New Release Review ~ With Visions of Red #2 ~ Trisha Wolfe

With Visions of Red #2
Release Date: July 15, 2015
Genre: Adult, Dark Romance, Erotica, Thriller
Source: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased my own copy once it released.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
The UNSUB has made contact.

After a rapid string of grisly murders shakes the usually peaceful city of Arlington, Virginia, the sadistic killings of young women lull into a deceptive calm. Agent Sadie Bonds knows the terror isn't over; serial killers don't stop until caught.

And this sadist has targeted the profiler, revealing pieces of her dark past and weaving her secrets into each gruesome crime scene. Is the killer someone from Sadie's past, her present? Or is he part of a fated future she brought on herself? The answer lies withing the riddle of the copycat killings, ones mimicked after the infamous Blood Countess.

As tension brews in the department awaiting the UNSUB's next move, Sadie's more on edge--her deviant cravings for the possible perpetrator have ratcheted out of control. She needs the feel of Colton's ropes binding her, sheltering her from stark reality.

Only Colton Reed has his own twisted secrets that threaten to unravel not only Sadie as they come to light, but the UNSUB's carefully constructed web now entangling both the profiler and her sexy bondage rigger.

Is Sadie too close to this case to be objective, or is the UNSUB closer to her than she ever imagined...

This second installment was every bit as suspenseful as its predecessor. With the UNSUB silent for the moment, with the exception of text messages, new details revealed about Sadie and Colton, questionable behavior from characters, and an addition to the cast, the question of the identity of the UNSUB is every bit as muddled - at least for me - as it was. 

I thrilled at learning a little more about Sadie and as these details where revealed I realized I didn't know her as well as I thought. The revelations about Colton were heartbreaking but I so appreciated getting some clarity about this enigma of a man.

Sadie and Colton make great strides in deepening their bond. The alternating POV once again added so much depth to the characters. Getting glimpses into their thinking enabled me to understand where they were coming from - and where they were headed - in relation to each other.

The tension created with the addition of Detective Carson to the task force along with Detective Quinn's odd behavior have me twisted in knots over what is going on and what's coming next. The UNSUB is getting brazen - well more so - in his actions and I'm worried for Sadie and Colton. As for who he is? Well, I have a few theories. We'll see if my theories pan out. I kinda feel like I might be off-base.

The only thing I missed in this installment was the profiling/procedural element. As I reflect, it was there but it wasn't as focal as it was in book one. However, I still couldn't put this down - I was enthralled. Ms. Wolfe continues to lead me down a dark, twisty path. How long do I have to wait for all the answers, Ms. Wolfe?!?

Rock Chick Chat ~ Own the Wind ~ Kristen Ashley

For those of you who don't know, back in February 2014, there was this little game played. You may have heard of it? The Super Bowl?? Well, in 2014 the opposing teams were the Denver Broncos (my hometown team) and the Seattle Seahawk (my friend Robyn's hometown team). Neither Robyn nor I are the betting kind of people, but how could we not? So we bet that if the Broncos won, we'd read a book set in Seattle and if the Seahawks won, we'd read a book set in Denver. Do you remember how that turned out?  :/

So we started a little series set in Denver called Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley and became HUGE fangirls as well as honorary Rock Chicks. Since fniishing the series, we've gone on to other KA series. This month we read Own the Wind, the first installment in the Chaos series. Here's out chat. I hope you enjoy it!



Own the Wind
Chaos #1
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis

Too hot to handle...

Tabitha Allen grew up in the think of Chaos--the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship.

Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted by everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more--much more--he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn...

***Rock Chick Chat***

Robyn: I'm loving it! Are you loving it? I'm still at the beginning, but it's KA all the way! And Fortnums for that one second was such a thrill! How can we love a series so much that the mere glimpse of past characters feels like we just ran into old friends at the airport? 

Off to read more (of course!!)

BB: I stayed up later than I should have reading because yeah, I'm loving it! I don't know how it is that we can love a series so much that being in Fortnum's for a second was so awesome. But it certainly was. KA is an author who can just pull you in immediately. OtW does have a slightly different feel from other KA books we've read. I'm thinking maybe it's because there hasn't been anything over-the-top...at least not yet. 

