ARC Review: A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang

A Trace of Moonlight
(Abby Sinclair #3)
by Allison Pang

I have rated A Brush of Darkness and A Sliver of Shadow 5 stars and now another well deserved 5 stars for A Trace of Moonlight. Ms. Pang has kept me engaged with every twist and turn she had created for this installment. I found myself either covering my mouth with surprise and excitement, or clutching my chest with sorrow from the turn of events.

 This book takes off shortly after the A Sliver of Shadow had ended. Abby had sacrificed herself to save the ones she loves. Isn’t that always the case with her? She is a strong heroine but she seems to put herself on the line each time. Everything she does is for the “otherworld” or her friends or her lovers and never taking any for herself. The result of her sacrifice (this time around), left her with amnesia, separated from her world, gravely injured and married to Talivar. From book one, Abby just keeps getting her ass kicked and always left with heartache or unresolved issues. One thing is for sure, she may not be a kick ass heroine but a strong one indeed.

The love triangle between Abby, Brystion, and Talivar continues however, at the end of this book, it is clear whom she will pick. She may be torn between two lovers, love and lust them equally but her heart, and soul only belongs to one man. These kind of relationships are never easy and no one ever walks away unscathed. I really felt bad for Talivar. I feel like Abby was stringing Talivar along until Ion comes back. Poor guy, my heart ached for him. He loved Abby so much that he is willing to take what he can get no matter how little or much it hurts to see her with another. I’m glad Ms. Pang finally gave this disfigured Prince the long overdue and well deserved recognition.

I have been team Brystion from the start and I still am. He is super sexy, super talented, but he can be selfish and demanding. Now that he finally found love, he thinks he is undeserving of Abby’s love. Oh but he is dead wrong because love is not given because one deserves it, it is freely given because of what one feels for the other. And Abby feels deeply for him. No amnesia or even death can change that.

I am thrilled with how this book ended. Many issues were solved and some uncertainties were revealed. It is clear that Abby, Brystion and Talivar has grown and had began to accept what they are to each other and the world around them. The battle between the Seellie and Unseelie court seems to be ending. However, something tells me this is not the end of this world. Many avenues are left open for possibilities of a spin off or more installments to this series *crossing fingers*

 Ms. Pang has an amazingly vivid imagination and she has me invested in all her characters and the plot of this story. If you have not read the first two books, I highly suggest you do so. There is just so much that you would be robbing yourself of a good read.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Interview and Giveaway with Kaleo Griffith

As fans of Pamela Clare and her I-Team series, as well as fans of audiobooks, we were more than excited when we heard that this wonderful series was coming to audio.  And we all know how narrators are so important to our enjoyment of a book.  So we decided to go behind the scenes and get the scoop on Kaleo Griffith, who will be narrating the I-Team for all our listening pleasure.  Here's what we found out.

Hi Kaleo, welcome to UTC!  Lets start with something simple...Who is Kaleo Griffith? Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a lover of the great outdoors! You name it- hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, almost anything with an ing. It's not just the physical pursuit, but the discovery as well. Sometimes it's just a strong sense of feeling exceptionally good, maybe even spiritual. In Hawaii, we call this "mana". You can feel it when you step off the plane in Honolulu! I think growing up there gave me a healthy appreciation for the natural world. I'm a mixed bag of Hawaiian, Portuguese, Welsh, etc..or "hapa". I have one sister, brother, and two awesome nieces. Plenty of fun-loving cousins too-spread out over all of the islands. . , I was a pretty nervous, shy kid. My mother however, my hero, encouraged me to be bold. Soon I found myself on stage where I was quite comfortable and alive. I found my voice. After a Master's degree at Rutgers I was off to the races in NYC. I spent time on several soaps and traveled around the country quite a bit doing lots of theatre. Eventually, after some tv work in NYC, a hosting job on HGTV brought me out to Los Angeles where I reside currently. Some nutty things Ive done: hang gliding; skinny dipping in the Atlantic in January on Cape Cod; ice climbing; traveling across Europe by myself when I was 20; chasing after a drunk driver down a one way street...going the wrong way!

