Falke's Peak

Author: Anna Leigh Keaton, Madison Layle
Publisher: Carina Press

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

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

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

This is how I like my erotica. It has an actual storyline. Falke's Peake is well written with good character development. The shape shifter premise was interesting. Because the authors did a great job of developing their characters, I believed the attraction between Dakota and the brothers. The love scenes are tastefully written and are pretty hot as well! While I'm not too into the menage story lines, I liked this one. Probably because I believed the relationship. There are amusing scenes with Gunnar in "kitty" form. If all mountain lions could be like him, I'd take him home with me.

I would recommend this one to erotica fans. It is a quick read and worth the time. Apparently, the authors have submitted a sequel to Carina, so I look forward to reading about the other brothers in the family.

--Kari

* note: I read a complimentary e-copy of Falke's Peak supplied courtesy of Carina Press. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. By receiving a complimentary copy, I am in no way obligated to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*

The Weird Sisters

Author: Eleanor Brown
Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam

The three Andreas sisters grew up in the cloistered household dominated by their Shakespearean professor father, a prominent, eccentric academic whose reverence for the Bard left its imprint on his daughters' names: Rosalind (As You Like It), Bianca (The Taming of the Shrew), and Cordelia (King Lear). The siblings eventually left home and escaped their ponderous monikers with nicknames, but their mother's medical maladies brings them back. Before long, their unwelcome reunion reveals that they all have problems: Rose is force-feeding a troubled relationship; Bean is entangled in a big city case of embezzlement; and unmarried Cordy is pregnant.

Since leaving home after high school, the 3 sisters (all named after characters from Shakespeare plays) have all been running from something that they can’t seem to name. Rose (Rosalind) is the typical eldest child. She feels a deep sense of responsibility to take care of everyone in her family. Her deep need for control and order keeps her from really living. Bean (Bianca), being the middle child, has always felt invisible. Her need to stand out in a crown gets her in over her head with her job and friends in the big city. Cordy (Cordelia), the youngest, has never had to make a decision for herself and therefore can’t seem to find direction as she wanders the country. What I found compelling is that upon returning home, they discover that what they fear the most is what saves them in the end. The ending leaves you with a sense that while they all still have issues to deal with, everything will ultimately be OK.

I enjoyed Brown’s use of Shakespearean quotes throughout the novel. Their father, who is a professor and great lover of Shakespeare, constantly uses quotes as his way to communicate with his family. As it is pointed out in the novel, Shakespeare’s use of language has long been open to interpretation. Like the sisters, the reader, on more than one occasion, is left to wonder what their father is really trying to say.

Weird Sisters was beautifully written and engaging from the first page. The characters are interesting and I know they will stay with me for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is the debut novel by Eleanor Brown. She has a bright future and I look forward to reading more of her work. I would definitely recommend this book.


--Kari

Throwback Thursday - The Bachelor

Author: Carly Phillips
First Published in 2002 by Warner Books

Will this bad boy make it to the altar?

Foreign correspondent Roman Chandler has always prized his freedom above all else. Now losing a coin toss has sealed this youngest brother's fate. Finding someone to escort down the aisle is the easy part—every wannabe bride in sleepy Yorkshire Falls is itching to get hitched to this gorgeous, globe-trotting Chandler man. But Roman still lusts after the woman who got away. Stunning heart breaker Charlotte Bronson has come home to put down roots and get her erotic lingerie business off the ground. She wants a man that won't go chasing off to the far corners of the earth for a breaking news story. He wants her to say "I do."

This is the first book by Carly Phillips that I have "read" (I listened to the audio version). I thought it was a cute romance. There were definitely some cheesy moments in it, but for the most part it was just fun. I enjoyed the relationship between Roman and his brothers. The HEA was believable. I really like romances in which the hero figures out that he is in love before the heroine. It just makes it much more satisfying.

My only problem was with the narrator of the audio book. His female voices were not very good. For the most part, they came across sounding like airheads or valley girls. That was a bit annoying.

I would recommend it, but maybe not the audio version. Pick up the physical or e-copy.