***

Dang it! It's killing me to have to stop and do anything because, as with every KA book we read, all I want to do is READ!

So yeah, I'm finding that KA's distinctive voice is present in this series as well. I really do adore the cadence with which all her badass heroes speak. Shy is no different. And I adore the Tabby isn't going to take shit - not even his.

Specifically, I was cheering even as my heart cracked when Tabby told Shy he'd made judgements and he didn't know her. And as much as I delight in reading about a badass alpha, particularly one who rides a motorcycle ;) I'm going to rant on him for a minute. I could give him a pass over his error in judgement...I didn't like that he did that but I understood where it was coming from. You know? He made me a melty puddle of goo when he was there for Tabby when she needed him to be. BUT I don't understand how he could take on a *woman* when he was just passing the time. How can guys do that? And how is that fair? (in fairness, I'm ranting at the general male population, not just Shy)

I think there are some books (and some authors) that should come with pause buttons so we can stop everything around us and read our book! I'm reading and then suddenly the phone rings or the kids demand food as if they didn't eat yesterday! Rant over. KA is awesome. OtW has a different vibe than RC and you're right about the girls not being as wild. The men are alpha enough, but in a different way, less broody and more entitled. We're bikers, deal, babe. Or not and get out. This one also jumps ahead regularly where RC cuts to the past regularly with backstory that never was annoying (a hard feat). What did you think of the time jumps? 

Oh and getting the male POV first and for a while was cool. I think we needed a solid footing with Shy or he'd piss us off too much as the story went on. He does not pull punches when he needs to "sort shit out." Then we meet Tabby and she's feisty and unforgiving. I liked that she didn't melt for Shy and held a grudge and just kept holding it. I liked how pissed that made Shy. But I loved that part when he sees her in that red dress with her man and he's on his bike. I loved how that just pushed him into wanting that love for himself and not just wanting Tabby. 

So you were pissed about the side girlfriend, huh? I was shocked and not shocked and shocked some more! I didn't know how to process it. He made me love him (not as much as Tabby, but still). They cuddled. Freaking cuddled. You don't cuddle when you have a girl. Nope. I guess I'm right there with you and Tabby. Still, they both needed a fire lit or they'd friend themselves to death! 

Okay, I've read further...of course! And Shy redeemed himself a bit in my eyes. I'm glad he explained Rosalie to Tabby. That made me feel better right along with her. I still don't completely understand but I'm glad he took the time to explain. And can I just say that once Shy starts talking, the man lays it all out. Am I right? Damn! 

The next scene in Fortnum's...loved it! Tex booming VIP, slopping coffee grounds. *sigh* And Jett telling Tabby he was harmless. Good stuff! And the talk between Tabby and Shy's brother, Landon...excellent stuff! I was really kinda wishing Shy had overheard what she had to say. Because in a way, I felt those words belonged to him first and foremost. But I was glad they were out and it did need to be said to Lan.

I'm really excited to see how Tabby is going to find that *balance* she so admires between her Dad and Tyra. The way the sparks fly between her and Shy, I'm sure we're in for a hell of a ride. :)

Fortnums! More Tex and his coffee and shouting. I loved that they had coffee there and the tension building with Landon and what he had to say, I was just as nervous at the start as Tabby. And then she let him have it in a good way because it was slightly out of control like she always is when it comes to Shy. I'm thinking we'll get a Lan book, right? Maybe a Rush book too? Her brother wasn't a big part of the story but the building conflict, the fact that he's gorgeous and bossy speak to future main character potential. 

I was still conflicted about the Rosalie situation. I liked how Tabby listened and wanted to sort it out. She let Shy have his say and she could see he needed her to listen. Way more mature than I am. 

You mentioned sparks, whoa! In battle and in love. Those two. I love how they bicker. Some people bicker and you want to close your eyes and make yourself disappear. Those two fight and I want a bag of chips and a comfy seat.