Is this your first time recording an audiobook?
No, this is not my first book. I've been recording audiobooks for 1 year exactly so Im fairly new in this medium. I've recorded about 30 this year and I absolutely love it!

What are you most looking forward to while recording Extreme Exposure?
Recording Extreme Exposure was an absolute pleasure. I was captivated with the characters Clare has written and the interweaving of love and drama. It's very easy to get emotionally involved and I certainly did.

What do you think is the most time consuming thing about the process of recording an audiobook?
The most time consuming thing about an audiobook is the best part of it and that's the recording of it. Putting together the character list and voices doesn't usually take as long as the actual recording and if I've done my homework well then the recording flows and it's a lot of fun.

The I-Team series deals with a lot of action and suspense, do you think you have what it takes to be a hero in one of Pamela Clare's novels?
Could I be a hero in one of Pamela Clare's novels? You mean, could I kick Julian's or Reece's ass? Well, Julian may be tough, he does martial arts AND carries a gun. Hmm, I'd take on Reece before Julian. The answer is yes, absolutely. Her next could be about an Island savage torn between the love a woman and that of duty.

Do you like to read books? If so, what are your favorite titles?
My favorite books are geopolitical and adventure. However, the only books I read these days are the ones I record because I've been so busy recording!

Pamela Clare said she had a nice phone call with you. How was that experience, getting the chance to chat with the author of the books you will be recording?

Talking with Pamela was terrific. She's very down to earth, approachable, remarkably candid, with an incredible history. She has much to draw from and it is evident in her writing. It was great to connect story and detail of character, important points, and get a sense of overall tone that might help my performance. Conversing with her was like talking to an old friend.

Fun questions!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset!
Beach or Mountains? Mountains!
Favorite drink? Glass of red, Petite Syrah maybe!
Favorite color? Deep Blue
Favorite movie? Anything with Daniel Day Lewis or On Golden Pond
Favorite musical band? Anything with Daniel Day Lewis or On Golden Pond
Johnny Cash

I-Team audiobook release schedule:
Extreme Exposure (Book 1) - October 29 - OUT TODAY!!!
Hard Evidence (Book 2) - November 19
Unlawful Contact (Book 3) - November 26
Naked Edge (Book 4) - December 17
Breaking Point (Book 5) - December 31
Striking Distance (Book 6) - May 7, 2013

 

Extreme Exposure

by Pamela Clare

Narrated by Kaleo Griffith

I-Team # 1

Sparks fly when a hardboiled reporter meets a handsome senator. But a political scandal—and attempts on her life—could drive them apart. Or maybe adversity could draw them into a bond even more intense than their steamy sexual embraces.

READ OUR REVIEW

CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE OF EXTREME EXPOSURE AUDIOBOOK

We have a special treat for you maidens!  We are going to be giving away the audiobook of Extreme Exposure via Audible to one lucky follower.  This giveaway is open internationally.  

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ARC Review: The Scottish Witch by Cathy Maxwell + GIVEAWAY

4.5 Feathers

The Scottish Witch

by Cathy Maxwell

(Chattan Curse # 2)

"Watchers of the threshold, Watch of the gate, open hell and seal Chattan's Fate.
When a Chattan male falls in love, strike his heart with fire from above.
Crush his heart, destroy his line; only then will justice be mine".
~Fenella, Lyon's Bride/The Scottish Witch

Fenella cursed the Chattan line to never find happiness. Her daughter Rose had committed suicide due to broken heart caused by Charles Chattan. True to her words, as soon as any of the Chattan men falls in love, death comes soon after.

The last of the Chattan’s; Lyon, Harry and Margaret had promised not to fall in love and to finally end the curse. But love will always find a way, as they say and it has found Lyon. Now, love will work its way to Harry’s heart.

Unfortunately, the Chattan curse continues to exist and now Lyon' health deteriorates. Harry is determined to find a way to save his brother. It is great to see him really come out of his “daze” of drinking and nights out gallivanting with women. Unlike in Lyon’s Bride, Harry is not just in limbo. He now has a purpose and swears to find a powerful witch that would break the curse.

