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12.31.2010

Geek Love #366

CORRECTION: This is #367 for 2010.


Geek Love
Mechele Armstrong
ebook
Published December 13, 2010 by Liquid Silver Books
ISBN 978-1-59578-786-6

When Joel goes to a science fiction/gaming convention, he never expects to meet the woman of his dreams. But when he finds out a gaming buddy he’s never met is there, that’s exactly what happens.

Sam got tried of being a woman in the gaming communities, so she adopted a male persona to play--only now she has to make that lie up to her best friend Joel, who she’s spent many a night chatting with online. She doesn’t think anything that happens onscreen could be real but things sure heat up when she meets the man she considers a buddy.

Amidst science fiction regulars and popular shows and movie fans, Sam and Joel try to get to know each other beyond their gaming names and have a wild night together.

When another online woman sets her sights on Joel and is willing to do anything to get him, Sam is caught in the crossfire. Will she ever be able to reconcile herself to geek love becoming real?


Hot damn! Real gamers. We're talking 360, not that computer crap. Oh no, we're on a hardcore platform here. Crosscountry500, aka Joel Alton, is at yet another gaming convention with his fellow Halo 2 clan members. Over the years he's managed to meet all of his online friends- all but Samatra300. And oh does he ever want to meet Samatra.

They've clicked. In fact, Joel considers the elusive player his best bud. If only the guy was female. And lucky for Joel, Samatra is just that.

These two characters were just adorable! The girl is standing there, staring at him, and like a true geek Joel's too busy with the things going on inside his head to actually make a move. But when he does, Hil-ar-i-ous!

Stories like this just make you feel young again. Take you back when love was awkward and shy and the whole experience was surreal. And then the maturity rating gets upped and things get all kinds of steamy. The humor is applied to near perfection. I smiled, chuckled, and even proceeded to laugh my butt off at times. Though mostly I just oo-ed and awe-ed over the geekiness. 5 out of 5 stars.

Ms. Armstrong worked magic with this book and proved she is all too familiar with the gaming world because every detail was spot on. I would highly recommend it to romantics with a weakness for geeks or a flair for gaming. Fans of Firefly, specifically Mal and Inara, may find it extremely likable as well.

And ZOMG! Check out the excerpt that is Chapter One.

Other reviews of work by Mechele Armstrong:
Seek & You Shall Find (2 out of 5 stars)


2010 Lookback | 367 TOTAL READS


This past year, Redd and I challenged ourselves and each other to read 275 books. I'm not certain as to what Redd's standing record was at the time, but I know my prior record was fifty-seven in 2009. I was very new to this growing book addiction but I am happy to report that not only did I conquer this challenge but I Gibbsmacked that sucker with a total completion- including novels, short stories, bites, and novellas- of 367.

For the mathematically challenged: That's more than a story a day!

What have I learned from this experience? First, that I will never *ever* do something this overly aggressive again! Secondly, there are a huge number of fantastically talented authors out there. This year I discovered the works of Shiloh Walker and Evangeline Anderson which are very likely the most influential authors I've ever encountered. Cameron Dane, Sydney Somers, and Dana Marie Bell are a few others who have completely made this challenge memorable.

2010 Reads that made it to my All Time Favorites list


The Sun Sword
Trust in Advertising
The Demon in Me
The Ultimate Kink
Picture Perfect
The Darkest Hour
Need Me
Soul Stealer
Waitin' on a Hero
My Shifter Showmance
Vicious Vixen
In Heat
The Fury
To Tempt a Wolf: The Rune Series Book 2
Shadow of the Wolf
Fantasy Lover
Into the Mist
Wolf In Waiting
Eternally (Silhouette Nocturne Series #4)









Lastly, and most importantly-- This past year I have basically lived for books and I could easily see myself doing it again next year. Which is a great way to "waste" time but I'm not getting any younger. I've done the formal education part of my life. I have a safe job that I like on most days, and manage to tolerate on the rest. And I've been blissfully married for nearly seven years. I'm ready to live for something more than books.







