So last week I played #convoinvader on Twitter. Author, JA Sare was tweeting praise about a book she just read that was written by her critique partner, Rosalie Stanton. So of course my interest was IMMEDIATELY piqued. I love Author-to-Author love so I head on over to Goodreads.com and read the blurb. Shortly thereafter, I let my mouse do the shopping and BOOM! Chessiebomb's got a new book. Then the fun starts.... 


After a painful breakup with an angel, Ava is running for her life, trying to stay one step ahead of her former employer -- Lucifer.  What once appeared to be a grand event - Ava turning a fallen angel now looks like Ava's shared hell's secrets with the enemy.  She goes into hiding until she can figure a way to clear her name to get back into Lucifer's good graces.


Enter Dante.  Long time friend and vampire playboy shows up to help. Ava is completely oblivious that Dante's attracted to her. 

This Side of the grave was all that and more and I can’t wait to get my hands on Book 6!

On the Canadian frontier in 1875, nature is a harsh mistress. But the supernatural can really do you in...

A Lone Wolf

Nathan Lesperance is used to being different. He's the first Native attorney in Vancouver, and welcome neither with white society nor his sometime tribe. Not to mention the powerful wildness he's always felt inside him, too dangerous to set free. Then he met Astrid Bramfield and saw his like within her piercing eyes. Now, unless she helps him through the harsh terrain and the harsher unknowns of his true abilities, it could very well get him killed...

And The Woman Who Left The Pack

Astrid has traveled this path before. Once she was a Blade of the Rose, protecting the world's magic from unscrupulous men, with her husband by her side. But she's loved and lost, and as a world-class frontierswoman, she knows all about survival. Nathan's searing gaze and long, lean muscles mean nothing but trouble. Yet something has ignited a forgotten flame inside her: a burning need for adventure, for life—and perhaps even for love... *Summary from back cover*

Rebel is book 3 in the Blades of the Rose series by Zoe Archer. Nathan Lesperance is thrust into the middle of long standing war between the Blades of the Rose, protectors of magic and the Heirs of Albion, the men who wish to control all magic for power. Clueless to his own deep ties into magic, Nathan experiences an immediate connection when he first meets widow, Astrid Bramfield. After a brutal attack, Nathan and Astrid embark upon a journey that will help Nathan uncover his past and help build their relationship.

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I have to say I’m in total awe. Archer’s writing style immediately sucks the reader into the story of Nathan and Astrid. She also goes into great detail about each character that allows you to connect with them and the relationship they try to build.

Astrid is a strongly independent woman who knows how to take care of herself. After the death of her husband, she drops out of the Blades of the Rose and moves into the mountains to create a wall of isolation between herself and her family and friends. Nathan is stuck between two worlds. He’s a Native American who is seen as an oddity in the “white man’s” culture and as an “outsider” to the Native American culture. As the story unfolds, you learn about his past and how he’s much more connected to the Northern Territory than he could have ever imagined.

While I enjoy a good western (visually), I’ve never taken the time to read a western-themed paranormal book and Rebel was definitely worth the reading time. Archer clearly has a flair for mixing the paranormal with the life and times of the 1800’s. It almost has a “steam punk” feel to it with some of the tools and instruments used by other characters in the book.

It’s clear that Rebel is part of a series, but you can pick up this book and not feel like you’re being plopped into the middles of storyline. You’ have the complete picture of where things stand in one book. I will warn you though, it’s enough to make you go out and pick up the first two books, Warrior and Scoundrel. Rebel also sets the reader up for Book 4, Stranger, which is Blade of the Rose member, Catullus Graves’ story. One interesting fact – Graves is an African American – which has me intrigued enough to add Stranger to my TBR list. I’m looking forward to see how Archer writes out his story during that timeline.


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A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed… (Summary from Goodreads.com)

Archangel’s Consort is book 3 in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter Series. Terrible events begin to rock the world – unexplained earthquakes, tsunami’s and thunderstorms. Vampires are also running rampant with violent and unexplained attacks against humans. After an attack occurs close to home for Elena, Raphael determines that the unexplained events evidence of a Sleeper awakening and all clues point to his mother... Caliane.

