Moon Called
Urban Fantasy
Ace
http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Called-Mercy-Thompson-Book/dp/0441013813/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/102-3655341-8540145?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1184564690&sr=8-3
I have enjoyed Patricia Briggs' fantasy novels for years now. I was thrilled when I learned she was writing urban fantasy.
Mercedes Thompson is a stong and resourceful heroine, a coyote shifter in a world of werewolves, vampires, and fey. She was raised by werewolves and lives very close to the local pack alpha. It is no surprise, then, when she becomes embroiled in affairs of intrigue and pack culture.
Young shape shifters are at risk and Mercy takes one under her wing.
This is a fantastic urban fantasy, with slight similarities to some of the best in this genre, but at the same time, very unique and striking. The world she has created is fantastic and well drawn and the sociological aspects are fascinating.
Mercy's relationships to the various men in her life are complex. This lends another layer to this fabulous story.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Sacred Heart Diaries by Ann Vremont- 4 stars
Sacred Heart Diaries
historical erotica
http://samhainpublishing.com/books/sacred-hearts-diaries
4 stars
I once considered teaching French Revolution era history, so when this book crossed my path, I was very interested. I am only sorry that it took this long for me to get this review composed.
Ms. Vremont paints a very realistic picture of the times, showing the nobility at its best and worst, sometimes even in he same story. These portraits are not excessively romanticized, leaving the reader with an intriguing set of character studies and a whole lot of sex. The emotional development of the characters, both in positive and negative ways, brought a unique bent to these tales.
The theme of these stories are the women, and Beatrice, Gabrielle, Lucille, Veronique, and Candacis explore themes of forbidden love, homosexuality, and menage in a time where part of women's power lay in their art of seduction.
Ms. Vremont's skill at characterization brings the reader's emotions and interest in the characters to a higher level. I found myself speeding along to find out what happened to the characters I'd bonded with.
This erotic novel does not sugarcoat the times, and gives us a remarkable collection of short stories that will stay with me for a long time. Thanks for such a great read, Ms. Vremont!
historical erotica
http://samhainpublishing.com/books/sacred-hearts-diaries
4 stars
I once considered teaching French Revolution era history, so when this book crossed my path, I was very interested. I am only sorry that it took this long for me to get this review composed.
Ms. Vremont paints a very realistic picture of the times, showing the nobility at its best and worst, sometimes even in he same story. These portraits are not excessively romanticized, leaving the reader with an intriguing set of character studies and a whole lot of sex. The emotional development of the characters, both in positive and negative ways, brought a unique bent to these tales.
The theme of these stories are the women, and Beatrice, Gabrielle, Lucille, Veronique, and Candacis explore themes of forbidden love, homosexuality, and menage in a time where part of women's power lay in their art of seduction.
Ms. Vremont's skill at characterization brings the reader's emotions and interest in the characters to a higher level. I found myself speeding along to find out what happened to the characters I'd bonded with.
This erotic novel does not sugarcoat the times, and gives us a remarkable collection of short stories that will stay with me for a long time. Thanks for such a great read, Ms. Vremont!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Blood Will Tell by December Quinn-4 stars
Blood Will Tell
Vampire erotic romance
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419911965
4 stars
I simply love vampire romance and this blurb took my attention, so I bought and read it the day of sale.
Cecelia Barnes is a researcher focusing on blood disorders. She comes to the attention of both good and bad vampires. Thus starts her journey of a lifetime (or several)!
I have seen Ms. Quinn around the romance world, but this is the first time I've read any of her books. To say that I am impressed is an understatement. She is a bright shining new talent in the erotic romance realm.
Julian is a complex character with many layers. He starts out the story with some clearly defined goals that aren't in Cecelia's best interests. Very soon, he realizes her worth both as a doctor and a potential romantic partner.
Cecelia is a heroine worthy of the title. She is resourceful and keeps her head througout. It was refreshing to see how Ms. Quinn invested in Cecelia's character.
The secondary cast of characters were quite well portrayed and added a great deal to the plot rather than just being scene dressing. The plot and romantic development were top notch and I was happy to be able to read this book front to back in one sitting. I often get bored with vampire stories that seem to be too similar, but this one was unique.