  1. Tapestry of Spells by Lynn Kurland
  2. Lured by Lori Devoti
  3. Lord of the Highlands by Veronica Wolff
  4. Dark Lies by Vivi Anna
  5. Seduced by Shadows by Jessa Slade
  6. Elemental Magic by (various)
  7. Back to Life by Linda Johnston
  8. Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend
  9. Wolf Flight by Vivian Arend
  10. Highland Moon by Kendra Castle
  11. Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready
  12. Shifting Plains by Jean Johnson
  13. Eternally by Maureen Child
  14. Nevermore by Maureen Child
  15. Vanished by Maureen Child
  16. Wolf in Waiting by Rebecca Flanders
  17. Blackout by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
  18. Moon Marked by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
  19. Sentinels: Wolf Hunt by Doranna Durgin
  20. Darkness of the Wolf by Bonnie Vanak
  21. Return of the Wolf by Karen Whiddon
  22. Tempting Traditions by Marie Harte
  23. In Plain Sight by Marie Harte
  24. Alexandra's Legacy by N. J. Walters
  25. Wild Thing by Doranna Durgin
  26. Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren
  27. Becoming by Moira Rogers
  28. Little Things by Moira Rogers
  29. Cry Sanctuary by Moira Rogers
  30. Sanctuary Lost by Moira Rogers
  31. Sanctuary's Price by Moira Rogers
  32. Fated by Lauren Dane
  33. Stripped by Marcia Colette
  34. Into the Mists by Maya Banks
  35. The Empath by Bonnia Vanak
  36. Enemy Lover by Bonnie Vanak
  37. Immortal Wolf by Bonnie Vanak
  38. Hellhound King by Lori Devoti
  39. Wolf Rain by Flesa Black
  40. Seeing Eye Mate by A McKenna
  41. Checkmate by Annmarie McKenna
  42. Savage Retribution by Lexxie Couper
  43. Crux by Moira Rogers
  44. Crossroads by Moira Rogers
  45. The Alpha by Cynthia Carole
  46. Her Chosen Wolf by Renee Michaels
  47. Paranormal Payload by Mandy M Roth
  48. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon
  49. Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear
  50. Man From Nowhere by Rachel Lee
  51. Unbreakable by Sydney Somers
  52. Stripped Away by Sydney Somers
  53. Storm Warning by Sydney Somers
  54. Hunting Season by Shelly Laurenston
  55. First Howl by Vivian Arend
  56. Second Howl by Vivian Arend
  57. Her Wolf by Rebecca Royce
  58. Summer's Wolf by Rebecca Royce
  59. Wolf Reborn by Rebecca Royce
  60. Eyes Like A Wolf by E Anderson
  61. Mated To A Wolf by Marisa Chenery
  62. Shadow of the Wolf by Dana M Bell
  63. Hungry Like The Wolf by V Summers
  64. Jinx & Her Werewolf by Marisa Chenery
  65. Twin Flames by Elizabeth Winters
  66. Prey for the Wolf by Kari Thomas
  67. To Catch A Wolf by Colette Denee
  68. To Tempt A Wolf by Colette Denee
  69. Red Wolf by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
  70. The Fury by Sloan McBride
  71. Tor:Viking Master by Ellen Margret
  72. Stefan's Mark by Jaden Sinclair
  73. Reyn's Redemption by Beth Cornelison
  74. What's A Ghoul To Do by Mardi Bellou
  75. Embracing The Wolf by Felicity Heaton
  76. In Heat by Felicity Heaton
  77. Vicious Vixen by Shiloh Walker
  78. Wolf Games by Vivian Arend
  79. Through the Veil by Shiloh Walker
  80. A Wolf's Tale by Honey Jans
  81. Candy Houses by Shiloh Walker
  82. My Shifter Showmance by R. G. Alexander
  83. Never Cry Werewolf by L.A. Banks
  84. One Eye Open by Karen Whiddon
  85. Cry of the Wolf by Karen Whiddon
  86. Touch of the Wolf by Karen Whiddon
  87. Wallflower by Dana Marie Bell
  88. Sweet Dreams by Dana Marie Bell
  89. Cat of a Diff Color by Dana Marie Bell
  90. Steel Beauty by Dana Marie Bell
  91. Only in my Dreams by Dana Marie Bell