When I first started Archangel’s Consort I was surprised. Nearly every other chapter had a sex scene between Raphael and Elena. I immediately thought “overkill” and I even tweeted about it a couple of times. There wasn’t nearly enough sex between them in books one and two (IMO) and Singh was merely trying to compensate with that lack in Book 3. But as the story of unfolds you begin to see where these are not merely sex scenes. The encounters that they share are part of the keystone of their relationship. After a thousand years of existence, Raphael has fallen in love with a human. After years of suppressing her childhood horrors, Elena has found love, trust and safety in the truest form. They turn to each other as safe havens, building a stronger foundation between them. So on the surface, it may seem purely sexual but as the story unfolds you begin to see the deep connection that they share and how intertwined it has become with their lives.

Singh continues to spin a marvelous story pulling in Raphael’s past, his insane mother, Caliane. She also gives more details about Elena and her father that will leave your head spinning. There are new characters introduced as well as visits from old favorites – Dmitri and Illium aka Blue Bell.

Archangel’s Consort is definitely focused on family and how it impacts Raphael and Elena. When all is said and done – Singh knocks it out the park yet again with a home run hit!

Release Date: Jan. 25, 2011
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN-10: 0425240134
Review: ARC provided to me as part of Rex Robot Reviews ARC Tour

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IT’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN ALIVE AND UNDEAD. Chess Putnam has a lot on her plate. Mangled human corpses have started to show up on the streets of Downside, and Chess’s bosses at the Church of Real Truth have ordered her to team up with the ultra-powerful Black Squad agency to crack the grisly case.Chess is under a binding spell that threatens death if she talks about the investigation, but the city’s most notorious crime boss—and Chess’s drug dealer—gets wind of her new assignment and insists on being kept informed. If that isn’t bad enough, a sinister street vendor appears to have information Chess needs. Only he’s not telling what he knows, or what it all has to do with the vast underground City of Eternity.Now Chess will have to navigate killer wraiths, First Elders, and a lot of seriously nasty magic—all while coping with some not-so-small issues of her own. And the only man Chess can trust to help her through it all has every reason to want her dead.From the Paperback edition.

Since I read City of Ghosts in September, about 30 seconds after I finished Unholy Magic, I can’t for the life of me understand why I didn’t post my review immediately. So I’m going to make this a quickie.

City of Ghosts is the third installment of Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghosts Series. A world where ghosts go bump in the night with the pure intent of doing you harm. As a Debunker and Church Witch, it’s Chess Putnam’s job to make sure that any reports of haunting are investigated to expose fraud or proven legitimate. In which case it’s her job to dispatch the ghost.

I’m still in awe over this book. Stacia Kane continues to raise the bar in the Urban Fantasy genre. Everything from her world building, lively characters to slang talk pulls you into the story from page one. The plot as noted above is FANTASTIC! Kane keeps you scratching your head with twists and turns in her plot and just when you think you’ve got the mystery solved – the freight train slams into you. And let’s not forget the completely soul wrenching Chess and Terrible relationship. Kane does NOT disappoint readers. She creates a roller coaster of events that leave you gasping and screaming and swooning as you turn each page.

If you haven’t started this series – for the love of puppies and kittens – PLEASE START!! You will not be disappointed. Stacia Kane delivers – book after book after book!


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Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches ancient relics. It’s how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins—the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an ancient artifact she doesn’t have, he drags her into a world where telekinesis and empaths are the norm. Now someone wants her dead, and her only hope of survival is an assassin who’s every bit as dangerous to her body as he is to her heart.

Ares DeLuca comes from an ancient Roman bloodline of telekinetic assassins. A Sicari, he’s honor bound to kill only in the name of justice. But when the woman he loved was murdered, Ares broke the Sicari code and used his sword for revenge. Love cost him dearly once before, and he’s not willing to pay the price again. At least not until hot, sweet, delectable Emma walked into his life. Not only does she hold the key to a valuable Sicari relic, she might just hold the key to his heart. *Summary from http://www.monicaburns.com/

Assassin’s Honor is the first book in Monica Burn’s Order of the Assassin Series and presents a new twist in the paranormal romance genre. She builds a world where an ancient order of assassins exists to protect the innocent from harm.