--Kari

The Coffins of Little Hope

by:  Timothy Schaffert
published by:  Unbridled Books
publish date:  April 5, 2011

Timothy Schaffert has created his most memorable character yet in Essie, an octogenarian obituary writer for her family’s small town newspaper. When a young country girl is reported to be missing, perhaps whisked away by an itinerant aerial photographer, Essie stumbles onto the story of her life. Or, it all could be simply a hoax, or a delusion, the child and child-thief invented from the desperate imagination of a lonely, lovelorn woman. Either way, the story of the girl reaches far and wide, igniting controversy, attracting curiosity-seekers and cult worshippers from all over the country to this dying rural town. And then it is revealed that the long awaited final book of an infamous series of YA gothic novels is being secretly printed on the newspaper’s presses.


The Coffins of Little Hope tells a feisty, energetic story of characters caught in the intricately woven webs of myth, legend and deception even as Schaffert explores with his typical exquisite care and sharp eye the fragility of childhood, the strength of family, the powerful rumor mills of rural America, and the sometimes dramatic effects of pop culture on the way we shape our world.

I found my feelings on this book to be hard to put my finger on.  I liked it, but I found it to be kind of bizarre.  The world that Schaffert created seemed like it came out of TV show or something.  It made me think of The Andy Griffith Show meets The Elizabeth Smart Case on Court TV meets A Series of Unfortunate Events (if that series of books ever got as popular as like Harry Potter).  Is any of that really a bad thing?  I wouldn't say so, it creates a pretty interesting mash up.

Essie was a unique character.  She reminded me of like Aunt Bea on The Andy Griffith Show, but she was an obituary writer so she had that sort of morbid character.  I kept flipping back to make sure it was a guy who wrote the book, because I thought it was an interesting perspective to write the book from.  Of all the characters to tell the story, the 80 year old obituary writer of the town probably isn't the obvious choice.

This book has a lot of interesting little topics in it about book publishing, whether or not they're actually true they do give you something to think about.  What it must be like to work for the printing companies that print the books like the Harry Potter books, what environmentalists think about our book obsessions, etc.

Would I recommend it?  Sure, I've already told a couple of people to keep an eye out for it.  It's a book that's stayed on my mind the last few days so I'd have to think that's a good sign.

-Autumn

Heresy

Author: S.J. Parris
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Giordano Bruno was a monk, poet, scientist, and magician on the run from the Roman Inquisition on charges of heresy for his belief that the Earth orbits the sun and that the universe is infinite. This alone could have got him burned at the stake, but he was also a student of occult philosophies and magic.

In S. J. Parris's gripping novel, Bruno's pursuit of this rare knowledge brings him to London, where he is unexpectedly recruited by Queen Elizabeth I and is sent undercover to Oxford University on the pretext of a royal visitation. Officially Bruno is to take part in a debate on the Copernican theory of the universe; unofficially, he is to find out whatever he can about a Catholic plot to overthrow the queen.

His mission is dramatically thrown off course by a series of grisly murders and a spirited and beautiful young woman. As Bruno begins to discover a pattern in these killings, he realizes that no one at Oxford is who he seems to be. Bruno must attempt to outwit a killer who appears obsessed with the boundary between truth and heresy.

I think this book had great potential, but it just fell short for me. In fact, I thought it was really boring. I listened to the audio book and I found myself tuning it out in several places and had to rewind to listen again. I'm not sure if that was the narrator's fault or the content itself. It's probably a little of both.

While the historical aspects of the book were mildly interesting, I just couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters. I was expecting much more intrigue and mystery. There really wasn't any. I'm not even sure how the main character figured out the solution. I probably won't read any further adventures.

--Kari

The Guy Next Door (Anthology)

Authors: Lori Foster, Susan Donovan, Victoria Dahl
Publisher: HQN Books

Three sexy new spring-fling novellas from three of today's hottest contemporary romance authors!

Ready, Set, Jett by Lori Foster
A vacation from her no-strings romance with her sexy next-door neighbor. That's what Natalie Alexander needs to get her head—and heart—together. But her solo trip south turns into a disaster when gorgeous Jett Sutter turns up with another challenge.

Gail's Gone Wild by Susan Donovan
Single mom Gail Chapman insists on chaperoning her teenage daughter's spring-break trip to Key West. But she never expects to face temptation—in the hunky form of Jesse Batista, the mysterious man in the cottage next door.

