Reviews

Books I’ve read and reviewed

Behold ANTIGODDESS

Antigoddess (Goddess War, #1)Had a bit of a mind blow  when I encountered this sentiment:  Immortal does not mean eternal.

Truly, there are subtleties to the words. Immortal means to not die, to not be liable to death, whereas, Eternal means forever existing. But if something doesn’t die, it’s eternal, right?

No. If it was created, it can be uncreated.

And, it turns out, the pantheon of Greek gods was created. Who knew?

So, why am I waxing all philosophical about the shades of difference between immortal  and eternal?

Simple.

Got meself an ARC of ANTIGODDESS, due out September 10th, Book One in the The Goddess War series by Kendare Blake—so I read it.

Definitely liked it.

What’s it about, you wonder?

Greek gods living–or I should say dying–in the here and now.

I see you over there shaking your head and wagging that pointy appendage. Yes, you, you beady-eyed provincial!  Of course, contemporary mythology is an oxymoron.

Gimmick, you say? Point well taken, but–gimmick or no–this YA yarn tracking the end of the Titans is a stellar read.

This multi-viewpoint adventure tracks sibling gods, Athena and Hermes, as they endeavor to discover what force of the universe is killing them. Athena’s choking on owl feathers developing within her body. Hermes is ravaged by a steady fever. Both retain some of their god-like powers–strength, wit, speed—but each are diminished. The key to their survival seems to be held by a teen psychic, Cassie—the reincarnation of Cassandra of Troy—whom they must find. Only Cassandra can foresee how to defeat the enemy gods who wish to finish Athena and Hermes off prematurely.

Cassandra wishes she knew why her visions don’t extend past her 18th birthday. Will she be alive, or will her powers simply expire? What she does know is she loves Aiden, but their relationship falls into serious jeopardy when she learns his epic past. Is he even human?

This book ends with a solid battle and more than one god bites it. I would not call it a happy ending—but it is a satisfactory resolution. Throughout we get an imaginative look at Odysseus, Apollo, Poseidon, Hera, Aphrodite, and the stage is set for Book Two—no question.

I loved how each god had his/her own unique mannerisms. Athena–goddess of war and wisdom–is naturally austere, and totally fashion unaffected. Meanwhile Hermes–messenger of the gods and god of thieves–is a creature of comfort and has no qualms stealing the best clothes, food or lodgings on their travels.

Though this is YA I really found the sexual tension between Athena and her favored hero, Odysseus, to be interesting. ANTIGODDESS is clean as a whistle and age-appropriate to young teens, so I wonder how this attraction will play out in the coming books.

And now I’m wondering how to get me a copy of the next book…

Look for ANTIGODDESS in bookstores September 10th or pre-order at the usual places.

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Since I’m crawling with books, I’m offering up this ARC of ANTIGODDESS for YOU! (US addresses only.)

Just leave me a comment about which Greek god you’d like to be and why.

Be creative! My 10 y/o son will pick the winner he likes best. Comments close Friday, August 23th.

Make sure to leave your email address with your comment so I know how to contact you…

Flying With BROKEN WINGS

Broken WingsBrielle Matthews has learned seeing the handiwork of God’s creation can be a bit overwhelming.

BROKEN WINGS, the second in the Angel Eyes trilogy by Shannon Dittemore, returns Brielle to the role of heroine. (See my review of ANGEL EYES here)

Picking up six months after ANGEL EYES, Brielle, Kaylee and Jake have just graduated high school. Stratus is celebrating the opening of a new community center, spearheaded by Kaylee and funded by Olivia Hart’s foundation.

Brielle knows something isn’t right about Olivia–Canaan’s halo burns hot whenever she comes near, but Brielle’s even more unsettled by her father’s behavior. Seems Olivia brings out the alcoholic in her dad.

Coupled with her Celestial vision–Brielle observes Angels and Demons within the human realm–she is being haunted by dreams of her mother’s demise. Learning that her mother’s coffin was buried empty is a shock of the first order. Could she still be alive?

And why are Angels circling her home?

Meanwhile, Brielle is affected by the tar-like fear rolling off everyone she meets. It is only in worship and prayer that she sees the fear disintegrate. So why is Jake–the most devout person Brielle knows–sweating fear?

Jake’s love for Brielle shines through his steadfast gaze, yet she is stunned by his fear.  They are meant for each other–God himself gave Jake an engagement ring for her–so, what is he hiding?