  92. Secretive Stranger by Jennifer Greene
  93. Seducing A Wallflower by S Illyria
  94. Ornament: Alex & Emma by Dana Marie Bell
  95. Ornament: Simon & Becky by Dana Marie Bell
  96. Ornament: Adrian & Sheri by Dana Marie Bell
  97. Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
  98. Dare To Believe by Dana Marie Bell
  99. Roan's Fall by Marisa Chenery
  100. Come To Me by Linda W. Jones
  101. Slave Princess by Felicity Heaton
  102. Runaway Hearts by Felicity Heaton
  103. Fight for Love by Felicity Heaton
  104. Stranded by Felicity Heaton
  105. Heart of an Emperor by Felicity Heaton
  106. Heart of a Mercenary by Felicity Heaton
  107. Heart of a Prince by Felicity Heaton
  108. Heart of a Commander by Felicity Heaton
  109. Heart of an Assassin by Felicity Heaton
  110. Kiss & Tell by Sandy Lynn
  111. Talking with the Dead by Shiloh Walker
  112. Waitin On A Hero by Sydney Somers
  113. Soul Stealer by Kimberley Troutte
  114. Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
  115. Tyger Tyger by Cathryn Cade
  116. Her Commander by Cathryn Cade
  117. Going the Distance by Mandy Roth
  118. Midnight Cravings by Lolita Lopez
  119. Trey by Cat Johnson
  120. Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
  121. To The Max by Annmarie McKenna
  122. Beauty is A Beast by Tina Holland
  123. Stormchild by Vivian Arend
  124. Carolina Wolf by Sela Carsen
  125. Consort by Kim Knox
  126. Weaving Words by Kim Knox
  127. Beyond the Shadows by Jess Granger
  128. Satin Spar by Kim Knox
  129. Skin Magic by Kim Knox
  130. Breaking Chance by Kim Knox
  131. I Poisoned You by Pablo D'Stair
  132. Say You're Mine by Sydney Somers
  133. Hearts & Minds by JC Hay
  134. Wind and the Sun by Vivian Arend
  135. Caged Desire by Sydney Somers
  136. Sin Eater by Evangeline Anderson
  137. Point of No Return by Mandy Roth
  138. Animal Instinct by Desiree Holt
  139. Shapeshifter's Craving by Lee Pearce
  140. Tessa's Ambassador by Cyna Kade
  141. Wild Card by Moira Rogers
  142. Calling the Bluff by Moira Rogers
  143. Ante up by Moira Rogers
  144. Kaspar Trulhaine by Pablo D'Stair
  145. Blade:Out of Shadows by Tim Bowler
  146. Precarious by Al Riske
  147. Divine Intervention by T. Michaels
  148. Avenging Angel by Madelyn Ford
  149. Maui Heat by Ari Thatcher
  150. Peak Energy by Afton Locke
  151. Seychelles Sunsey by Lynne Connolly
  152. Reaper's Justice by C. Boyett-Compo
  153. Desire in the Dark by Naima Simone
  154. Better Late Than Never by S. Stuart
  155. Spirit's Release by Tea Trelawny
  156. Lakespur by Anny Cook
  157. Interlude in Pearl by E. Ryan-Davis
  158. Hunting Evander by Kim Knox
  159. Haunted by the Past by Riley Ashford
  160. Eland by Allyson James
  161. Outlaw Lovers Dossier by J.Springer
  162. Changing Perspective by M Mann
  163. First Taste by Paisley Smith
  164. Kayla's Birthday by Ashlyn Chase
  165. Danu the Return by Sally Painter
  166. Hot for the Reunion by Ann Jacobs
  167. Nocked for a Loop by Sam Cheever
  168. Her Very Special Robot by Ann Jacobs
  169. Scoring by Mari Carr
  170. Bad Widow by Barbara Elsborg
  171. Door Prize by Lynn LaFleur
  172. Master's Thief by Nicole Austin
  173. Erotique by Nicole Austin
  174. Saturday Night Fever by Ciana Stone
  175. Not Just An Orgy by Sally Painter
  176. His Voice,His Command by V Harper
  177. Thrill of the Hunt by Nathalie Gray
  178. Spirit Lifter by Debra Glass
  179. Take Me by Grace Samuels
  180. Playing Hardball by Madison Hayes
  181. Bride's Holiday Gift by Solange Ayre
  182. Lap Dance by Sally Painter
  183. Hot Moon Rising by Desiree Holt
  184. In The Dark by Brynn Paulin
