Masked Blog Tour & Contest

Masked
Edited by Lou Anders
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Gallery
Available from Amazon

Summary: Fifteen original stories and novellas from some of today's most exciting voices in comics, science fiction, and fantasy. Each marvelously inventive tale shows us just how far our classic crusaders have evolved—and how the greatest of heroes are, much like ourselves, all too human.

Superman never faltered, he always knew the right thing to do, and in the end he even got the girl. I like Superman. He's a cool guy. I think however, the imperfections of flawed and sometimes tortured heroes are far more interesting. The popularity of movies like Watchmen, Kick Ass and The Losers makes me think there are many of you who feel the same way. Everything is not black and white because life is complex. I was sent a copy of Masked when I asked to participate in the blog tour for it's release this week. I was only familiar with the writing of Marjorie M. Liu, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The stories in Masked are about flawed heroes who want to do what is right, but find it's not as easy as just putting on the suit.

The stories are all worthy of two or three reads, but I wanted to say a few things about my favorites.

Thug by Gail Simone is about a boy with super strength who's brain is not as strong as his body. It's a compelling, sad and dark story that made me think about much more than superheroes.

Avatar is written by Mike Baron, who raises the question: Why aren't there more good guys willing to go out and clean up the scum of an inner city? We learn about one young man that has a plan that he's worked on for a long time. He knows it will work and we follow him during his first night as an avatar come to life.

Head Cases is written by the husband and wife team of Peter David and Kathleen David. I love this story so much. Quirky superheroes are sitting in a pub trying to figure out their place in life and a few other things. I can't give any more details but it's a must read for those who love dark humor and sarcasm.

Lastly, we have Marjorie M. Liu's contribution Call Her Savage about a superhero called back into duty, faced with those from her past who don't understand why she left in the first place. It's a dark, complex story such as we've come to expect from Ms. Liu. She, as usual, tells a heart wrenching tale through the heroine's eyes. Though it's a short story she manages to get in a couple of twists before the end, which is one thing I always love about Ms. Liu.

Masked is an awesome anthology and fans of movies like Watchmen, Hancock and other darker tales will read it again and again.

THE MASKED CONTEST
It's very cool that I am allowed to give away one copy of Masked. To enter, simply answer my question, and leave an email IF you don't have one attached to a google account.

How do you like your superheroes? Perfect like Superman, or flawed like Wolverine or Hancock? Why?

The contest will run through August 1, 2010 and it's open to the U.S. only.

~Moonsanity

Tour & Contest: Captured by Moonlight

Captured by Moonlight
Author: Nancy Gideon
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket
Available from Amazon

Summary: A mysterious death begins a dangerous chain of events, forcing choices that mean no turning back as Max's past catches up to him. Driven by instincts he can't control, Max fights the need to claim his human mate. How can he protect her when she's not safe with him? She's strong enough to keep his secrets, but can she survive the test of his love?

Captured by Moonlight is the third in a new paranormal romance series by Nancy Gideon. The first two were released earlier in the summer but I'm jumping on her shifter bandwagon for the first time. Sometimes a series, or a stand alone book, will build up to a man and woman becoming a couple. The chase is the basis for the book, and afterwards we only get tidbits of the relationship. No so with Charlotte and Max, the main characters in Captured by Moonlight. They are both independent, stubborn and they share tortured pasts that almost killed them. Charlotte and Max need each other, but it's not an easy road, especially since she is a police detective and he runs a clan of shape shifters. Add in a couple of mysterious deaths and an alpha who can't control his bonding instincts and you've got trouble.

I loved Captured by Moonlight. At first glance you might think it's a steamy paranormal romance, and well, you'd be right. However, the story has an edge to it, a darkness that takes it beyond a romance and brings into play suspense and mystery. To keep it from getting too dark the author has given us characters who banter with the best of them. Sarcastic and witty banter between the two main characters, and many of the side characters, added a cool element to the book. It's a fast paced read that had me staying up until 3:30 a.m. because I had lost track of time while reading.

The author has announced on her website that there will be three more books in the series. I'm so glad her publishers knows a good thing when they see it because the books can only get better with these fascinating and passionate characters.

You can learn more about the author and her books on her website here: http://www.nancygideon.com/moonlight-books.html

THE CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT CONTEST
The publisher has graciously allowed me to give away one paperback copy of Captured by Moonlight. This is a good one folks, so don't miss out! Simply answer my questions below to enter the giveaway.

Do you like your mysteries and thrillers with a little bit of romance? Or do you like to keep them separate?

The contest will end August 1st, 2010.

~Moonsanity

The Viking Goodness of All Fired Up

All Fired Up
Author: Kristen Painter
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1011 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
This book is available on Amazon.

Summary: Alrik Gunn knows from bitter experience that change isn’t always for the better. From the woman who annihilated his Viking clan to the goddess who tricked him into centuries of slavery, betrayal has dogged his existence. The Goddess of Love is going to let him avenge his family, but for a price. As a Phoenix—a merchant of change—he must grant a human woman three chances to change her life.