Just One Taste by Victoria Dahl
All-work-and-no-play businessman Eric Donovan won't be distracted by a "businesswoman" who's all wrong for him. Beth Cantrell owns a women's erotica shop! And she has a juicy little secret. Can she tempt him to put pleasure before business for once?

As an anthology, this was pretty good. I liked the first 2 stories the best:

Ready, Set, Jett is the prequel to a new trilogy coming out in April by Lori Foster; the first being When you Dare. Jett and Natalie are great characters. I enjoyed their relationship. I was also intrigued by Jett's sisters and I hope that they show up more in the trilogy. While it did end with a cliffhanger, there was still a HEA feel to it.

Ms. Donavon's Gail's Gone Wild was a cute story. I liked the characters and the HEA. The story was engaging from the start. Definitely worth reading.

The last story, Just One Taste is also a prequel to a new trilogy coming out this summer by Ms. Dahl. I didn't care so much for this one. I'm not sure I liked the mistaken identity premise. The story ended with a huge cliffhanger and no HEA. When I read an anthology, I like to have resolution in the end. Apparently, the 2 characters don't get together again until the 3rd book in the trilogy; which doesn't come out until November. I found this very frustrating.

Overall, I recommend the series if you are a fan of any of the authors. If you can look past the issues with the last story, I think you will enjoy it!

--Kari

* note: I read an advanced review copy of The Guy Next Door supplied courtesy of the HQN Books. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. By receiving a complimentary copy, I am in no way obligated to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*

Throwback Thursday - Birthright

Author: Nora Roberts
First Published in 2003 by Putnam

When five-thousand-year-old human bones are found at a construction site in the small town of Woodsboro, the news draws archaeologist Callie Dunbrook out of her sabbatical and into a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and romance.

While overseeing the dig, she must try to make sense of a cloud of death and misfortune that hangs over the project-fueling rumors that the site is cursed. And she must cope with the presence of her irritating-but irresistible-ex-husband, Jake. Furthermore, when a stranger claims to know a secret about her privileged Boston childhood, she is forced to question her own past as well.


I have found another Nora Roberts book to add to my favorites list. Ms. Roberts really knows how to write a story. I loved Callie. Her character is strong, blunt and not needy at all. Callie's struggle to come to terms with major revelations about her life is well written. I really felt for her and the people that these revelations affect. Her ex-husband, Jake is a perfect match for her. Their relationship is fun to watch as they slowly find their way back to each other. After reading this, all I can say is that I want a Jake!

The one thing I also love about NR books are her peripheral characters. They are just as strong and interesting as the main characters. The secondary romance between Lana and Douglas is really warm and just as satisfying.

If you missed this NR, definitely pick it up. I listened to the audio version. The narrator's voice was at first annoying, but it slowly grew on me.

--Kari

To Have and to Kill: A Wedding Cake Mystery

Author: Mary Jane Clark
Publisher: William Morrow

Piper Donovan, an actress who has been having a hard time of it living in Manhattan, has returned home to her parents’ small town in New Jersey. She’s been helping out at her mother’s bakery, which makes it perfect that Piper’s close friend, Glenna Brooks, has asked her to prepare the cake for her upcoming wedding. However, things aren’t as perfect as they seem, and when there is a murder, Piper is determined to figure out what happened and protect her friend.


This is the first in a new series by Mary Jane Clark. It was a really quick read. I was a little disappointed in the book. I felt like the storyline was all over the place. There were too many possible suspects. I kept waiting for Piper and her FBI friend to get involved in the investigation like the synopsis said. Their role in it is peripheral at best and Piper actually stumbles onto the solution by accident. I didn't really connect with any of the characters.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Clark, so I'm not sure if this is her normal style of writing. If you are looking for something quick (the audio version is only 5 hours long) then give it a shot.