In the Celestial realm, Damien has met with Lucifer and revealed his knowledge of Jake and Brielle’s gifts. He is able to garner Lucifer’s interest and secure instructions to collect them in two week’s time. Damien uses Olivia to not only capture Jake and Brielle, but also Canaan’s halo.

See, Lucifer is planning a battle, and Stratus has become Ground Zero.

Despite the bond between Jake and Brielle, doubt remains. Jake’s risky mission to discover his parentage separates them at the absolute WORST time. And, when he doesn’t return, Brielle’s fledgling faith is put to the test.

Again, Shannon Dittemore has spun a beautifully crafted story of love, faith, doubt and keeping our demons at bay. For those who enjoy paranormal fiction, BROKEN WINGS is a fantastic tale. Contemporary themes and realistic emotional content keep this story grounded firmly in the Terrestrial, with eyes to the skies and hope for a safe resolution.

The final story in this trilogy, DARK HALO, will be released next week–so readers won’t have long to wait for the conclusion. (Review for DARK HALO coming soon!)

BROKEN WINGS can be purchased (paperback or eBook) in all the right places…

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EMBRACE is Powerful

EmbraceFINALHow can a normal girl escape paranormal enemies?

She can’t.

But, as my Dad never said: “If you can’t beat them….”

In Cherie Colyer‘s EMBRACE, Madison Riley is facing the worst junior year ever.

Her boyfriend moved away, her classes stink, and she has to babysit her little brother all the time. But new-to-school, dreamboat Isaac seems to be interested…Very interested.

Still, it’s hard for Madison to enjoy her new romance when her BFF Kaylee is nearly killed in a car wreck  and then suffers psychotic episodes. No. Something is definitely wrong in Essex County.

Plus, longtime pal Paige is sincerely encroaching on the Isaac Territory.

Madison seems at the end of all things sane when she finally realizes things AREN’T sane. There is no way Kaylee could be so out-of-her-mind that she’s trapped in the psych ward.

Thing is…Madison knows all of this is wrong. And it’s Isaac who clues her in.

Kaylee’s been cursed.

By witches.

See, Isaac knows this because, well, he knows a WHOLE LOT ‘O WITCHY STUFF!

And, perhaps Madison does, too. If she really digs deep Madison might just find out that she’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s a power she needs to embrace.

Good thing for Kaylee, she does.

EMBRACE, a YA paranormal romance, really hits all the notes. Lost loves, New Loves, BFF’s, Teen Angst, and that soul searching feeling that all teens face. Madison takes each step with caution and this makes her a heroine in my eyes because she uses reason and intellect to solve her problems.

There’s a few chances to win EMBRACE for yourself:

 Embrace Series Swag Package

Goodreads Giveaway

Or, you can pick it up in the usual places:

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The sequel, HOLD TIGHT, will drop to the outlets August 20th. I’ll have a review up, but I thought a teaser might be in order…

Who likes a book trailer?  Ooh! Ooh! ME!!!!

If you check out EMBRACE, don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments!

STRINGS is Killer

Strings (Hard Rock Harlots, #1)If Kendall Grey wrote political ads her candidates would never get elected.

She’s that brutally honest.

She is also either a complete maniac or an erotica genius.

Her novel STRINGS (Hard Rock Harlots #1) has a disclaimer that elevates an NC-17 rating to art.

You think I’m exaggerating? This is the first sentence:

“STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18.”

It goes on for three more sentences. And Holy Goodness, is it accurate.

So…if you don’t want your delicate sensibilities obliterated by a nuclear blast of shameless lewdness, stop right now. STRINGS is NOT YOUR BOOK.

I absolutely loved it.

Letty Dillinger is bass guitarist for the female rock trio Cherry Buzz Float. Sexual inhibition is not a concept with which she is familiar. If it can be done, she done did it. Maybe twice.

‘Course, Cherry Buzz Float isn’t quite a household name, and Letty’s barely making enough as a waitress to keep herself housed. On her 25th birthday she’s half-drunk, lamenting her bad fortune, when she meets a sunglasses-wearing man she dubs ‘Shades’ willing to indulge in her wicked fantasies involving a bottle of tequila, a strap-on, and his backfield.

Yeah. She’s naughty.

This one night stand probably wouldn’t change Letty’s day-to-day except she gets a call the next day from her manager with the Good News/Bad News.

Good News: Cherry Buzz Float has been booked on a tour! Yahoo! Dream-Come-True!

Bad News: The tour headliner is Killer Dixon, a rival band who MAY have stolen a song from Cherry Buzz Float.

