Allison Pang's A Sliver of Shadow

A Sliver of Shadow
Abby Sinclair 2
By Allison Pang
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Released: 2/28/2012
Available from Amazon in e-book and paperback

SUMMARY: Just when her new life as a TouchStone – a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds – seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding eleven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.

Allison Pang has created a world that is magical and beautiful, yet edgy and dark at the same time. The heroine, Abby, is a wonderful character who is full of passion, loyalty, and a need to do the right thing even when it means sadness or sacrifice.

In the second book of the series, we are reunited with characters, including a sarcastic, perverted minature unicorn, a broody incubus, a beautiful fairy baby, a crippled prince and the friends that have Abby's back. The author reveals more about all of the characters, taking us deeper into the intrique of this magical world.

We also meet new characters, and travel in the land of the fae. A Sliver of Shadow is full of action, romance, friendship, danger, tested loyalties, and much more. I had trouble putting the book down once I started, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I have to mention that I was especially fond of Talivar, an elf who, according to our heroine Abby, looks like Legalos with a leather eye patch and facial "scruff". Let's take a minute to envision this:

Sigh. Next to Abby, he's my favorite character in A Sliver of Shadow, and we learn much about him in this story. Yes, I'd wear a Team Talivar t-shirt in a heartbeat.

Fans of Jaye Wells, Melissa Marr and Kim Harrison will love Allison Pang. I can't wait to read the third story in the series, A Trace of Moonlight, which is scheduled for October 2012.

You can read an excerpt of the first and second book here: http://www.heartofthedreaming.com/a-sliver-of-shadow/

~Brenda

Bloodhounds from Moira Rogers

Hunter's Prey
Bloodhounds, Book 2
Author: Moira Rogers
Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Release Date: March 6, 2012

SUMMARY: Ophelia retired from life as a prostitute, but her new position is even more complicated. Managing the bloodhound manor in Iron Creek is difficult and time-consuming, a job she enjoys less with each passing day. Then there's her inconvenient attraction to Hunter. The newly turned hound seems eager to enjoy her company, but wary of anything more intimate.

Having survived the violence of his first full moon out of a cage, Hunter isn't looking forward to his first new moon. Ophelia offers to be the woman who sates his needs during the three long days of sexual fury, but he can't abide the thought of hurting her in a state of mindless lust. Especially since she longs to settle into a respectable life, and his needs are anything but respectable.

Warning: Contains a mostly feral, vampire-hunting hero and a tough survivor of a heroine whose retired-hooker heart is more steel than gold. Also included: dangerous frontier intrigue, fancy brothels, mad-scientist weapons and a good dose of wicked loving in an alternate Wild West.

I've loved Moira Rogers' wolf stories for a long time now because of the witty banter, the sexy alphas, the strong heroines and, of course, the amazing writing. When I heard they were working on a series that was set in an alternate Old West with shifters I was thrilled, but when I found out they were giving it a steampunk twist I was downright giddy. Today the second book in the series, Hunter's Prey, was released. If you missed the first book, Wilder's Mate, I'd recommend picking it up at the same time. You could read them out of order without too much of a problem, but reading them together simply adds to the awesomeness of the stories.

Hunter's Prey is a blending of romance, action, adventure and the supernatural. The setting is an alternative Old West where the citizens struggle to survive in a world where cattle rustlers and bandits are the least of their problems compared to Vampire drug lords, good guys who are scarier than the bad guys, steam powered weapons and flying ships. Hunter, our hero, refuses to see himself as a good guy since he was forced into his role as a Bloodhound, turning savage at the full moon. He feels love, happiness and family is no longer a possibility in his life. Ophelia has given up her life as a prostitute to help manage the household of two genius inventors and three bloodhounds. She's frustrated and doesn't know how long she can continue her new role unless something changes to lighten her responsibilities so she can find time for herself.

The interaction between Hunter and Ophelia is much different than the relationship between Wilder and Satira, which is lighter, perhaps a bit more wild. Hunter is quiet, brooding and dark, but yet polite, especially to the women. Ophelia is refined with a quiet, steady strength. She's practical and blunt when it comes to the needs of those around her. They both seem to keep their needs and passions locked inside where they simmer, aching to get out. It's a journey of discovery and self acceptance.

I loved the interaction between all of the characters in Hunter's Prey. The attention to detail in The Bloodhound series is amazing. I find myself rereading the stories because they are so unique and compelling. While the action and romance is the primary focus, the Western setting and the steampunk theme gives the stories a fascinating twist.