  185. Diablo's Return by Sierra Rose
  186. Pleasure Model by Chris Rowley
  187. Simple Secrets by Nancy Mehl
  188. Faithful Beginnings by Lacey Thorn
  189. Carnal Lust by Ashley Ladd
  190. Picture Perfect by Lexie Davis
  191. Position Secured by Olivia Brynn
  192. A Sex God by Ashley Ladd
  193. Arran's Lure by Saskia Walker
  194. Better Left Unsaid by Ellen Ashe
  195. Brigand Love by Isabelle Drake
  196. Chance Encounter by S Williams
  197. Come To Me by Desiree Holt
  198. Don't Ask, Don't Tell by Ashley Ladd
  199. Evangeline by Sedonia Guillone
  200. UnderMyUmbrella by Karen Erickson
  201. Fast Cars, Loud Music by S Winston
  202. Going Down by Lexie Davis
  203. Happy Birthday by Barbara Huffert
  204. Her Dawgie Valentine by T Ramagos
  205. Honky-Tonk by Summer Jordan
  206. Jess's New Toy by Dakota Rebel
  207. Midnight Desires by Kris Norris
  208. Passion's Wings by Alysha Ellis
  209. Photo Finish by Alexis Fleming
  210. Sex In A Suit by Ann Cory
  211. Siren Song by Shermaine Williams
  212. Something Borrowed by Lisabet Sarai
  213. Summer Exposure by Victoria Blisse
  214. That Night in Paris by Saskia Walker
  215. The Interview by Lisabet Sarai
  216. TheNaughtySecretary by Ashley Ladd
  217. Thieves' Honour by Lisabet Sarai
  218. To Comfort A Vampire by V Blisse
  219. Watch Me by Lexie Davis
  220. Wordless by Charlotte Stein
  221. Yes, She Can by Jude Mason
  222. Twelve, Eleven, Thirteen by P D'Stair
  223. Need Me by Shelli Stevens
  224. Dark Obsession by Sydney Somers
  225. Cast in Chaos by Michelle Sagara
  226. Wolf in the Woods by Marisa Chenery
  227. Love's Nest by Marisa Chenery
  228. Jager's Mate by Marisa Chenery
  229. Misery Loves Company by Ellen Ashe
  230. Amuse Me by Lexie Davis
  231. Beg Me by Desiree Holt
  232. Hit & Miss by Alexis Fleming
  233. Pandemonium by Alexis Fleming
  234. Convincing Cate by Jamie Hill
  235. Watching Her Every Move by DeRicci
  236. Alpha Awakening by Diana DeRicci
  237. Windigo by Cynthia Carole
  238. After Dark by Bryan Lee
  239. Cain's Apples by Bryan Lee
  240. The Anthill by Bryan Lee
  241. The Weekender by Bryan Lee
  242. Hungry For Love by Ray Weeks
  243. Ashen by Pete Clark
  244. Falling Star by Olivia Brynn
  245. Her Hero in Hiding by Rachel Lee
  246. The Prophecy by Nina Croft
  247. Sanctuary Unbound by Moira Rogers
  248. The Last Track by Sam Hilliard
  249. Wolf's Magic by Rebecca Royce
  250. Two Sighted by Annmarie McKenna
  251. Refuge On Crescent Hill by M Dobson
  252. Unmasking the Mercenary by J Morey
  253. Enslaved by Sydney Somers
  254. The Alpha by Annie Nicholas
  255. Isaiah's Haven by NJ Walters
  256. Long For This World by J Weiner
  257. Primal Hunger by Sydney Somers
  258. Primal Attraction by Sydney Somers
  259. Primal Pleasure by Sydney Somers
  260. Jack by Cat Johnson
  261. Renegade by Lora Leigh
  262. Taste of Haven by Sierra Summers
  263. Saying Yes by Barbara Elsborg
  264. Savage Love by Crissy Smith
  265. Steal Me by Tina Folsom
  266. Pack Alpha by Crissy Smith
  267. Pack Enforcer by Crissy Smith
  268. Pack Territory by Crissy Smith
  269. Back From Hell by Shiloh Walker
  270. Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke
  271. The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
  272. Mesmerizing Stranger by J Greene
  273. Zombie Moon by Lori Devoti
  274. Arctic Shift by Lissa Matthews
  275. Take Me by Shelli Stevens
  276. Picture Perfect by E Anderson
  277. More Than Friends by E Anderson
  278. Punishing Tabitha by E Anderson
  279. Moon Shadow by Jenna Kernan
