Spaz ARC Reviews: Riveted by Meljean Brook

My latest ARC review of Riveted by Meljean Brook is up at WLP! It's out Tuesday - GET IT! 
This is a spoiler free review.

Riveted is the third book in Meljean Brook's Iron Seas series, and easily my favorite of the series, and most definitely one of my favorites reads of the year. I suspect it is going to be everyone's favorite in the series... no joke! While it is based in the same Iron Seas world, it is a completely new setting, Iceland, with new folklore and mythology. New characters, too! And oh how they simply shine. Annika and David both are so unique and strong in their own ways, and could not be more perfect for each other.

It didn't take long for me to realize that I was completely enamored of the hero and the heroine. They both are so different, eccentric, and are both completely smitten with one another from the start. I could not wait for them to meet up again, so I could get more of their interaction. The tension that builds between them is so sweet and engaging. I suppose you could say I felt like this was the most romantic of the books in that the two main characters are so in to each other from the start. Maybe it was just because I fell in love with each of them immediately that I feel that way, but regardless, I think this book is going to appeal to everyone. Continue reading...

Spaz Release Day Reviews: Endgame by Ann Aguirre

My latest ARC review of Endgame by Ann Aguirre is up at WLP! It's out today!! Yayyy, but boooo it's the end of Sirantha Jax :( 

This review is spoiler free, but assumes a familiarity with the Sirantha Jax series.

I have put off writing this review, because it is, for me, the final step in accepting that the Sirantha Jax series is over. How do I write about a book that concludes one of my most cherished series, and somehow manage to do it the justice it deserves? I will certainly try now.

Endgame starts out with Sirantha Jax continuing in her mission to liberate La'heng from the Nicuan nobles. A long time ago when humans first arrived to L'heng, they covered the world with a chemical that changed the La'heng natives, making it impossible for them to fight, and easy to enslave. Jax has funded research that has led to a cure, allowing the La'heng natives to become self-sufficient again, but of course the Nicuan nobles want nothing to do with that. After being denied an appeal by the Imperial board of governors to make the cure widespread and available to the La'hengrin, Loras and Jax start a rebellion to deploy the Cavati's Cure to the natives, and begin an initiative to train them to fight back on their own behalf.  Continue reading...

My Top 4 Book Picks for September!

Here are my Top 4 book picks for September! I've several bases covered for you: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk Romance, and YA. I am so excited over these! What are the books you're most excited for this month?

Riveted (Iron Seas #3) - Meljean Brook 9/4
This book is freaking amazing, and definitely my favorite of the series. Keep an eye out for my ARC review of it, and most importantly, keep an eye out for this book!

A century after a devastating volcanic eruption forced Iceland’s inhabitants to abandon its shores, the island has become enshrouded in legend. But the truth behind the legends is mechanical, not magical—and the mystery of the island a matter of life and death for a community of women who once spilled noble blood to secure their freedom.

Five years ago, Annika unwittingly endangered that secret, but her sister Källa took the blame and was exiled. Now Annika serves on an airship, searching for her sister and longing to return home. But that home is threatened when scientific expedition leader David Kentewess comes aboard, looking to expose Annika’s secrets. Then disaster strikes, leaving David and Annika stranded on a glacier and pursued by a madman, with their very survival depending on keeping the heat rising between them—and generating lots of steam. 



Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5) - Nalini Singh 9/4
Oh my heavens, Jason. Jason! Finally!

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.




Outpost (Razorland #2) - Ann Aguirre 9/4
After reading Enclave last year, the wait it almost over. I must must must know what happens next. Chomping at the bit.

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.


Rapture (The Fallen Angels #4) - JR Ward 9/25
Despite the cheesey (& rather vain) book trailer for this one, I am dying for this book. I can't quit this series, it gets better and better with each book!

Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they're over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too ...As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover's memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you're trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels's heart at risk, what in heaven - or in hell - will it take to save them both?
After reporter Mels Carmichael hits a disheveled man with her car
outside the local cemetery, she pays a visit to the stranger in the hospital. The only thing he remembers of his past is seeing a name written on a headstone: that of Jim Heron—a fallen angel charged with rescuing souls from the seven deadly sins. Now, as Mels struggles to help this mysterious stranger rediscover himself, Heron himself returns to prepare for a battle between good and evil.

Spaz Release Day Reviews: Widow's Web by Jennifer Estep

My latest ARC review of Widow's Web by Jennifer Estep is up today at WLP! It's out today! GET IT. 

This review is spoiler-free but assumes familiarity with the series in general.

I love Gin Blanco. This is not a surprise to anyone who knows me, yet I still feel compelled to begin this review declaring my love for my favorite Urban Fantasy assassin. Widow's Web is the 7th book in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin and quite easily the most difficult to make it through. Wait, it's not what you think. I was made aware that the author had given readers a heads up that there would be some strife in this one, but I apparently missed the memo. She wasn't kidding! I am here to tell you, this book is gonna be a challenge to make it through not because it's bad, but because of the emotional turmoil and loss Gin experiences. Hold on to your hearts, people!

This was basically my reaction while reading Widow's Web: <reads a few chapters>  ugh.  <reads a few chapters>   uuuuugh.   <reads few more chapters>  UUUUGH!!!

Continue reading...

Gone to New Orleans! (and I also met Ilona Andrews)

It's finally time! I am outta here and on my way to New freakin Orleans!
I will be away this week for some fun at Authors After Dark.  This is my second time to attend AAD, I was in Philly last year, but this is my first time ever to visit New Orleans. Between the city, and the conference, I couldn't be more excited!!! Don't miss me too hard! I'll be sure to post my adventures when I return :)

Royal Sonesta Hotel

And with that, I leave you with a pic of me and Ilona Andrews! I got to meet them on their Gunmetal Magic book tour here in Austin at Book People. I got lots of inside scoop, but we were sworn to silence ;) The Kate Daniels series is one of my all-time favorites, and I am so excited I was able to catch them.

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7) Gets Its Cover!

Woohoo! Patricia Briggs's Twitter mod just announced the cover for Frost Burned, once again done by the amazing Dan Dos Santos. I can't freaking wait for this book! And what a freaking gorgeous cover. And she's with her rabbit! There is an update on Frost Burned over on Patricia Briggs's blog, as well. And just read the blurb below *gasp* ... I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. Expected release is March 2013.

Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson's life is calming down, at least enough that she can focus on mundane matters like Black Friday sales. But on her return, Mercy is unable to contact her mate, Alpha Adam Hauptman, or the other members of their pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.