I finished earlier today. Are you finished? 

Hot damn! That's what I gotta say. We've begun *another* KA series that ROCKS! Tabby is a kickass heroine. I so enjoy watching her stand up to Shy - or try to - when she feels strongly about something. Her "freeze outs" crack me up. Shy also delighted me with always knowing just what to say...even if Tabby may not like it. And I was right about those sparks flying! But dang! Watching them find the balance...that's something.

I'm glad we're getting acquainted with other characters - particularly Tack and Tyra but I enjoyed meeting Hop, too. And Elvira! Woowheee! I'm thinking we'll enjoy seeing more of her and Malik. 

What did you think of Chaos' reaction to Tabby and Shy? It kinda broke my heart, honestly. I mean, I knew they wouldn't necessarily be happy about it but I didn't expect the way things went down. I adored how Shy handled it...what he said. I was thinking "God, I love my man" right along with Tabby. And Tabby's *talks* with both Tyra and her dad? Priceless. I could only hope to get out all that needed to be said as eloquently as she did. 

Natalie? I have to say I had no real love her that girl. Especially after she came in and said all those things she said to Tabby and Shy...about Shy. If she reappears, it's going to take a lot for me to forgive her.

Did you enjoy getting to see Lee? I'd completely forgotten about Tabby's meeting with him. And then, there he is in all his badassness. I could totally see him standing there. He's such a good guy, isn't he? I mean, he may do things in his job that stretch moral boundaries, but he's a good guy. I was tickled pink getting to see him. And that he did what he did? 

What did you think of how things went down with Shy, his aunt and uncle, and the scumbag? I wanted to hug each and every one of his brothers. They totally had his back and I was proud of them. And I was proud of Shy as well. 

The ending - and epilogue...KA made me cry!! CRY, Robyn! "I dreamed a dream..." That's good stuff right there. Left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

The only thing noticeably missing from OtW was a girl brawl. But I'm thinking we may not get one of those in this series because these babes, they're not quite as wild. I think that's kinda funny in a way. But I also think it's a reflection of the lives they live.

I freaking love this book! I can't wait until we can read the next one. 

I finished too! I was more obsessed with this one and I think it's because we haven't had a KA fix in a long time. Too long, Brandee. Not pointing fingers at anyone. I needed to follow the relationship along. I loved when they were friends. Truly. It was so good and real and they both needed that. And then when it became more and the real world jumped in with their two cents, boy. I was just as pissed at Tabby and Shy! What the hell? I loved her not holding back and LOVED Shy's speech. Hot damn! 

And Lee! I did not forget about that meeting. I thought KA forgot about it. She told us there was going to be a meeting and then said nothing more. I was waiting and waiting and she still caught me off guard. The brothers needed to go big to redeem themselves and they did. 

So you cried at the ending did you? That line "dream" line got me every single time! That was such good stuff. I told you already I loved the red dress scene. And "dream" links back to that and to the first time Shy really want something. 

What did you think of the supporting cast? I was a little frustrated with this history with Tyra and Lanie that we know nothing about but was referenced several times. Was that a novella or do you think we'll get it during Lanie's story? I think we need a Tex type figure. We need some comic relief because it looks like things are going to get serious. Still I loved it. LOVED IT! The tone and vibe were different, even the style, but not the voice. And not the dialogue. You're so right about that. 

When dear Brandee are we hitting Chaos 2? Crazy how one Superbowl bet turned into a life of its own and characters that are so part of us now! You chose to give me Rock Chick and see what happened?

Good stuff! 

Not pointing fingers, huh? *hangs head* I won't let it happen again. ;) I so agree with the pause button - that would help a lot! I feel kinda bad for my kiddos when I start a KA book (and certain others as well ;) Yesterday morning, I got up and had breakfast and coffee...the next thing I know it's 9:00 a.m. and I haven't fed my kids yet! (they're spoiled - I still make them breakfast) 

So I was thinking about what you said about the alphas in OtW - about them having a different vibe than the Hot Bunch. That's totally true. And I agree that the Chaos guys are definitely NOT broody. They "lay it out" when they've got something on their mind. And I think I almost prefer that. I like what you said about how "mature" Shy is. I think they all are - maybe more so than the Hot Bunch? I think it's fantastic that they talk. You know? Even when all the shit went down once Shy and Tabby were outed, they still ended up being mature.

