeed, but it’s not convoluted – Ms. Bielman addresses each subplot with equal attention and passion. I loved them all! And if that wasn’t enough, she delights with secondary characters as well: Blanche was a doll, Dane is a puzzle, Trey and Gavin, charmers both. I was intrigued by everything she offered.

Hugh and Tess work so well together, lines blur (are obliterated, more accurately). Tess owes everything to P.I.E., the agency that raised her, straightened her out as a too young foster kid of 16. When information gleaned suggests subversive purposes are at hand, enlightenment is an understatement. The relationship she’s formed with Hugh gives Tess the courage to question the integrity of her role at P.I.E. Can Tess and Hugh be brave enough to fight for each in love instead of war?

I devoured this book voraciously, but savored it all the while. This book will make you postpone that new recipe you’ve been dying to try and opt for yummy take-out. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite drink…and your partner…whoooo wheeee!!! Soooo.freaking.good.

P.S. I’m not entirely backpedaling, buuuut: It’s the alpha qualities that made me love Hugh. Robin Bielman just made me dislike wolves…less. Ahahaha…but seriously, look at that book cover! Swoooon…

Copy supplied by the tour provider

Reviewed by Carmen

Excerpt

 

“Cut the crap, Tess. Why were you following me?”
“How do you know I was following you?” Oops. She meant to say, “What makes you think I was following you?”
He gave a knowing smile—that looked ridiculously sexy rather than irritating. “I know you don’t want to insult my intelligence so let’s just say for argument’s sake, if you were following me, why would that be?”
At least she’d gotten him to change his tone.
“Truthfully?” She leaned a little closer to him. She couldn’t help it.
“That would be nice.”
“I’m really not a very nice person,” she announced.
“Neither am I.” He reached out and moved a strand of hair behind her ear.
Was he trying to confuse her? Because it was working. She’d nearly fallen into his hand before he pulled it away. He was indeed a very bad man.
“That’s good. I hate nice guys. So where does that leave us?”
“I haven’t got all night, Tess.” He lowered his chin, indicating—she presumed—he was growing tired of their banter.
She lifted an eyebrow. “No? That’s too bad. I’m a night owl. I can—”
“Answer my question before I haul you to your car over my shoulder.” His tone sent a little zing of pleasure right to the tips of her breasts.
“As if you could—” She was over his shoulder in one second flat. He moved swiftly, quietly and with superhuman strength. Uh oh. “Hey, put me down!”
He started down the alley, seemingly unbothered by her spastic attempts to get him to let her go. “You ready to walk and talk now?”
“Fine,” she conceded, although the view of his backside was pretty damn good.
When both feet securely hit the ground, she tugged down her dress and shifted the V-neck into place. He watched her squirm to put the rest of the material back where it belonged and his roving eyes heated her from the inside out.
“I followed you because I wanted to help.”
He started walking. “Do I look like I need help?” A little gleam—and major interest?—flickered in his sideways glance.
“Well, no. But I’m very capable and I didn’t feel like going home, so I decided there was no harm in making myself available to you should you need me.” She took a deep breath. It was time to put the question out there. “Did you know Dane is a—”
“Wolfen? Yeah I know.”
“How do you—”
He stopped and turned toward her with confusion and passion in his deep blue eyes. For several seconds he stared at her, like he was trying to get inside her head. Guess what she was thinking. “I’m the leader of the Night Runners,” he finally said.
She imagined he’d told her something he’d never told another human being before.
What the hell was she going to do now?

 

 

 

About the author

Robin BielmanUSA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Filled with wanderlust, she longs to visit many different places and fulfill her curiosity. She wouldn’t mind indulging her sweet tooth in every location either. She’s a lover of sticky notes, cable television shows and coffee drinks. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She writes contemporary and paranormal romance and loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com.

Site: http://robinbielman.com
Facebook:http://facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter
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Goodreads:http://goodreads.com/robinbielman

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Dream Huntress by Michelle Sharp – Review & Guest Post

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Dream Huntress by Michelle Sharpe – Review & Guest Post

 

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Description:
Detective Jordan Delany has a gift. Through her dreams, she connects with dead victims of violent crimes. Her isolated life as a drug cop is perfect for hiding the freakish visions, until her newest investigation has her posing as a cocktail waitress in a down-and-dirty strip club. When she’s saved from a drunken customer by a handsome stranger, the heated chemistry is exactly why she intends to keep Mr. Arrogant at bay. But learning he’s the new bouncer for the corrupt club she intends to bust just might be the one reason why she can’t.

Tyler McGee suspects a drug ring operating out of the local club is flooding the streets of his hometown with heroin. Determined to get answers, he plays the part of a fallen cop and lands the job of head bouncer. What he discovers is that the club owner isn’t the only deadly obstacle he’s facing. His attraction to an intriguing cocktail waitress with a penchant for danger just might kill him first.

 

Review:

She could deal with the drunks, the hands, and the come-ons. Because at the end of the day, she’d not only bring the Bucks down, she’d enjoy every last minute of watching them crash and burn. And if she happened to come face-to-face with the son of a bitch who’d ordered the kill on their deep-cover cops, all the better.

A woman scorn…no…a woman with a badge and a purpose. Add Tyler, a hot bouncer, to the mix, and suddenly, the job becomes endurable. Dream Huntress by Michelle Sharp explores the world of Jordan, a St. Louis detective working undercover as a strip club waitress to shut down the long arms of a drug cartel. When Ty gets under her skin, however, making himself indispensable, Jordan’s demons go into overdrive setting up roadblocks to deter involvement. Yeah, good luck with that.

