A Flash Of Fiction 3 (September) Tangled Past by Leah Braemel

Book: TANGLED PAST
Author: LEAH BRAEMEL
Genre: HISTORICAL ROMANCE/EROTIC ROMANCE
Published: June 2011, CARINA PRESS

Series: Tangled #2
Texas Tangle (Tangled #1)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley, no other compensation given for an honest review

From Good Reads:
Forced to marry a man she just met, Sarah McLeod clings to the hope that she’ll finally find the love and acceptance she’ s always craved. Her tenuous dreams of a happy life on the frontier are in danger of being dashed by the one thing she can’ t change—her husband’ s love for another man.

Jackson Kellar’s determined to do right by his bride, yet he’s torn between his newfound love for Sarah and his still-burning desire for Nate.

Ranch owner Nate Campbell loves them both. He hates to see Jackson’ s loyalties so divided, and doesn’t want Sarah hurt either. How can they fix the tangled mess they find themselves in? Nate suggests a possible solution—a permanent threesome...

I Liked -- Plot: As with Leah Braemel's other book in this series, TEXAS TANGLE, I liked the different approach to a threesome that is presented. There is more of an element of M/M/F (as opposed to M/F/M), which I quite enjoyed. I will admit up front that pretty much all of my historical reading focuses on the European Regency and Victorian time setting, so I am not as familiar with the American west landscape. However, it almost seemed like TANGLED PAST didn't really need to be in a historical setting. In fact, I liked the story as much as I liked TEXAS TANGLE, but the first being in a contemporary western setting has given it a half-star edge over this one.

I Liked -- Character: Jackson Kellar was an interesting character. On the one hand, I didn't like him as much as I liked either Sarah or Nate. Jackson has unmistakeable feelings for another man, but gets swept up in marrying Sarah. Because he more or less is the cause of unhappiness in Sarah, as I read, I tended to appreciate Nate more. Regardless, Braemel did a good job of exploring the feelings of all three characters so that the reader could dig a little deeper into all three characters' motivations throught the novel.

My Rating: 12.5/15 (3.5 stars) Highly Recommend

Find the author at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Carina Press | All Romance E-Books | Amazon

Available formats: Epub, NookBook, Kindle, Pdf,

Challenge Participation:

A Flash Of Fiction 2 (September) Goddess With A Blade by Lauren Dane

Book: GODDESS WITH A BLADE
Author: LAUREN DANE
Genre: URBAN FANTASY
Published: June 2011, CARINA PRESS

Series: none
Source: Publisher via NetGalley, no other compensation given for honest review

From Good Reads:
Rowan Summerwaite is no ordinary woman. Physical vessel to the Celtic Goddess Brigid and raised by the leader of the Vampire Nation, she's a supercharged hunter with the power to slay any vampire who violates the age-old treaty.

A recent string of murders has her at odds with Las Vegas's new Scion, the arrogant and powerful Clive Stewart. The killings have the mark of Vampire all over them, and Rowan warns Clive to keep his people in line—or she'll mete out her own brand of justice.

I Liked -- Plot: I have never hidden how much I like Lauren Dane's novels. Her writing pretty much hits the trifecta of a good romance for me: great writing, awesome characters, and insightful plot development. GODDESS WITH A BLADE is really no exception to me. Though the urban fantasy aspect is something that I haven't read from Dane before, there was really nothing that I didn't enjoy.

I Liked -- Character: Rowan Summerwaite; what can I say about this character? She was an awesome force of nature, not just because she hosts a goddess, but because she has this absolute sense of who she is, and what she is meant to do. Even better, Rowan doesn't deny her attraction to the man that is her adversary. Having females that own themselves and their actions and their feelings is one of Dane's specialties, and I think that she pulls it off well in GODDESS WITH A BLADE.

My Rating: 13.5/15 (4 stars) Must Read

Find the author at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Carina Press | All Romance E-bookB | Amazon | Audible

Available formats: NookBook, Epub, Pdf, Kindle, Audiobook

Challenge Participation:

A Flash Of Fiction 1 (September) Steam and Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape

Book: STEAM AND SORCERY (GASLIGHT CHRONICLES)
Author: CINDY SPENCER PAPE
Genre: FANTASY/STEAMPUNK
Published: March 2011, CARINA PRESS

Series: GASLIGHT CHRONICLES #1
Photographs and Phantoms (Gaslight Chronicles #1.5)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley, no other compensation given for an honest review

From Good Reads:
Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess.

Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor but she needs a position, and these former street children touch her heart. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human...

I Liked -- Plot: Steampunk is growing into a popular sub-genre, and I have wholeheartedly embraced it. While I like the machinery and the airships and the danger that can go along with steampunk stories, Pape's novel had more of the historical aspect included in the plot, and I always enjoy reading about Regency/Victorian England, so it was just the right thing to capture my attention. There was a great balance between the heat between the hero and heroine and the steampunk element. As an equal opportunity science-fiction, fantasy and romance lover, all of the right spots for me, were hit with STEAM AND SORCERY.

I Liked -- Character: There wasn't any one character that I liked more than the rest. Pape truly rounded out both the male and female main characters, so that neither one seemed flat or superfluous or even only there to spotlight the other. What I really liked though, was the fact that the children that Caroline Bristol was supposed to be in charge of, did not fade into the background. In other words, they were characters and important to the story other than putting her in the sphere of Hadrian in order to create a romance between the two.

My Rating: 14/15 (4.5 stars) Must Read

Find the author at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Carina Press | Audible | Amazon

Available formats: NookBook, Epub, Kindle, Audiobook

Challenge Participation:

A Flash Of Fiction Day Two (February): Falke's Peak by Anna Leigh Keaton and Madison Layle

Book: FALKE'S PEAK
Author: ANNA LEIGH KEATON AND MADISON LAYLE
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/EROTIC ROMANCE
Published: November 2010, CARINA PRESS

Series: none
Source: Publisher via NetGalley, no compensation for honest review

From Good Reads:
Stressed out ad-exec Dakota wandered into Catamount Outfitters in search of a guide for a wilderness excursion. She didn't expect to be greeted by not one, but five of the most ruggedly delicious-looking men she'd ever seen. Not to mention a live cougar guarding the shop.

Eldest brother Axel agrees to guide Dakota on her mountain trek. In cougar form, Axel's twin, Gunnar, was there as a protection from predators—but he had his eye on the sexy client instead.

While the rule with clients was "paws-off," both Axel and Gunnar couldn't resist Dakota's seductive Native American beauty and determination. As cold days led to hot nights in the cabin, Axel and Gunnar wondered if they'd finally found a woman strong enough to tame them...

I Liked -- Plot: Falke's Peak is a little bit different than most of the menage books that I have read. Why? Because for a portion of the book, Dakota is only aware of "one" man. The brothers are twins, and one stays in cat form while the other is human. Though Dakota spends time with both, she doesn't know this. It's an interesting take on the "get to know each man outside of the menage" plot point that usually happens. I'm usually not a fan of deception, but Keaton and Layle handle this in a way that I didn't get pushed out of the story, or start to dislike the men for their lie.

I Liked -- Character: It's actually hard for me to choose just one of the characters from this book that I liked the best. The twins were each their own man, and had characteristics that separated them. There was also good conversation between the two about how they felt on the topic of sharing a woman. But, I did like Dakota very much. And, not just for what she stood for: a female character that represented a person of color, where her color wasn't the most important part of the novel. But, also for the gamut of emotions that she expressed. Too often, a menage will (to me) seem to be accepted all too readily by the female, and smex-ing takes over the book. Or, there is too much denial of the relationship, and I feel like saying, just do them already! Two hot men want YOU! FALKE'S PEAK kept me from either of these extremes nicely.

My Rating:10.5/15 (3 stars)

Recommend, if you liked:
Southern Arcana (series) by Moira Rogers
Whirlpool by Vivian Arend
Texas Tangle by Leah Braemel


Links for Anna Leigh Keaton:

* Website
* GoodReads

Links for Madison Layle:

* Website
* GoodReads

Purchase at:

* Carina Press
* Barnes and Noble
* All Romance e-books

Available formats: E-Book

A Flash of Fiction Day One (February): Sweet As Sin by Inez Kelley

Book: SWEET AS SIN
Author: INEZ KELLEY
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Published: January 2011, CARINA PRESS

Series: none

I received this book from NetGalley for free, in exchange for an honest review


From Good Reads:
John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he's driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won't lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she's as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?