Many of you may have seen my tweets when I first started reading this book. I was hooked from page one! The storyline flowed from scene to scene and event to event that as a reader – you don’t want to put the book down. You always want to know “what happens next?” That was me for the four days it took for me to read this book. I would have finished sooner, but activities like working, eating and taking care of my family kept popping up. And the fact that Ares ....well…. he’s just HAWT is a super bonus! Burns created such a strong and vivid character – he was real for me. I could connect to his emotions, his doubts and fears without any problem. Emma…hmm She was a bit harder. I liked her but she had several “WTF” moments that really made me want to scream. She has spunk and guts and determination – but in the same way those features stand out – she won’t listen and needs to be smacked. To be such a brilliant archeologist, to me her actions seemed out of synch with her character. I guess there has to be balance though. But I want to be clear – Emma’s issues weren’t enough to totally drag down the book it actually was the catalyst for many of the action sequences that made Ares stand out. So I guess in the end that’s a win!

The relationship that Burns builds between Emma and Ares is for lack of a better word – jaw dropping… and I mean that in a good way. Both characters were so attracted to each other – that their reactions were out of the norm for both of them. I enjoyed how the story flowed with that main conflict. There was also the element of trust that was a problem for them both – I wasn’t as sold on that conflict line since they were usually tied to Emma’s WTF moments.

Readers are also introduced to Ares’ younger sister Phaeandra who is a empath with a healing touch and his second in command Lysander. Burns creates a great landscape for additional romance threads with these characters so I’m looking forward to moving on the Book Two in this series Assassin’s Heart.

You can never go wrong with assassin's (good and bad), swords, mystery and heart thumping romance. Overall, Assassin's Honor was a great read!



Want to learn more about Monica Burns? Check out her website.

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Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some bring good works and miracles. And some bring unimaginable evil....


Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a kick-ass cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She's recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by ruthless nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.'s Integration Task Force even harder. Since the Revelation, the criminal element in Underground Atlanta has grown, leaving Charlie and her partner Hank to keep the chaos to a dull roar. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim — but can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

I've seen this book around in bookstores for a while now. But I have to say, it wasn't until a literary agent recommended the book to me last month at a writer's convention that I decided to finally read it.  She said the first line of this book sets the tone for the rest of the novel.  So being the geek I am I pulled out Precious and downloaded a sample to see the first paragraph. I have to say -- she was right! Check it out:

 "You told a two-thousand-year-old oracle to prove it?" Hank kept pace beside me, nursing his bloody nose with a handful of fast-food napkins I'd pulled from the glove box earlier. "I mean do you ever think before the words spew of your mouth Charlie?

The Better Part of Darkness is an urban fantasy story that introduces readers to a world where alternate universes have been discovered an their inhabitants have been integrated into human society.  All of the action is centered around Atlanta, GA - where the first dimension breach occurs.  Charlie Madigan is an ITF officer attempting to keep the bad guys in check, while raising her daughter. 

Overall storyline for The Better Part of Darkness is great. Gay's world building is solid and readers are placed right in the middle of the action. Charlie is a strong character with a "kick-ass" attitude and she carries the novel and the action well.   The only issue I had with the storyline were the abrupt "dunt-dunts" (yeah like Law and Order) where certain situations were just plopped into the story abruptly. Or special character angles were only touched on lightly when you really wanted more detail.  But for a debut novel, Gay certainly hits the spot dead on for a great series in the urban fantasy genre. I'm looking forward to reading book 2, The Darkest Edge of Dawn.


Publication: November, 24, 2009 by Pocket
Format: Kindle Edition, 416
Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me

Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they—along with their ruthless employers—are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

Unholy Magic is book 2 of Stacia Kane's Downside Series featuring Churchwitch, Debunker and functional drug addict Chess Putnam. Kane continues to spin a gritty and dank post-apocolyptic world (via physco poltergiests) that keeps readers engaged and entertained.  Each character is exposed layer by layer with Kane's writing -- their strength's and weaknesses alike.  If you loved Chess in Unholy Ghosts, you'll find more things to love in Book 2.