--Kari

2 for 1! Oz and Hunger Aroused

Authors: Eden Elgabr and Heather Peters
Publisher: Red Sage publishing


Dorothea Gale is a victim of a bad economy. After losing her job, Thea asks Tim Woodman, the man of her dreams and the contractor who built her home, to help her sell it. He leads her to the powerful William Ozarak, a voyeur, who offers her a deal – sexual submission for one month in exchange for two years worth of mortgage payments. Can she barter her body to prove ‘there’s no place like home’? Or will she lose her soul in the process?

Tim Woodman, who is in the middle of a divorce, isn’t looking for entanglements. Yet he can’t help be drawn to the sexy Thea. If he helps her will he lose his heart? Or did he even have one to begin with?

I'm not even sure what to say about this story. The synopsis made it seem like it would have a good story line. I liked the whole Wizard of Oz theme idea. I really didn't see it. To say that Oz even really has a plot is being generous. I do like erotica, but I also like to have a story to go along with it. The characters were one dimensional and I found myself not really caring about any of them. The love scenes were a bit crude and overdone for my taste. I wouldn't really recommend this one. If you want a better erotica story WITH a plot see below.



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

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

Every hour they spend together every sensual encounter they share finds them growing closer. Now Corin will have to choose: kill the woman he loves, or go against everything he believes to set her free.

Hunger Aroused was a pretty decent story. I liked the vampire premise. I liked the two main characters, Jasmine and Corin. They both had some dimension to them and I was pulling for them in the end. There are some pretty emotional scenes toward the end and I found myself drawn right into the drama. For erotica, this one was pretty good. The loves scenes were pretty steamy, but not overdone or crude. I do wish she had written more about the vampire world that she created as I felt like there were some loose ends. I think this would make a good series.

--Kari

* note: I read an complimentary copies of Oz and Hunger Aroused supplied courtesy of Red Sage Publishing and Carina Press. I was not approached or compensated in anyway for this review. By receiving a complimentary copy, I am in no way obligated to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*

Virtual Book Tour - Starless Sky

Author: Paige Agnew
Publisher: Trafford Publishing

Life is funny sometimes. Little kids drop ice cream cones, people in general often run in to screen doors, there's even the occasional moment when one might trip going up the stairs. Kahlen could expect those things, deal with them even. But what she didn't expect, not even in her wildest, horrific nightmares, that just as something so terrible could happen, something so wonderful could follow after it.

When Kahlen Thomas has a difficult time dealing with the lost of her best and only friend, she has hopes that the new boy at school, Kennley Morgan, will be the perfect distraction from her pain. She slowly realizes that Kennley doesn't as much distract her from her problems as much as he adds to them because of his own interesting past.



Starless Sky is the debut novel written by Paige Agnew. I was impressed to find out that she wrote this book when she was 15 years old. I did enjoy the book. It was beautifully written and I was drawn into the characters right from the beginning. Kahlen is a shy, not overly confident teen who is dealing with a very tragic personal loss. Through this tragedy, she is able to open up and really start enjoying and living life. The author was able to really capture the drama and angst teenagers go through while navigating friendships and first love. The peripheral characters were well written and likeable.

My only issue with the book is that the author could have used a better editor. There were many typos and editing mistakes in the book. It did get a bit annoying after a while. I would recommend this to any YA reader. I think Ms. Agnew will be a rising star in the literary world. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

--Kari

* note: I read an copy of Starless Sky supplied courtesy of the author. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. By receiving a complimentary copy, I am in no way obligated to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*

Throwback Thursday - Grand Passion

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 1994 by Harlequin Temptation

Cleopatra Robbins has imagined the moment she'll meet the man of her dreams. But when Max Fortune strides into the Robbins' Nest Inn, a devastating sensation sweeps through her. She knows it's him. And he's wrong.


While I enjoy JAK's Arcane series, I also enjoy reading her earlier works. As I was saying to fellow contributor Melissa, JAK is like comfort food. You read her when you want something that is reliable. Grand Passion didn't disappoint. It was an amusing read. I did find myself laughing in a few spots. The main characters, Cleo and Max are good together and have great chemistry, but it was the "family" that really tied the book together. Family is a big theme that runs throughout the book. It was nice to watch Max realize that he could have a family, something he had searched for all his life. As always, there is a little bit of a mystery. While this wasn't the best that I have read by JAK, I would recommend picking it up if you are seeking out her early books. I enjoyed it.