  280. Darkness&Light by Felicity Heaton
  281. Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton
  282. Dirty Girl by Evangeline Anderson
  283. Wishful Thinking by E Anderson
  284. Hunger Moon Rising by E Anderson
  285. Simple Need by Lissa Matthews
  286. Making a Scene Trudy Doyle
  287. Friends with Benefits by Cat Johnson
  288. Ultimate Kink by Cameron Dane
  289. No Prince Charming by Shiloh Walker
  290. Crazed Hearts by Shiloh Walker
  291. Soul Deep by Vivian Arend
  292. Foxy Lady by Marie Harte
  293. Stick Shift by Lissa Matthews
  294. Touching Lace by Anne Rainey
  295. Tasting Candy by Anne Rainey
  296. Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen
  297. Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz
  298. Sweetest Tattoo by Camerone Dane
  299. Belonging by Shiloh Walker
  300. Trust in Advertising by Victoria Michaels
  301. Billionaire's Mate by Cooper McKenzie
  302. One Night With You by Shiloh Walker
  303. Seek & You Shall Find by M Armstrong
  304. Dark Embrace by Mina Carter
  305. Vixen by Mina Carter
  306. Feral by Mina Carter
  307. Broken by Shiloh Walker
  308. Sting of Desire by Lilli Feisty
  309. Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker
  310. Dirty Deeds by Sheri Lewis-Wohl
  311. Caught Red-Handed by Paige Tyler
  312. What She Wants by Anne Rainey
  313. Demon Moon by Cameron Dane
  314. Little Bit Naughty by Anne Rainey
  315. A Good Student by Elliott Mabeuse
  316. Shaken by Dee Tenorio 
  317. Lycan Lover by S.K. Yule
  318. Lycan Lust by S.K. Yule
  319. Fated by Shayla Black
  320. Jimmy by Cat Johnson
  321. Edge of Morning by Desiree Holt
  322. Wolf Next Door by Anastasia Rabiyah 
  323. Taking Chloe by Anne Rainey
  324. Tempting Grace by Anne Rainey
  325. Eye of the Beholder by Dana M Bell
  326. Wolf Tracks by Vivian Arend 
  327. Left for Undead by L.A. Banks
  328. Remembered Love by Diana Hunter
  329. SheWolf by Teresa D'Amario
  330. Dark Succession by Teresa D'Amario
  331. Something Wicked by Michelle Rowen 
  332. A Scarlet Past by Evanne Lorraine
  333. The Sun Sword by Lexxie Couper
  334. A Deadly Whisper by Stacey Kennedy
  335. Stolen Passions by Crystal Jordan
  336. Caged by Diana DeRicci
  337. Never as it Seems by Shiloh Walker
  338. Kya's King by Becca Dale
  339. Good Girls Don't by Shiloh Walker
  340. Oral Expressions by Ann Campbell
  341. He's The One by Jane Beckenham
  342. Look What Santa Brought by AnnMarie McKenna
  343. Doing It Her Way by Rita Sawyer (HEA Review)
  344. If You Believe by Crystal Jordan
  345. Believe In Me by Crystal Jordan
  346. Heart's Sentinel by P.J. Schnyder
  347. Red's Wolf by P.J. Schnyder
  348. My Demon Saint by R.G. Alexander
  349. All She Wants For Christmas by Crystal Jordan
  350. Holiday Bound by Beth Kery
  351. Discovering Sofia by Mel Teshco
  352. Slow Ride by Lorelei James
  353. Snowy Night Seduction by Arianna Hart
  354. Alaskan Wolf by Linda O Johnston
  355. One of the Guys by Shiloh Walker
  356. My Favorite Mistake by Karen Erickson
  357. Tween Hopeful & Hopeless by Sam Cheever
  358. Message for Minerva Jean Hart Stewart
  359. Song of the Swan by Kelly Ferjutz
  360. Christmas ScandalNot by Jeanne Savery
  361. No Place To Run by Maya Banks
  362. Lie With Me by Stephanie Tyler
  363. Waiting at Eros by Rosemary Laurey
  364. Red Satin by Barbara Miller
  365. Hunter's Blood by Marianne Morea
  366. Game Over by Taylor Keating
  367. Geek Love by Mechele Armstrong
So that's my last post of 2010. Best wishes to all of you in the year to come and may your dreams for 2011 be bright and rewarding. Thanks for reading!