I Liked -- Plot: Livvy is a passionate woman that takes life seriously, but still lives. John, though, has an ugly past, and it keeps him from forming any lasting relationships. Even the kind that Livvy is looking for: a fling with her attractive neighbor. In SWEET AS SIN, Inez Kelley does such a good job juxtaposing the lightness in Livvy with the darkness in John. Their love scenes were hot, but beyond that there was an extremely satisfying story being told. Instead of just flashing back, or stating the past that haunted John, Kelley peels back the layers of his pysche and inserts Livvy as the antidote to the shadows within.


I Liked -- Character: Wow, John was just one tormented and haunted character. And yet, I loved him. Despite the monsters in his head, and the monsters in his past, there were so many flashes of this great man. The type of man that any woman would be proud to have as a boyfriend, husband, or lover. The type of man that would be a perfect father. Sure, I wanted this couple, this relationship, to find its HEA, but mostly I wanted John to find his HEA. I wanted him to exorcise his ghosts, and find peace.


My Rating:13/15 (4.5 stars)


Links for the author and books:

* Website
* Twitter
* GoodReads
* Facebook


Purchase at:

* Carina Press
* All Romance e-books
* Amazon


Available formats: E-Book


Inez Kelley has also posted a recipe that is used in SWEET AS SIN. Livvy is a pastry chef, and she concocts several goodies that fairly jump off the page with their deliciousness. Find the recipe for Chocolate Orgasm Brownies at Leah Braemel's blog. Braemel is another Carina Press author. Her latest release, Texas Tangle, was a fantastic menage read.

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (DECEMBER)

Book: HUNGER AROUSED
Author: DEE CARNEY
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE


Published: November 2010, CARINA PRESS

I received this e-book through Net Galley for free, in exchange for an honest review


From Good Reads:
Jasmine is sick in bed when a sexy stranger breaks in and reveals she’s suffering an irreversible case of vampirism. And because her turning wasn’t approved by the Council, he must kill her once the transition is complete. In the meantime, the executioner offers to ease her torment with chocolate, hot peppers or sexual release. Fortunately for them both, Jasmine’s kitchen is bare...

Corin’s honor demands he do his duty, but he cannot execute the lovely woman while any part of her humanity remains. He must also find—and kill—her sire. Jasmine denies ever having contact with a vampire, causing Corin to question the justice of his orders. Sensing his hesitation, the Council dispatches another executioner, forcing the pair to make a run for it.


I Liked -- Plot: This is not your average vampire romance story. Dee Carney has contrived a pretty unique plot to move the story along, and force the two main characters into each other's company. Though Corin, who is supposed to eliminate Jasmine, has a tough shell, much of his backstory is explained through flashbacks. Sometimes, this can be an iffy venture, but Carney handles it pretty well, and I enjoyed learning more about the man than the fact that he is an assassin for the vampire council.

I Liked --Character: Corin was really intriguing to me. His history goes back all the way to the gladiators, and maybe because of it, he does have an oddly honorable sense of justice and mercy. Yes, the vampire council wields him like a weapon to hunt down "abominations" like Jasmine. However, there is plenty of character development to show what kind of man he was, what kind of man being a vampire made him into, and what kind of man he could be with Jasmine at his side.

My Rating: 11/15 (3 stars)

Recommend, if you liked:
Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven
Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake
Sins series by Eve Silver



Find more about Dee Carney and her books at the following links:

Dee Carney website
Blog
Author Yahoo Group
Twitter

A Flash of Fiction: Day One (DECEMBER)

Book: SECOND CHANCES
Author: LAUREN DANE
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE


Published: October 2010, CARINA PRESS (revised edition)

I received this e-book through Net Galley for free, in exchange for an honest review


From Good Reads:
Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she’s back, older, stronger and finally loving herself—and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams…and her adult fantasies.

Jude can’t believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She’s gotten under his skin like no other woman has…and brings out secret desires he can’t resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.

Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she’s in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he’s lost his chance forever…


I Liked -- Plot: This was actually the first Lauren Dane book that I had ever read. But, I've already become hooked, and have been scouring for her backlist. Because of the name of the book, I knew that, despite Rori finding happiness elsewhere, she would eventually return to Jude. The overall plot was great, but what I loved about Dane's writing is the amount of emotion that she is able to infuse into her words. The gamut of human interaction is thoroughly explored in SECOND CHANCES. She can truly get at the heart of a good romance, even if the characters have to endure some heartbreak or bad times to get there.