I really like the dynamic between Shy and Tabby - how they both read each other so well and know when to "lay it out" and when to give the other the space they need before laying it out.

Omigosh, did I love when Shy saw Tabby and her guy. I did like that it made him decide he wanted that for himself. But I also admit to getting a little misty-eyed at the thought that it wouldn't be from her. Oh, here's a link to I Dreamed a Dream sung by Anne Hathaway...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86lczf7Bou8 And I loved getting his POV, too. It really adds to the story, doesn't it?

And I guess you're right about Rosalie being the fire that was needed but it still bothered me. Of course, like Shy said, he didn't know if Tabby'd ever get there. That scene..."You're not leaving." Holy hotness!! That was a great scene...and this book was filled with lots of them. *ha* 

Being in Fortnum's was extra sugar. I loved getting to hear Tex boom "V I P". I wonder if a character like him will be introduced in Chaos - we shall see. 

I hope we get a Lan book. I think we'll definitely get a Rush book. I know Hop's is next and I agree with you in needing some more backstory on Lanie. So I'm hoping we get that. I don't know who else we'll get books about...I was wondering about Delgado? But he's not Chaos, so... 

You're right about the needed comedic relief. I guess that's why I missed the girl bar brawls. :) Oh, and there's not a Daisy character. 

Still thinking on this today, I also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed the "talk" between Shy and Tack. When Tack was talking about the kind of man he wanted for Tabby...*sniff* Yep, I got misty-eyed again. I liked that conversation. A.LOT.

It is pretty fabulous where a simple Super Bowl bet has led us, isn't it? Who knew it'd turn us into such rabid KA fangirls? I have said it before and I'll say it again, it was the best bet I've EVER lost. 

There is no Daisy or Tex. Tyra is cool but way too collected to be in the same league as wild insightful mama bear Daisy. Delgado is sure interesting. I wonder if he headlines another series of her. He's rich material for sure. Even without the girl brawls we both loved Chaos because it's still all about the story and the characters and Shy and Tabby have a great story. I'm also thrilled we're spoiling ourselves. We should. We rock you know.


My final thoughts: Ah, stepping into a KA novel, even the first on in a series, is just...comfortable. Once again, she proved she will always deliver a riveting story with real and compelling characters. Own the Wind had a slightly different feel to it than KA's other series - it lacked zaniness - but it was enthralling nevertheless. I can't wait to read Fire Inside.

Teaser Tuesdays #69

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB @ A Daily Rhythm. 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Trouble on Tap
Sweet Salvation Series #3

What fun is life without a little bit of trouble?

Retired supermodel and forever wild child Olivia Sweet is nothing but trouble. The youngest Sweet triplet is back in her hometown, but instead of a triumphant return it's a parade of humiliations. She's broke, homeless and dealing with the fallout from her scumbag ex-boyfriend publishing naked pictures of her to a revenge porn website.

Staid and stalwart veteran Mateo Garcia has seen more trouble than a man ever should in his lifetime. He's gone from pretty boy Marine to a small town police chief with a chip on his should and scars covering the left side of his face. Now his former lover, Olivia, is back in town and living next door.

When the two are forced to work together to fix up the crumbling veterans' center, the sparks fly between the beauty and the man who sees himself as a beast. Not everyone is happy that Olivia is back home though and Mateo has to choose between the town who wants her gone and an uncertain future with a woman who he thinks could never love him...

***Teaser***

"No one knew better than a Sweet from Salvation that life rarely gave you what you wanted. You had to fight for it."



Lexxie (@Unconventional Bookviews) and I are once again buddy-reading about those Sweet girls! Don't miss our chat, coming soon! :)

Jax Reviews ~ The Last Continent & Going Postal ~ Terry Pratchett

The Last Continent
Discworld #22
Release Date: February 1, 2006
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
'Anything you do in the past changes the future. The tiniest little actions have huge consequences. You might tread on an ant now and it might entirely prevent someone from being born in the future.'