It isn’t until the two bands get together that Letty learns the Really Bad News: The new lead singer of Killer Dixon is–wait for it….

….

SHADES!!!   😉

Now all Letty has to do to live her rock dream is to keep the Shades-encounter on the down-low and maintain peace between her bandmates and Killer Dixon whilst all sharing the same tour bus for a month.

In truth, I doubt an angel could manage this supernatural feat.

And Letty ain’t no angel.

Good for us. Because the wild ride is so fraught with tension you can hear the reverb for miles.

Even better? The attraction between Letty and Shades develops it’s own zip code. And the animosity between the bands could power Alaska through the winter twilight.

Spoiler #1:  Cherry Buzz Float implodes.

Spoiler #2: Happily Ever After

If you like when a novel causes your panties to explode and are willing to accept multi-partner sexcapades (x 1) you will find the irreverent STRINGS to be a hoot. Pack some toiletries–or a wet-nap if you’re beach bound–to clean up afterwards.

Fearless readers will undoubtedly learn some new lingo to describe:  sex, naughty bits, bodily fluids, and love.

You can pick this title up for Kindle or Nook. Paperbacks are also available at online retailers.

The sequel, BEATS, slated for release August 29th. Yeah, it’s on my TBR at Goodreads.

A View Through ANGEL EYES

Angel Eyes (Angel Eyes, #1)Where do humans exist within the universe?

Somewhere between angels and demons, squarely within the Terrestrial according to Shannon Dittemore‘s YA paranormal ANGEL EYES.

Brielle has returned to her hometown of Stratus a shell of the graceful ballerina who left two years prior on a prestigious arts school scholarship. Instead of being the star on stage, Brielle is set to become the star-witness against Marco, the young man accused of killing her best friend Ali.

Barely able to contain her grief, Brielle has no desire to dance and struggles to attend school. Even when the new boy, Jake Shield, takes a serious interest in her.

Unknown to Brielle, forces are working both for and against her. Canaan Shield, Jake’s guardian, is an angel whose new mission is to keep Brielle safe, while the demon Damian discovers Jake and Brielle possess gifts rare among humankind.

Currently in disgrace, Damian quickly realizes Jake and Brielle would be valuable assets to Lucifer, if only he can corrupt their purpose. His role in a child-slavery business draws Brielle into danger, the same danger that killed Ali, and her new gift allows her to be the heroine of more than just her own life.

ANGEL EYES’s beautifully written prose unravels more than a forgiveness tale; it is an epic battle between goodness and evil which challenges the reader to take a new vision of the world surrounding us.

I very much enjoyed the fresh perspective. The mostly-linear plot facilitates both understanding and anticipation, especially considering the multiple points-of-view.

ANGEL EYES is the first in a trilogy. It is available for Kindle and Nook.

Finding HEARTS IN DARKNESS

Makenna James is an overworked accountant whose cell phone takes a catastrophic leap as she enters the elevator, thankful for the small mercy that SOMEONE held the door. She needs to get home. Her date with her couch and a bottle of red is way overdue.

The copiously-inked paramedic who holds the elevator, Caden Grayson, finds the harried red-haired woman in front of him…amusing. Who doesn’t like a woman spitting obscenities?

And then the power goes out.

HEARTS IN DARKNESS, a novella by Laura Kaye, explores the ‘chance encounter becoming more’ story in elegant alternating viewpoint.

Caden, survivor of a wreck that killed his mom and brother, suffers from claustrophobia and the blackness of elevator has him strangled with panic. It’s Makenna’s hysterical laughter which snaps him back to reality. Over the course of several hours in the dark, Makenna and Caden talk to keep his demons at bay.

Fave colors, foods, first times…you know, all the stuff you’d spill to a stranger in a confined space.

Through all the confessions, they develop a bond that goes far beyond the physical. When the power returns, Makenna is stunned to discover the pierced, tattooed man who has captured her heart is as gorgeous as she imagined. And, she’s surely too plain for him, right?

Caden senses Makenna drawing away and can’t figure out why. He’s determined to keep her close however he can. And the result:  passion, baby.

I loved the flow of this from the first scene. It’s a great read with heat that steams, not scalds.

It is available for Kindle or Nook.

TIE ME, My Nights With Sole Regret (5/5)

Tie Me (One Night with Sole Regret, #5)How long does a heart need to heal?

That’s the big question in TIE ME, the fifth installment of the One Night With Sole Regret  novella series by Olivia Cunning.