Here's an exerpt from Unholy Magic:

"You ain’t know nothing,” a man scoffed. “How I’m supposed to trust some junkie Churchwitch-”

The words sliced through her like razor-sharp fangs. Her face flooded with shame, so hot she imagined it steamed in the icy air. At least it wasn’t difficult to identify the speaker. All she had to do was look for the man with Terrible’s fist locked around his neck.

“Ain’t think I hear you right,” Terrible said in a calm, quiet voice. “Wanna louden up?” The man shook his head His eyes bulged. He looked like a bug, with his hands clenching into tiny useless fists. “You sure? You got else to say, you best say it now, instead of later. Now we got us watchers. Later might not be true, dig?” The man dug."

:::Clutching my pearls:::: Who wouldn't want a "Terrible" to come to your rescue? 

So if you haven't started this series....what are you waiting for? If you want something fresh and new and totally unexpected -- head to the Downside - this series is definitely worth starting.  

Get your read on!!

The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen, and the living are under attack. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully tattooed witch and freewheeling ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for banishing the wicked dead. But Chess is keeping a dark secret: She owes a lot of money to a murderous drug lord named Bump, who wants immediate payback in the form of a dangerous job that involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust for a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.

Author: Stacia Kane
Publication: May 19th 2010
Format: Paperback, 346 pages
Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me

Have you ever started a book where after the first few pages you *know* you've got an interesting read?  Something so unique and different and off the beaten path that you say to yourself *what the heck?*  Enter the world of Unholy Ghosts and you'll meet Chess Putnam. Churchwitch. Debunker. Functional Drug Addict.  Yeah I said it -- Functional Drug Addict.  Interested yet?

Author Stacia Kane has created a world where there's no such thing as Casper the Friendly Ghost -- more like House on Haunted Hill-want to kill you- type of ghosts and the Church of Real Truth uses magic to keep them under control and the world at-large safe.  Toss in drug lords and a sexy enforcer named Terrible and you've got a recipe for great story... a fantastic series and just pages and pages of simple awesomeness better known as The Downside.

I can't sing enough praises about Unholy Ghosts and Stacia Kane.  Her world is so unique and different, it pulls you right in.  Unholy Ghosts is the first book in the Downside series. I've read all three and will post reviews for all three.  If you're craving for something fresh and new to add to your Urban Fantasy shelves - get with The Downside - you won't be disappointed.


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Bound by the demon of doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she’d fall for a kind human who wouldn’t rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora’s box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love…

Darkest Whisper is book four of the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter. We’re introduced to Sabin’s story – the keeper of Doubt and his trials and tribulations of falling in love without driving his partner nuts or making them commit suicide. Yes – harsh but true. Enter Gwen – a timid harpy-angel hybrid. Always unsure of herself and always fighting against her true Harpy nature. When the Lords rescue her and several other supernatural women from a prison Sabin and Gwen realize they share a link stronger than their own internal demons.

To be honest – Sabin’s character has always been “rough” to me – maybe a little too rough. So I was really interested to see how Gena would write him into a “love story”. Bottom line – she gets two thumbs up. The character contrasts between Sabin and Gwen actually work. He’s focused on winning the war – and will do anything and use anyone to make sure the Lords win. She’s quiet, timid and terrified of her “darker half”. Will only kill if threatened and even then she feels guilty about it afterwards. So pairing up the Keeper of Doubt with someone who’s been doubting themselves all their lives is an interesting thing to watch!

The plot for Sabin's story is fast paced in the beginning but then for some reason slows down towards the middle which was disappointing.  The weird part is the character development between Sabin and Gwen is well written and a great read. I love that Showalter continues to keep all of the Lords – those mated and single moving within each storyline so you can continue to see how each develop. 

In Darkest Whisper, Sabin is able to maintain his kick-ass personality AND be an awesome lover without shifting into wimpy status. Two thumbs up.   Gwen starts off timid and afraid of everything and then she ........ well you'll need to read the book to get her details. *smile*

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Shape-shifting werewolf and vampire Riley Jenson is through with death–causing it, solving it, surviving it. Her soul mate, Kye Murphy, is dead–and at Riley’s own hands. Not even the seductive embrace of her vampire lover, Quinn, can fully ease her mind, for she has begun questioning everything that makes her Riley–including her job at the Directorate.