The BLOODHOUND SERIES

Book One: Wilder's Mate
- 3/8/2011

Book Two: Hunter's Prey
- 3/6/2012

Book Three: Archer's Lady

-Coming 7/3/2012

Merrick's Destiny: takes place between Wilder's Mate and Hunter's Prey. It was released in February 2012 as an exclusive from All Romance e-Books.

MY THOUGHTS:
Merrick's Destiny can easily be read as a stand alone, or even as an introduction to the series. I loved it from start to finish. Merrick is gruff, and I think the cover is a great representation of him. I know some readers were put off by it, but I wasn't. Bloodhounds are rough, often uncivilized, barely controlled and yes, sexy, but they can't all be pretty boys. Merrick and Paralee are one of my favorite couples. He's rough, protective and old school. She's independent, tough, smart and certainly not thinking of mating with anyone, let alone a Bloodhound. The story is Western Steampunk, complete with gadgets, flying machines, magic, and action. It's a fast paced story with heart. Fans of Moira Rogers will love it, and if you haven't read the series or anything by the author, grab this as an introduction.

For excerpts and more visit: http://www.moirarogers.com/bloodhounds

Home, Home on the Range...

So, is anyone else watching the AMC show Hell on Wheels? You should be. I'll admit it started out a might slow but damn, has it made up for it. First we have Anson Mount playing the role of Cullen Bohannan, a man trying to seek revenge on the men who raped and killed his wife, and son:


Dominique McElligot plays Lily Bell, a woman traveling with her husband who worked for the railroad. Lily may not be used to the rough life of the railroad camp, but she's determined to make a life for herself after her husband's death.

Lily and Cullen are brought together when he finds her wounded and in need of help. He brings her back to the railroad camp and is surprised when she decides to stay rather than go back home. Their chemistry is amazing, and I patiently waited to see what would happen between the two of them. The last of episode of the first season aired on Sunday and I have rarely seen such intense chemistry between two people on screen. I can't wait to see what happens in season two.

If you haven't seen Hell on Wheels, try to catch the repeats on AMC before season two begins. It's a gritty and realistic historical drama. I hope we see more of this type of television show.

~Brenda

My Five Star Books for 2011

Today is the release day for Hammer Down, one of my favorite reads from 2011. I know, it's January 3, 2012 today, but I was lucky enough to read an ARC, and it's a hands down FIVE STAR read. Pick it up from the publisher, Samhain HERE or it's available on Amazon for the Kindle as well.

MORE FIVE STAR 2011 READS
I wanted to do a cool first post for 2012, but as usual I'm so busy my brain has stalled. I was on Goodreads today and joined the reading challenge for 2012. I'm going for 200 books this year, folks. To be fair, that includes novellas and short stories too, so technically it's not full length books. I don't skim books-- couldn't make myself do that if I tried-- I read them from start to finish with no peeking. Last year I really didn't start seriously putting all my reads on Goodreads until later in the winter from what I remember, so I might have missed a few books. Below are my five star reads for 2011. It doesn't mean I didn't love the other books, but these were the ones I automatically clicked that fifth star with NO hesitation.

The list is in order of what I read first in 2011- it also includes books I read for a second time-- which I do sometimes-- mostly if it's a series that I want to visit again before the next book comes out. I tried to group the series together, but just because you don't see all the books from the series listed doesn't mean I didn't like them as much. I try to read in order, but I sometimes win a book or just grab the wrong one. I also may have read the other book or books in 2010. I buy a lot of my books, win a few, and a few more are given me for review, but my budget is fairly small so I buy when I can.

I'm starting off with the list with this story because it's the newest addition to one of my favorite series, and I've read the first 4 books three times each, and I'm sure I'll read the others at least that many times. The last book I finished in 2011 was the novella, Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, #5.4) which the authors provided free to readers. IF it's still free you can download it here: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/. If you missed it, you'll be able to get it with Andrea's book, Gunmetal Magic, which will be coming out this summer.

The Kate Daniels Series
Read them again #1-5.4

All 5 Stars
Andrews, Ilona

Enchanted No More
Owens, Robin

Ecstasy Unveiled
Sin Undone
(Demonica 4 & 5)
Ione, Larissa

Angels' Blood

(Guild Hunter, #1)
Singh, Nalini

Alien Tango
Alien in the Family
(Katherine "Kitty" Katt, 2 & 3)
Koch, Gini

One Grave at a Time
This Side of the Grave
(Night Huntress, 4 & 5)
Frost, Jeaniene

Dragon Actually
About A Dragon
The Dragon Who Loved Me
Aiken, G.A.