When former Irish dancer Calleigh McCarthy tosses a carved-bird statue that belonged to her ex into a roaring bonfire, she unwittingly summons an honest-to-god Phoenix. A sexy, irresistible Viking who offers her an unbelievable bonus—three get-out-of-her-crappy-life-free cards. She’ll take it, even if it means guarding her cautious heart against the dark pain behind Alrik’s eyes.

I bought All Fired Up on a whim because, as many of you know, I've only been reading romance for a couple of years and I have much catching up to do. I'm not a traditional romance reader, having spent years reading Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. I read the teaser for All Fired Up and decided I needed to read it on my Kindle. It has all the elements I enjoy: magic, humor, a hot Viking warrior and romance. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the entire book, but by the end the author had me in tears.

I loved the mix of characters in All Fired Up. Calleigh's family is Irish, Alrik is a Viking who was living in Ireland, and later we meet other Phoenix males including a Roman, and the god and goddess who control them. The author has a charming style of writing that makes the reader feel as if they know the characters or want to know more about them. We WANT them to be happy and we care about them.

All Fired Up is a fast paced, fun and charming paranormal romance. I have to add that you cannot beat the price on the Kindle edition for a full sized novel. It was well worth the money (under $4.00), and I will be reading Ms. Painters other novels, plus looking for a second Phoenix novel (crossing my fingers and toes that she writes another one!).

~Moonsanity

Kindle Review: To Hunt a Sainte

To Hunt a Sainte
Westlake Enterprises, #1
Author: Marie Harte
Publisher: Samhain
File Size: 702 KB
Available for Kindle

Summary: Telekinetic Alexandra Sainte is through serving time behind a desk at Buchanan Investigations. She’s more than ready to prove she’s capable of fieldwork, if only her uncle will give her the chance. Tired of waiting, she turns a sudden opportunity into something more.

There’s a reason Hunter Greye can’t take his gaze off the sticky-fingered woman he catches ruining his investigation. She fights like a warrior. She bears a striking resemblance to a string of kidnapping victims. And she stirs a wildness within him he thought he’d learned to control a long time ago. She’s a dangerous distraction he can’t afford.

To Hunt a Sainte was a spur of the moment purchase for my Kindle just before my Florida vacation. It's the first Marie Harte book I've read, and I'm sure it won't be my last. The heroine is spunky, passionate, smart and can kick butt with the best of them. Hunter, the other main character, is brooding, mysterious, and protective. Sure, he's stubborn and needs his ass kicked by a woman, but I loved his character.

To Hunt a Sainte is fast paced mystery and a thriller that I read nonstop. It's the first in the series, and I SO wish I could read the second one already. The side characters are just begging for their story to be told, and I can't wait to hear more about Hunter and Alex.

I read this as an e-book on my Kindle, and it's a full length novel. You can read an excerpt at Samhain here, but, so you know, it's cheaper to buy on Amazon for the Kindle version.

~Moonsanity

Zombie Blog Tour & Contest

Beyond Exile
Day by Day Armageddon
Book Two
Author: J. L. Bourne
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books

Summary: The first book of Day by Day Armageddon took us deep into the mind of a military officer and survivor as he made a New Year's resolution to start keeping a journal. The man kept his resolution and brought to us the fall of humanity, day by day. We see the man transition from the life that you and I live to the prospect of fighting for his very survival against the overwhelming hordes of the dead. We see him bleed, we see him make mistakes, we witness him evolve. The highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling underground cult classic, Day by Day Armageddon begins where the first novel left off.

BEGIN INTERCEPT
Armies of undead have risen up across the U.S. and around the globe;there is no safe haven from the diseased corpses hungering for human flesh. But in the heat of a Texas wasteland, a small band of survivors attempt to counter the millions closing in around them.
INTERCEPT COMPLETE

Zombies are hip. They are the new black. They make people take up shovels and band together to trade witty banter. But wait, what if a disease did spread that turned our citizens into zombies? Would we lay down and die? Or worse yet, turn into the undead? Or would we perhaps join with someone who had military experience? Someone who might give us a chance to survive? Beyond Exile, the second book in the Day By Day Armageddon series, addresses these questions as we read the journal of an anonymous narrator, who is a military officer.

The author has written a dramatic telling of a world gone wrong. He doesn't use gore just for the sake of gore. The writing is detailed, as I imagine a journal of an officer would be, but there is also an emotional element that comes across. Beyond Exile is a must read for Zombie fans, but I also think fans of authors such as Tom Clancy would enjoy it.

I also have to give it to the author for having the courage to enter the world of zombie fans, who expect certain "rules" to be followed when it comes to zombie lore. They can discuss for hours the correct and incorrect way to kill a zombie. Not me. I love a good scare and a good apocalyptic story as much as the next human, but I'm not a purist in any sense of the word. Beyond Exile exceeded my need to be horrified by realistic zombie action, written well and at a fast paced clip. Good job, Mr. Bourne.