Portia, this selfless heroine, is determined to support her self-centered, single mom and beautiful sister. After her father past away, she felt obligated to do the right thing by them. On a verge of eviction, she must do what she can to earn extra cash even if it means to pose as something she is not.

I was captivated in Harry’s journey to finding ways to break the Chattan Curse. Though the curse was not broken in this installment, Harry and Portia found their HEA, which was the least they had expected. The romance was moderate and there was a fair amount sexual tension between the lead characters.

The only thing is that I wish Harry realized he is in love with Portia sooner. It broke my heart that his proposal was initially due to obligation. I thought he was too comfortable with their status that commitment was the least of his intensions though it was obvious that he felt more for her.

There were two side stories that I thought was a sweet addition to this book. It’s Portia’s mom, Lady Mclean and sister, Minnie’s story to their HEA. Their love stories slowly brewed in the background but woven nicely into Harry and Portia’s Story. Ms. Maxwell also revealed Charles Chattan's POV and I thought that was an interesting treat.

Oh and I cannot forget a very mysterious, very cute cat named Owl. Ms Maxwell actually posted a picture of a "Scottish Cat" and it really looked like an owl, very cute! I have a feeling this feline will have quite an impact on what is to come of the Chattan Curse.

Ms. Maxwell is a talented storyteller and I cannot wait what she has in store for Margaret in The Devil’s Heart. Seems like she will be the very thing to finally break the tragic curse.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Avon Books is graciously giving away 2 print copies of THE SCOTTISH WITCH!  US only!

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ARC Review: Out for Blood by Kristen Painter

4.5 Feathers

Out for Blood

by Kristen Painter

(House of Comarré #4)

This has got to be my favorite book in this series!  It was the perfect blend between all the dark, gritty characters and storyline, action, suspense, love, loss and betrayal.  Truly a whirlwind of things that happened and that have been set up for the final episode in this series.

Chrysabelle is dealing with the repercussions of visiting the Aurelian, of having her signum redone using the Ring of Sorrows, which is now a part of her, and having Mal's bad blood flowing through her veins.  It definitely made for a change in her character.  But she's still feisty and fighting for herself this time.  Her mission is now to find her brother.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Mal was so amazing in this book.  His love for Chrysabelle showed through at all times, he's got new powers to flaunt, new possibilities to maybe get rid of his curse, and whole lot of good humor.  He was playful and sexy and....fangy!  Yes, there's a bite involved.  He gave me a small scare for just a bit and then Ms. Painter decided to torture us and there's an unexpected turn of events at the end.

There were a lot of other storylines taking up quality space time which I found were great to move the story along.  I enjoyed the fact that we were not so focused on Tatiana and the different Houses this time around because there are new bad guys in town to watch out for.  And to be found in the most unlikely of places.  No I won't tell you who or what, but they kept the story very interesting.

There are also some new developments with the characters we already love and care about, Fi and Doc have a lot going on.  Creek as well.

Overall, I think the author did a wonderful job with this book to keep things moving along, keep me interested even through the changes of POV and stories, and it all worked well.  But I have to give it to her that she's finally given us more of Chrysabelle and Mal as a couple.  They are so perfect for each other!  And now after that ending, I'm just so anxious to get the next book ASAP!!!

Favorite Quote:

"You really do love me, don't you?"
He answered without opening his eyes. "Enough that it frightens me, too."

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Dangerous Games by Jamie Brenner

Dangerous Games

by Jamie Brenner

(The Gin Lovers # 5)

This serial just keeps getting better and better.  Every new episode has me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat.  I can't wait to see how it's all going to turn out.

DANGEROUS GAMES, much like the last installment, was full of intrigue and revelations.  Things are moving full speed ahead and getting more tangled by the minute.

Jake Larkin might be going to jail, Mae might be marrying, and Charlotte...well, she's in the worst spot of them all right now.  Married and not able to trust her husband but with little choice on what to do about it.  Loving Jake and trying as best as she can to save him.

It almost brought me to tears and the writing was so well done that for the amount of time that it took me to read this, I was living in this world.  I think that's what I'm liking the most about it.  Other than the danger and mystery and overall sex appeal of the era this is set in, I love how the writing just flows and involves you, draws you in and holds your attention until you finish it.