December Quinn, I'll be eagerly awaiting your next book!
Vampire erotic romance
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419911965
4 stars
I simply love vampire romance and this blurb took my attention, so I bought and read it the day of sale.
Cecelia Barnes is a researcher focusing on blood disorders. She comes to the attention of both good and bad vampires. Thus starts her journey of a lifetime (or several)!
I have seen Ms. Quinn around the romance world, but this is the first time I've read any of her books. To say that I am impressed is an understatement. She is a bright shining new talent in the erotic romance realm.
Julian is a complex character with many layers. He starts out the story with some clearly defined goals that aren't in Cecelia's best interests. Very soon, he realizes her worth both as a doctor and a potential romantic partner.
Cecelia is a heroine worthy of the title. She is resourceful and keeps her head througout. It was refreshing to see how Ms. Quinn invested in Cecelia's character.
The secondary cast of characters were quite well portrayed and added a great deal to the plot rather than just being scene dressing. The plot and romantic development were top notch and I was happy to be able to read this book front to back in one sitting. I often get bored with vampire stories that seem to be too similar, but this one was unique.
December Quinn, I'll be eagerly awaiting your next book!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Soul Song by Marjorie Liu-4 1/2 stars
I have only read one story of Marjorie's thus far, and while I loved it, I haven't been able to find all the books in the series and the time to read them back-to-back. After reading this book, I will make the time!
This book was sent to me through Dorchester's buzz campaign, so please pass this review on to anyone you think might like to know more.
Kit and M'cal both come from blended relationships and this helps to bind them. Kit is a musician who can see murders, but is otherwise human. M'cal is part merman who is bound to a witch.
Kit is anguished by her powers and with the loss of hr grandmother, she's spinning out of control. She can't come to terms with her helplessness. She reaches out in desperation to help a young woman and falls into a very dark side of humanity.
M'cal is sent to destroy Kit, but he doesn't want to kill her. The compulsion may take away his free will.
This book barely missed out on being a five star read, and I rarely rate anything that high (maybe one in seventy-five books, if that). The characters are vibrant and brilliant, they jumped off the page with the talent of Ms. Liu's pen. Their conflict is real and the suspense adds to the story instead of detracting from it. Ms. Liu is a wonderful new talent, a budding super-star and this book shows why in bright color.
Kit's anguish and M'cal's emotional distress add so much to the story, the subtle layers bringing this story to a level I rarely see in romance. Every thread is neatly tied off and the ending is satisfying beyond reason.
I had to put this book aside and collect my thoughts before writing this review. I also didn't want to read anything else for a few days. This is a story to savor and muse on. Ms. Liu is a bright shining talent in the romance field.
This book was sent to me through Dorchester's buzz campaign, so please pass this review on to anyone you think might like to know more.
Kit and M'cal both come from blended relationships and this helps to bind them. Kit is a musician who can see murders, but is otherwise human. M'cal is part merman who is bound to a witch.
Kit is anguished by her powers and with the loss of hr grandmother, she's spinning out of control. She can't come to terms with her helplessness. She reaches out in desperation to help a young woman and falls into a very dark side of humanity.
M'cal is sent to destroy Kit, but he doesn't want to kill her. The compulsion may take away his free will.
This book barely missed out on being a five star read, and I rarely rate anything that high (maybe one in seventy-five books, if that). The characters are vibrant and brilliant, they jumped off the page with the talent of Ms. Liu's pen. Their conflict is real and the suspense adds to the story instead of detracting from it. Ms. Liu is a wonderful new talent, a budding super-star and this book shows why in bright color.
Kit's anguish and M'cal's emotional distress add so much to the story, the subtle layers bringing this story to a level I rarely see in romance. Every thread is neatly tied off and the ending is satisfying beyond reason.
I had to put this book aside and collect my thoughts before writing this review. I also didn't want to read anything else for a few days. This is a story to savor and muse on. Ms. Liu is a bright shining talent in the romance field.
Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, and Lauren Myracle-4 stars
Prom Nights from Hell
YA
http://www.harperteen.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=006125309X
4 stars
I am an unabashed YA fan, and when I saw that Kim Harrison wrote a story for this anthology, I had to get it. As with most anthologies, the stories were a mixed bag, but there was only one that I didn't care for as much as the others.
The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot
My second favorite story in this anthology. Mary is the daughter of a turned vampire, and makes her way as a vampire hunter. She is very protective when her friend dumps her long-time boyfriend and hooks up with someone very alluring and not quite human.
Mary's story is readable and wonderfully paced. Meg Cabot is a natural writer and I'd love to see more paranormal YA from her.
The Corsage by Lauren Myracle
Frankie and her friends go to a fortuneteller and end up getting a magical corsage. Frankie just wants her best friend to ask her to the prom, but she sets into motion terrible things instead.
This story is twisted and the most classical horror story of the lot, but I found it a bit unsatisfying in the end. The story has great technical merits, but it wasn't the right story for me.
Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
Madisonis humiliated at her prom and impulsively takes off with a msterious boy and gets a great deal more than she bargained for, with life-long complications.
This story was a surprise. I did enjoy it, but it was quite different from what I expected. This story twisted in different ways fom Ms. Myracle's but the twist worked very well for me,
Kiss and Tell by Michelle Jaffe
Hands down, this is my favorite story in the anthology. I am new to Ms. Jaffe's work, and this story is enough to make me a fan.
Miranda is "special" in ways that make her stand out from the rest of her class. She manages to hide most of her abilities. One day, she meets up with Sibby, who is also much more than she appears. Miranda will have to use every one of her extra abilities to help Sibby.
The author's writing style and voice, the characters, the plotting, were all just great. I hope we'll see much more of Miranda and Sibby as well. The dialogue in particular was witty and snappy without being overly cutesy or trendy.
Hell on Earth by Stephenie Meyer
A prom is supposed to be a happy occassion, but for Gabe, misery surrounds him. Can that amazing looking girl be part of the problem or a solution?
A wonderful fresh voice in Ya, Stephenie Meyer delivers with this short story that packs a tremendous punch. I have been hearing about this author for quite some time and now I understand her appeal.
These stories are all bound by the prom theme, but it is so interesting to see where the various authors went with their entries. I have discovered some new authors and my fandom has been reaffirmed for others. Though I liked some stories more than others, none disappointed me.
YA
http://www.harperteen.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=006125309X
4 stars
I am an unabashed YA fan, and when I saw that Kim Harrison wrote a story for this anthology, I had to get it. As with most anthologies, the stories were a mixed bag, but there was only one that I didn't care for as much as the others.
The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot
My second favorite story in this anthology. Mary is the daughter of a turned vampire, and makes her way as a vampire hunter. She is very protective when her friend dumps her long-time boyfriend and hooks up with someone very alluring and not quite human.
Mary's story is readable and wonderfully paced. Meg Cabot is a natural writer and I'd love to see more paranormal YA from her.
The Corsage by Lauren Myracle
Frankie and her friends go to a fortuneteller and end up getting a magical corsage. Frankie just wants her best friend to ask her to the prom, but she sets into motion terrible things instead.
This story is twisted and the most classical horror story of the lot, but I found it a bit unsatisfying in the end. The story has great technical merits, but it wasn't the right story for me.
Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
Madisonis humiliated at her prom and impulsively takes off with a msterious boy and gets a great deal more than she bargained for, with life-long complications.
This story was a surprise. I did enjoy it, but it was quite different from what I expected. This story twisted in different ways fom Ms. Myracle's but the twist worked very well for me,
Kiss and Tell by Michelle Jaffe
Hands down, this is my favorite story in the anthology. I am new to Ms. Jaffe's work, and this story is enough to make me a fan.
Miranda is "special" in ways that make her stand out from the rest of her class. She manages to hide most of her abilities. One day, she meets up with Sibby, who is also much more than she appears. Miranda will have to use every one of her extra abilities to help Sibby.
