Review: Deadlock - Moira Rogers

Abandoned by her wolf shifter father and raised by her human psychic mother, Carmen Mendoza can’t deny she’s different. She craves things most women shy away from—and she has a trail of shapeshifting ex-boyfriends to prove it.

Working at a clinic for supernatural creatures, she’s escaped the notice of her father’s legacy-obsessed family. Until they need a pawn in their bid for power. Snared by a vicious spell designed to wake her inner wolf, Carmen’s only hope is to trust the one man strong enough to soothe her darkest instincts.

Alec Jacobson was once the heir apparent to the wolves’ ruling elite, until he walked away to marry the woman he loved. She paid with her life. Now he lives as a rebel, a black-sheep alpha who protects the supernatural residents of New Orleans from the wolves’ barbaric class system. Too bad he can’t protect himself from his need for Carmen.

Yet staking his claim on his enemy’s niece will turn his city into a battleground. Unless he can find a way to stop breaking the rules—and start making them.

My thoughts:

Ever since I first met Alec I wanted this story, and now I finally got it. He was just so alpha, wounded and all that jazz. I am gonna make this into a quickie (will try at least).

Alec is being his usual self, taking care of New Orleans and at the same time not taking part in politics. In comes Carmen, sparks fly and she is the one to soothe his soul. Sparks fly, in and out of bed (when they get there).

And there is politics. Her family is making a play for a seat, and they are real bastards. Alec has some figuring out to do.

And we meet everyone from before. Now, I do want Kat's book.

There you have it, a sort of quickie review. A nice series that is not really pnr, and not really uf either.

Cover
works

Series: Southern Arcana #3
Genre. UF/PNR
Pages: 264
Published: 2011 by Samhain
Source: Own

Review: Moondance of Stonewylde - Kit Berry

The cracks are beginning to show in the idyllic Stonewylde community. As Yul and Sylvie's forbidden friendship grows into something deeper, Magus' true nature starts to emerge through his charming facade. Ever since Yul defied him at the Summer Solstice, his power has been waning, and his mood darkening. Yul is the problem - and Magus is going to deal with him. Nobody challenges his authority and survives.

Sylvie is in danger too. Magus has discovered her secret and now, for all its beauty, her magical gift and Magus' desire to possess it is putting her life at risk. As each full moon rises Sylvie is made to suffer more, and the agony she endures as her magic is stolen leaves her increasingly exhausted, sapping her will to fight back. Unless Magus can be stopped, every full moon could be Sylvie's last. Are Yul and Sylvie the only ones who see the truth behind Magus' mask of kindness? Why is everyone so deceived by his charm - and why is Mother Heggy, the mysterious wise-woman the only one who will help them? 

My thoughts:

That glimmer of hope I spoke of in my previous review, well that did not turn out well. There will be spoilers here as I have to talk about book 1.

Arghhhhhhhh I hate the Magus, hate hate hate hate him! Honestly it has been a while since I hated with such a passion. They is all smiles and sleeps with everyone, yes blesses the women *roll eyes*. He hates poor Yul and torments him. And Sylvie, well I shall not talk about it further since that would be spoilers for this book. But he is horrible. He is one of those evil characters that act all good and is loved by many. Hate! But he makes it worthwhile when reading, I keep hoping he will fall!

As you can get the book gets pretty emotional at times (me hating Magus mostly). There is some real darkness in this one, all cos of Magus. There is heartache, planning and hopelessness in this. Hopelessness would be the theme. I feel so sorry for them all and I wish people would see the sinister depth he has.

A good book that kept me on my toes. The end here, well, there is no glimmer of hope this time. I need more.

Cover

Fitting

Series. Stonewylde #2
Genre: YA /paranormal fantasy
Pages: 352
Published: 2011 by Gollancz (first 2006)Source: Review

Review: Magus of Stonewylde - Kit Berry

Sylvie is dying. A victim of crippling allergies, poisoned by the pollution and chemicals of modern life, Sylvie is trapped in a hospital bed while her mother and doctors watch her life slipping away. But one of them offers her a chance. There's an alternative community - Stonewylde - hidden away behind high boundary walls in a corner of Dorset. If their leader, the charismatic Magus, would let Sylvie visit then perhaps the clean air and green lifestyle may restore her vitality. Or at least give her some measure of peace before she dies. It's a chance, and when Sylvie and her mother take it, they find themselves in a haven of tranquillity and beauty. 

But it's not all idyllic. The Magus sends a moody, secretive Village boy to work in their garden as a punishment. He warns them to stay away from him - he's rebellious and in deep trouble. But Sylvie is curious about Yul and, as their forbidden friendship grows, she sees that all is not quite as it seems at Stonewylde. Why was she told to keep away from Yul - and why are she and her mother so drawn to the Magus? Is the crone on the hill really a powerful wise-woman, or just a crazed old hag bent on destroying the peace with her wild prophecies? And what exactly is the magical secret at the heart of this seemingly perfect community?

My thoughts:

There is a hidden place within England, a place of magic where people follow the old ways. And that's where this story takes place.

Sylvie is poisoned by modern society and comes to Stonewylde. She is weak, but she slowly finds strength and her way. Still at one time I did fear her going tstl on me as she become friends with someone she had seen do something bad. But then again she is just that nice. 

Yul, is a village boy who I felt sorry for. This is not a nice society. I quickly saw the faults through his eyes. The Magus who is in charge can say whatever he wants to but this is a feudal society where some reap the benefits of the sweat of others backs. Poor Yul, he is just so broken.

Yes this may seem like the perfect place, but there is a darkness over it all too. I also felt like some are pushed too much when it comes to a certain ritual. But I shall say no more. It's the old ways and it makes it to one good story. Darkness and light.

The book may end with a glimmer of hope but it's far from over and it made me want to jump at the next one at once.

Conclusion:

A YA fantasy/paranormal story that will bring you friendship, injustice and budding romance.

Cover

works

Series: Stonewylde #1
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Published: 2011 by Gollancz (first pub 2005)
Source: Review

Mini Interview and giveaway: Sarah-Jane Lehoux - Thief

Please help me welcome Sarah Jane Lehoux to my blog today. There will be a giveaway at the end, and it will be open to all :) Good luck!

Welcome!

Who is Sarah-Jane?

1. Sarah is an introvert with a love of animals, the paranormal, and pretty much anything weird or macabre. She is gradually becoming a hermit thanks to an anxiety disorder, and her general inability to figure out social etiquette. She gets her inspiration from a sleep disorder which produces some wacked out waking dreams and hallucinations, and strives for originality and quirkiness in everything she writes. Growing up, she wanted to be a pirate, then an archeologist, then a primatologist, and finally decided that she’s not cut out for anything other than telling stories. Her greatest ambitions are to explore the catacombs of Paris and convince her husband to take a Hippo Tour in Toronto with her. If she ever becomes a successful author, she’ll buy a Queen Anne style house in the middle of nowhere, zombie proof it, and install a hidden door that leads to a turret room, where she can sit on rainy days and freak out anyone who happens upon her estate. Plus she’d get her cats a puppy. Because puppies are cute, and she thinks her cats would appreciate the gesture.

Why is this the series to read?

2. Reason 1: No one sparkles, and the female characters don’t put up with douchey, abusive behaviour from so called Alpha males. There are consequences, and there is more at stake than just getting two characters together.

    Reason 2: A sexy dark elf named Revik will rock your world.

    Reason 3: This ain’t your daddy’s fantasy. It’s a new spin on the genre. Gritty, realistic, unpredictable, and emotionally involving.

3. Why fantasy?

 I’m a big fan of hyperbole. I love using over the top expressions to get my point across. It’s the same with crafting a story. I take average, everyday characters and plunk them down in the middle of extraordinary circumstances to see how they will react. By doing so, I believe I can better examine human nature and the human condition. Strip away the magic and monsters, and at its heart the Sevy series is about people trying to do the best they can with their lot in life.

Thanks!

Giveaway!!

3 winners with receive both books, Thief and Shades of War

1. Open to ALL

2. Ends Oct 24th

3. Just enter :D

For review of the Thief go to:  and Shades of War: 

"Sarah-Jane Lehoux has brought a rainbow of emotions through me with these reads; surprise, tears, and worry."

If you are curious about Sarah-Jane Lehoux and her works, she can be found:
On her site: Sarah-Jane Lehoux ~ http://www.sarah-janelehoux.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahJaneLehoux
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/26083976275/

The Blurb for Thief:

In the crumbling city of Eloria, there is one indisputable fact: everyone has a price. Protestations of morality and better judgment have little meaning when confronted with the chance to obtain the unobtainable. The only question remaining is just how much a person is willing to sacrifice in order to win their heart’s desire.

Sevy has always been a quick study in the wicked ways of Eloria. She has no qualms about taking what she wants, and when the love of her life is mysteriously murdered, Sevy will stop at nothing to get him back. Elvish black magic, necromancy and demonic pacts are of little consequence if it means she can once again have her beloved at her side. But is she willing to murder her only friend to get the job done?