A ZOMBIE GIVEAWAY
The publisher has graciously allowed me to give away one copy of Beyond Exile to a U.S. reader. The contest will end August 1st, 2010 when I will use the handy random number generator to pick a winner. Simply leave a comment answering my question below. If you don't have an email associated with a google account on your profile please leave it in the comments.

Do you like your zombie lore with a bit of black humor, or do you like to be frightened with realistic zombie tales?

~Moonsanity

Southern Arcana From Moira Rogers

Crux, Crossroads
Southern Arcana, 1 & 2
Author: Moira Rogers
Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Available on Amazon

SUMMARY: The Southern Arcana books are novel-length paranormal romance set in a contemporary world where shapeshifters, psychics and spell casters of all sorts live secret lives beneath the radar. The paranormal world of Southern Arcana is not always a pretty place, so the books contain their share of violence and death, but if you make it through to the other side you'll always find a happy ending.

After reading all four Red Rock Pass books and the companion short stories on the authors' website, I was itching for more Moira Rogers. It's hard to put into words but the talented author duo that writes under the name Moira Rogers has a style that is laid back, sexy and witty. I decided to try the Southern Arcana series and was immediately sucked in by their style again. This time the series is set in New Orleans. The stories combine urban fantasy with mystery and sizzling paranormal romance. The first book, Crux, introduces the characters through the eyes of a young woman on the run from her past. She doesn't believe in magic, shifters or the supernatural, but is forced to confront her beliefs as her world is threatened. I loved all of the characters throughout the book, and had a hard time putting it down because of the suspense and action. Mackenzie Brooks is a great character because she's on her own, living a day at a time, and has to learn to trust those who want to help her. She grows into a tough, compassionate person during the story. I could really relate to her trust issues after experiencing a bad relationship.

I bought the second book in the series, Crossroads, before I had even finished the first book. I was not disappointed. The series continues with two characters we meet in the first book, Nicole and Derek, as the main focus, but the entire "gang" from Crux is present and accounted for in the story. It's a completely different struggle for these two people from different backgrounds to admit they care for each other. Once they do, things really become complex and dangerous.

The authors NEVER fail to make my stomach flutter and my eyes water at the end of each book. Don't get me wrong. They make the reader work for that ending with heart pounding action, and moments that you are SURE things can't possibly turn around. I look forward to each of their books because I know it will be a fascinating, sexy, crazy read that will make me laugh and cry by the time I'm finished.

The third book in the Southern Arcana series is Deadlock, which will be released as an e-book in January 2011. This one will feature Alec Jacobson who "the black sheep alpha who protects the supernatural residents of New Orleans from wolf politics." You can get to know Alec in the first two books, and let me just say that he is brooding, protective, loyal and sexy. I can't wait for Deadlock to be released.

You can find out more about Moira Rogers, and their paranormal books on their website here.

~Moonsanity

Blood Law: Mississippi Vamps & Good Ole Boys

Blood Law
Alexandra Sabian series
Author: Jeannie Holmes
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Dell
Available from Amazon

Summary: Alexandra Sabian moves to the sleepy hamlet of Jefferson, Mississippi—population 6,000, nearly one-half vampires—to escape the demons lurking in her past. As an Enforcer for the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigation (FBPI), Alex must maintain the uneasy peace between her kind and humans, including Jefferson’s bigoted sheriff, who’d be happy to see all vampires banished from town. Then really dead vamps start turning up—beheaded, crucified, and defanged—killed in the same gruesome manner that Alex’s father was murdered decades ago. Things get even more complicated when the FBPI sends in some unnervingly sexy backup: Alex’s one-time mentor, lover, and fiancé, Varik Baudelaire.

Growing up I loved mysteries. As an adult, my dad introduced me to John Stanford, and Patricia Cornwell, then I discovered urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Tuesday night I bought Jeannie Holmes book, Blood Law, for my Kindle, and was in heaven. Her first book in the Alexandra Sabian series is all the things I loved in a gritty mystery combined with the elements of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. It's a fast paced thriller with Alex and her co-workers trying to catch a serial killer while she battles with emotional demons from her past.

I loved Alex as a main character. She is strong, loyal, passionate and smart. Varik, her former fiance, is sarcastic, sexy, tough and protective. Combine the two of them and it's a roller coaster of emotion and sexual tension. However, the author doesn't let that aspect of the story overwhelm the problem at hand, but rather works their attraction and past into the plot as it unfolds. The cast of characters from the citizens of Alex's town to the FBPI agents are quirky and complex.

Jeannie Holmes has introduced us to a gritty and sexy world where the mystery of the day is not overshadowed by characters who think of nothing but sex and the vampires are complex, intelligent and leave us wanting to know more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what Ms. Holmes has come up with next. Blood Law is a fantastic debut novel, and a must read.

Learn more about the book and author on her website here.

~Moonsanity