Guitarist Kelly Jamison has loved, and lost. So much so he’s not sure he can ever love again, even five years after his fiance Sara died. He promised to only love her. To never have sex with another woman. And now every member of Sole Regret has a woman to cherish, except him.

Conflicted by guilt and need, Kelly decides it’s time to say goodbye to her ghost. Maybe.

Visiting Sara’s oceanside house hoping the memory of happier times will give him the strength to let her go, Kelly catches the faint notes of a haunting melody on the sea breeze.

Dawn O’Reilly is a Grammy-winning pianist who’s creatively blocked on her latest project. Isolated by choice, she’s overwhelmed by the stranger she finds lurking outside her rented cottage. Of course, the overwhelming part is how attractive she finds him.

For the first time in years Kelly is attracted to a woman unlike Sara. Dawn’s musical genius turns him on and, without Owen to chaperone, desire overtakes his promises. Even tied up in Kelly’s signature Shibari art, Dawn is too much temptation for him to resist.

For me, this novella was the definition of bittersweet. The entire time I wished, like Dawn, that Kelly would breakthrough his guilt and grasp the love he so deserved. And when their night ended and his guilt surged?

OH!  I wanted to hold him just as tight as Dawn had.

But no woman can hold Kelly Jamison, right?

Perhaps.

This episode was thoroughly satisfying. Kelly’s passion was finally unleashed and his naked heart was gently handled. Kelly and Dawn are definitely a couple I’d like to read more of.

You can pick up TIE ME for Nook or Kindle.

One thing I’ve found in the Sole Regret series that I adore–all the women the band members fall for are mature, professional gals. They have careers and independence, yet indulge in a single night of unchained passion that becomes more than a one night stand.

I wonder how this will impact the repeat visits–as each of these lovely couples is destined for a second night, (and maybe a third) based on Olivia Cunning’s plans.

Looking forward to those sequels!

 

TOUCH ME, My Nights with Sole Regret (4/5)

Touch Me (One Night with Sole Regret, #4)Beauty may only be skin deep, but since when did rock stars care about more?
Since Owen Mitchell.
TOUCH ME, episode 4 of the One Night With Sole Regret novella series by Olivia Cunning, follows bassist Owen’s sex club fantasy-come-true: finding a woman who might want him for more than his rock persona.
Caitlyn just signed her divorce papers and she’s out to find a sexy boy-toy to prove that she’s still beautiful and to spite her cheating ex. Owen definitely fits the bill.
Shibari-practitioner Kelly, rhythm guitarist for Sole Regret and Owen’s BFF, plays a huge role in this sexy tale–he ties Owen up for a change! YAHOO!
Following a particularly sticky (yet satisfying) interlude, Caitlyn reveals she’s really not the sex club type–and Owen agrees. They and Kelly go out to eat and Caitlyn finds Owen’s unabashed playfulness as overwhelming as it is endearing.
What’s the hottest thing about this episode–Owen’s self-consciousness. Having grown from an ugly duckling into a desirable man, he still bears the psychological scars from rejection.  So, it’s all the more delicious when he finds his kindred spirit in geeky Caitlyn.
They are phenomenal together, each soothing the other’s bruised heart as well as fulfilling each’s baser urges. The sexy scenes are not just smoking hot, they are heartwarming.
In terms of overall storyline, the pre-quel SHARE ME, which takes place 6 months prior to the Sole Regret series, reveals the backstory of the sexual dynamic between Kelly and Owen. There’s Share Me (One Night with Sole Regret, #0.5)plenty of menage action in that story (Lindsay/Owen/Kelly plus Linday/Shade/Vanessa).
TOUCH ME is monogamous (only).
Just when we finally think Owen’s going to get his gal, history comes to bite his tail…and though we know he’s not likely the responsible party–he takes on that role.
Why?
Because Owen is THAT guy. The kind who will sacrifice his own needs to make everyone else happy. And that’s what makes him totally swoonworthy. (Disclosure: Owen is my FAVORITE member of Sole Regret. He’s also my new book boyfriend.)
TOUCH ME is only available as a single at this time, and it’s worth every cent. Get it for Kindle or Nook.
SHARE ME is a discounted mini-novella, and a wild, wild read. If you’re going to get both, read SHARE ME first. Available also on Kindle or Nook.
If you check either of these out, don’t forget to come back and let me know your opinion!