The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream
Killough-Walden, Heather

The Mane Attraction

(Pride, #3)
Laurenston, Shelly

The Red Heart of Jade

(Dirk & Steele, #3)
Liu, Marjorie M.

The Sexorcist
(Karmic Consultants, #3)
Vivi Andrews

Red-Headed Stepchild
(Sabina Kane, #1)
Wells, Jaye

Big Bad Beast
(Pride, #6)
Laurenston, Shelly

Legacy Found

(Legacy, #3)
Walters, N.J.

Red Rock Pass Series
Read from beginning again...

All 5 Stars
Rogers, Moira

Southern Arcana Series

(Books 1-4 plus shorts)

Read from beginning again
All 5 Stars

Moira Rogers

The Neon Graveyard

(Signs of the Zodiac, #6)
Pettersson, Vicki

Twice Bitten

(Chicagoland Vampires, #3)
Neill, Chloe

The Edge Series
(Books 1-3)
Andrews, Ilona

Dreamfever
Shadowfever
(Fever 4 & 5)
Moning, Karen Marie

Wild and Steamy Anthology
Meljean Brook, Jill Myles and Carolyn Crane
Free on Amazon for Kindle

Slave to Sensation
Visions of Heat
(Psy-Changeling 1 & 2)
Singh, Nalini

Druid's Glen Series 1-3
Grant, Donna

Awaken the Highland Warrior

(Connor Clan, #1)
Clenney, Anita

The Irish Warrior
Kennedy, Kris

Black Gold

(Takhini Wolves, #1)
Arend, Vivian

Entangled Anthology
Misc. Authors for Charity

River Marked

(Mercy Thompson, #6)
Briggs, Patricia

Forever Mine
Grant, Donna

The Legend of Michael

(Zodius, #1)
Jones, Lisa Renee

In the Forests of the Night

(Goblin Wars, #2)
Hamilton, Kersten

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire
Be Still My Vampire Heart

(Love at Stake 1 & 3)
Sparks, Kerrelyn

Silent Blade

(Kinsmen #1)
Andrews, Ilona

Desire Untamed

(Feral Warriors, #1)
Palmer, Pamela

The Darkest Surrender

(Lords of the Underworld, #8)
Showalter, Gena

Chaos Tryst
Dubbin, Shirin

Ready to Run

Yours, Mine and Howls

(Werewolves in Love)
Holley, Kinsey W.

Demon Bait
Hammer Down
(Children of the Undying 1 & 2)
Rogers, Moira

Rocky Mountain Haven

(Six Pack Ranch, Book 2)
Arend, Vivian

Shadow Magic
Echoes of Magic
(Sisters of Magic, 1 & 2)
Grant, Donna

The Iron Duke

(Iron Seas, #1)
Brook, Meljean

Twas The Night
Hill, Sandra

Once Upon a Winter's Eve
(Spindle Cove, #1.5)
Dare, Tessa

The Hunter

(The Legend Chronicles, #1)
Meyers, Theresa

Reawakening Eden
Andrews, Vivi

The Darkest Hour

(KGI, #1)
Banks, Maya

Night Reigns

(Immortal Guardians, #2)
Duvall, Dianne

True Colors

(Elder Races #3.5)
Harrison, Thea *

Dirty Little Secrets

(A Marisela Morales Adventure #1)
Leto, Julie

A Dixie Christmas
Hill, Sandra

My Goodreads page with all my books is here:

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2844600-brenda

Happy New Year!

Brenda

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a Christmas full of love and laughter.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Brenda

Interview with Author Vivi Andrews

I'd been looking forward to Reawakening Eden by Vivi Andrews for months and devoured it as soon as it was released. Vivi has a way of combining humor, emotion, adventure and romance that makes her readers fall in love with the characters. I knew her post-apocalyptic story would be amazing. I was thrilled when she said she had the time to answer a few questions. Below is our interview, and the post before it has my thoughts on Reawakening Eden and all the details.

Brenda: I finished Reawakening Eden and truly enjoyed the characters and the story. I had a few questions for you on the world and the characters. I promise they won't be too painful:)

Zombies are all the rage right now, as is steampunk, cyberpunk and everything in between. I loved that your story took a more realistic scenario where an epidemic kills off much of the world's population. Your characters aren't fighting zombies, but sadly their fellow humans are almost as dangerous. Did you consider another option, or did you like the human vs. human plot all along?