The banter was flirtatious and developed rapidly. The key here was in its frequency. Ms. Sharp let the characters dialogue regularly and those exchanges, the unconventional courtship, were always engaging.   The harder Jordan tries to create distance, the faster Ty closes in on those gaps. But never mind that (for now at least). Complications start to mount.

Ty is a disgruntled former cop and the FBI, to whom Jordan currently answers, suspects local enforcement is in thick with the shady dealings at Buck’s Nightclub. Ty is actually infiltrating Buck’s “enterprise” to dismantle from within. Ummm…communication, people – a biiiig heaping spoonful of it! Problem is: Jordan and Ty can’t break cover just because they’re attracted to one another (not to mention Jordan’s sixth sense). It’s a rule you never break. But after one sizzling kiss…

Danger flashed in her mind like a warning sign at a construction site. He could be working for Buck. Or more probable – and more frightening – he could be a good man with the innate ability to scale all her carefully placed walls. Neither option was good.

Different strategies, same goal. At the end of Chapter 6 (or 36%)…we love Ty…Ty rocks our world…but we still don’t know the details of his agenda or motives (what’s up with the ring he carries in his pocket?) We do know he’s one persistent mofo, “the man is a f*cking dog with a bone” and I don’t mean that disrespectfully, lol. His alphaness is a bit overwhelming, but he knows when to rein it in. Jordan’s in over her head at Buck’s and Ty’s radar is going ballistic. If Ty’s being honest, Jordan’s embedded herself under his skin so profoundly, and in no time at all, it’s beyond physical – he won’t settle for less than all of her. A girl could get used to that. But what is she thinking?! Duty calls and Jordan doesn’t have the time to lose herself in Ty. Again: Good luck with that! The steam in this book coupled with the unflappability of Ty culminates in many swoons, my friends.

I really enjoyed this book. My only critique, and it honestly did not bother me, is that the love story seemed to outshine the drug bust. There are action and background stories to layer the book — I just haven’t disclosed them because I’m a spoiler-free type of contributor. 😀 Ms. Sharp developed these characters so thoughtfully; you lose yourself in the romance. Hardly a complaint when she had me completely engrossed in their personal story.

Unlock the secrets Jordan and Ty have been keeping; truths that may be too much to handle. Dream Huntress is the whole package: Danger to keep you in suspense and romance to soothe you during the nightmares. So much to love!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

guest post

Variety or Voyeur? By Michelle Sharp

The recent release of Dream Huntress has been a fun and fabulous few weeks. Actually, the most fun is when someone asks, “What’s next?” One friend called, genuinely concerned about whether Ty and Jordan will stay together and have that ultimate happily ever after. She explained that she usually gravitated towards the kind of series where you have the first hot brother and his story. And then in book 2, the story of the next hot brother, or best friend, or Marine buddy, so on and so forth.

It wasn’t the first time I had heard this. But it was the first time I decided there really are two different kinds of “romance series camps.” We’ll call the first camp—Camp Variety. Romance fans who plain old need a little change. They want a new hero and heroine in each book, diverse story arcs, and varied conflict in each book. Nothing wrong with that. It’s the way the romance world has operated for years, pretty darn successfully I might add.

However, I think there is a different camp becoming more and more popular in the romance genre. One comprised of inquisitive (perhaps obsessive) people like me. Camp Voyeur, if you will, infatuated with what happens after that, “Gee, I love you” moment. I mean seriously, you want good old fashioned conflict? When I look at my relationship with my husband, I realize that things didn’t get real until after we moved in together. Merging two lives into one can be explosive. Right?

So why must the fantasy end at I love you?

If I really fall for a character, I want the true grit that comes after all the firsts, too. What happens when an old flame comes back into town? What if one of the characters is wrongly accused of a crime, or hiding a deadly secret? How does the relationship work then? And man, OH, man—there is something to be said for reading a sexy love scene between two characters that know each other’s hot spots and history.

I get that books are supposed to be romance, fantasy—escape. No one wants to read about characters clipping their nails or arguing over the electric bill. But it still doesn’t mean I don’t totally want to be a voyeur while Roarke is washing Eve’s back in J.D. Robb’s In Death Series. (And screw tradition, because if Roarke did nothing more than clip Eve’s fingernails, I guarantee it would be sexy.)

I must, must, must know how Nick and Sam are doing in Marie Force’s Fatal Series. And don’t even get me started on Eva and Gideon. Sylvia Day has me hook, line, and sinker when it comes to those two.

My point is, I like the fantasy of the first kiss, the first time our characters make love, the moment the first “I love you” is spoken. But life happens. There is no greater thrill than exploring it with the characters I love. It’s like coming home to the familiar or visiting with family I haven’t seen in a while.

So to my friend I said, “Don’t worry, life will go on for Jordan and Ty. And because of Jordan’s gift, you can bet it will be a wild and complicated ride.”

I found that to be a perfectly politically correct response. But my friend said, “You’re seriously not going to tell me? You suck.” LOL. (But I know she still loves me.)

How about you? Are you Variety or Voyeur? Maybe we need a little of both camps to really keep the excitement flowing.

 

about the author

Michelle Sharp is a romantic suspense author from the Midwest. Although she has a degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University, she finds weaving tales of danger, deception, and love much preferable to reporting the cold, hard facts. Her goal in life? To team resilient, kick-ass heroines with the sexy alpha’s who love them. As most writers probably are, she is an avid reader. Her husband and kids would call it obsessive—but whatever. Her first choice is usually a story with a thrilling combination of danger and love, but any book with a great voice and intriguing story will keep her turning pages well past any reasonable bed-time.

Her debut novel will be published with Entangled Ignite in June of 2014. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Missouri Romance Writers.

Website: michellesharpbooks.com / Twitter / Facebook: / Goodreads:

 

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