Spaz Reviews: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book…if it ever sees the light of day. Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal. Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him…or returning to his bed? Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

• File Size: 597 KB
• Print Length: 432 pages
• Publisher: Mira; Original edition (July 16, 2012)
• Tiffany Reisz's website
• Purchase The Siren at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

I caved to tweer pressure and pounced on The Siren when I was notified it was on special price. I went in to it knowing nothing, didn't even read the blurb, only many I knew and trusted seemed to love it. This is where I tell you that I'm so glad I took a chance and listened to my book blogging friends.

I really wasn't sure what to think of Nora Sutherlin at first, but with her wit and strength of character, she most definitely won me over. Zachary Easton I wasn't sure about either, but he grew on me, as well. Nora and Zach have this wonderful give and take going on between them that made me want to know more. I wanted more backstory on both of them, and sat on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. I waited for them to have time together, in eager anticipation. Nothing happens as I thought it would, and I was kept completely interested.

Then there are the secondary characters, such as Søren. You are going to hate him, and then love to hate him. Believe. Wesley, her side kick assistant, but so much more, will have you from the start. Oh my gosh, people, the characters are so compelling, you may not like some of them as much as you like others, but they will all certainly grab you.

The Siren thoroughly and properly scandalized me. There were several parts that made me very uncomfortable, and yet I was undeniably swayed. By the middle of the book as things are further revealed, I was ALL CAPS DMing my friends Bells and Smexy. I really did not know what direction the book was going to go from one chapter to the next, and I loved that. The storytelling, for me, was simply superb and darkly imaginative. I have never read a book quite like this, and was entirely satisfied.

The Siren is not for everyone. But if you feel like taking a walk on the super dark, intense and erotic side, I urge you to try this book. The writing is phenomenal and sophisticated; it's the best not-a-love-story love story I've read in a long time. Believe me when I tell you that you will want the next book in The Original Sinners series, The Angel, immediately.

Grade: A

Purchased copy from Barnes & Noble

New Cover & Blurb for WRAYTH by Philippa Ballantine

Philippa Ballantine took to Twitter to announce that the eagerly awaited third Book of the Order, Wrayth, has a cover and a blurb!!
As many of you know, the first two books, Geist and Spectyr, were two of my most cherished books last year. And without further ado... (*contains minor possible spoiler for Spectyr) courtesy of Penguin:

In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside…  Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past. Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie.

Spaz ARC Reviews: The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3) by J.A.Saare

My new ARC review of The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3) by J.A. Saare is up at WLP! 

This review is spoiler-free, but assumes a familiarity with the first two Rhiannon's Law books in the series, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between and The Renfield Syndrome.

The Ripple Effect is the third book in J.A.Saare's Rhiannon's Law series, and Rhiannon Murphy is still just a girl trying to make it in the Big City, who am I kidding? She is still a bartending badass at The Black Panther, with a side job as a necromancer with her buddy Goose in New York City.

Disco’s maker, Marius, is coming to town and everyone is fareeeaking, because Marius knows what happened with Graham Tavish in the previous book, The Renfield Syndrome. He also knows that she is bonded to both Disco and Paine, and it is her duty to make Marius believe she accepts the responsibility of being marked by two vampires in the same household. She must also convince him she accepts his sovereignty... You read that right - sovereignty. *snickers*  Continue reading... 

Spaz ARC Reviews: Moonglow - Kristen Callihan

My latest ARC review of Moonglow by Kristen Callihan is up at WLP!

This is a spoiler-free review. 

My initial reaction upon finishing Moonglow: I looooooove this book, I want to marry it and have its babiieeessss!!! Because I can't just make that my review, even if I enlarged the font and made it bold, I will proceed... but there is much gushing ahead. You've been warned.

Set in 1883 London, Moonglow is the second book in Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series, a wonderful steampunk-historical-paranormal romance adventure. We are reintroduced to Daisy Ellis Craigmore, recently widowed, and sister to the unforgettable Miranda Ellis from Firelight. She witnesses a violent and scary event, and miraculously survives. Enter that really naughty scoundrel Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup and utter thorn in Miranda and Archer's side and the chemistry explodes off the pages. It becomes clear that the murderer is a werewolf, involving Ian directly as Lycan royalty, and that this werewolf has Daisy on its radar. Continue reading...