Now, the ritualistically slain bodies of ex-cons have started turning up. Reluctantly, Riley takes the case, but something even worse is waiting in the wings. For a vicious enemy from her past is determined to strip Riley of everything that gives her life any meaning: her lover, her brother–and even her own identity. Can Riley survive this ultimate assault? All she knows is, she must fight one last time to find answers, before everything goes dark forever…

There are only two problems with this book: The fact that it’s the last book and that the end wasn’t more gut-spewing-kickass take no prisoners as the past books. LOL I know weird comments, but you’ll have to read the entire series to get my meaning.

In Moon Sworn, Riley must battle old enemies and personal demons to survive this final assault. This book seemed to have a much different tone from previous Jenson novels. I don’t know if it’s because it’s a farewell novel to the series or maybe Keri Arthur ran out over-the-top issues to write about. I wish more attention had been given to Riley’s relationship with Quinn, maybe even more back story about her mother – but it is what it is.

I’ve given it four stars because even if Moon Sworn falls a bit flat – it wraps up some loose ends to the overall story line that brings Riley back full circle. Even if it’s done in a roundabout way.

So farewell Riley Jenson! I loved you from book one and because of you I’ve developed a taste for Hazelnut coffee! I'm also looking forward to Arthur’s new spin-off series featuring Risa all grown up.

Author Summary
Here I go again, writing down thoughts that RAMBLE through my mind. I must once again confess that this was something I was asked to do and when asked I try to comply.  Within these pages are my views and my views only, on many things, the things that saved me, helped me and brought me through. I am also adding in recipes of food that sustains me and my family and again because I was asked to do so.

So please, take whatever you get from this and toss the rest over your shoulder and remember, to BE THE PEACE YOU SEEK~ by author, Angelia Vernon Menchan


Re-Rambled: Food and Thought is a thoughtful collection of work and life experiences from author Angelia Vernon Menchan.  It's the updated version of her original release, Rambled and was created from postings from her blog.
 
Menchan provides her personal views on relationships, self-evaluation, fear, love, you name it and she's touched on it.  'Don't Go for That' talks about self-accountability "people do to you what you allow, if someone is disrespecting you, there had to be a first time, now think back to how you handled it."  In 'Paying it Forward' Menchan talks about reaching out to support those who are striving to make something of themselves. "To whom, much is given, much is expected..."
 
Let's not forget the FOOD!  Re-Rambled also contains a few of Menchan's favorite recipes for Bread Pudding, Macaroni and Cheese and Beef Short-ribs to name a few.
 
It's hard to provide a generic review for Re-Rambled. It's the type of book that will impact each reader differently. You may find insight for your own life lessons or see something that you can share with your family and friends.  Either way, it's definitely comfort food for the soul. 
 
 
Paperback, 176 pages
Published April 27th 2010 by acVernon Menchan
Disclosure:  Book received from author for review purposes
___________________________
Angelia Vernon Menchan considers writing to be the elixir of her soul. Since learning penmanship at age four, most days have found her jotting down thoughts in a notebook. After decades of journal-keeping she decided to try her hand at writing and publishing books, from which was born her small publishing company, M.A.m.m. Productions through which she publishes her own books that she has coined, 'Fictionalized Truths, Ageless Fiction and Ramblings.'
 
When not writing, Angelia is a wife, mother, mentor and nana who loves reading almost as much as writing. Angelia is also an Avid Blogger and posts blogs most days to her blog, RAMBLINGS at http://acvermen.blogspot.com or for Skirt Magazine at http://skirt.com/angel08.

http://www.angeliamenchan.com/
   
Giveaway
 
Would you like to win a copy of Re-Rambled? It's really simple!  Leave a comment and your email address below! Contest ends 11:59 p.m on September 3, 2010.  Winner will be contacted via email.
 
1. You must be 18 years or older
2. You must be a follower of my blog.
3. Contest open to US residents only.
 
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