12.30.2010

Game Over

365 Reads of 2010 concludes with GAME OVER.



Game Over
Taylor Keating
Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Published November 2nd 2010 by Tor Paranormal Romance
(first published October 23rd 2010)
ISBN 0765365472 (ISBN13: 9780765365477)

Video game designer River Weston is ready to sell her soul to smooth out the glitches in her latest project. When she unwittingly taps into a parallel dimension via cutting-edge technology, a Dark Lord is quick to take her up on her inadvertent offer. Trapped in the world she thought she’d created for her game, River finds herself in a very real alternate dimension that she must escape from before her soul can be used to unleash evil–upon this dimension and many others.

River’s only ally is the sexy and mysterious Chase Hawkins. A prisoner of the Dark Lord, Hawk is a man adrift—literally. His body safe at home under the watchful care of the Guardians’ scientists, his astral-traveling spirit has been enslaved by his people’s worst enemy, the Dark Lord. Clinging desperately to his sense of self, Hawk is determined to turn the tables on his captor before the connection to his body is lost. When the beautiful, achingly familiar River enters the picture, he vows he will do everything he can to save her from her bleak fate.

Drawn together with an inescapable force, Hawk and River must wrest her soul from the Dark Lord’s grasp before it’s too late.

"I'd sell my soul for this game to work."

And with that one phrase, River had given the Dark Lord the power to tap into her virtual video game, reroute code, and, if successful, give him the opportunity to claim her soul.

But at the very least he has to play within the plot of the intended game. River must make it to the final level where either she or her own creation, the Soul Man, would die. But the Soul Man will be the Dark Lord. And Sever, her programmed partner, will be replaced with Hawk, a captive of the Dark Lord's prison.

This story has a little bit of everything. Guardians, Fae, Werewolves, Military, Computers, ... and the list goes on. While it wasn't anything I'd go coo-coo for Coa-Coa Puffs over, I did enjoy it.

It was likely the idea of the story that kept me mesmerized the most. Having Hawk walking around River's game wondering what the hell was in her head that made her come up with some of the crazy-creative details was one thing. Then, being River and seeing your most cherished achievement, her baby that was her game, manipulated and altered to some soul stealing evil entity's will was quite another. Not only does the game itself evolve to challenge the player, but the code that's evolving is being modified.

Though the scene where Hawk finally gave in to his desire for River, and pushed aside the fact that there were forbidden to be together intimately, was my absolute favorite.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a soft voice.
She nodded. "Yes," she whispered. She placed a fist over her chest. "it's just that this doesn't feel like a game to me."
Warmth streaked through him and he felt a flash of possessiveness. Feeling very ill-equipped to deal with the powerful emotion, he closed his hand over hers and squeezed, the pull between them too powerful to deny. "It's real."

Ya know.. not until I posted that excerpt did I realize how repetitive it was. Felt. Feeling. Powerful. Powerful. I suppose it does that a lot.

The ending was just wrong. Nick, River's real world fuck buddy, is an ass in disguise. It's just wrong that Hawk's mind and soul ends up in the guy's body. Definitely deserves a book two, though. Would love to be along the journey back to Hawk's real body so we can finally see what he looks like, and River has alot to learn about who and what she is. 4 out of 5 stars.


Check out book two, Mind Games (due out May 24, 2011), over at Taylor Keating's website. Includes an excerpt.

12.25.2010

Hunter's Blood


Hunter's Blood
Marianne Morea
Kindle Edition
Published August 21st 2010 by kNight Romance Publishing
ASIN B00408B0AW

Revenge...it's a way of life for psychic Lily Saburi.

Haunted since the brutal murder of her best friend and partner Lily's out to find the killer...but finds more than she expected. After being bitten by a rouge animal she's infected with a deadly virus, one of which there is no cure.

Sexy and powerful Sean Leighton, a were-hunter is charged with destroying anything infected with the deadly pathogen. His pack must be protected at all costs. Sean is faced with the decision to kill the woman he's fallen in love with or save his pack. Will they fall victim to Hunter's Blood?

Everything about this story is just too easy. The characters are completely predictable and the ending isn't even a freakn' ending!

Ten ratings on Goodreads consisting of nine 5stars and one single-star, I expected a hell of a lot better. It's good, don't get me wrong, but the pace is a bit quick and very little time and words are spared on descriptions. Plus, as I said, there's no real freakin' ending. It's like the last chapter got ripped from the file. Even being a book one it deserves a true conclusion. 2 out of 5 stars.

More reviews on Hunter's Blood
Redd @ The Unbroken Wyld (2stars overall)
Gloria Lakritz (Grammy1) (5stars)

____________________________________________________________________________

My Goodreads Review:

Hunter's BloodHunter's Blood by Marianne Morea

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Everything about this story is just too easy. The characters are completely predictable and the ending isn't even a freakin' ending! The pace is a bit quick which only adds to the lack of ability to bond with the characters. Not that there's much to bond to. Very little effort is spared on descriptions and even less on explanations. I was very disappointed in this story, as a prequel and a book.
View all my reviews

12.15.2010

Lie With Me: Shadow Force #1


Lie With Me
Stephanie Tyler
Shadow Force, book one
Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Published October 26th 2010 by Dell
ASIN B003EY7IR2
ISBN 0440245966 (ISBN13: 9780440245964)

Forced together by fate, bound together by desire.

