HOUNDED - The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

HOUNDED  is book 1 in the Iron Druid Chronicles. It was an outstanding book. A little bit of mild swearing, but otherwise great for anyone and everyone. Good action, hilarious dialogue and fantastic characters. I absolutely loved it!


synopsis 

Atticus O’Sullivan has been running for two thousand years and he’s a bit tired of it. After he stole a magical sword from the Tuatha Dé Danann (those who became the Sidhe or the Fae) in a first century battle, some of them were furious and gave chase, and some were secretly amused that a Druid had the cheek to defy them. As the centuries passed and Atticus remained an annoyingly long-lived fugitive, those who were furious only grew more so, while others began to aid him in secret.

Now he’s living in Tempe, Arizona, the very last of the Druids, far from where the Fae can easily find him. It’s a place where many paranormals have decided to hide from the troubles of the Old World—from an Icelandic vampire holding a grudge against Thor to a coven of Polish witches who ran from the German Blitzkrieg.

Unfortunately, the very angry Celtic god who wants that sword has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power, plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good, old-fashioned luck of the Irish to kick some arse and deliver himself from evil.

THE SPACE BETWEEN by Brenna Yovanoff

I loved THE REPLACEMENT immensely and have been dying to read THE SPACE BETWEEN. Brenna Yovanoff creates worlds I sink into and don't want to leave.

NAVARRO'S PROMISE Rant

So, the ebook version of Navarro's Promise is still messed up.

I'm greatly disappointed by this. I'm having a really hard time believing the publishers can't insert the missing material into newer prints of the paperbacks or update the ebooks. That's just flipping ridiculous to me.

They've had plenty of time to correct this issue and they should have. We shouldn't have to search out missing scenes - before, during or after starting the book. Let alone waiting and wondering when the "black hole of missing words" is going to pop up so you can try to read the missing scene in sequence with the rest of the story.

I'm sorry I paid good money for an incomplete book.

YA BOOKS I NEED

I'm a big fan of Kelley Armstrong and I love the WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD series.

The DARKEST POWERS TRILOGY though, is one of my favorite YA series ever and Derek is my favorite were period. So, of course, I jumped all over the second trilogy DARKNESS RISING, which is a continuation of the Darkest Powers. The first book of Darkness Rising, THE GATHERING was good and I really want to get my hands on the second THE CALLING. 

I loved THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff. It was a great original story and I fell in love with the characters. The relationship between Mackie and his big sister Emma was amazing. And venturing into the underworld called Mayhem to confront the creatures of the Slag Heap was a dark and eerie journey, full of beautifully horrific "people". The writing and creativity was so outstanding in The Replacement that I have no doubt that The Space Between will be just as stunning. I am truly looking forward to finally reading THE SPACE BETWEEN due 11/14/11 (I may take the day off work just to read it).

SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready

SHADE book 1 of the Shade Trilogy by Jeri Smith-Ready

Love ties them together.
Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.

My Quickie Review:
I loved this book. It sucked me in right away and I really enjoyed the original paranormal spin on ghosts/shades/spirits. The writing, characters, story - all outstanding! I need more ZACHARY & Logan!

IRRESISTIBLE FORCES by Brenda Jackson

One week of mind-blowing sex on a beautiful Caribbean island. Of all the business proposals financial tycoon Dominic Saxon has heard, Taylor Steele's is definitely the most tempting. All Taylor wants in return is for Dominic to father her baby. No strings, no commitments…just a mutually satisfying arrangement. Make that very satisfying. For a man with no intention of marrying again, it sounds ideal.

Taylor wants a baby, not a relationship. And sexy, intelligent Dominic seems like a man with perfect genes. Turns out, Dominic has perfect everything. Their "procreation vacation" is a whirlwind of sensual ecstasy. But when it's over, will either of them be able to say goodbye?

My Quickie Review:

I have this in e-book form so I'm reading on the go using my black berry. I'm almost half way through this book & I'm thinking " Maybe I should buy the paperback so I can lend his one out! " 01/06/10 @16:25 km 

I really like this book & the characters. the book it's self is very HOT. There are several books in the series before this one. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. it just made me think "I really should read the earlier books." I will definitely be playing catch-up with this series. Can't wait to read about the younger sister.

GRAVITY by Abigail Boyd

This was a good story. It started kind of slow, but picked up quickly. Pretty creepy, I'm not quiet sure if this girl is imagining some of the things happening or if she really is experiencing these freaky things. It ended so abruptly I actually said "wth?" out loud. I'll definately read book 2 when it comes out.

Melissa Ecker swag!

Check out this awesome swag from author @MelissaEcker ! Autographed trading cards & bookmarks, VERY cool of her to send them to me.
I LOVES THEM LOTS!