The author's writing style and voice, the characters, the plotting, were all just great. I hope we'll see much more of Miranda and Sibby as well. The dialogue in particular was witty and snappy without being overly cutesy or trendy.
Hell on Earth by Stephenie Meyer
A prom is supposed to be a happy occassion, but for Gabe, misery surrounds him. Can that amazing looking girl be part of the problem or a solution?
A wonderful fresh voice in Ya, Stephenie Meyer delivers with this short story that packs a tremendous punch. I have been hearing about this author for quite some time and now I understand her appeal.
These stories are all bound by the prom theme, but it is so interesting to see where the various authors went with their entries. I have discovered some new authors and my fandom has been reaffirmed for others. Though I liked some stories more than others, none disappointed me.
Chain Reaction by Dee Davis 4 stars
HQN books
http://eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=14881&cid=330
Romantic Suspense
WHen this book released, I rushed out to buy it. It seemed just what I was looking for, seeing that I love Rachel Lee's Mira Books. This book wasn't quite what I expecte,d and while it was good, I was mildly disappointed.
Mia Kearney lives in a small town in Idaho, where, to quite "Cheers", everyone knows everyone else's names. She is quite close to some friends who own the town's cafe/diner and we see their worry and protectiveness about this artist who gets so caught up in her work that she doesn't take many breaks.
Mia goes off on her merry way then diaster strikes. She awakens days later in a facility, learning the horrific news that the entire town has been obliterated and that she is the only survivor. Mia quickly becomes ewmbroiled in a turf war between the CIA and Homeland Security. Handsome Nicholas from Homeland Security seems to be her only ally.
The idea for this book is fantastic but the follow through was lacking. There were a lot of nagging questions I had, such as why Mia was at first a valued scientific experiment and then totally expendable, how the "Bad guys" found Mia and Nick after their tracking device was destroyed. The story also wrapped up way too quickly for me, the author cramming in what amounted to a summary for the HEA.
I loved Mia's kick ass ways and Nick's character was wonderfully complex. The romantic tension between them was palpable and the way they were wrenched apart by their circumstances added to the buildup.
This was a good book which could have been great if it was five pages longer. I will read more Dee Davis and I hope Matt will get his own story.
http://eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=14881&cid=330
Romantic Suspense
WHen this book released, I rushed out to buy it. It seemed just what I was looking for, seeing that I love Rachel Lee's Mira Books. This book wasn't quite what I expecte,d and while it was good, I was mildly disappointed.
Mia Kearney lives in a small town in Idaho, where, to quite "Cheers", everyone knows everyone else's names. She is quite close to some friends who own the town's cafe/diner and we see their worry and protectiveness about this artist who gets so caught up in her work that she doesn't take many breaks.
Mia goes off on her merry way then diaster strikes. She awakens days later in a facility, learning the horrific news that the entire town has been obliterated and that she is the only survivor. Mia quickly becomes ewmbroiled in a turf war between the CIA and Homeland Security. Handsome Nicholas from Homeland Security seems to be her only ally.
The idea for this book is fantastic but the follow through was lacking. There were a lot of nagging questions I had, such as why Mia was at first a valued scientific experiment and then totally expendable, how the "Bad guys" found Mia and Nick after their tracking device was destroyed. The story also wrapped up way too quickly for me, the author cramming in what amounted to a summary for the HEA.
I loved Mia's kick ass ways and Nick's character was wonderfully complex. The romantic tension between them was palpable and the way they were wrenched apart by their circumstances added to the buildup.
This was a good book which could have been great if it was five pages longer. I will read more Dee Davis and I hope Matt will get his own story.
Ben's Wildflower by Carol Lynne- 1 star
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419909276
Ellora's Cave release.
Conteporary
1 star
After reading all the posts in the blog world, I wanted to read this book and see for myself if it was as esteemed peers had suggested.
In a phrase, it was.
Kate's financial problems have grown and her ranch is in danger. Enter Ben, someone she barely knows. They begin a business relationship that predictably turns lusty.
This book had so many problems that I scarcely know where to begin. Ben is tall and large all over. Carol Lynne reminds us of this fact so many times that I lost count. Instead of it being an alluring or sexy counterpoint, the reader is instead presented with this farce of a man who can tear women assunder with the force of his large appendage.