I Liked -- Character: Even though he was the bad guy for a while, I really liked Jude, in this book. The reason why I can like him so much, is that he redeems himself in the end. Dane shows his journey from the man who should have made Rori happy, into the man who truly could make Rori happy, despite her loss. Jude grows, and not superficially.


My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend (4 stars)


*Reader Advisory: This book does include mild BDSM elements*

Links for the author and her books:
Lauren Dane website
Blog
Twitter

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (NOVEMBER)

Book: LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR
Author: INEZ KELLEY
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE


Published: November 2010, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING

I received this e-ARC free from the author Inez Kelley, in exchange for an honest review


From Good Reads:
“Make me your goddess and I’ll take you to heaven.”

This sultry promise sparks a scorching, unforgettable one-night stand. The next morning Bram Winters awakes with a hickey and a head full of wicked memories—alone. His nameless goddess is gone without a trace, along with his shirt. And his heart.

Five months later, he stumbles across his mystery lady in a Laundromat, but she still won’t give up her name. Worse, she begs him to leave, no questions asked. Once he catches the spark of terror in her eyes, though, his firefighter training takes over—and he digs in for the duration.

Lady never wanted Bram to see her life’s ugly underside, but it’s too late—his socks are already in the washer. He was supposed to be her declaration of independence from her unstable ex, a bittersweet memory to carry into her new life.


I Liked -- Plot: Bram and "Lady" come together in a sultry tangle of chemistry and desire on a hot summer night. It's just supposed to be a one-night stand. However, it's Bram who wants more, and when he encounters her again, he intends to keep her high on the fireworks that the two create, until he can convince her to stay with him. Whew, the best scene by far, was the one in the laundromat, where Bram "distracts" her from her creepy ex lurking outside the building. The scene could have turned into a revenge scenario, where they "show" her ex exactly what they have together, but it's more about how they both lose themselves when they come together.

I Liked -- Character: "Lady" is an interesting character. I like that she admits her sexual feelings for Bram. Though he is hot under the collar for her, she is really the one that comes off as a sensual, confident character. She is the one that really saw their encounter as a hot, one-time coupling. And later, even though she is aware of the danger that her ex poses, she never comes off as meek or afraid.

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend (4 stars) if you liked:
Coin Operated by Ginny Glass
Veiled Desire by Alisha Rai


Links for the author:
Inez Kelley website

A Flash of Fiction: Day One (NOVEMBER)

Book: WINTER WISHES
Author(s): VIVI ANDREWS, VIVIAN AREND, MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Published: December 2010, CARINA PRESS

I received this book for free from NET GALLEY, in exchange for an honest review.


From Good Reads:
A woman has the Christmas Eve from Hell. Two cat shifters play naughty games. And a witch brings out the beast inside the man. The magic of the season takes on a whole new meaning in these three fantastic—and festive—novellas from some of the best voices in paranormal romance.

Anthology includes:

Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend
No Angel by Vivi Andrews
Freeze Line by Moira Rogers


I Liked -- Plot (TANGLED TINSEL): I admit that I am not much of a cat person, but Vivian Arend made me laugh out loud with the antics that she put her cat shifters up to. Because El is a cop, and she is ordered to protect the irascible Kyle from some unknown harm, she ends up fake engaged to him. The two of them are now obliged to spend the winter holidays together under El's parents' roof. Kyle wants to get in her pants, and El has to embrace the side of her that isn't human. The side of her that wants Kyle with equal fervor.

I Liked --Character (TANGLED TINSEL): Though Kyle comes off as a layabout, he is anything but. I love his lighthearted outlook on life, and the great embodiment of cat shifters that Arend manages to show in his character. He's basically what I love about reading Arend. She builds characters that can be playful, sexy, protective, and badass all at the same time.



I Liked -- Plot (NO ANGEL): Wow. This is the first work of Vivi Andrews' that I have read, and I was certainly not disappointed. In a contemporary world where angels and demons are common-place, Andrews matches up the demonic Jay (Jevroth), step-son to the Morningstar, and Sasha, a seemingly normal human. I was impressed at how involved I got while reading about Sasha's quest to retrieve Jay from Hell.

