Saturday, April 28, 2012

All Things Wicked

All Things Wicked by Karina Cooper
is part of her 'Dark Mission' series.  It is a dark tale filled with violence and miscommunication.  An intriguing picture of Seattle after earthquakes and floods have destroyed much of civilization.  A new city has been built on the shaky foundation consisting of the ruins of old Seattle but there is a fault under the city connecting to something called the Old Sea Trench.  Mysterious barcode tattoos set some of the people apart but knowledge of the meaning behind the markings is vague.  A combination of magic and science characterizes life in this danger-filled world that includes warring factions of witches, deadly Church missionaries and political machinations.  The story was a little intense for my tastes and I found some of the violent interactions a bit gratuitous especially when they morphed into the intense intimate encounters between Juliet and Caleb.  My Amazon review is at this link.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Musings about recycling

I read the greatest blog about the fact that the younger generation thinks that older people don't grasp the concept of recycling....I admit that I get frustrated with my mother-in-law because she insists on collecting plastic bags from stores despite the number of totes that I have given her.  This post from author Tory Richards' blog made me stop and think.  This link is for her blog but it is an adults only blog so I asked permission to repost and she very graciously gave her permission.

"Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back in my earlier days."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations."

She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day….
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right. We didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?"

Makes you rethink your perspective, right?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Bridge of Dreams

Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop is the third volume in her 'Ephemera' series. 

It aptly demonstrates the author's ability to create an eerie set of worlds which are interconnected by an intriguing mesh of thoughts made real combined with physical landmarks.  The dark side of the unifying character of the series is still a very real danger to those around her yet each deals with the dichotomy in a different manner.  The wonderful imagery created to evoke the emotional climates experienced by the various characters (I particularly like the stones that appear in the various landscapes in response to the feelings of anger...which have to be weeded out) as well as the fascinating beings which populate the worlds (imagine, a town of succubi and incubi complete with bread in the shape of...) all combine to make this a fantastic read.  The reader has to pay attention to catch all of the nuances (where else would it be contentious to show one's pet avian that the piece of toast they are eating is actually part of an entire slice and that butter and jelly can be put on it?) but there are wonderful elements that probably will only be appreciated with a second or third reading.  The author introduces fascinating beings called tryads who share a body but the body's characteristics change according to which person is prominent at the time.  Who would ever think that it would be an insult to be called one-faced?  It all depends on your perspective!  My Amazon review is at this link under ELF2060 (and as ever, I greatly appreciate a 'yes, this was helpful' vote--I am actually finally in the low four digits in my ranking, yippee!).

 I became a fan of Ms Bishop with her 'Black Jewels' series.  (Warning!  For adult readers only)

Her 'Tir Alainn' trilogy added to my admiration of her work.  I wasn't quite sure I liked her 'Ephemera' series but this volume reminded me of why I enjoy her stories.  One of these days when I have nothing else to do (she says laughingly), I will have to go back and re-read the aforementioned books so that I can review them properly.  I warn you that they are very erotic and dark fantasies but enthralling reads.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Theft of Swords

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan is a two book fantasy in one volume that introduces an interesting pair of characters named Hadrian and Royce who combine a wealth of skills.  The interaction between the two is a combination of quirky humor, absolute trust and acceptance.  Each has his own secrets that the other respects, fighting skills that all others are astounded by and a code of behavior that holds them to a higher standard than most of their fellow beings would ever consider.  The adventures presented in this volume are a series of cliffhangers that combine suspense and humor and a wealth of quirky secondary characters and are mixed with the requisite petitioners with virtually impossible goals which give a nice texture to the tales. 

There is a short story available on Amazon at this link that gives an introduction to the intriguing pair but it is not necessary to have read this one before jumping into the series.  There are some inconsistencies in the behavior of some of the characters but not enough to detract from the entertaining quality of the story.  Clues are gradually revealed about the background of these extraordinary beings and the overall linking theme of all of the books makes the endings necessarily inconclusive but not irritatingly so.  My review on Amazon is at this link under ELF2060.  I would appreciate a 'yes, this was helpful' vote if you are so inclined.