This is horrifying, not sexy, not erotic.
Kate is a study in contrasts and contradictions. She is at first shown to be a very independent woman, but gives up her home and hearth to a stranger without even giving it serious thought or objections. She is shown as an innocent virgin until the reader learns that she has all sorts of raunchy lingerie and a clit piercing.
The emphasis on Kate's teeny tiny stature is overdone.
Ben's character seems to be wrapped up in his appendage and the emotional growth of the characters then almost becomes a threesome. Ben, Kate, and Ben's large endowment all share equal billing.
The romantic development of the couple was nil. The reader was told that they were in love, but there was no hard evidence to prove this.
The way Ben has percieved the women he can have sex with borders on offensive.
The male/male scenes in this book appear to have been tossed in for shock value with no care for what else was going on in the scene.
The writing style was very pedestrian. I was not wowed by her prose in the least bit.
As I read this book, I found myself wondering if this was a farce or a serious attempt at romance. Sadly, I fear it was the latter. As a farce, it would have scored at least 3.5 stars. As a serious romance, 1 star.
Ellora's Cave release.
Conteporary
1 star
After reading all the posts in the blog world, I wanted to read this book and see for myself if it was as esteemed peers had suggested.
In a phrase, it was.
Kate's financial problems have grown and her ranch is in danger. Enter Ben, someone she barely knows. They begin a business relationship that predictably turns lusty.
This book had so many problems that I scarcely know where to begin. Ben is tall and large all over. Carol Lynne reminds us of this fact so many times that I lost count. Instead of it being an alluring or sexy counterpoint, the reader is instead presented with this farce of a man who can tear women assunder with the force of his large appendage.
This is horrifying, not sexy, not erotic.
Kate is a study in contrasts and contradictions. She is at first shown to be a very independent woman, but gives up her home and hearth to a stranger without even giving it serious thought or objections. She is shown as an innocent virgin until the reader learns that she has all sorts of raunchy lingerie and a clit piercing.
The emphasis on Kate's teeny tiny stature is overdone.
Ben's character seems to be wrapped up in his appendage and the emotional growth of the characters then almost becomes a threesome. Ben, Kate, and Ben's large endowment all share equal billing.
The romantic development of the couple was nil. The reader was told that they were in love, but there was no hard evidence to prove this.
The way Ben has percieved the women he can have sex with borders on offensive.
The male/male scenes in this book appear to have been tossed in for shock value with no care for what else was going on in the scene.
The writing style was very pedestrian. I was not wowed by her prose in the least bit.
As I read this book, I found myself wondering if this was a farce or a serious attempt at romance. Sadly, I fear it was the latter. As a farce, it would have scored at least 3.5 stars. As a serious romance, 1 star.
Review ratings
1 star- Couldn't finish this book. Wish I could get my money back.
2 stars- Severe problems. Wallbanger. Would like money back.
3 stars-Below average.
3 1/2 stars- Average. Nothing special or memorable.
4 stars-Good. Pleasant. May keep to read again.
4 1/2 stars-Great! Will keep. Will read again.
5 stars-Fantastic! Stands out in many ways. Will keep and read many times.
6 stars-One of the best books I've read in years.
2 stars- Severe problems. Wallbanger. Would like money back.
3 stars-Below average.
3 1/2 stars- Average. Nothing special or memorable.
4 stars-Good. Pleasant. May keep to read again.
4 1/2 stars-Great! Will keep. Will read again.
5 stars-Fantastic! Stands out in many ways. Will keep and read many times.
6 stars-One of the best books I've read in years.
Intro and review policy
Hello, and welcome to my blog. I'm Wynter, a long-time book reviewer finally moving to an "online" presence. I plan to read and review all sorts of fiction and a little non-fiction as well.
I'll be posting at least five reviews a week. Please email me at wynterstars@gmail.com if you would like your book reviewed.
I'll be posting at least five reviews a week. Please email me at wynterstars@gmail.com if you would like your book reviewed.
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