Zombie Movie Trailer - They All Fall Down

THE MANE SQUEEZE

THE MANE SQUEEZE by Shelly Laurenston

The Pride Series Book 4

Synopsis

Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O'Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and…uh…well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don't believe in forever.

At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen-half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass-does neither. She's sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she's a born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she's being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn't like hybrids…and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn't get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen-and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can't simply walk away. Not when she's come to mean absolutely everything to him.

Review

The Mane Squeeze is book 4 in The Pride series and features Gwen O'Neill and Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie (of the Clan MacRyrie). Gwen, while falling for one of the sweetest honey loving bears she's ever met, must deal with an array of family and social issues. Everything from an old family feud, over protective half brothers of half brothers, karaoke loving wild dogs, a psychopathic "sister-in-law", a death defying roller derby to hybrid haters out to kill her. Toss in a couple of slap fights, a few viscous mauling's and you've got one of the most entertaining and hilarious books you could hope for.

Shelly Laurenston has created some of the funniest characters I have ever read. All of her books are LAUGH OUT LOUD funny with good dose of HOT and SEXY.

Available B&N Nook and Amazon Kindle

A POCKET FULL OF SPELLS

A Pocket Full of Spells by Ash Stirling

Braeden Wolf Series Book 1

Synopsis (LazyDay Publishing)

When a suburban warlock juices his gang up on a cocktail of drugs and magic there is an explosion out on the streets. Rival gangs can't compete and the police, corrupt and inefficient, have better things to do. The power brokers who control The City pay them little attention, the events out in the 'burbs of little threat to them.

Only crazies of the type of Braeden Wolf are willing to do what needs to be done. With wires in his vein, fire in his blood and a gun in hand, he will need all of his street smarts to survive against fearless killing machines that just won't die.

For once he is not alone. A stranger, crazy even in a city full of crazies, is there to confront the warlock as well. A crazy who brings a sword to a gun fight....

Review

A Pocket Full of Spells was a great intro to a promising new series. Ash Stirling combines some of my favorite paranormal elements into his Cyber-punk world. Our “hero” Braeden Wolf is just cool. I love that he’s confident without being arrogant, yet doesn’t take himself too seriously. His snark and quick come-backs were great. The fight scenes were awesome and full of action. Braeden also has a habit of giving nick-names to the people he meets, which I got a kick out of (I have a nick-name addiction).

This brings me to some of the secondary characters/ sidekicks. I’m a big fan and to me they can make or break a book. These characters were great. Isaiah, Raven/Blue, Haphazard, Zoe and the hybrid zombies are interesting and fun. I would definitely like to read about them again and see what else they have to offer.

I would also like to mention that, as the first book in a series, it was really nice to not be overwhelmed with backstory. Sometimes “Book 1” can be all about setting the reader up to understand future books. I didn’t feel the Braeden Wolf series needed it and I never had a sense of missing anything. A Pocket Full of Spells was not an information booklet to the rest of the series. It was a great story as a stand-alone as well as part of a series.

Available for B&N Nook and Amazon Kindle

Deep In The Heat Of Texas

Deep In The Heat of Texas (anth) containing the novellas:

Tempted In Texas by Alta Hensley

Tamed In Texas by Amy le Blanc

Taken In Texas by Melissa Ecker

When three career minded friends from LA agree to stay at a Texas dude ranch, they find some of the sexiest cowboys around. The men of the Weston Ranch have their hands full with Sophia, Maggie and Payton in this anthology by three of the hottest new authors in Erotic Romance. Alta Hensley, Amy le Blanc and Melissa Ecker combine the stories of three unique, strong and smart women into one seamless and steamy book. Each of these stories do well on their own, offering characters that you would love to see again. Deep In The Heat Of Texas gives us a copious amount of unrestrained (or in some cases, restrained) sex. It was fun and exciting watching these couples fall in lust and then in love.

Deep In The Heat Of Texas opens with a prologue written by author Melissa Ecker. Ecker does a wonderful job introducing the reader to not only her own character, Payton, but also Maggie and Sophia. We meet these three ladies while they are traveling to a dude ranch in Valentine, Texas for a two week stay. The prologue also gives us a brief look at each woman’s personality, their friendship and expectations for their stay at the Weston Ranch.

Tempted In Texas by Alta Hensley introduces us to Sophia. As a self-reliant business owner, Sophia isn’t used to being told what to do. When Deacon realizes that Sophia is a workaholic, he informs her of his rules, which include no phones, internet or work in general and clearly expects them to be followed. When Sophia breaks Deacon’s rules, she finds out he is more than willing to enforce his rules with some steamy yet loving punishment.

~quote~

“What? Did you just say you would spank your woman?”

“Yes, ma’am, I did.”

“Why?”

“Darlin’ that is something that I’d have to show you, not tell you.”

Tamed In Texas by Amy le Blanc gives us not one lusty cowboy, but two. Maggie is a newspaper reporter, reluctantly sent to a dude ranch. While at the Weston Ranch, Maggie meets Dylan and Chase, lifelong best friends. At first sight these two cowboys inspire carnal thoughts as they take Maggie on an unbridled, sexual adventure. No one would blame a girl for enjoying both of these sensual and virile men.

One of my favorite quotes is actually from a secondary character, Dylan’s mother, Ann.

~quote~

“Where do you get this tequila? It’s lovely.”

“I’ve got a cowboy across the border that has a bit of a crush on me,” she whispered. “He sends me six bottles a month and I send him a nice, long dirty letter.”

Taken In Texas by Melissa Ecker is the story of Payton and Drake. This is an erotic treat meant to be read repeatedly. Payton is a police officer quite capable of taking care of herself. Drake is a jaw dropping, dominant cowboy that is unbelievably sexy. He is also a self-proclaimed womanizer that has no intention of settling down. When they meet there is a clash of personalities that stimulates the sexual tension between these strong individuals and it’s instantaneous and palpable. As hot as this story was, from the attitudes and arguments to the incredibly amazing tractor sex, I think it was at the end that I really fell for Drake. It’s hard to resist a man willing to lay himself on the line to get the woman he wants.

~quote~

“I told you more than once that I’m not a liar. Never have been. I said I loved you because I do.”

Available for B&N Nook and Amazon Kindle

THE IRON DUKE by Meljean Brook release date: 10/05/10

THE IRON DUKE NOVEL OF THE IRON SEAS

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power — and fear — of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

http://meljeanbrook.com/books/the-iron-seas

HERE THERE BE MONSTERS by Meljean Brook

BURNING UP AN IRON SEAS COMPANION NOVELLA

including novellas by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, and Virginia Kantra

Two years ago, blacksmith Ivy, desperate to flee London, purchased her overseas passage by agreeing to spend the voyage in the bed of the pirate captain, Mad Machen. Saved at the last minute by his rival, Ivy scraped out a new life in Fool’s Cove…until Mad Machen finds her, forces her to accept a job that will create a monster, and reminds her that she still owes him the price of a journey… http://meljeanbrook.com/books/the-iron-seas

Lora Leigh's RENEGADE

As a bridalshop owner, Mikayla Martin helps make women's wedding dreams come true. Her own life, however, has become a nightmare since she witnessed a murder - and got an up-close-and-personal look at the killer. What's worse: She knows she knows him. But the police, after doing an alibi check, don't believe her. It's up tp Mikayla to prove them wrong ... and do whatever it takes to solve the murder by herself.

Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code name Renegade, is asked to pay an old comrade a favor. This friend swears he's no killer - and Nik believes him - even though he's been mistaken as one by Mikayla. So Nik goes to set her straight ... but the moment he lays eyes on the fiery and determined beauty, he knows he's in too deep. A woman this irresistible can only mean trouble and, sure enough, after sticking her nose in one too many places, someone wants Mikayla dead. Now Nik must find a way to keep her safe, clear his friend's name and find the real killer, who remains on the loose ...

Nauti Kisses by Lora Leigh

Nauti and Wild : Nauti Kisses #6
http://www.loraleigh.com/

When Sierra Lucas is attacked and her life in danger, there is only one place she can go. To the man she has loved for most of her life. The man she gave her virginity to. To a man that was to drunk to remember.

John C. Walker has fought his feelings for Sierra for years. It's been a year since he saw her last, since she started avoiding him, running from him. He's moved from Boston, created a life and home that is almost complete. And now, with Sierra hurt and in danger he will do everything in his power to keep her safe ... and by his side. All John has to do is keep her safe, eliminate the danger and convince Sierra he won't break her heart - again. And it might take more that a few Nauti Kisses.

John and Sierra's story was great. A wonderful way to end the Nauti series. It tied together some of the elements from a couple of the other books without repeating the other stories. I'll definately miss my NAUTI BOYS.

I've always hoped for a cross-over and will continue on with my little fantasy. Maybe Natches Mackay's son Faisal will become a part of the Tempting Seals or fall for one of the Elite Ops 2 women (which is my favorite theory). I would love to see them come together in some way.

Downside

Yes I can admit that I have become some-what obsessed with Stacia Kane's Chess Putnam / Downside Ghosts series. Yes #igotsTERRIBLEfever . Something I doubt I will ever get over, nor do I want to. This is a must read series for the UF/PNR fan.