Vivi: I love a brain-devouring zombie as much as the next girl and I'm sure I'll be tempted to write a feel-good zombie apocalypse book at some point, but for Reawakening Eden the idea was always to play with a realistic speculation on what a post-apocalyptic world could be. What fascinated me about rebuilding the world when most of the population has been wiped out was the way our memory of what society should be would bump up against what our world had become. What happens when the rules are thrown out the window and we're starting from scratch, but still remember how things used to be? In Reawakening Eden, what happened was a dysfunctional commune in what had once been Seattle... and a heroine whose idea of motherhood has been modified to include automatic weapons.

Brenda: I don't want to give any spoilers, but Connor is a no nonsense kind of guy. I loved his response to the bad guys. Did you have an inspiration for him?

Vivi: He's the strong, silent action hero to the core. My editor said she always pictured Chris Hemsworth when she was reading Connor, but I'd mentally cast him as a Sam Worthington. Definitely more likely to grunt than launch into a soliloquy, but the man knows how to get the job done. Who needs words?


Brenda: Will we see any more stories from this world?

Vivi: I don't have immediate plans to write more stories in this particular post-apocalyptic world, but I can't give an absolute no because as soon as I do a honey of an idea will pop into my head and I won't be able to resist a little sequel action.

Brenda: Did you listen to any certain music while you were plotting and writing Reawakening Eden?

Vivi: I don't often pull inspiration from music. I did have multiple sing-alongs to The End of the World as We Know It by REM, but it was more for dancing around the living room breaks than actual plotting or writing time.

Brenda: Was there a certain part of the story you struggled with in some way? What is your favorite part of the story?

Vivi: I struggled a bit with end, actually. Trying not to give anything away, but I worried about my crazy cult leader feeling authentic and not over-playing his part. My favorite part is definitely the relationship between Eden and the kids, Lucas and Hannah Rose. I tend to fall in love with a certain line in each of my books and it echoes around in my head making me smile. For Reawakening Eden it was "Not now, baby. Momma's holding a gun on the nice man." That scene is my hands down favorite. Eden and Connor testing one another out for the first time.

Brenda: I agree because I loved that scene too! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I loved Reawakening Eden and will be reading it again and again, especially now that I can picture Sam Worthington as Connor. *swoon*

To read an except from Reawakening Eden, and find out more visit Vivi's website:
http://www.viviandrews.com/eden.html

~Brenda

Reawakening Eden: Post-apocalyptic Love

Reawakening Eden
Author: Vivi Andrews
File Size: 219 KB
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Released: November 22, 2011
Available for Kindle

SUMMARY: When life is a struggle, love is the ultimate luxury.

Librarian Eden Fairfax knows exactly where to find books about survival. None of them mentioned how to manage in the aftermath of a worldwide epidemic—with two young orphans in tow.

On a journey south to warmer climes, she finds sanctuary for all three of them among a community of survivors in Seattle. Until she realizes the children are the centerpiece of their bizarre new religion. There’s no choice but to run as far and as fast as her stolen car will go.

Former Army Ranger Connor Reed had planned to live out the end of the world in peace. Yet he can’t stand by and do nothing while a lone woman defends two children from an armed thug. Even if doing something means taking the trio in.

Eden’s not sure if the armed hermit is her salvation or an even more dangerous threat. A blizzard forces her to trust him with their lives, and in Connor’s arms she remembers what it’s like to live.

Just beyond the edge of the storm, though, the cult leader awaits his chance to get his hands on the children—and make Eden his next sexual sacrifice.

Product Warnings: This book contains a strong, silent action-hero, a tough, tenacious heroine, a pair of steal-your-heart kids, and a pony-sized dog named Precious.

MY THOUGHTS: I'd been waiting for Reawakening Eden because I love Vivi Andrews and wanted to see what she would do with a post-apocalyptic setting. I loved it from start to finish. This was a great read for so many reasons. The story is about survival, both physical and emotional, but it's also about trust and a willingness to think beyond one day at a time. I really loved the characters and the world. Fans of paranormal romance will love her story, but so will fans of romance in general. It was a feel good story, as well as a thought provoking one, as the reader is able to put themselves in the heroine's place.

Vivi Andrews packs so much emotion into her stories that she had me rooting for the heroine and her kids in the first few paragraphs. The hero, Connor, is a man of few words, but his actions speak louder than any words ever could. I loved the interaction between the two of them, but also between him and the kids. Reawakening Eden has humor, romance, suspense and action. It's a fast paced read that takes the reader along on a adventure, keeps them on the edge of their seats and has an ending that makes us want to stand up and cheer.

To learn more about Reawakening Eden go to Vivi's website here:
http://www.viviandrews.com/eden.html

It's available for the Kindle HERE. and from Samhain Publishing.