Of course, then you are only just so much more anxious to get to the next installment to find out what happens next.  Great endings for each one!  Now bring on the last chapter!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James

 

Seduced by a Pirate

by Eloisa James

Fairy Tales #4.5

 

2.5 Feathers

Sir Griffin Barry has come home to England after over decade of being a pirate, his first though to see the wife he left on their wedding night when he was nothing but a scrawny 17 year old boy and hasn't seen since. When he sees her, he knows he will do anything he can to win her after years of neglect.

This is a novella in Elosie James' Fairy Tales series, and in Seduced by a Pirate it looks as though she has taken The Ugly Duckling and given it a twist! The duckling in question, Griffin, has grown from a scrawny man-boy in to a large, gorgeous and imposing pirate. I thought this was a fabulous idea; however, I did have a few problems with this novella.

The biggest issue I had with this novella was how quickly they went from having just met to Phoebe saying she wants an anullment to ohmygosh-i-love-yous, it happened far to quickly, literally in the space of hours. I understand that this is a novella so it isn't going to have the longer drawn out love story, but for me it seemed a bit forced and out of the blue. The other point I didn't like about this novella was that the hero was a bit of a hypocrite, and although he did own this, it still bugged me, he was angry when he thought his wife might not have been virgin, even though he left her unsatisfied) on their wedding night and gallivanted off to the sea for over ten years and was he celibate and faithful...NO! I wish she had had a love affair, I think I would have liked the heroine a lot more for it.

But despite these things, it was still a quick enjoyable read, especially if you are a fan of the series, it had some great funny moments in it, as well as a few tender ones.   

*ARC provided by publisher

Covers to Covet

TIME DANCER
by Inez Kelley

Eldwyn Chronicles # 3

Life and love hinge on just one moment in time…

Jana Haruk’s magic was nothing more than an amusing trick until an undiscovered power manifested in her dreams— the ability to move backward through time. In the past, she must break the curse that now threatens her loved ones, threatens the Crown and endangers her homeland. She needs a guide to teach her, a spell called from afar.

Darach is that spell, a tracker with the magic to delve into the depths of Jana’s soul. Solid as the very Earth he is born of, he alone can guide Jana to a time of darkness, evil and the beginnings of a blood curse. Death stalks Eldwyn’s royal line, and if Jana and Darach are to save them, they must trust each other beyond the bounds of life and peel back the layers of time itself.

Available February 2013

NEW COVER ALERT!

Mystically Bound

Frostbite Book Three

Urban Fantasy Romance

Length: Novel

Heat Level: Sensual

Release date: COMING SOON

GoodReads

Tess Jennings’ life is in chaos. Not only has her ghost lover, Kipp McGowen, crossed into the Netherworld, but she’s the newest member of a secret society. And they want her to start work immediately. Upon arriving in White Castle, Louisiana, she is presented with an offer she cannot refuse.

The Grand Master has been murdered and Tess must solve the crime by locating his ghost. The reward—a magical spell to save Kipp. But as Tess dives deeper into the case, the more danger surrounds her. Not everyone wants the murder solved, and she is caught in the crossfire.

Soon, Tess finds herself knee-deep in a hunt for a spell, a race to locate a killer, and a journey to the beyond. Will Kipp finally take a living breath, or will Tess take her last?

WILD INVITATION

A PSY-CHANGELING COLLECTION

BY NALINI SINGH

In "Beat of Temptation", innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?

In "Stroke of Enticement", a wary young teacher, skeptical about love, arouses the man—and the animal—in an aggressive leopard changeling who must prove his a
ffections are true.

Plus NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In "Declaration of Courtship", Grace, a shy submissive wolf, finds herself pursued by the last man she ever would have imagined: a SnowDancer lieutenant said to be “mad, bad, and dangerous to know.”

Plus NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In "Texture of Intimacy", SnowDancer healer Lara discovers the searing joys—and unexpected challenges—of being mated to quiet, powerful Walker, a man used to keeping his silence.

Available MARCH 2013