There are two more volumes in the series (Rise of Empire and Heir of Novron) which I will review as I finish reading them.

My thanks to the author for providing a copy of this entertaining tale as well as Rise of Empire so that I would better understand the background for Heir of Novron (which I won on Goodreads).

Friday, April 20, 2012

Twisted and Snapped (no, not a snack food)

Twisted by Laura Griffin   is part of her intriguing 'Tracers' series.  Ms Griffin has a mesmerizing way of combining suspense and gradually flowering romance in this enjoyable collection of books.  This is the fifth in the series that imaginatively blends elements from cases that many of us are familiar with from news stories which the author weaves with investigative procedures into a mesmerizing read.  My Amazon review for Twisted is at this link
As always, I appreciate a 'yes, this was helpful' vote.

My Night Owl Romance review for Snapped is at this link


Also...a reminder for those of you who like e-books...don't forget that Pocket After Dark has two free reads a month here (and to avoid frustration, please remember to click on the button that says 'full book' in order to get the read on your computer...if you click on the cover, it shows you how to buy the book).   Also, the post-Easter egg hunt is almost over...the link is here

and...

Night Owl Reviews has a daily contest here.

Good luck!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Celebrity in Death

Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts)

is the latest in her wonderful futuristic series about Lieutenant Eve Dallas (and hunky ideal mate Roarke).  It is an interesting book that reminds me of a house of mirrors because fictional life is being mimicked on film which is telling the story of one of Eve's cases.  Confused?  Don't be...it's a great read.  If you are not already a fan of the series, a movie is being made of one of Eve's more sensational cases and Eve and her counterparts have been invited to a dinner with the actors portraying them.  I love Eve's discomfort with the social butterfly scene because I can identify with her reluctance to present a false front when all she wants to do is be herself.  I also think that the author's ability to create that sense of deep and abiding love is one of her greatest talents and the following quote from this novel really appealed to me:

p. 195  “His girl, he thought as hands and lips began to stroke the first embers of passion.  His strong, complicated, and resilient girl.  He loved every corner of her mind, her heart, even when she maddened him.  There was nothing he wanted or treasured more truly, nothing he had craved or dreamed of in those dark, often desperate years of youth that was as rich or powerful as what she’d given him.
    He’d believed in love despite the lack of it in those early years, or perhaps because of the lack.  But it had taken her to show him what love meant, what it gifted, what it cost, what it risked.”



Sigh...these two people have been honed by the crucibles of their traumatic backgrounds but they have found each other.  Who could ask for anything more?  Well, his propensity to own the world and her ability to cut through bull-s**t doesn't hurt either, lol.

I love the creativity that is present in this series and can instantly be drawn into this world.  I am constantly laughing or sighing at the imagery created...Eve's new coat is a source of instant lust for several people in this book and who wouldn't want Roarke choosing one's outfit for the night?  Okay, enough gushing...go enjoy the book!  My review on Amazon is at this link under ELF2060.  I am always appreciative of a 'yes this was helpful' vote.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Grimm Tidings

Grimm Tidings by Shiloh Walker is being released on April 24, 2012.  It is a novella that is part of her series Grimm's Circle.  I don't have a lot of familiarity with the series but that will change as I am about to read several of the other titles in the series.  I was intrigued by the concept of individuals choosing to counter tragedies in their original lives by becoming kick-ass fighters who seek to protect unsuspecting human mortals from the demons who are coming to our world.  Each person becomes more than just a superior fighter, there also are other talents that become known at some point during their careers as Grimm.  There seems to be a nice blend of action and romance in these paranormal tales but I suspect that the fact that some are novellas will sometimes make the story a little too short for me...as was the case for Grimm Tidings.