There's nothing like the issue of evolution to get under the skin of academics. Especially when those same academics are by chance or bad judgement deposited at a critical evolutionary turning point when one wrong move could have catastrophic results for the future. Unfortunately in the hands of such an inept and cussed group of individuals, the sensitive issue of causality is sadly only likely to receive the same scant respect that they show to one another...


Going Postal
Discworld #33
Release Date: September 27, 2005
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Arch-swindler Moist Van Lipwip never believed his confidence crimes were hanging offenses - until he found himself with a noose tightly around his neck, dropping through a trapdoor, and falling into...a government job?

By all rights, Moist should have met his maker. Instead, it's Lord Vetinari, supreme ruler of Ankh-Morpork, who promptly offers him a job as Postmaster. Since his only other option is a nonliving one, Moist accepts the position - and the hulking golem watchdog who comes along with it, just in case Moist was considering abandoning his responsibilities prematurely.

Getting the moribund Postal Service up and running again, however, may be a near-impossible task, what with literally mountains of decades-old undelivered mail clogging every nook and cranny of the broken-down post office building; and with only a few creaky old postmen and one rather unstable, pin-obsessed youth available to deliver it. Worse still, Moist could swear the mail is talking to him. Worst of all, it means taking on the gargantuan, money-hungry Grand Trunk clacks communication monopoly and its bloodthirsty piratical head, Mr. Reacher Gilt.

But it says on the building Neither Rain Nor Snow Nor Glom of Nit...Inspiring words (admittedly, some of the bronze letters have been stolen), and for once in his wretched life Moist is going to fight. And if the bold and impossible are what's called for, he'll do it - in order to move the mail, continue breathing, get the girl, and specially deliver that invaluable commodity that every human being (not to mention troll, dwarf, and yes, even golem) requires: hope.

*****Jax's Reviews*****

(Discworld series books can be read standalone)

This summer, the libraries in Jeffco (Jefferson County, Colorado) are holding a “Read 1,000,001 Minutes!” thing (for all of Jeffco, not for each person). As of now, we have surpassed 3 million, and the library hurriedly came up with a “Great! Now go for 10,000,000 Minutes!” To do my part, I decided a library would be a much better method of reading books I haven’t read before in bulk without buying them; not to mention that my bookshelves are so crowded I had to forgo alphabetization for fitting them on double sidedly. This turned out to be a very easy way of reading more Terry Pratchett.

I loved Douglas Adams when I was in, oh, probably third to sixth grade - so three years, but by then I had read the five-part trilogy so many times that I needed something new. And I found Terry Pratchett. The world was exciting and new, with a different twist in the voice. Also, and even better, there was a live author that could write more! (Of course, not anymore; RIP, Terry). I read the first book: The Colour of Magic, and fell in love. Later, I was enchanted by the ever twisting and connected plotlines of Unseen Academicals, and got Dodger, which takes place in Victorian London, for summer reading.

Seeing as I’ve rambled long enough, I got two books I hadn’t read yet, The Last Continent and Going Postal. First, I read the former. It’s basically a parody of Australia: Rincewind the Unlucky Wizard, the protagonist of so many of the Discworld books, somehow got to the continent of Ecksecksecksecks, mercifully known as Fourecks, where it never rains, no plants grow, and the liquor is rather, er, unstable. Back at Unseen University, the leading educational center in Ankh-Morpork, the most loved professor, the librarian (who happen to be an orangutan), is sick, and the sickness is disrupting his magical field, causing lethal instability. The only way to cure him is to find his name, and that secret resides in Rincewind. The bumbling wizards venture off to find him, but end up in a rather different millennia, and enter one of the strangest oxymorons ever: the region of the god of evolution.