TAKE ME, My Nights with Sole Regret (3/5)

Take Me (One Night with Sole Regret, #3)How does the lead singer of a rock band seduce his ex-wife’s sister?

With complete abandon.

People, TAKE ME, the third installment of the One Night With Sole Regret novella series by Olivia Cunning, really swings. As in sex swings…

Jacob ‘Shade’ Silverton is notorious for his wild nights–usually involving more than one frisky lady. In fact, I’d decided to just plain hate on the womanizing bastard, but when he finds himself begging his vindictive ex-wife, Tina, for just five minutes of visitation with their daughter for her birthday that lump of “Men Suck” ice in my heart absolutely melted.

Amanda Lange, Tina’s older sister, has had a secret crush on Jacob far longer than his marriage to her sister lasted. Since his failed marriage, Jacob never builds relationships with women. Yet, his friendship with Amanda is comfortable. They tease each other and get silly. Amanda hates the way Tina abuses Jacob and wields child custody like a weapon, and offers to drive Jacob home, which turns into an extended visit–for movies. Just movies.

Riiight.

Unfortunately, Jacob’s home isn’t empty. One of his regular gals has let herself in, and Jacob’s desire for a quiet night with an old friend is nearly set off-kilter. Amanda is almost out the door when Jacob insists she stay and sends his sure-thing back home.

Jacob and Amanda are adorable together. He wants her, but knows he risks losing any chance of seeing his daughter if Tina finds out. She wants him and knows he risks losing seeing his daughter if Tina finds out. They nearly tumble together in their awkwardness, and then they convince each other that no one will ever, EVER, find out.

Except one thing:  Jacob’s house seems busier that Grand Central Station on Thanksgiving Eve.

The only member of Sole Regret who doesn’t witness this ‘secret fling’ is Kelly.

And yes, Gabe, Adam, and Owen all agree: Shade is one dumb dude.

Still, the passionate night between Jacob and Amanda is more than a love song. It is a power ballad EP–that’s Extended Play for the non-audiophiles. Oh, and it comes with bonus features.

Can I take a nap on Shade’s bed? I’d love to see if my butt looks big on his Jumbotron.

There’s a reason the man never takes off his eyewear, but Amanda has a knack for knocking the megastar to his knees. And he’s absolutely brilliant there.

You can pick up TAKE ME solo or as part of a TRIPLE PLAY.

If you like it, come back and let me know!

TEMPT ME, My Nights with Sole Regret (2/5)

Tempt Me (One Night with Sole Regret, #2)TEMPT ME is second in the One Night With Sole Regret erotic romance series by Olivia Cunning.

Dating an ace guitarist isn’t easy. Especially when you’re his substance-abuse counselor.

Yet, Madison can’t seem to stay away from Adam. She’s willing to love the man, not the rockstar, and I’m not sure if it really works that way.

Firstly, because as his counselor, it is wholly unprofessional for her to have a relationship with him. And, secondly, because Madison wants a monogamous relationship–after having a series of one-night stands over the course of the prior year.

One thing about this episode, Madison and Adam are VERY comfortable with each other. There are no ‘getting to know you’ interludes. From the outset they seek to dive right on each other–and they do.

Adam displays the typical prima donna behavior we come to expect from a rockstar, yet Madison is able rein in his ego and facilitate the beginning of a reconciliation between Adam and Shade–one the rest of the members of Sole Regret have been seeking for four years.

What I liked here:  There is a great deal of intimacy. Madison is eager and willing to share her fantasies with Adam. And, Adam is finally able to open his heart in a way he never has–with anyone.

Surely Adam’s lies are problematic, but he eventually confesses all to Madison–from a recent slip in his drug use to the reappearance of his addict father in his life–and they seem to become stronger in the shared trials.

About the sex–lots, and lots, and lots. I’m not a fan of all the scenes, but let’s say they are pretty compelling. If you’re into anal…

Of the five Sole Regret published novellas to-date, I think this one is my least fave. Not because I dislike the story, but there is something so magical about a NEWLY sparked romance, that Madison and Adam’s hook-up tale falls a little flat. Also, Adam is the not the most likeable character. He puts up a lot of defenses and is deliberately destructive, so it’s harder to root for him as opposed to the other guys in the band.

On the whole, it’s a solid erotic romance, a fast read, and a springboard for the other novellas which are all separate, but share characters and plot threads.

It’s on sale all over the interwebs…as a stand alone, or in one of two box sets–ALPHA BAD BOYS or TRY ME TEMPT ME TAKE ME.