My review:

Grimm Tidings by Shiloh Walker is a novella which is book 6 of her ‘Grimm’s Circle’ series that centers around the brave men and women who act as guardian angels for humans and destroy the demons that have entered the mortal world.  They can be identified by the mystical silver medallion with upswept wings that each wears.  Each Grimm has horrors and baggage from his or her background but most have learned to sublimate their issues and transfer that energy into becoming an expert fighter with the ability to dispatch demons efficiently and serve as guardian angels for the mortals they seek to protect.  Jacob is one of the older Grimm and is reluctant to take on the task of working with Celine, a relatively new Grimm who is unwilling or unable to release ties to her former life as a mortal human, to the extent that she has been through an incredible number of trainers.  Jacob’s talent for showing possible paths of a life often makes him uncomfortable but his attraction to the tormented Grimm in his charge drives him to try to help her heal in any way that he can.  His inner demons plus her issues may be just enough to destroy anything they could have together if they aren’t able to find a way to reach out to each other.

An intriguing glimpse into the lives of some of the Grimm with hints about the backgrounds of several of the secondary characters.  There is a bit of jerkiness to the story as the scene suddenly changes in a couple of areas and the ending is a bit abrupt but the characters are engaging and there are plenty of intriguing asides including a link to certain Dickensian characters.  An entertaining quick read.



This title was given to me by the author in return for an honest review


Saturday, April 14, 2012

Dead on the Delta and Black Magic and, uh-oh, a new game!

Don't forget, Pocket After Dark provides a couple of e-books in their entirety on their site.  At this moment it is Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay and Black Magic by Cherry Adair.  I admit that I am torn because I have so many books waiting and I don't really like being tied to my computer screen for so long....but even if you don't want to read the entire book there are also excerpts available for several genres, including Laura Griffin's Twisted, Julia London's The Seduction of Lady X, Delilah S. Dawson's Wicked As They Come, Stacey Jay's Blood on the Bayou, Meredith Duran's At Your Pleasure and Cherry Adair's Afterglow.  Visit at this link.


I have gotten a bit tired of my zoo because the creators have gotten a bit out of hand with their creations...yes, it is nice to be able to stock dinosaurs but now there are extinct and imaginary creatures as well as hybrids and the darn thing takes forever to load and then crashes frequently.  I had temporarily discontinued most of my word games and recently saw the ad for a hidden object game called "Gardens of Time" which is evidently popular on Facebook (which I still haven't joined...more on that another day).  I love hidden object games but do tend to get frustrated easily and then there's the whole bifocal thing...whether to peer nearsightedly at the screen without my glasses or not.  It is fun so far, although I have a few too many Egyptian artifacts in my garden already...I may have to reorganize one of these days...

Friday, April 13, 2012

Intruder

Intruder by C.J. Cherryh is auspicious thirteen in her Foreigner series.  Forgive the obscure reference, numerology figures greatly in the alien society highlighted in this series which details the difficulty of attributing human mores and behavior to beings who are quite different.  Bren Cameron is virtually the only human that most of the atevi on this world have interacted with.  He has had to learn an incredible breadth of detail to operate smoothly within the ritualized society that exists in a world that lacks a great number of technological advances yet is incredibly complex.  The delicate balance between the territories is constantly in contention and never more fragile than now, when it seems that the bulwark of the Assassins Guild which has heretofore mediated most conflicts in a 'civilized' manner is undergoing its own reorganization which often involves fatal intervention.   Bren is also handicapped by the fact that his size is akin to that of an atevi youngster and most of the food is high in alkaloids that would be fatal to humans.

I was particularly entertained by the antics of young Cajeiri who has had his horizons broadened by tenure in space amongst other humans, supervision by his great-grandmother who is a grande dame in her own right and an extremely canny manipulator, association with Bren and his own curiosity and propensity for exploration.  Despite the fact that he is heir to one of the most powerful beings on the planet, many of Cajeiri's actions are dictated by his youth and frustration with the restrictions placed upon him.  His gradual maturation is reflected in his interactions with his bodyguards but he is still young enough to scheme to obtain a pet, similar to children everywhere.  His defense proposed to the mother that he has little rapport with gives glimmerings of his growth as a diplomat and bodes well for his ability to distill the teachings he is receiving.  My review is under ELF2060 at this link.  As always, a 'yes this was helpful' vote is appreciated.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Shine!