I Liked -- Character (NO ANGEL) Though I usually do like a bad boy, Sasha was the character that I really enjoyed while reading this novella. Clearly she has a right to her anger toward Jay. Not only does it seem like he wants to break up with her, then he disappears into a hell vortex, and later when she sees him again, she finds out that he has been hiding his demon ancestry. But, Andrews writes Sasha true. Yes, she gets upset with Jay, but she also recognized her deeper feelings for him. AND, she doesn't rely on him to get the two of them out of Hell.



I Liked -- Plot (FREEZE LINE): Moira Rogers rocks the post-apocalyptic paranormal story line! I never have anything bad to say about any of Rogers' work, and this is no exception. It's not just that FREEZE LINE involves a world split between heat and cold, but also a world split between witches and werewolves. One is infinitely dangerous to the other, both in terms of weather and humanity.

I Liked -- Character (FREEZE LINE): Typically, the werewolves in Rogers' books are at the very least, semi-alpha and very protective. Shane embodies these attributes, but he never seems derivative of other male characters that Rogers has written about before. Though he cannot survive in the same temperatures that Nadia needs to exist, he still escorts her to safety when she is at her most vulnerable. He leashes what he considers his "animal", and though the two have an explosive chemistry, he still comes off as tender and caring.


My Rating: 14/15 Must Read (4.5 stars)


Links for the authors:

Moira Rogers website
Vivian Arend website
Vivi Andrews website

A Flash of Fiction: Day Three (JULY)

Book: A SAFE HARBOR (BUILDING SANCTUARY)
Author: MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/SUSPENSE

I received this e-galley from the author as a promotion for the book.
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Joan Fuller is on the run from a powerful Alpha werewolf. She's allied herself with a vampire, an unheard of alliance, and now she needs help bringing the rest of her ragtag group of werewolves to safety. Though she's strong, the Alpha she's running from would seek to break her, and she has too much at stake to let that happen. Joan is out of a home, and out of options.

Seamus Whelan just wants to savor the fruits of his labor, namely the profits he's made from his bootlegging business. At a time when alcohol is prohibited, but very much in demand due to The Great Depression, he's made his fortune. But, first he will repay a favor to a friend. This favor leads him straight to Joan. Out of necessity, they will forge a path to sanctuary, and build a home for them both.

I Liked -- Plot: There was such an urgency that was built by the language while I was reading. It directly echoed the urgency and danger that Joan and her group of werewolves were facing. I liked how the reader was dropped straight into the story, which probably was necessary, because this is a novella. However, it kept up the pace. I was able to feel the emotions that Joan had: the danger, the fear, the concern for her responsibilities, and her despair that they might not get away. I was almost upset at the end that the story was so short!

I Liked -- Character: Joan was such a strong character in A SAFE HARBOR. Usually when wolves are concerned, the males overshadow the females, because they are so alpha. And, yes, Sean was a very sexy and attractive character (werewolf bootlegger, hello?!), but Joan was the character that shone for me. She was independent and alpha, in her own right. But, she retained that femaleness that allowed her to truly care about the wolves in her keeping. Even when she had to make the hard decisions about who lived, or who died.

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (JULY)

Book: DARKNESS AT DAWN
Author: DEVIN HARNOIS
Genre: ROMANCE/POST-APOCALYPTIC FANTASY

I won this book from the author, in a contest hosted by Moira Rogers
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Richard Everson prowls the night, where other humans wouldn't dare venture. Since his world was overrun by nightmare creatures, he hunts them down and kills numerous nasties, so that people can live without fear. But, the nasties keep coming, so Richard shoots first, and never has regrets.

Until the night that he meets Jennifer. Dawn has just come, and he is ready to relinquish his vigil, when the naked woman takes his breath away. She seems unconcerned by her appearance, and the two have so much spark between them, the air fairly crackles. Richard will have to deny his certainty that Jennifer's one of the nasties, to continue a scorching affair that is against all of the rules.

I Liked -- Plot: The set-up of the novella is very clever. I really like how Devin Harnois isolated Richard. He is a warrior, a loner, and he has to fight the nasties on his own. His choice, but it also leaves the door open for when he does meet Jennifer. Here is someone that tempts him to abandon his control, as well as his preconceptions about the creatures that haunt his world.

