The Spawn of Lilith - Dana Fredsti

Out of the spotlight, in the darker corners of the studio backlots, Hollywood hides a remarkable secret. Actor or actress, set designer, electrician, best boy, or grip—in la-la land, it pays not to be human. Vampires, succubae, trolls, elementals, goblins—studios hire anyone and anything that can take direction, be discreet, and not eat the extras. (The less you know about your agent, the better.)

Though only human, stuntwoman and struggling actress Lee Striga is a member of the legendary Katz Stunt Crew. They’re the best in the biz, in part because they can fly, and boast superhuman strength.

When Lee lands a job on the movie Pale Dreamer, however, not everyone is following the script. It’s up to her to figure out who—or what—is killing the cast and crew. Especially when Lee goes from stuntwoman to lead role... and the next target.

My thoughts:
I really like this cover, even if it does have the famous butt pose ;) She looks so kick-ass, and she has to be, cos she is a stunt woman. She knows how to fight, she knows how to fall down buildings. Aye she is cool.

There are supes everywhere, but the normal people do not know about them. Lee does know as her foster dad is one.  But there are things not even she knows, but will find out ;)

I liked her. She was a non nonsense kind of person.  Even even though she is not a supe, she still protects those near her (but then she is trained to kick butt too.)

There is this revelation at the end, so with that in mind this feels like an introduction to this world and to her. I got to see her work a crappy job, and then the job that shows the dangerous side of the supernatural world. How on earth she survived the crappy job I do not know, and the I do not mean survive as in dangerous, but in omg that stunt job sucks big time. Not all stunt jobs are awesome.

The second book promises to be interesting. Oh and I guess the tension between her and someone will continue to grow...that will be interesting to see too ;)

A nice first introduction do this world.

Cover

Cool

Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: June 27th 2017 by Titan Books (UK)
Lilith #1
Urban fantasy
For review

Early review: Close enough to touch - Colleen Oakley

Love has no boundaries...

Jubilee Jenkins has a rare condition: she’s allergic to human touch. After a nearly fatal accident, she became reclusive, living in the confines of her home for nine years. But after her mother dies, Jubilee is forced to face the world—and the people in it—that she’s been hiding from.

Jubilee finds safe haven at her local library where she gets a job. It’s there she meets Eric Keegan, a divorced man who recently moved to town with his brilliant, troubled, adopted son. Eric is struggling to figure out how to be the dad—and man—he wants so desperately to be. Jubilee is unlike anyone he has ever met, yet he can't understand why she keeps him at arm's length. So Eric sets out to convince Jubilee to open herself and her heart to everything life can offer, setting into motion the most unlikely love story of the year.

My thoughts:

She is allergic to humans...I know! That sucks beyond words. I felt sorry for her for the things she could not experience and for the experience that made her hide.

Jubilee kissed a boy and almost died. So the next decade she spent hiding in her house. Her mum had married and moved and she was all alone. And she never sees other people, she never goes outside. At least she has the internet so it's not like she does not have contact with others. 

Then we have Eric. He adopted his friend's child after they passed away and he is dealing with the aftermath of that. And his divorce. He is a good guy, albeit a little lost.

They will of course meet. They both and the kid has issues to work through.

Jubilee will of course leave her house and live for once.

But she is still allergic to humans. It just takes one touch and she could die...

It was not that long, but it packed quite the story of loneliness in many forms. Of grief. And about wanting something you can not have.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it. She is a good writer.

Cover
works

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: July 6th 2017 by Allen & Unwin
Fiction
for review

Dark Immolation - Christopher Husberg

There are rumours in Ashta - a new religion is rising, and Cinzia, one-time Cantic priestess, has escaped the Holy Crucible. Fleeing from Navone, Cinzia travels with Knot, a man of many parts, and Astrid, the child-like vampire. They are gathering followers, but the murderous Nazaniin are still on their trail. Meanwhile, Winter is losing her grip on sanity, grappling with immense powers beyond her understanding. Where she goes, chaos and death follow. 

My thoughts:

Sometimes I do not remember much from a previous book. I read too much ;) But I found it really easy to jump into this book and my memories were triggered. Aha, that is what happened.

Winter thinks everyone is dead and she is in a cell. Nooooo! WInter should not be a prisoner...but she did bring down an entire palace and killed the emperor. But she is a good one!

Knot is getting lost in his memories, oh I like him.

Astrid the child vamp is one freaky kid. I mean, dang!

Cinzia and Jane are starting up a new religion. THis is gonna end badly.

There are court intrigues. Assassinations. How to build your religion and keep followers, lol, not really but people are flocking and it was interesting how starved they were for something better. And I do hope this religion is better and that there is just not some demon hiding behind it. Because they are better than the rest of the idiots.

Demons are running free. Countries are waiting for a good fight and yes this continent will explode. Not yet, but soon. Civil war, religious war, some war of some kind is coming. And the characters are not in a good position, it does make me fear for their lives.

Conclusion
I enjoyed it, I do feel it was better than the first book (love when that happens) and I look forward to the next one

Cover
In RL it looks really cool

Paperback, 400 pages
Expected publication: June 20th 2017 by Titan Books (UK)
Chaos Queen #2
Fantasy
For review

Tell Me Something Tuesday: To request or not to request: how do you limit ARC requests?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

This week's conversation starter: 

June 27th: To request or not to request: how do you limit ARC requests?

I request those that I really really want. Sometimes I do fall for a nice request even if not my genre, but I am all I should give it a go. You never know.

Those emails I get are the easiest to say no to. I just do not bother. They always claim they have read my reviews and then I get a request for something that I would never review. They are always so full of themselves too and come with demands. Those ARC requests I just delete. Less to think about.

I have also gotten better limiting, well good emails ;) My weak point now is netgalley. I try to stay away, but sometimes they just look so shiny! I am sort of glad Edelweiss turns me down 99% of the time, and that I just can not navigate that site.

I also do check that I do not have to many requests, I can not read them all after all. And I want to read some of my own books too, that is the project I started 2 years ago. Read my own books, request less.

Luci in Feb

Audio Review: Silver Silence - Nalini Singh

Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence—her mind clear of all emotion—Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious…and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...

My thoughts:
I have not read all of the psy-changeling book, I actually did not see Silence Fall. But hey I knew Silence had fallen and it felt like the new series it was.

Silver is still silent. Cold psy, all business and in danger. I liked her, the psy are just so freaky, cold and emotionless. So filled with logic.

Nikolai is her opposite. A bear who likes hugs, who will do anything for his clan and who has decided that she is his. Oh man, she does not stand a chance.

He chases her and well duh of course things happen- It's a romance after all. But I will not say how it happens or how Singh manages to tear my heart apart with her evil ways. So perfectly evil and awesome.

The plot going on in the background is a part of the who poisoned her thing. Everyone is not happy that Trinity is ruling. That all are equals, some just do not believe it to be so. Dang idiots. It felt so real with terrorists running around and innocents getting hurt.

A good book with romance, suspense and bears I want to meet

Narration by Angela Dawe
I was weirded out at first by her voices. All the Russians, male and female sounded like they had smoked too much and drunk too much vodka. It was strange. But I got used to it (still weird though and not sexy.)

But she did a good job and I enjoyed listening to her voice. I would def want to listen to the next one. it works perfectly on audio.

Cover
nah

16 hrs and 1 min
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 17 pages
Published June 13th 2017 by Tantor Audio
Psy-Changeling Trinity #1, Psy-Changeling #16
Paranormal romance
For review

Carole's Sunday Review: Heart of Stone - Debra Mullins

Author: Debra Mullins

Title: Heart of Stone (Truth Seers #2)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 320

Published: October 2014

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Darius Montana is a Seer. With his gift of empathy, he can see into the hearts of others, both human and Atlantean. When his family comes into possession of one of the legendary power stones of Atlantis, Darius is sent to find the Stone Singer.

Faith Karaluros is the last Stone Singer. Manipulated all her life for her rare ability, she is widowed after her husband tried to steal her power for the Mendukati, an extremist group that hunts Seers. Faith wants nothing more than to stay out of this war when Darius comes to find her—just in time to rescue her from being kidnapped.

Faith goes with Darius, determined to do the job and be on her way with the money that can set her up where no one can find her again. She didn't count on the Mendukati sending a hit man after her. Darius swears he can protect her, but when she discovers he is one of the rare Atlanteans whose powers work on their own kind, can she trust him to keep his word, or is she being used again?

I am really loving this world. It is such an interesting concept with interesting characters. There is a lot to learn about this world and all the different powers, but I am glad that the author is slowly introducing the world and history to the readers. I can't wait to learn more. Honestly, the first book should be read first due to the backstory. 

This story follows Darius is a Seer, who has the ability to feel other people's emotion, and Faith who is a Stone Singer. They have a lot of issues internally and there is a war that started brewing in the last book. 

I really loved Faith's power! It's hard to really explain, but I would want her power...except I wouldn't want to be the only one left and people are hunting me to wrangle the stones of power.

The only issue with the book was the ending. The ending just, well, ended. Sure, I want to read the next one, but it was so anti-climatic and a sad attempt at being a cliff-hanger. 

GAH!!!!! I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ADRIAN! Who are you mysterious man?!  He seems so complex and has a crazy past. There was a huge reveal. I anticipated something of that nature, but it was still a good twist. 

In the end, this was a good read! I am really liking this world and the characters. Can't wait for the next book. The ending was a meh, but the rest was good. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Saturday Night Movie: Horns

In the aftermath of his girlfriend's mysterious death, a young man awakens to find strange horns sprouting from his temples.

Director: Alexandre Aja

Writers: Keith Bunin (screenplay), Joe Hill (based on the novel by)

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella 

2 h /Drama Fantasy Horror / 2013

Musings:
I have read the book, but I could not remember all of it. Yes the whole horns thing, his gf being dead. Everyone thinking he did it. But I did manage to forget how it ended. Which was good, cos it was a bit of a mystery then.

I did like the concept of the horns and what they made people do. It moved this ordinary mystery murder drama to the fantasy realm. Weird ass horns doing weird ass things.

And I hate the townspeople. Stop judging him! Find the real killer! But at the same time I had doubts a bit into the movie. Who really did it?

Radcliffe is good, he gets darker and darker and does it well. Not Potter there ;)

Good movie. I like the dark humour, well humour and humour, more the effed up way people gets.

Audio Review: Highland Hellion - Mary Wine

Katherine Carew Illegitimate daughter of an English earl. Abducted to Scotland at age fourteen. No family, no reputation, no rules. Rolfe McTavish Heir to an honorable Highland laird. Can't believe how well tomboy Kate can fight. About to learn how much of a woman she really is. Scotland is seething with plots, the vengeful Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other's throats. All it takes is a passionate hellion with a penchant for reckless adventure to ignite the Highlands once more. 

My thoughts:

It does work as a stand alone, but we meet players again that were on earlier books. Katherine who was saved by Marcus in book 2. Now she lives with his family and has also trained in secret dressed as a boy with the guards.

Katherine learned that she needed to be able to fend for herself and so she did. She is strong and capable. But her wild side does leave her in trouble.

The Gordons are still spoiling for trouble. Asshats as they are. From book 1 already. Grrrr. But...I can't say a lot but there is hope even for them. And she will see herself in trouble with them.

Rolf we met briefly in book 2, he was young and now is older but is still the same. And he fancies her the moment they meet. And so does she. Oh they do not stand a chance.

Brenda Grant is even mentioned, ok for newbies that will just be a brief sidestory but I was happy to see her again and that is well. And there is a mention of a new character, I am hoping to see his story, oh and Brenda's brothers story! I totally need him to find love. Yikes, after 3 books I am invested in all these characters. I want heas all around, and to see the Earl of Morton suffer. Grrrrr.

Conclusion:
There is passion and romance. Danger and plots. Highlanders up for a fight and new friendships being made. I enjoyed it all, and I am looking forward to more.

Narration: Antony Ferguson

This is my third book with this narrator. I am used to him now and would not want anyone else. I enjoyed his voice from the start. He does male and female voices well- I like his accent even if I did not really hear Catherine's.

He has a voice that keeps my attention on the story

Cover
ok

Audio CD, 8 h 56 min
Published June 6th 2017 by Tantor Audio
Highland Weddings #3
Historical romance
For review

The garden of small beginnings - Abbi Waxman

Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed. 

At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can  be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity. 

After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles Botanical Garden feeling out of her element. But what she ll soon discover with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not " 

My thoughts:
It was a heartwarming book that gave me sadness, a few laughs and budding romance.

Lillian is a widow, and yes it was a dark time there at first. Now it's years later and she does cling to his memory. She really should move on. Live again. But then she is really busy with the kids, with work, she never takes a break and just breathes.

In comes the garden class. Planting and tending. Getting to know the others taking the course. Spending time with he kids  and her sister and really enjoying the class. It does bring changes around for everyone.

And hey it made me want to garden too. Yes I already have one but I do want a bigger one, maybe one day. The chapters each start with info about a vegetable or something, how to plant and tend them.  I really enjoyed that.

Conclusion:
It was a good book. It was real, it was lovely and easy to read. Light even in it's darker times when she things about her husband.

Cover
I would have liked a garden, or a veggie at least

Kindle Edition, 368 pages
Published May 2nd 2017 by Berkley
Fiction
Netgalley

Duke with Benefits - Manda Collins

Lady Daphne Forysthe is a brilliant young math prodigy with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher a mathematical p that, once solved, holds the key to great riches Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn t counted on. . .and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt s bookshelves. He s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: she is unapologetic about her secret quest. . .and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on decoding a mathematical mystery once the prospect of true love enters the equation?

My thoughts:
I am not saying that I was lost, but for once in a HR series it did feel like I had missed out. I think it was how it started. One of the women being rushed back to the house. And I was all, what has happened? There was this whole murder plot that I got the end of and the couple in this one already knew each other so well. So yes for once I say read book 1 first. But of course it is still HR so it worked fine reading book 2 first too...just, yes I felt like I had missed the beginning.

Daphne was something else. She spoke her mind, and not in a good way. She said whatever came to mind, however wrong that was. I do not want to say it was cos she had not had any schooling in social graces. No, I would rather give her a diagnosis.

Dalton was hot, she sure thought so and how she was smarter. Yes I am glad he did not run away cos she sure said what she liked.

They fall in lust, and live happily ever after.

But before that there is a secret that Daphne want to figure out. Someone is lurking in the shadows and it gives a bit of suspense to the book.

Conclusion:
A nice romance with a couple that fits each other well despite being so different.

Cover
nice

Kindle Edition, 320
Expected publication: June 27th 2017 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Studies in Scandal #2
Historical romance
Netgalley

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Are you on the offense or defense when it comes to your blog?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

This week's conversation starter:

June 20th:  Are you on the offense or defense when it comes to your blog?

Let me think....I started the blog 8,5 years ago. At first I just drifted along not making a lot of effort. I found other bloggers and that made me more on the offense. I started doing things. Taking part in tours, being part of those mega giveaways, emailing authors, publishers. Visiting so many other blogs to learn and make friends (I think I have one blog I still follow after 8 years, all others seem to be gone :(.

I used to answer every email I got. Hey I even read all those crappy books I received cos yes I said yes to everything. I spent a lot of time on my blog.

Now, well I still do, but I would say I am more on the defense now. I certainly do not answer every email I get. I mean honestly who has time for that! Yes I get those "this is the 3rd time I am writing you" emails but if you do not hear back then I have deleted your email cos the book was not for me. I do not email around. I do not try to make it big. I have learned that it is fine as it is.

I answer comments, I visit blogs, I take part in what I can, but I am not all must do this and that.

I would not say I am entirely on the defense though, I think I am somewhere in the middle. Blogging makes me happy so I still do a lot.

I feel I have rambled on and not answered anything, lol

So here are some old Luci pics instead

Sniffing the house, must have been Bad Kitty that has been around

Enjoying the March Sun

Author Interview and giveaway: Mira Lyn Kelly

Today I have Mira Lyn Kelly over for an interview :)

And there is a chance to win her book too.

1. Tell me about yourself. 

Okay, so I’m Mira Lyn Kelly… write-at-home-mom to four wild and wonderful kids and one crazy cute pup named Pluto. I’m married to my very own friends-to-lovers HEA (can you guess my favorite kind of story, lol!!??) and we all live in the middle of Minnesota (which is gorgeous. You should move here). I write the flirt, sizzle and fun and have a new book--THE WEDDING DATE BARGAIN-- out June 6th. YAY!!

2. Tell me about your new book. 

THE WEDDING DATE BARGAIN is the second stand-alone book in the Wedding Date Series, and let me assure you, it’s bringing back all the hottest, sizzle and swoon-worthy best men Chicago has on offer!

Max Brandt is a good guy with a few bad-boy habits he was determined to protect Sarah from when they met in college. But when he finds her back in town on business, he figures they’ve both got enough experience so the old rules won’t apply.

Not quite.

Workaholic Sarah is through playing by other people’s rules and while she’d wanted “it all” from Max eight years ago, now there’s only one thing she’s after: the demise of her pesky virginity. And her best bet in making that happen is to pretend like it doesn’t exist. After all, she reads books and watches movies — how hard can it be to fake a little sexual savvy?

Harder than she thinks.

It doesn’t take Max long to figure out that he’s being played. But the thing about Sarah Cole is … she’s even harder to resist now than she was the first time around.

3. What was the inspiration behind this book? 

I was flipping through Pinterest and saw this gorgeous picture of a bride riding on the back of a motorcycle. I’d had a pretty good idea of the kind of characters Max and Sarah were going to be already. He’s this big over protective guy and she’s this good girl who’s been dying for a bit of bad. One look at this snap and I could just see her standing there on the sidewalk watching as the bike pulled up to the church…imagining what it would be like to be that girl on the back. It was the scene I needed to really show me who these two were and I built from there.

4. What are you working on now?

I’m just finishing up the fourth Wedding Date book in the series now, and having the best time getting Brody a happily ever after that measures up to what he’s been watching with all his friends. Love these guys!!

Thank you!

Giveaway
Win: May the best man win

US only
Be sure there is a way for me to reach you
Comment and you are in
Ends June 24th

Title: The Wedding Date Bargain

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly

Series: The Wedding Date, #2

ISBN: 9781492630760

Pub date: June 6, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sarah’s to-do list:

Mani-pedi

Buy killer black dress

Lose virginity

When Sarah Cole has two months to kill before her big move to New York, she decides it's time to take care of a few things―like the inconvenient issue of her virginity. Sarah knows the right guy for the job too: Max, the notorious lady's man she's been crushing on since college.

Two weeks of courting, and then the deed will be done. The plan is so simple. There's no way either of them would do something as silly as fall in love...

USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly grew up in the Chicago area and earned her degree in fine arts from Loyola University. She met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy, only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her. They live in rural Minnesota.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://www.miralynkelly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiraLynKelly.Author

Twitter: @MiraLynKelly

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3388918.Mira_Lyn_Kelly

Buy the Book

http://www.miralynkelly.com/books/

Strange the dreamer - Laini Taylor

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Welcome to Weep. 

My thoughts:
I really do like her style. It was well written, it flowed like a fairytale and I truly enjoyed this book. The only part that came across as YA was this silly teenage angst from the Golden boy who seemed to dislike Lazlo just cos Lazlo was helpful. But luckily that little shite was not around much, and I was grateful for it cos it did take away from the otherwise great story.

Lazlo works as a librarian and loves books. Come on, you have to love him for just that. And he is a dreamer and spends his time reading and thinking about a lost city.

Weep was fascinating and I wanted to know more. Slowly the story unravels but still there are questions as the citizens just do not know. As those closest to the source just do not know. But after that epic ending I hope we get even more answers in book 2. Because the ending was good and threw quite the surprise. It did make me want to read more at once.

But I do worry. I really liked book 1 in her other series, and sure the next 2 were good but they were not as awesome as book 1 so I do worry that this series will fare the same thing.

Still, as it stands now this was a great start to a new series. There are questions, quests and gods and monsters.

Conclusion:
I can't wait to read more.

Cover
I do like how it looks in rl

Hardcover, 536 pages
Published March 28th 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton
Strange the Dreamer #1
Fantasy YA
Library

Saturday Night Movie: The Dressmaker

A glamorous woman returns to her small town in rural Australia. With her sewing machine and haute couture style, she transforms the women and exacts sweet revenge on those who did her wrong.

Director: Jocelyn Moorhouse

Writers: Rosalie Ham (novel), P.J. Hogan 

Stars: Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth 

1h 59 min

Comedy/drama (2015)

Musings:
A revenge filled drama with yes comedic undertones. Which is kind of interesting to watch.

Kate Winslet plays Tilly who was sent away as a child. She plays the part well. Anger and hate. Those bastards in that town sure did not make it easy for her. But she is back, and she wants revenge. And damn, she gets some.

First I did not see how it would play out as she made dresses for everyone, and it got sad, but it all ends well.

Of course I did not get how she and Liam could be similar in age, but eh, it works, he had a beard.

The townsfolk with the quirks are played well, and they are bastards.

I was surprised by this movie, I did not really know what to expect. But I like a movie that ends with a bang.

Audio Review: Tremaine's true love - Grace Burrowes

Wealthy wool magnate Tremaine St. Michael is half French, half Scottish, and all business. He prowls the world in search of more profits, rarely settling in one place for long. When he meets practical, reserved Lady Nita Haddonfield, he sees an opportunity to mix business with pleasure by making the lady his own. Nita Haddonfield has a meaningful life tending to others, though nobody is dedicated to caring for Nita. She insists the limitations of marriage aren't for her, then Tremaine St. Michael arrives-protective, passionate, and very, very determined to win Nita's heart. Contains mature themes.

My thoughts:
I like Burrowes books. They do not always need some crazy scheme to drive the book forward (a murder, spying etc, you know.) Instead we have a book where the couple get to know each other, without something crazy going on ;)

Nita believes she will never marry and is ok with that. She helps the people in the village and acts like a doctor for those who need it and who can not afford the real doc.

Tremaine is there to buy sheep. He is a good guy, not really looking for anything, except for sheep.

They talk, they get to know each other. They move around the village. She helps people. We get to know her family and yes here there is some drama. Not with them but with...someone else. Not a lot of drama, but there is something going on. A little plot that moves into their sphere too. 

I liked that they really got to know each other. That they had time to fall in love. It was a sweet story to listen too.

Narration

James Langton did a good job. I liked his accents. He worked well for these roles and this book. He had a voice that fitted the story. Enjoyable to listen to. it really was perfect for audiograce b

Cover
nice

Audio CD. 10h 23 min

Published June 6th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published August 4th 2015)

True Gentlemen #1
Historical romance
For review

The pleasures of passion - Sabrina Jeffries

When Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave, is forced to flee after killing a man in a duel, he expects his secret love, Brilliana Trevor, to go with him, or at the very least wait for him. To his shock, she does neither and sends him off with no promise for the future. Seven years and one pardon later, Niall returns to England disillusioned and cynical. And being blackmailed by the government into working with his former love to help catch a counterfeiter connected to her father doesn’t improve his mood any. But as his role as Brilliana’s fake fiancé brings his long-buried feelings to the surface once again, he wonders who is more dangerous—the counterfeiter or the woman rapidly stealing his heart.

Forced to marry another man after Niall was exiled, the now widowed Brilliana wants nothing to do with the reckless rogue who she believes abandoned her to a dreary, loveless life. So having to rely on him to save her father is the last thing she wants, much less trusts him with....But as their scheme strips away the lies and secrets of their shared past, can she let go of the old hurt and put her pride aside? Or will the pleasures of their renewed passion finally enable them both to rediscover love? 

My thoughts:
The last book sure made me wonder about this one and what was up with Brilliana and Niall.

It starts with their lovestory, which I know ended badly, but not why. She married someone else. He was in exile after a duel. I know why he dueled, it was for a good reason. But it did cost him her.

And now they are back together. Well they are put together to solve a mystery. And they so do not want to work together. She despises him, he resents her. And I was all, omg talk talk talk!!!! Talk it through, but they are both angry for different reasons. Talking is not really what they want.

I liked Brilliana. I liked Niall. They obviously belonged together but there are so many lies and secrets in the way. But they will get closer, even if they are still angry, they really want each other.

Then there is the danger too, what is her father up too? Can they solve it?

Conclusion:
It was a good lovestory- A bit of suspense, a lot of lies and lots of passion.

Kindle Edition, 400 pages
Expected publication: June 20th 2017 by Pocket Books
Sinful Suitors #4
Historical romance
Netgalley

Author Interview and giveaway: Paige Taylor

Today's guest is Paige Taylor- Welcome!

And you can win one of her books too :)

1. Tell me about yourself 

Hi, Paige Tyler here. I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, romantic suspense and paranormal romantic suspense. I live with my very own military hero (aka my hubby/writing partner) on the beautiful Florida coast with our adorable fur baby (aka our dog). I’m currently writing four different on-going series: X-OPS, Special Wolf Alpha Team (SWAT), SEALs of Coronado, and Dallas Fire & Rescue. My books feature hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines who fall in love with them. They’re full of action, suspense, danger, and steamy romance, of course. 

2. Tell me about your new book 

A STORM IS BREWING…

Remy Boudreaux is back in his hometown, New Orleans. He's there with three of his fellow Dallas SWAT officers for a week of training with the NOLA PD. On the eve of a tropical storm, Remy and his buddies prowl the French Quarter. One tantalizing scent captures Remy's senses, forcing him to follow until he is face to face with Triana Bellamy—his beautiful high school crush.

After reconnecting, Remy and Triana are close—very. Remy struggles to keep things casual. Ever since his partner—and first love—was killed on the job, he's kept women at a distance.

But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy's protective instincts kick in. He may have to reveal his true self...and hope Triana accepts him.

3. What makes this genre so interesting to write? 

As many of my fans know, my hubby and I write together, with each of us lending our different strengths to the process. In the case of the Special Wolf Alpha Team (SWAT) Series, we both get to play with material that we love. I get the joy of writing a romance story between amazing alpha werewolf heroes and their kick-butt heroines in a suspense environment, while hubby gets to play with the werewolf mythology and high-energy, fast-paced action sequences. It makes for amazing stories that people love to read and we love to write.

4.  What makes Remy and Triana so great together? 

Remy and Triana grew up together as teens in New Orleans. Yes, they were definitely crushing on each other even back then, but they were good friends and neither one wanted to screw up that friendship. It also didn’t help that they were young and inexperienced when it came to talking to each about stuff like this. But when Remy comes back to New Orleans for training with some of his SWAT team members and runs into Triana again, they discover the chemistry that had started to develop when they were younger had only grown over time. In fact, things are ready to combust the second they meet!

5. What are you working on now?

I try to keep a lot of plates spinning at the same time. Right now we’re working on Book 8 of our X-OPS Series and Book 4 of our SEALs of Coronado Series. We also just launched the next set of books in our Dallas Fire & Rescue Kindle World.

Giveaway
A copy of Wolf Unleashed

U.S only
Ends June 18th
Comment and say IN and you are in :)
Be sure I can reach you if you win

Wolf Hunt by Paige Tyler

SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team, #6

ISBN: 9781492642343

Pub Date: June 6, 2017

Remy Boudreaux has kept his distance from women ever since his partner and girlfriend was killed on the job. From his point of view, you can’t be hurt if you never let anyone get close.

Everything changes when Remy reconnects with the beautiful forensic scientist—and his high school crush—Triana Bellamy. Remy is determined keep things casual. But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy may have to reveal his true self...and hope Triana accepts him just as he is.

PAIGE TYLER is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, romantic fiction. Paige writes books about hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines they fall in love with. She lives with her very own military hero (a.k.a. her husband) and their adorable dog on the beautiful Florida coast. Visit her at www.paigetylertheauthor.com.

Find page online at:

Website: http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaigeTylerAuthor/

Twitter: @PaigeTyler

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2300692.Paige_Tyler

Buy the book here: https://books2read.com/WolfHunt

Assassin's Fate and Tell Me Something Tuesday: Do you Cross post your reviews on Amazon?

Prince FitzChivalry Farseer’s daughter Bee was violently abducted from Withywoods by Servants of the Four in their search for the Unexpected Son, foretold to wield great power. With Fitz in pursuit, the Servants fled through a Skill-pillar, leaving no trace. It seems certain that they and their young hostage have perished in the Skill-river.

Clerres, where White Prophets were trained by the Servants to set the world on a better path, has been corrupted by greed. Fitz is determined to reach the city and take vengeance on the Four, not only for the loss of Bee but also for their torture of the Fool. Accompanied by FitzVigilant, son of the assassin Chade, Chade’s protégé Spark and the stableboy Perseverance, Bee's only friend, their journey will take them from the Elderling city of Kelsingra, down the perilous Rain Wild River, and on to the Pirate Isles.

Their mission for revenge will become a voyage of discovery, as well as of reunions, transformations and heartrending shocks. Startling answers to old mysteries are revealed. What became of the liveships Paragon and Vivacia and their crews? What is the origin of the Others and their eerie beach? How are liveships and dragons connected?

But Fitz and his followers are not the only ones with a deadly grudge against the Four. An ancient wrong will bring them unlikely and dangerous allies in their quest. And if the corrupt society of Clerres is to be brought down, Fitz and the Fool will have to make a series of profound and fateful sacrifices.

My thoughts:

I always loved Fitz, and omg the things she put him through. I still remember crying in book 1, or was it book 2? Well she sure put him through a lot. And then came another trilogy and she continued to torment him. And then came this trilogy and omg FITZ! At least he was happy for a little while and he had his wife, and a daughter. But then Molly died, and then Bee was taken. Come on! Stop being so cruel to the poor man!

And that is where we are now. Fitz and the Fool (and others) are in the dragon city of Kelsingra and on their way to Clerres to find Bee, or kill the mofos that took her.

Bee is with her captors also on route to Clerres and I just want to kick those freaking bastards. She is a child!

I really despise the Servants and the Whites. Let's bring down holy fire on those cruel bastards.

She brings in the liveships again (never did like that series, she was so cruel there too). But the ships are fascinating.

More dragons. A bit more learned about the Elderlings.

Bee started to grow on me.

I still do not care for the Fool.

Fitz *sobs* Nighteyes *sobs* It has been like decades in this world and I still mourn him.

Did I like the end? Hmmm, yes and no. At least it finally felt like an ending to the series. Some calm before whatever storm comes next. The first trilogy did not have a good ending. The second, sort of. This one, I guess it fits. Still...

I just ramble on. I do not know what to say. OH, do NOT start with this one. Do not be an idiot. You have to read them all. Or at least the first trilogy.

Cover

Eh, works

Hardcover, 853 pages
Published May 4th 2017 by Harper Voyager
The Fitz and The Fool Trilogy #3, Realms of the Elderlings #16
Fantasy
Library

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

This week's conversation starter: 

June 13th: Do you Cross post your reviews on Amazon?

Not all of them. Amazon is just so nasty sometimes. I mean I do not even post a lot there and still the comments I have gotten have been worse than GR, where I post a lot. Not that I have gotten a lot, but it's always someone trying to defend the book, and they have obviously not even read my review. Once someone even came back to apologize cos they had commented on the wrong review. I just feel Amazon is weird.

BUT, I do post reviews on amazon and those are the ones I have gotten from publishers or authors. Not the books I have read on my own. I might just be too lazy to post them all to be honest. I do not even bother to post NG reviews there all the time.

I do not like amazons ratings either. They have like two that mean good and the rest are crap. I just end up giving everything the same rating even when I have given different ones on GR.

So my answer it, yes sometimes.

Luci in March

The dragon's playlist - Laura Bickle

Di fled rural West Virginia to study music and pursue a bright future as a violinist. But when a mining accident nearly kills her father, she is summoned back home to support her family. Old ghosts and an old flame emerge from the past. When Di gets a job as a bookkeeper at the same mine where her father worked, she is drawn into a conflict pitting neighbor against neighbor as the mine plans an expansion to an untouched mountain.

If the mining company’s operation goes forward, there will be more at stake than livelihoods or the pollution of the land: Di has discovered a dragon lives deep within Sawtooth Mountain, and he is not happy with this encroachment upon his lair. When catastrophe strikes, Di must choose between her family’s best interests and protecting the dragon – the last surviving bit of magic in Di’s shrinking world.

In every fight, sides are chosen. And there can be no yearning for what has been left behind. 

My thoughts:

I guess I never saw things from the miner's pov. Sure they know this might not be the best work, but what else can they do? It is the only work where they live. The greenpeace like peeps protesting just do not get that.

But this was not a book about miners. This was about Di that returns to get small hometown. She does not want to. She wants to continue her studies, to be away. Alas, her dad was in an accident. And you just feel how the town is trying to drag her back kicking and screaming.

The town where her ex lives. The town where she meets a new friend. There town where she meets the people protesting the leveling of the mountain (and yes that is effed up. Destroying an entire mountain!?) The town with her over bearing mother. Her sick father....

And let us not forget the dragon. That made me think of that movie Pete's dragon. There are dragons still in the wild, not many, but there. And he was a decent dragon too...to her at least.

It's not a long book, but it does make you think about a few things. I liked her wonder of things, I wish there was magic around too. Good and short.

Cover
meh

Kindle Edition, 219
Expected publication: June 1st 2017 by Pronoun
Urban fantasy
For review

Carole's Sunday Review: Lord of the sea castle

Author: Ruadh Butler

Title: Lord of the Sea Castle

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: ebook

Published: June 2017

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

It is 1170 – a tumultuous time for the people of Wales, England and Ireland. Raymond de Carew is in love, but the woman he desires is an earl's daughter and so far above his station that he has no hope of ever winning her.

However, Raymond’s lord has a mission for him: one that if it succeeds will put an Irish king back on his throne and prove Raymond worthy – for in Norman society, a man can rise as high as his skill with a sword can take him.

With only a hundred men at his side, Raymond must cross the ocean to Ireland ahead of his mercenary lord's invasion. There he will face the full might of the Viking city of Waterford... and either his deeds will become legend or he will be trampled into dust.

There are a couple of reasons why I picked this up...1) I wanted a good historical book, 2) I wanted war!! Yes, I got the blood-lust ;D, and 3) It is set in Waterford and I live in a Waterford (not the Waterford that this is set in, but ya know lol). 

There was a lot of battles and blood and war and I liked it!! It was really good and written well. It was not gross, like some novels can be, and it was not boring and didn't drag on. A nice flow. There was a decent balance with the war/action-y parts versus the "calmer" parts. The balance could've been better, but it wasn't bad. 

I wish there had been a hair more time with character development and world-building. I didn't feel connected with the main character until about halfway through the book. And I had a hard time seeing the world. Maybe it was just me? 

It was really interesting seeing this side of the conflict. Mainly books in this time period is written on the English side, so I was happy to read the other side. 

The love story was okay and it added a human element to the story. Without it, I feel it would've felt more like a history book. I wasn't a fan of the girl tho (heck - I can't even recall her name). I feel he could've done better in my opinion. Her family was a pain.

I am curious to see what is going to happen next. There was a little epilogue at the end, but there is so much story left! 

In the end, this was okay. I loved a lot of it, but there was a lot I didn't like or thought was just okay. If you love or need some bloody historical fiction with a touch of romance, this is the book for you. In the end, I'll give this a 3.