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready is going to be released next month!  If you haven't read this fascinating young adult trilogy and you like compelling paranormal stories, you are in for a wonderful treat.  The first book, Shade, and the second, Shift, are emotional and fantastic reads.  I will post my review of Shine as soon as I can carve out enough time to read it!

My Goodreads reviews for Shade link and Shift link



If you have never read the adult vampire series by this author you should also try her WVMP series that starts with Wicked Game 


I was lucky enough to obtain some bookmarks that have the beautiful cover of Shine on them (thank you Jeri!) and I am willing to share them with the first three people who leave me a comment asking for them if they leave a valid e-mail address so I can contact you privately about obtaining a snail mail address.  This will be the first time I have tried this so please be patient with me!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Web scavenger hunt and another giveaway to remember

If you have some time on your hands and a desire to learn about new authors and their works, visit the Night Owl Reviews site and enter their Spring Fling hunt.  Don't be dismayed, there are a lot of questions to fill out...you might want to copy and paste a list of all of the questions so that you can work on them over several days.  It's a great way to learn about new books to read and when you get tired you can wander around the rest of the wonderful site and read about lots and lots of new titles!  Please click on this link and happy hunting!

A big thank you to author Stacey Juba who has organized a giveaway on Amazon on April 13...13 books for Friday the 13th!  That should help you superstitious people think more positively about the date (-:

Please click on this link to see the list and remember to visit it on Friday the 13th!

Stacey has also notified her readers that there is also a promotion to 'Give Your Child a Free Kindle Book (or 15 of them)' being held on April 19.  Please click on this link for more information.  (revised link April 16)

Happy reading!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Bared to You...Adults only please

Please only continue reading if you are over 18!

Bared to You  by Sylvia Day is an erotic and strenuous read.  The searingly carnal encounters between two people who are emotionally stunted sweep the reader along on a roller-coaster ride of angst and satiation.  Gideon Cross is used to having everything go his way but can't quite figure out what to make of the seductive yet insecure Eva Tramell.  There are sometimes creepy manipulations perpetrated that reflect Gideon's determination to 'win' and Eva can't quite grasp her sense of self-worth and overcome past traumas but somehow they find a way to complement each other...sometimes.  There's no true resolution by the end of this book but given the emotional upheavals that mark this story, the reader needs a break before continuing with their story.  My Amazon review (under ELF2060) is at this link.  A 'yes this was helpful' vote is always appreciated.




Monday, April 9, 2012

Black Howl

Black Howl by Christina Henry is part of her 'Black Wings' series that centers around Madeline Black, an Agent of Death whose job is to escort the spirits of the recently deceased to a 'Door' of choice.  Those who refuse to pass through remain on Earth as a ghost, those who pass through...who knows what exactly happens to them?  It may depend on their beliefs.  This question is even more important by the end of this book.  There are many conundrums in these tales which seem to have quite a few imaginative elements but sometimes I don't think they form a cohesive flow in the story...not to mention, if you are associating with all-powerful beings who can destroy things with a thought and you can fly and conjure up inordinate amounts of power...should you really have money problems?  Trouble buying a winter's coat?   Hmm, I don't think so.  Somebody ought to be able to provide!  Then there's the question of Maddy's wellbeing...it seems that she's handicapped by her half-mortal nature but I find my credulity being a bit strained by the constant damage and recuperation that takes place...or maybe it's the passage of time that I am struggling with.  And the life and death struggles that take place in the front yard, back yard, etc., somehow I think that JB wouldn't have time to do anything else if he is constantly trying to keep everything hidden from the obtuse human neighbors.  Anyway, I love the gargoyle Beezle who has an incredible sweet tooth, loves to watch movies and is an uncomplicated straightforward being, the guys in Maddy's life are yummy (naturally) and the political maneuverings will keep one guessing and wondering who is truly an ally and who isn't.  For me this is one of those series that generates likes and dislikes in equal amounts...but it is still an enjoyable read.  My Amazon review is at this link under ELF2060.  Please add a 'yes this was helpful' vote if you are willing, it is greatly appreciated!