Spaz Reviews: Changeling by Kelly Meding

My review of Changeling by Kelly Meding is up at WLP!
Dahlia Perkins, also known by her Meta name Ember, is basically the proverbial new kid on the block with the Ranger Corps. She only recently discovered her powers, and is the newest recruit to the group. She has yet to find her place or her purpose, except for following Trance's lead. It has been six months since their showdown with Specter in the first book, Trance, and their biggest concerns lately are picking out new paint and light fixtures for their new headquarters. That all changes once Ember becomes the intended victim of a shooting, which temporarily takes out Trance and leaves the group without an immediate leader. Continue reading...

Spaz Reviews: Chaos Burning - Lauren Dane

My review of Chaos Burning by Lauren Dane is up at WLP!

Chaos Burning is the second book in Lauren Dane's Bound by Magick series, and it proves to be just as wild and satisfying ride as the first book in the series, Heart of Darkness.  Lark Jaansen is a high ranking witch from her clan in Los Angeles and has been asked to come to Seattle by Clan Owen to help better train their hunters in handling the influx of violence that is being wrought on Seattle. Turned witches and mages are banding together with their stolen magick and waging a war among the Others that is shrouded in mystery. Continue reading...

Happy Birthday, Titanium Toe Joint - An Update on Meee

I know I know, I'm a little weird. Save it ;) But it's been exactly one year today that I had my foot broken open and had a titanium metal screw joint put in. Many have asked about how my toe and foot are doing and if I am running again, so I wanted to give everyone an update.

Many of you know that I was doing a plethora of endurance races, having developed a love for distance running. While that gig is up, I am so happy to say that after a year of physical therapy and training, I am back up to running <very slowly> 3 miles. I am cleared by the DR to run no more than 2 times a week, as long as I keep the distance to no more than 3 miles. I am just happy to have that, as it seemed there for a while that I would never be able to run again, period.

And what's a Titanium Toe Joint Birthday post without some pictures, right? The before one is pretty gnarly and I don't know how to hide it, so you've been warned. I'll give you another Xray photo before it's time to turn around.

OK last warning, turn around now if you don't want to see gross!
And without further ado....

Here are my before, and after shots:

7/22/11 - 2 weeks after surgery - Seeing my foot for the first time
They write a giant YES! on the foot to be operated on, to be sure no mistakes happen ;)

7/9/12 - Footloose and (mostly) fancy free!

Thanks all who have been continuously asking me for status updates. I had an awesome surgeon, and have put in a lot of hard work to be able to walk normally again. Seriously. Hard Work. And now can even run a little. You all have made me feel very loved. :) Knee surgery is still inevitable, but so far, I'm managing the discomfort with cortisone shots under the knee cap. This defective leg ain't gonna get the better of me!

Spaz Reviews: Darkness Devours - Keri Arthur

My new review of Darkness Devours by Keri Arthur is up at WLP!

I have to just jump right in on this one, not gonna recap...

Maaaaaaan. I WANT to like this series as much as I loved the Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson Guardian series. The Dark Angels series definitely has its own merits and I love components of it, particularly the heroine, Risa Jones. But all through this third Dark Angels novel, Darkness Devours, there are things that really drove me bananas, and totally distracted from otherwise enjoying the story. First off, I. cannot. stand. Lucian, Risa's Aedh lover. He is constantly manipulating her and, for the most part, with her permission. She is stubborn in placing trust in him, despite his shady behavior and the glaringly obvious inconvenient (for her) facts, everyone can see clear as day, except for her. Frustrating. Even though she knows he is lying and could be using her to get his revenge, she continues to tangle with him and it really bugs the crap out of me. In fact, the best parts of the book for me was when she was blowing him off. So, merits to her for blowing him off, but she still never kicked him to the curb, and that is long overdue. Continue reading...