Framed for a double murder, Delta Force operative Cameron Moore is given a new lease on life by the CIA—provided he pays them back by doing their black ops dirty work. Now Cam is ready to renegotiate their deal, and he thinks he’s found the perfect bargaining chip: Skylar Slavin, bestselling author of espionage thrillers and the daughter of the CIA man who saved him from a prison sentence.

Skylar has been living in anonymity, never suspecting that someone so dangerous—and so desirable—would plunge her into a world as treacherous as one of her spy novels. But how can Cam go through with his plan to kidnap Skylar when just the sight of her sets off an explosive attraction he’s never experienced before? And when Skylar falls prey to an even more perilous threat, this special ops soldier must call upon all his combat skills to protect the one person who can help him win his freedom—and the only woman he’s ever loved.

This story starts off at the moment Cameron proves that he's had enough being a lackey for his 'savior'. In a fast pace, high stress situation, Cam sets into motion what will result in his freedom, or his death.

After spending two years in prison for a crime his father framed him for, Cam was given a chance for release from Gabriel in return for joining Delta Force, an above the law operation that crosses the legality line all too often. But Cam has a conscience, and it's had enough.

He escapes with his life and runs to his best friend and former Delta Force agent, Dylan, from whom he receives information that may be Gabriel's only weakness. Information that may be the leverage Cam needs to finally be free and information that Dylan has been withholding for the past five long months. Oh yeah, Cam was all about kicking his best friend's ass for that one.

But Cam isn't the only one that has come into this intel and is out to hurt Gabriel, and soon Skylar Slavin, writer and daughter of Gabriel, is the target of two men out to take her captive.

I love it! Never do I miss a chance to root for the bad guy and this story is forcing you to do it! The lesser of two evils, Cameron is the villain and he and Dylan are definitely two dark heroes who are willing to lie, cheat, steal, seduce, and kill to get the job done. That's actually their motto!

Problem? I don't see one. The author does amazing things at creating drama between Cam and Skylar. As much as he wants to hate her, he can't. As much as she doesn't want to trust him, she does. Not a completely unheard of kind of conflict but the writing is superb. And the characters, who find a kindred soul in their counterpart, are totally worth falling for.

Even as Cam is kissing Sky, and effectively falling for her, his simultaneous thoughts are of how easily, and quickly, he could kill her. Yays for the darkness. For the blurred, gray lines and stretch of shadows. Finally I have found a contender to go up against Shiloh Walker.

Now on the other side of this book is Dylan's story and OhMyDamn, it's just as powerfully good. He and Riley have been at it for years. Since before they even knew who each other were and when they didn't, was it ever complicated. Trying to kill the same person you're wanting to share your bed with and never knowing they were one in the same. So yeah, they'd got their own share of drama. Especially after Dylan steals the files on Skylar and Riley counters by putting a bullet in him and walking away. They're both agents. Both possibly with different agendas. But everyone in this story has one common denominator- Gabriel.

Cam was great but I was all over Dylan. Cam might not think the guy's got a conscience, but he's definitely got a heart. Every flashback to Dylan's past left me breathless.

12.14.2010

No Place To Run: KGI #2

* This post contains spoilers *



No Place To Run
Maya Banks
KGI, book 2
Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Published December 7th 2010 by Berkley
ASIN B0049H9ARO

Sam Kelly was her first love.

The last person Sam Kelly expected to pull wounded from the lake was Sophie Lundgren. Once they shared a brief, intense affair while Sam was undercover and then she vanished. She's spent the last months on the run, knowing that any mistake would cost her life and that of her unborn child—Sam's child. Now she's resurfaced with a warning for Sam: this time, he's the one in danger.

Now he's her last chance.

Sam has too many questions to let her slip away again—like why she disappeared in the first place. This time he vows not to be seduced. But one look in her eyes, and the passion burns again, and Sam knows he’ll do anything to keep her and his child safe. However, Sophie’s dark past is more dangerous than he imagines, and the only way for either to survive it is to outrun it.

Another touchdown for the KGI series!

And it's a football analogy because baseball's homerun version didn't necessarily apply. I got a lot of frustration out of this one. Sam developed a tendency to annoy me and Sophie... well, I just didn't believe in her the way I did Rachel.