Rincewind doesn’t think of escape until he gets to that part. He’s stuck on the island, but one thing at a time: he needs to survive first. Besides being out in the desert where nothing grows, a mob of policemen are out to hang him for “stealing a sheep”. And to solve every problem he’s been having, he just has to make it rain for the first time since the creation of Fourecks, which won’t be easy, as he’s the worst magician that magic ever produced.

Death keeps Rincewind’s hourglass in a special spot on his desk. Strange tubes and curves come out everywhere, and sometimes the sand flows backwards. But he knows it’s coming...

A delightful blend between two different plots, each affecting the other, makes for a great read!

Now for the second one: Going Postal. It stars the character Moist Von Lipwig, who lives a life of playing off people’s trust, hope, and general stupidity. He never thought that he could be hanged for them--they were just petty crimes!-- until he found himself being hanged, and promptly thrown into a government job. Specifically, he becomes postmaster of the Ankh-Morpork post office. Being head of the post office means a lot of things, from challenging the giant “clacks” business (something like telegraphs, but faster) to finding a way to deal with the disturbing employees, to delivering the piles and piles and piles of letters stacked everywhere in the office. Finally, he must find out who he is, while juggling a huge amount of tasks--getting the girl, fighting the monopoly, staying alive, keeping everyone happy, and making sure the letters don’t get mad at him. Oh right. The letters, little slices of history that they are, are talking, and only delivery can silence them.

A magical blend of the classic Discworld and something that hits closer to the “real world”, Going Postal contains everything from Wizards to large corporations, from orangutans to golems, and everything in between.

#2015HW #ShelfLove Review ~ Raphael ~ DB Reynolds

Raphael
Vampires in America #1
Release Date: April 15, 2009
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Malibu, California - home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich...and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans by from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined by destroy them both.

Wow! This is a book I'd had on my TBR for so long and I one-clicked it after reading Lorna's (@Rabid Reads) review. Clearly I should trust my instincts and read books I'm intrigued with, rather than waiting, despite not seeing recent reviews from my blogging friends. THANKS, Lorna for lighting a fire under me. ;) It took Lorna liking Raphael to spur me into action - and while I'm grateful for the kick in the pants, I'm sorely disappointed in myself for having put off a great story for so long!

Cynthia Leighton is a former cop and current PI. She is one touch chick with confidence in her abilities to do her job, wit, and absolutely no belief in love. She's taken on a case that's going to test her limits in all areas - especially her ideas about love.

Raphael is a Vampire Lord in the West. He's powerful, gorgeous, cunning, and arrogant. He's lived a long time, earned the respect that feeds that arrogance. But someone dear to him was taken and it seems there's a traitor in his midst. And he's hired Cynthia to help him root out that traitor.

Reynolds has created a fascinating world in which the vampires are "out" and are very powerful. However, they tend to keep a low profile and not much is known about them. The dynamics and politics within vampire society, while not explicitly described, are also intriguing. The suspense element was well done even if there wasn't much mystery. I was anxiously flipping pages to see what Cyn would do next. The resolution to the danger is the only thing keeping this from being 5 Bookworms, as I felt it wrapped up a tad too easily - especially after all Cyn had endured. It should also be noted that Reynolds doesn't put a bow on the story. This is the first in a series and Cyn and Raphael's story continues. It is a story I'm quite eager to continue as I'm very curious where this couple goes from here.

Another element worth mentioning is the supporting cast introduced. Duncan, Raphael's lieutenant, is one vamp I'd like to get to know better. And Cyn's training partner, Eckhoff, also has me curious. Cyn's sister, Holly, is a character who, if she's present in future installments, I'm going to love hating.

Raphael is a very well-written introduction to the Vampires in America series. It's an exciting and pleasurable read! If you've had it on your TBR, I highly recommend you get on to reading it. :)

That's What HE Said #31 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #10

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

(I'm maintaining lazy and taking photos again)

I had to share this quote from Shy. He's not saying it to his woman but rather to her dad. And although there are many, many quotes I could have shared between Shy and Tabby, this one really said it all. :)

***

*~*~*~*~*~*

Tabby's cooking usually leaves little to be desired. But Shy being the man he is, well just read...