Black Wings and Black Night are the first two novels in the series.  My Night Owl reviews are at these links Black Wings and Black Night


This title was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Natural Evil


Natural Evil by Thea Harrison is her latest novella set in her fascinating world of Wyr shapeshifters.



I fell in love with this series with the first novel (Dragon Bound) that introduced Dragos Culebre.  He is an obsessive/compulsive dragon that knows when a PENNY has been altered in his extensive hoard.  He is the leader of one of the seven demesnes that his kind (one of the Elder Races) have populated.  The fascinating and long-lived shapeshifters (Wyr) that populate this world seem to have well-developed protective instincts that are exacerbated when they meet their mates and each subsequent book highlights their actions.  They coexist and occasionally have alliances with other beings such as vampires, djinns, oracles and faeries which leads to even more fodder for fantastical and enjoyable stories.  My Goodreads review for Dragon Bound is at this link

Those of you who are new to this series are in for a treat as there are four novels and two novellas to work your way through.  The most recent novella, Natural Evil, introduces a Peacekeeper who winds up desperately needing the assistance of a very competent yet emotionally weary retired soldier.  An astute reviewer noted that there is a pack of Tarot cards that helps tie this story in with the previous novella, True Colors, and indications are that the cards move as they desire and will choose the subject of the next novella.  The novellas give an excellent flavor of the world if one is trying to decide whether to invest in the novels but unfortunately are only available in e-format at the present time.  Hopefully the author will publish a print copy of several novellas once she has more of them written.  My Amazon review is at this link, as always, I appreciate "yes, this was helpful" votes for the review under ELF2060 if indeed you do like it.



I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review

Friday, April 6, 2012

Sorry, freebies offer expired...but there's hope for the future also...Shiloh Walker and Dark Thoughts blog

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate the day.  I regret that my source of pineapple jellybeans dried up since they stopped having that flavor as one of the five in the package!  It was a source of sadness when I discovered that last year.  Those of you who gave up something for Lent--don't overdose when you resume partaking of whatever it is (0:

Update:  April 11, 2012
Sorry, the freebies I originally posted about are no longer available BUT there are going to be free books for children on Kindle on April 19  (Thank you author Stacey Juba for the notice).  Please look at this link if you are interested.

In case you were wondering, I have become part of Shiloh Walker's street team.  It is interesting to discover more details about an author whose books I enjoy immensely, most recently those which were part of her Ash TrilogyIf You Hear Her, If You See Her, and If You Know Her.  One of the things that I have learned from being part of the team from its inception is how hard authors work to publicize their works...and she is definitely a prolific author.  Hunter's Rise was just released and is part of a series but unfortunately the publisher did not like the sales from the last book and has not asked for another which translates into a story that we are not going to see (yet...she says hopefully).  I have been privileged to receive a copy of the newest Grimm title, Grimm Tidings and will post a review on April 15.  I followed Ms Walker to one of her guest blogs and was intrigued by her list of 'Memorable Heroes'...stop by the Romance Reader at Heart blog at this link and see how her list compares to yours.

I am tickled to have won two titles this week!  One to celebrate Elisabeth Naughton's release of Enraptured (thank you Cheryl Brooks!) and one from Portia da Costa to celebrate her release of In the Flesh).  Thank you ladies!

And last but not least...Mary with her Dark Thoughts blog always has the most interesting pictures on her blog but today she is sharing freebies and money-making internet sites at this link.  Thanks Mary!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Adults only please

Please only continue reading if you are over 18!  

A few of the shorter erotica titles recently read include:

Crystal Jordan's Prowl the Night which is comprised of two novellas about jaguar shifters in San Francisco.  A nice blend of paranormal elements and family dynamics with conflicts that can be found in any relationship plus the added complication of political maneuvering.  My Amazon review is under ELF2060 at this link.