I Liked -- Character: Jennifer is a really interesting character. Though the reader doesn't really have a chance to be inside her head, it is obvious that she is self-sufficient, and confident. Whether that has to do with her dual nature, or the fact that she is forced into loneliness, is irrelevant. She has adapted to her surroundings, and is written as a perfect foil to Richard. Because of her dual nature, she has to be the one to break down his barriers, or his loss of control doesn't have the same impact.

My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend (Adults Only 18+)

A Flash Of Fiction: Day One (JULY)

Book: COIN OPERATED
Author: GINNY GLASS
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/ EROTIC ROMANCE

I won this book in a contest hosted by Natasha from My Disorganized Ramblings
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Elijah Elliot is a highly capable businessman. Not only does he decide to start his own business, after making his mark in a prestigious advertising firm, he lures away Beatrix London from the same firm. As his associate, the two work well together, but Elijah has other 'dreams' of them working together. Dreams that don't involve much clothing.

Little does he know that Bea feels the same way about him. And, then the two are pushed to work very closely on a racy advertising campaign. It won't be long before all bets are off, and Elijah and Bea find themselves unable to deny their mutual attraction.

I Liked -- Plot: COIN OPERATED is a smexy quick read, where Elijah and Bea have several sexual encounters from the outset- that turn out to be fantasies. Obviously for a novella, the characters have to have a previous knowledge of each other, otherwise it might seem... sordid. Ginny Glass solves that by making the two long time associates, and moves the pace along with their hot-under-the-collar imaginings.

I Liked -- Character: I was all about Elijah! He was a good alpha guy, taking charge in his fantasies, and their real encounters, but not coming off as a neanderthal. Plus, the inventive way that he used those spare quarters from the laundry room...

My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend (Adults Only 18+)

A Flash Of Fiction: Day Two (JUNE)

Book: THE DEMON IN ME
Author: MICHELLE ROWEN
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE


This book was given to me, by the author, as a contest prize
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Eden Riley is a "psychic consultant" with the police. Nevermind, the fact that she didn't ask for the job. (Who knew that helping a desperate-sounding lady find her cat, would end up this way?) The police don't even believe in her talent, since she can't turn the connection on, like a faucet. And when she finds herself the host of a hellfire demon... well, it seems that fate may be laughing at Eden behind her back.

Although, the demon in question does happen to sound hunky. And, when Eden gets a look at him, she has a hard time remembering that she wants to get rid of him. Plus, the whole pain of exorcism (to the both of them) isn't a walk in the park, either.

Darrak was cursed by a witch, and shouldn't be able to take corporeal form; Eden gives him this ablility for the first time in 300 years, through her talent. Darrak needs to convince her to help him find the witch, so that he can become whole again. Eden has her doubts that Darrak is a "good" demon. But, whether she trusts him or not, the two are stuck together, until Darrak can find a way to break his curse.

I Liked -- Plot: I really like how Eden's interaction with Darrak ended up making her a beacon for other supernatural beings, and those with special abilities. One minute, she's a reluctant consultant to the police, and co-owner of a failing investigative business. The next, she's taking cases from werewolves! Also, I thought it was interesting that Eden was so unsure about Darrak. I liked that she didn't just set out to help him; that she wasn't instantly accepting of who and what he was.

I Liked -- Character: Somehow, I always seem to be able to find a minor character that is really interesting to me. In THE DEMON IN ME, that was Leena. She is a shapeshifter that seeks refuge with Eden. I love her attitude, her directness, and independence. The dialog written for her is snappy, and Rowen infuses her with the same personality that her alter form (a cat) would possess.


My Rating: 11/15 Recommend

A Flash of Fiction: Day Three (MAY)

Book: THE IRON KING
Author: JULIE KAGAWA
Genre: YA FANTASY


I purchased this book (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
As a child, Meghan Chase witnesses the disappearance of her father. He's there one day...and then gone the next. As traumatizing as that could be for a kid, she never imagines that it might happen again. But, a decade later it does. This time, it is her little brother who is the victim. Only this time, her eyes have been opened to another world.

Meghan now has to travel to the world of the Fae to take back her brother. While she is there, the danger isn't just from creatures that want blood and flesh more than anything on earth. There are also people who have human faces, but no humanity. And, Meghan discovers that she is one of them. Her father is the Summer Court king.