Sophie met Sam Kally, the eldest of the Kelly brothers, a number of months ago while playing spy for her father. She fell in love and bed with the guy and not necessarily in that order. With the intensity of her emotions fueling her, Sophia finally finds the will to escape her father and with cold blood staining her hands proceeds to spend the next five months running for her life. Pregnant all the while.

When she can't handle the constant moving and evading anymore, Sophie finally runs to Sam for protection for herself and their unborn daughter. When the evil forces that are giving chase take Sam's mother as hostage things get even more serious. Especially on top of Sam's father's suffering of a heart attack.

All brothers are back in action. Even Ethan and Rachel can't stay away. And Rusty is still the strange tag along to the family. Still waiting on Sean's purpose. He's not enough of a man for PJ so he basically lacks any purpose whatsoever with me. Wouldn't mind if he took a bullet and disappeared altogether. Harsh, I know.(PJ is the only female member of KGI, or what may be a team that only assists KGI)

LOVED Kyle Philips' entrance. The moment he said his name I was like ahlright!

The most disappointing little tidbit of this story was the fact that Sophie had a girl. This from a man who descends from a guy who sired six sons. I feel Sam got jipped. Though I have nothing against grand-daughters. 4 out of 5 stars.

Garrett is next. A guy with a serious weakness for women. But it's a good weakness. He's very close to Rachel and he nearly gave his life for Sophie. Still... I'm looking forward to Donovan's story the most. He being the favored son and all. =)

The Kelly's

Frank & Marlene - the parents

Sam (former Army) w/Sophie [bk 2]

Donovan (former Marine)

Garrett (former Marine)

Ethan (former Navy) w/Rachel [bk 1]

Nathan & Joe (active Army, fraternal twins)

Other reviews from this series
- The Darkest Hour (KGI #1): Ethan & Rachel's story

12.07.2010

Tween Hopeful and Hopeless


Tween Hopeful and Hopeless
Sam Cheever
Kindle Edition
Published March 2nd 2009 by Cerridwen Press
Free Read from Amazon
ASIN B003SX0Y6G

Part of the Dancin' With The Devil series. What do you do when a bunch of dark world types steal magic from the Hopeful souls in Saint Peter's kingdom to capture the Heavenly Gates and infiltrate the Big House? Astra Q Phelps does what she always does-kicks ass, blows shit up and prays!

With an opening line like "I usually don't like to start my day kicking demon ass" this short read looked promising. With a dragon for a sidekick and all the comforts of a space age at her disposal, Astra teeters in between the forces of Heaven and Hell. She has two men in her life- the sex crazed lover that is Prince Dialle, and the quiet, more subservient partner that is Emo.

Dialle is the more aggressive of the two which matches Astra's attitude quite well. It's plain to see why both men respect her and this is easily a series I could fall into. I liked Dialle but I had more interest in Emo and honestly would have liked to see some kind of triangle there. Quite out of the norm for me. I typically hate triangles.

This one gets 3 out of 5 stars. Book one is below. The image is linked to Goodreads.


Astra Q Phelps is a Tweener, which means she's part angel and part devil. She vaporizes devils and demons for a living. When Astra gets the call from the big Him to aid the good side in a battle between two rival devil courts, she finds herself battling not only the forces of evil but her own nature as she rubs up against the sexiest, most infuriatingly enticing devil prince and discovers he brings out her devil in the most delicious ways. But Astra's problems don't end with a worrying jolt to her sexual nervous system. She is also discovering that she doesn't really know herself all that well as she begins to uncover magic powers that she didn't know she possessed. She might be entangled in a prophecy that links her to her delicious devil prince in more ways than one. Add to this spicy mix a few yummy secrets she learns about her longtime partner and friend, Emo, and you have a tantalizing stew of problems to solve, and only one small Tweener to unravel them all. Reader Advisory: This book contains graphic violence.

This week I also read:

Message For Minnerva - A 48 yr old woman, victim of a loveless, abusive marriage, finds happiness again. 2 out of 5 stars.

Christmas Scandal,Not! - A young boy named Robin appears at the doorstep of Elf's home claiming no one will be worried that he'd gone. Elf and her sisters are left to solve the riddle of the boy's situation. 2 out of 5 stars.

Song of the Swan - A knight, injured in battle, loses his betrothed and maybe soon, his castle, meets a young, blind woman with an equal compassion for swans, the symbol of his estate. 4 out of 5 stars.

12.01.2010

Wish List: December 2010




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December 28