Lauren Dane's Beneath the Skin which is a novella that is part of her 'De La Vega Cats' series which feature a different set of jaguars based in Boston. (yes, somehow I was on a roll with big cats!)  My Amazon review is at this link.

and two novellas in R.G. Alexander's 'Children of the Goddess' series; Regina in the Sun and Lux in Shadow.  Both are excellent novellas that feature two sexy vampires in the Sariel clan as well as werewolves and other related beings.  (there are at least two more novellas in the series but I will have to finish a few other titles before I get back to them).  My Amazon review for Regina...is at this link while the review for Lux is here.

All four of these novellas were very spicy yet had an intriguing story to follow as well.  It was nice to read about feline shifters for a change and there is an intriguing thread tying the Children of the Goddess novellas together as the uneasy alliance between different classes of vampires and werewolf packs gets tested.  All three authors have created intriguing characters who function within their hierarchies yet have to face the conflict between what is traditional and what their hearts tell them.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

New releases

Don't forget that Hunter's Rise
by Shiloh Walker is out


Other titles that were released today include The Wolf Who Loved Me by Lydia Dare

Beneath the Skin by Lauren Dane

 

The Shape of Desire by Sharon Shinn







My reviews are listed under ELF2060 on the Amazon pages accessed by clicking on the icons above.  Happy reading!

Monday, April 2, 2012

One Hot Cowboy Wedding


One Hot Cowboy Wedding
by Carolyn Brown is part of her 'Saddles and Spurs' series and is a delightful romance that follows a hunky cowboy and his best friend.  Ace Riley inherited his grandfather's ranch and has worked hard to build it into a successful enterprise but is blindsided when he discovers that his grandfather's bequest has a catch--he has to be married within two years and it has to last at least a year!  His best friend Jasmine King owns and runs the local diner, Chicken Fried, and is used to sharing in his ups and downs while she watches him date a wide variety of women.  Her heart was bruised by the jerk that she was involved with for five years and she has been leery of dating ever since.  She volunteers to help Ace get around the requirements but they start wondering about their relationship after their quickie secret Vegas wedding.  A series of hilarious events result in the explosion of wedding plans in their respective families as Jasmine's mother tries to realize her dream of giving her daughter a fairy-tale wedding.   Ace and Jasmine gradually realize that they are going to have to decide whether they're going to act on the heat that they feel for each other even as they learn to cope with all of the demands of their respective families.  The question remains...can Jasmine get past the barbed wire tattooed on Ace's arm to capture his heart and does she want to risk her own?

An enjoyable light read filled with entertaining drawled comments and colloquialisms along with a glimpse into the hardworking lives of a rancher and a woman who owns and operates a cafe.  The hunky males who occupy this corner of Texas and the women who have corralled their hearts combine plenty of sass and spice in this sweet Western romance.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Untouched


 

Untouched is Book 2 of ‘The Amoveo Legend’ series by Sara Humphreys which focus on a group of extraordinary beings who are shapeshifters living among humans.  Kerry Smithson has always known she was different but had no idea that her inability to physically touch others without experiencing pain came from her mixed heritage.  She is unwilling to accept that she and sexy Dante Coltari have more in common than a mutual attraction until she is faced with the undeniable evidence that both she and the foxy male are part of another race.  She is even less convinced that he is her mate but cannot deny that he is only the second person she has known whom she can touch without experiencing severe pain.  The horrific experiences that she and Samantha survived have made her even more wary of establishing new relationships but she inadvertently becomes a target of the fanatical Purists who believe that the Amoveo should only mate with their own kind.  Threats against her make Dante even more determined to never leave her side even as he takes the opportunity to introduce her all kinds of new experiences.  An evil opponent self-styled as the ‘Punisher’ seems determined to ruin the lives of Kerry and her friends forever but their friends and allies are just as determined to prevent him from achieving his nefarious goals.

This story was very inventive with an interesting twist given the need of individuals for contact and Kerry’s inability to touch or be touched without experiencing extreme pain.  She has a single friend and superficially is a successful model but is reluctant to make friends and Dante has to make strong efforts to breach her distrust and convince her of his sincerity.  She grows to believe that the sexiest thing about him is his heart as she comes to know him better but she is reluctant to accept the many complications of accepting someone in her life.  An entertaining light read.

A copy of this title was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.