#ShelfLove ~ Best Book No Longer on My Shelf

This month, I get to share with you the best book no longer on my shelf! If you want to check out all the books no longer on my shelf, here's the link to my #ShelfLove shelf on Goodreads. 

I will admit this was a difficult decision. I have quite a few 4.5-5 Bookworm reads on my shelf. In the end, I went with the book from one of my favorite authors - a book that gave me all the feels plus made me feel at home...

With Rock Chick, Kristen Ashley set the bar high for herself. I was more than thrilled to open up The Gamble and fall right into an incredible story. KA delivered exactly what I've come to expect from her - a smart, feisty heroine to cheer for, a swoon-worthy alpha hero that tempts you to knock him upside the head AND lick him, a colorful cast of characters that lend charm not only to the story but also its setting, and a story that keeps you riveted and immersed in the characters' lives. There wasn't one thing I didn't enjoy about The Gamble. I fell in love with Nina and Max, Gnaw Bone, Colorado, and all its quirky inhabitants, and the mystery that kept me guessing til the reveal -- where I was gasping in shock. I'm extremely eager to continue this series!

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ The Witch of Painted Sorrows ~ M.J. Rose

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for M.J. Rose's The Witch of Painted Sorrows. My stop includes all the details on this first installment in the Daughters of La Lune series, my review, and a giveaway. Enjoy!

THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS (Daughters of La Lune #1)

by M.J. Rose

Gothic Historical Fantasy

Published by Atria Books on March 17th, 2015

Possession. Power. Passion.New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.

Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul”, her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.

Praise for The Witch of Painted Sorrows

“This bell époque thriller is a haunting tale of obsessive passions.” —People Magazine

“Provocative, erotic, and spellbindingly haunting…will have the reader totally mesmerized cover-to-cover….a ‘must-have’ novel.” —Suspense Magazine

“A haunting tale of erotic love…. M.J. Rose seamlessly weaves historical events throughout this story filled with distinctive characters that will keep the reader captivated to the end.” —Examiner.com

“Rose has a talent for compelling writing, and this time she has outdone herself. Fear, desire, lust and raw emotion ooze off the page.” —Associated Press

“Haunting tale of possession.” —Publishers Weekly

“Rose’s new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle epoque Paris — lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting.” —Kirkus

“Mixes reality and illusion, darkness and light, mystery and romance into an adult fairy tale. [Rose] stirs her readers curiosities and imaginations, opening their eyes to the cultural, intellectual and artistic excitement that marked the Belle Epoque period. Unforgettable, full-bodied characters and richly detailed narrative result in an entrancing read that will be long savored.” —Library Journal (Starred Review)

“An elegant tale of rare depth and beauty, as brilliantly crafted as it is wondrously told….melds the normal and paranormal in the kind of seamless fashion reserved for such classic ghost stories as Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw.” —Providence Journal

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – iBooks – indieBound

I admit I'm not well-versed on French history, art or alchemy but my ignorance of these subjects didn't hamper my enjoyment of The Witch of Painted Sorrows. I think that speaks to the talent of the author. Ms. Rose weaves a story around the mystery of an ancient family curse, art, a Paris very curious about the occult, and robust characters to create a lush, atmospheric, provocative, and riveting story.

Sandrine is a young woman recently arrived in Paris seeking the safety of her grandmother and her family home following the death of her father. Her grandmother isn't thrilled with her arrival since she believes Sandrine is in danger. And Sandrine's arrival sets into motion events that have her, and those surrounding her, questions the existence of angels and demons, their beliefs, and even Sandrine's sanity.

Ms. Rose truly built an incredible setting for this series. Not only was I fully engaged with Sandrine but I was also fully entrenched in Paris at the turn of the twentieth century. I was swept away in the mystery of La Lune and in all the events that symbolized her existence. I especially delighted in the detail with which Rose described Sandrine's painting. It was a vivid experience. As was the entire story.

**I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rosegrew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it. Rose’s work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the ’80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors – Authorbuzz.com. The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose’s novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization’s co-president. Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled and often photographed dog, Winka.

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