She'll have to journey through the courts of Faery to find where her brother has been hidden. Along the way, she'll be accompanied and protected by a Faery prince; Ash, the son of the Winter Court Queen, a woman who wants Meghan dead.

I Liked -- Plot: Meghan's travels take her through all of the courts of Faery, before she can land in the Iron Court, but my favorite part of the plot was that first part of the visit. In THE IRON KING, when her eyes are first opened to all of the creatures and beings in Faery, and when she realizes that her best friend belongs in this world, Julie Kagawa does such a good job at sharing Meghan's confusion and disbelief at what she sees. Then, also her growing horror at the world around her.

I Liked -- Character: I think that Ash was my favorite character, and not just because he was the bad boy, and the possible love interest for Meghan. I liked him because he was written as the best and worst of the Faery world. Kagawa doesn't write him as a person without pity. But, he is a product of his environment, and I think that Ash showed the dual face of all of the Fey characters. They are practical and sly, and beyond some of the human emotions that Meghan expects them to possess.

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (MAY)

Book: THE CLEARING
Author: HEATHER DAVIS
Genre: YA

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Overview
Amy knows that she has to get away from her abusive boyfriend, so she decides to move from her home in Seattle. She ends up in a tiny, isolated town with her Aunt Mae. Here, she hopes to find peace, and maybe even happiness. Autumn has begun, and Amy is looking for a new beginning, too.

In the mist, behind her aunt's trailer, she discovers something unexpected. A farm, where the sun is always shining, and the plants and tree are in full bloom. There is a boy there; he seems to be about her age, but acts much more old-fashioned.

Though her wariness of the male species is almost palpable, Amy and Henry form a bond. The two meet in secret, and it seems that both want more from their friendship. But, then Amy learns the reasons behind the perpetual summer that Henry lives, and why he can never leave the farm. A choice will have to be made, in order for either of them to move forward.


I Liked -- Plot: THE CLEARING involves both Amy's and Henry's point of view. I liked how there was a switch between the two. It happened just enough to give me a good sense of both characters' inner feelings, while not becoming confusing. Amy's abuse is touched on throughout the novel, but not really explored very deeply. However, I thought that Henry's life (and how he came to live the same summer indefinitely) was very interesting. I wanted to linger, and visit his world, in much the same way that Amy did.

I Liked -- Character: I really enjoyed Henry, as a character. On the surface his life was simple, and uncomplicated. But, there was always something else hidden under the depths. He seemed to shoulder the need to keep his mother happy, from both a sense of need and duty, as well as love. I also liked how Heather Davis wrote his chivalry and courtliness toward Amy. It was both a relic of his time, as well as a part of his own personality.


My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend

A Flash Of Fiction: Day One (MAY)

Book: MISTWOOD
Author: LEAH CYPESS
Genre: YA FANTASY


I borrowed this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Overview:
The Shifter is an immortal being that resides in the Mistwood. Bound by a spell that compels her to protect the king that sits on the throne and rules Samorna, the Shifter has untold powers, and follows no mortal laws.

When Prince Rokan first comes for Isabel, she has no memory of her past. She is supposed to be a mighty being, but she doesn't know what powers she possesses, or how she must protect him. And something in her doubts his claim to the throne.

An assassination attempt shatters the unease in the castle, and exposes Rokan's enemies. The Shifter must protect the true King. The truth of who this is, will divide Isabel's loyalities. Ultimately, she will have to face her own past, then decide where the Shifter really belongs.


I Liked -- Plot: There were plenty of twists in MISTWOOD, but I liked how each one happened logically. The story was well-written. The court intrigue was really the best part for me. The alignment of 'sides' and allies played out well as the support to the assassination attempts that Isabel has to stop. There were times when I wasn't sure why a particular person turned betrayer, but I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. And the final betrayal was spectacular.

I Liked -- Character: I think the best character was that of Rokan's sister, Clarisse. There is a large portion of the book devoted to the relationship between the Shifter and Rokan, as well as the Shifter and her own struggle with loyalty. But, Clarisse is a character that makes herself be important. Though she can wear the face of coquette, I felt that Leah Cypess wrote her as the most cunning and intelligent character.


My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend