Saturday, April 30, 2011

Review: Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

Quicksilver: Book Two of the Looking Glass Trilogy
Author: Amanda Quick
Publication: Putnam Adult (April 19, 2011)

Description: Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening's events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won't soon forget. 

Owen Sweetwater inherited his family's talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London's women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider Virginia an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia's powers are real-and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case.


My Thoughts: This was an excellent second book in the Looking Glass trilogy. This one moves the setting to England in the 1800s when being psychic or seeming so was a career path. Virginia Dean is the illegitimate daughter of a member of the peerage who is also a glass-reader. She has carved out a life for herself using her talents. At 26 and with her current profession, she is certain that she will never make an acceptable marriage but she isn't opposed to an affair if the right man should happen to come along.


Owen Sweetwater is in his early 30s. He is a member of the mysterious and secretive Sweetwater family. They are paranormal hunters and investigators and sometimes assassins of those who are abusing their psychic powers. Sweetwater men are in danger of losing their minds to nightwalking if they don't find their destined mate. Owen sees Virginia and knows that she is the one for him. All he has to do is convince an independent, strong minded woman who sees herself unsuited for marriage that he is the one for her.


Owen and Virginia meet in the course of Owen's investigation into the deaths of two other glass-readers but their relationship takes a new turn when he rescues her from the evil Lord Hollister. It so happens that Virginia has been overcome and wakes up next to a dead Lord Hollister.


I love the quirky characters and crisp dialog in Quick's work. Both characters are strong and quirky and just right for each other. The secondary characters including Virginia's best friend Charlotte and Own's cousin Nick also add depth to this story. I was especially fond of Virginia's housekeeper Mrs. Crofton. Virginia is constantly worried that she will find a better offer and leave Virginia's employ. Mrs. Crofton, however, finds Virginia's household very interesting and is eager to become involved in the investigations.


I recommend this story to lovers of romantic suspense and historical fiction. The first volume was In Too Deep (Dec. 23, 2010) by Jayne Ann Krentz and the third volume will be Canyons of Night by Jayne Castle (August 30, 2011) as Krentz tells the story across her three pseudonyms and her three worlds. 

Favorite Quote:
"Come now, Miss Dean. Are you not at least somewhat relieved to see me tonight? If I hadn't arrived when I did, you would still be trapped in this room with the body."

"Your point is well taken," she admitted.


"You can thank me later."


"I'll try to remember to do that."
I purchased this hardcover at Amazon. It is also available for the Kindle and in various audiobook formats. 

Friday, April 29, 2011

Book Beginning & Friday 56: Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

Happy Friday everybody!!

Book Beginnings
 
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Katy at A Few More Pages 

Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. 

If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.
 
The Friday 56

Rules:

  • Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
  • Turn to page 56.
  • Find the fifth sentence.
  • Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Freda's Voice
  • Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice
  • Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
Today the book closest to my hand is Quicksilver by Amanda Quick. This is the second book in the Burning Lamp trilogy. This book is historical paranormal romantic suspense. It is part of the Arcane Society series.

Beginning:
The visions of blood and death blazed violently in the mirrors.
Friday 56:

"I can't stop thinking about what would have happened if you had been found in that room with Hollister's body."

Thursday, April 28, 2011

ARC Review: The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

The Restorer (Graveyard Queen)
Author: Amanda Stevens
Publication: Mira; Original edition (April 19, 2011)


Description: My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.


It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer—and to his other victims—lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.


My Thoughts: This was a great spooky mystery. Amelia is used to ignoring the ghosts she sees around her. But when murdered girls start showing up in the cemetery she is restoring and the detective assigned is accompanied by the ghosts of his dead wife and daughter, Amelia has trouble following the rules she has lived by since she was nine.


This story was rich in Southern traditions. The cemetery is Oak Grove Cemetery and it is on the campus of Emerson in Charleston, South Carolina. As Amelia gets involved in the case she finds that so many of the players were Emerson graduates - her boss when she worked for the State Anthropologist, the detective in charge of the case, a former teacher who is now a paranormal investigator. The secrets and traditions of the school keep popping up as Amelia investigates.


I liked the spookiness of the various ghosts who appear. I liked the Gullah traditions. I liked the sort of tentative romance that developed between John Devlin, the police investigator, and Amelia. Both had major stumbling blocks. Amelia has spent her life avoiding those who are haunted and John isn't ready to let go of the memories of his wife and daughter. 


The mystery has clues and red herrings aplenty. There were lots of twists and turns in the story. I can't wait to read the sequel -- but I have to wait until November.


Favorite Quote:
Gooseflesh popped at my nape. "Do you know who killed Hannah Fischer?"

"That's something you'll have to figure out."

"You don't mean me literally, I hope."

"Hannah Fischer's body was left in that grave for a reason. find the reason, find the killer."

"I'm not a detective."

"But you know cemeteries. And that just might be the key."
I received the eARC for review from Mira Books via NetGalley. You can purchase the book in paperback or Kindle editions.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

ARC Review: Ascension by Sable Grace

Ascension
Author: Sable Grace
Publication: Avon (April 26, 2011)


Description: The gates of hell have opened, and one woman will stand in the crossfire as the Dark Breed—vampyre, demons, shape shifters—and mankind fight their last battle for survival.


Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen . . . and the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission—to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity—Kyana has no choice but to accept.


She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort . . . Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both . . .


My Thoughts: Welcome a new kick-ass urban fantasy heroine to the fold! Kylana is half vampyre, half lyken (werewolf) and all heroine. She works for the Order as a tracker. Now that the gates of Tartarus have been unlocked too many Dark Breeds are loose and raising havoc with the human and non-human populations. 


The Greek gods are weakening and someone is picking off their Chosen successors in the chaos. It looks like Chronos is trying to make a rebid for the throne his sons took from him. Kylana along with her friends Haven and Geoffrey and her off-again, on-again love interest Ryker have to find the key to lock up Tartarus again before Chronos gains control.


Kylana and Ryker have to be partners in this hunt but they have issues to deal with. Ryker wants an exclusive relationship with Kylana but she has embraced her vampyre side which sees sex as something casual. They are at cross purposes for much of the story.


This story includes a lot of Greek mythology including the gods -- with Hades, Ares, and Artemis the most visible -- and demigods. Humans can also be witches and Mystics. Kylana's best friend and almost sister is a witch. The Fates provide information and don't like Kylana very much. So do Seers. 


This was an action-packed beginning to a new series that sets the stage but leaves lots of questions to be answered in the sequels. I recommend it to lovers of Greek mythology and urban fantasy.


Favorite Quote:
"The monsters don't go away. They never go away. they simply change form and come at you again from different directions. They keep changing and coming ar you until the day you can't fight fast enough or long enough and then they win. That's what I should have told David."
I received this book for review at NetGalley. It is available as a paperback or ebook at Amazon.


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop Winner

Thank you to all 313 people who entered my Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop contest. Random.org tells me that the winner is #64 on the list.

Congratulations to Pisinat who blogs at the Pisi's Book.

I have emailed her and am eager to see what book she chooses.

Teaser Tuesday: The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


My teaser this week is from the eARC of The Restorer by Amanda Stevens. Here is the product description: 
My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.

It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer—and to his other victims—lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.
My teaser is from the end of chapter 2:
"No, I mean...if this is somehow connected to the homicide, then the killer knows who I am. And if he did this to get his hands on those pictures, he'll figure out soon enough that I have copies."


"Then we'd better find him first," said John Devlin.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop
April 20th to 25th


Welcome to my stop on this Giveaway Blog Hop.

I am giving away a book of your choice (up to $20 USD) to anyone who can get books from The Book Depository. You can choose whatever book you are most longing for today.

Here are the rules:

  • Be age 13 or above
  • Be a GFC follower of Inside of a Dog
  • Fill out the form below
Entries are accepted until midnight April 25. The winner will be chosen using random.org and emailed. Check out the other participating blogs here.


Sunday, April 24, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (April 25, 2011)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a pretty up and down reading week. I didn't read very much on my trip which consumed Monday through Wednesday but I made up for it during our Easter Break. I am finally making a dent in my stack of books to review.
I finished reading and reviewing all of the books I have gotten from Amazon Vine. 

Favorite by Karen McQuestion was a contemporary young adult with an interesting and sympathetic main character. My review will be posted on April 25.

Nickel Plated by Aric Davis was a mystery with an unusual anti-hero for a main character. I liked the language in this one. My review will be posted on April 28.

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell was historical fiction. It was a romance, a coming-of-age story, and a mystery. My review will be posted on April 27.
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens was romantic suspense from NetGalley. I enjoyed this one a lot and look forward to the sequels. My review will be posted on April 28.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter is her young adult debut novel. It is hard to describe but I loved it. Kate has to pass tests in order to prolong her mother's life and save her own. Look for my review on April 30.
Moving away from review books for a while, I grabbed Quicksilver by Amanda Quick. This is the second book in the Looking Glass trilogy. I love it when Jayne Ann Krentz writes as Amanda Quick. Her historical settings and quirky characters always draw me in. My review will be posted on April 30.

I am currently reading:

Bumped by Megan McCafferty -- This one is a young adult dystopia that I got from NetGalley. The premise here is that boys and girls lose their fertility by age 19 and need to have babies before that. The whole baby business has become a business with girls looking for lucrative contracts to sell their babies.
Next Week:
I have more review books to read.

Ascension: A Dark Breed Novel  by Sable Grace is on my computer as an Adobe Digital Edition from NetGalley. This one is adult urban fantasy.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente is a middle grade contemporary fantasy sent to my by Feiwel & Friends.

Tomorrow Girls: Behind the Gates by Eva Gray came to me from Scholastic. This is a young adult dystopia.

If I finish these, I have a couple of new arrivals that I want to read and donate to my High School Media Center. 
Defiance by Lili St. Crow is the fourth in the Strange Angels series.

The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan is the tenth in that series. 

That is what I read and what I have planned. What are your plans?


In My Mailbox (April 24, 2011)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.

I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the wonderful books everyone gets. You will discover lots of great blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.


Here are the books and ebooks I added to my TBR mountain this week.
Keri Arthur is one of my favorite authors of paranormals. I had to get Mercy Burns which is her latest and had an intriguing cover.

I love Jayne Ann Krentz whether she is writing as herself or Amanda Quick or Jayne Castle. I had to get Quicksilver which is the second in her Looking Glass Trilogy. She always writes entertaining books.
I got Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen this week too. This is a story in the Eve Duncan series. I decided to wait for the paperback of this one which came out the past week. I enjoy these but am so far behind in my reading that I didn't need the hardcover when it came out. 

I also got a free book for my Kindle. Lessons in Love is a Cambridge Fellows Mystery by Charlie Cochrane.  This is a mystery and a homosexual romance. 

The last ones I got were recommended by a friend for our shared Kindle. 
I don't know much about Warrior's Rise and Dragon Child by LJ DeLeon but have to say that they have great covers and titles. I look forward to reading them too. They sound entertaining and have shifters and romance in a fantasy setting. 

What did you get this week?

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Review: The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

The Perfect Play
Author: Jaci Burton
Publication: Berkley Trade (February 1, 2011)


Description: The last thing event planner Tara Lincoln needs is the jet-set lifestyle of a football pro like Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand proved that Mick is an all-star-both on the field and in the bedroom. 

Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a certified heartbreaker. But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind to catch this sultry vixen.




My Thoughts: This was a hot romance! Mick Riley was a sexy, yet vulnerable, romantic hero. He is a professional football player in control of his sport and of his life. But love can throw even the most determined off track.


Tara Lincoln is an event planner who is busy trying to grow her business and raise her fourteen-year-old son. She doesn't have time to devote to a romance. Love is out to get her too.


Mick and Tara have a great sexual relationship and try to convince themselves that it is all they want from the other. But they gradually get involved in other aspects of their partner's life and the sexual part just isn't enough anymore. 


Will they be able to overcome their fears and rearrange their plans to make room for a relationship? This was a nice, spicy romance between two strong adults which explores modern relationships. Romance lovers will enjoy this one.


Favorite Quote:
The copper-colored strapless gown cinched in at her bust, waist, and hips, then fell in magical waves to the floor, and was the most beautiful thing Tara had ever worn. And the shoes--God, the shoes. Strappy and stiletto with with a cute bow over the toes. They matched the dress, and she wanted to sleep with them until she died.
I purchased my copy at Amazon. I bought the print edition but it is also available as an ebook in the Kindle store. The bargain hunter in me went for print because it was less expensive.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

ARC Review: The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

The Vampire Narcise
Author: Colleen Gleason
Publication:  Mira; Original edition (May 24, 2011)


Description: Skilled in the seduction of men, both mortal and immortal, Narcise Moldavi is the greatest weapon in her twisted brother's war among the Dracule. Until she falls for Giordan Cale.


Her first searing encounter with Giordan seals their fierce connection for their eternal lives. But Giordan's vow to help Narcise escape her brother's rule is followed by a betrayal more agonizing than sunlight.


Wounded but determined, Narcise ensnares vampire hunter Chas Woodmore in her quest for revenge and to reclaim her life. He wants her, worships her, will kill for her. And the Dracule never forget a wrong— nor do they forgive.


My Thoughts: This third volume in the Regency vampires series focuses on Narcise Moldavi. It tells her story as a captive of her brother Cezar. It depicts her helplessness. While she is a vampire and well-trained in swordplay, she is still subject to her brother's control. When she meets Giordan Cale, she is reluctant to believe that he could be different than the many men her brother has given her to. But Giordan does prove to be different and tries very hard to free her from her brother. 


When his attempt fails because of Narcise's misinterpretation of something she sees, she feels betrayed and even more helpless. Giordan's failure to free Narcise profoundly effects his life too. It leads to his redemption while still leaving him an immortal vampire. 


Ten years later Chas Woodmore does manage to free Narcise from Cezar. He has a relationship with Narcise but hates himself for wanting a vampire. Narcise likes Chas and needs him to help her get used to a life of freedom but she doesn't love him. She thinks that vampires can't love. When she sees Giordan again, all the old feelings - both love and betrayal - are brought to the surface again for both of them to deal with.


This was a fine romance and a good conclusion to the three book series. I recommend it to lovers of paranormal romance and lovers of historical fiction. 


Favorite Quote:
Kissing, which was often the first stage of love and lust--and had been for her and Rivrik--was now the last step for her, and one she guarded jealously.
I got this book from NetGalley for review. It will be available at Amazon but not until May 24.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

WoW: Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us a chance to spotlight books that we are eagerly anticipating.

I can hardly wait for April 28, 2011. Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston will be published that day.

Here is the description: When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe...Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male - but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight...and between the sheets.

I love Shifter books and I love the humor of Laurenston's stories. 


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week is from The Right Play by Jaci Burton. This is a contemporary romance with a professional athlete for a hero. Professional athletes are the 21st Century equivalent of the Regency Rake for me. I just love reading about both kinds of alpha males.

Teaser:
The last thing he wanted was to face the morning after and the possibility a woman would want a next day with him. He didn't do next days or next dates or next anythings with women.
I don't know about you but I am feeling that our hero has met his match this time and is just whistling in the dark.


Monday, April 18, 2011

The Catching Up Readathon

Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century is hosting a Catching Up Readathon over Easter weekend. Since I won't be traveling or working Friday - Monday, it seems like a great opportunity to catch up on some reading. I will start after school on Thursday and see how much I can get read.


I am keeping track of my reading at GoodReads this year too. Fortunately, unlike Kristin, I am not massively behind. I am actually 2 books ahead as of Sunday, April 17. But that doesn't mean that I'm not being buried by all the books on my TBR stacks. 
Young Adult Books
The Front 2 stacks of adult books with an equal number hidden behind.

This is my opportunity for some concentrated reading time. Why don't you join me (and Kristen and the folks already signed up on her linky)?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (April 18, 2011)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.


It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.


I have had a quiet week. It looks like I am starting to get out of my reading slump. I have read quite a few really good books this week.


Last Week I Read:
The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton was a hot and sexy sports romance. Football quarterback meets events planner and sparks fly. Really enjoyable. My review will be posted on April 19.

The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason is the third in her Regency Vampires series. I had this one from Harlequin via NetGalley. It comes out in May but I wanted to read it since I read and enjoyed books 1 and 2.  My review will be posted on April 21.
Enclave by Ann Aguirre was an ARC I received for review. This is a young adult dystopia and was also a very enjoyable story. It was less dark than a lot of the dystopias I have been reading lately. My review is here.

Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale by Ramona Wray was also a good story. It is a YA paranormal romance with the typical love triangle. It was sent to me by the author for review. My review will be posted on April 21.

Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut was also sent to me by the author. It is my favorite book of the week. Griffin is and apprentice Terrae Angeli (we call them guardian angels). I liked his character and I liked the mythology. The print book will be out in June but the ebook is available now. My review will be posted on April 23.

Currently Reading:

Favorite by Karen McQuestion -- This is one of the books I got from Amazon as part of the Amazon Vine program. I am enjoying this Middle Grade/YA mystery.

Next Week:

Since I had good luck with the review books I chose this week and, since I have a bunch of books on my review stack that need to be read by April 26, I am concentrating on review books this week.

These are from Amazon Vine:
Favorite by Karen McQuestion
Nickel Plated by Aric Davis
Strings Attached by Judy Blundell

These are from NetGalley:
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter -- Due out on April 19.
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens -- Due out on April 19.
Bumped by Megan McCafferty -- Due out on April 26.

I hope to have some reading time this week but there are no guarantees. I am leaving after school on Monday with 8 of my colleagues for what my principal describes as "an exciting, all-expense paid trip to Iowa." We are going to be visiting a school near Des Moines which has a 1:1 laptop program in place for grades 6 - 12. The next day we will be attending a 1:1 laptop conference in Des Moines. We'll be arriving back home about 8:30 Wednesday night. Our school board has given the OK to buying NetBooks for all of our 10-12 grade students next year. We have to learn all about it and time is getting short. 

What are your plans for the coming week?