Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris
Lily Bard has joined a group therapy session, determined finally to face her past. It sounds positively enlightening, until the murder of a fellow member sends a warning. But who was the message meant for? Why? And who's next to fall victim to a killer's head games?
Rate & take
It's been a while since a mystery caught my eye and I dove in so quick I didn't realize for a bit that Charlaine Harris was the author. If I had seen it was Ms. Harris from the beginning I could have been assured of solid writing and believable characters. I also did not know this was the 5th a final book in the series but thankfully it read easily as a stand alone. I will say there was much less mystery about this book than the main female characters development as a person, but I found that evolution very interesting to read. This is a solid Summer hit in my book.
Born of Stone by Missy Jane
For seventy years, Orestes and his twelve gargoyle brothers have done their duty to protect King Kadmos’s realm. There’s only one annoyance in his life—humans.
He’s content to leave them to their idol worship. Until he notices a small, frail woman serving at his table, doing her best to remain invisible. Something about her calls to him like no human before.
Astrid is terrified. Not only of the powerful magical creature with inhuman strength, but of the staff overseer’s lash for calling attention to herself. Instead she is whisked away to paradise, bathed, fed, and made love to by Orestes as if she is his reason to live. But she isn’t naïve enough to believe she is anything more than a temporary diversion.
When Orestes is called away to search for a missing brother, Astrid is kidnapped by a traitor intent on using her to bend Orestes to his will. Little do the lovers know that the connection between them is no weakness, but a strength their enemies would be fools to underestimate…
Warning: This book contains paranormal fighting, steamy sex scenes, strong-willed females, and men made of stone who prove to be soft as butter in the right woman’s hands.
Rate & take
Heat Index 3 ☼☼☼
I jumped on this book from Samhain Publishing without noticing it just came out. Imagine my surprise when my hopes were dashed for a few, or even one more book to join this title that was clearly written with a series in mind. I hope the author is a quick writer, because I will be waiting.
I found the idea of a human-ish man that can turn into a stone warrior at will to be a unique idea. The story was entertaining, and nicely paced. I would recommend this for beach consumption or anytime lite enjoyment is on the reading menu.
Rustled by Natasha Stories
Lost, alone, and on the run, Charity Green is forced to turn for help to a handsome stranger; a mysterious and taciturn cowboy, who is hiding secrets of his own.
When they are trapped together in a one-room cabin during a Wyoming blizzard, will she find herself in even more trouble? Or will she finally be able to stop running?
Rate & take
Heat Index 3 ☼☼☼ (Might have been more if not for the excess of scenes. Dare I say it? Sometimes this girl just needed a little more dialog.)
An interesting opening premise and a story that moves along (sometimes jerkily) even without any major plot twists. If you are looking for some lite reading with spice, this is a decent choice.
How my day should start today: With trumpet's playing and Angel's singing
What my day should consist of: Once having risen (well rested from my slumber) I should have a breakfast feast set out for my enjoyment. Then onto a lovely bath to soak in scented oils. Once finished I would be dressed in the softest and finest cotton nightgown to then be arranged on the most comfortable sofa available on the planet. THEN THE DAY LONG READING WOULD COMMENCE. Of course tea trays would arrive at intervals to provide sustenance to keep reading. Then onto a fine dinner, more reading, then a blissful nights sleep knowing how wonderful this day has been.
What's really going to happen: The alarm on my phone will announce it's time to make sure Amazon uploaded my pre-purchased copy of:
I will then spend time quickly showering and getting ready for work all the while cursing my decision not to take the day off. Then I will go to work and get the very most out of every break by reading as much as I can. I will also eat my lunch this day in my hide-away spot to avoid having to smote anyone trying to interrupt me. Eventually I will be sprung from work to fetch the little one from school and race home to cook (whatever is the fastest on the menu) and then I can be free to read until my eyes or brain turn to mush, whichever comes first. Not as glamorous as my ideal version of this day....but at least I've finally got the book and I'm reading!!!!!!!
In case you have missed it the many times I have mentioned it before....I am a huge fan of the Outlander Series. This is the 8th book in the series and I finished the 7th book in the series in October 2009. So I am well over due for a fix. This isn't just a book series to me, it has gotten under my skin, into my blood and it is forever a part of me. No other book(s) have ever effected me this way.
So I ask you the question: Why haven't you read it yet!!!???
P.S. The review of this book will be posted in mid to late July as I have several entries before it to be published.
P.P.S. On August 9th in the US the cable channel Starz will premier the first of 16 shows that will encompass the first book in the series, Outlander. If you are outside the US check your local cable provider for information.
Wolf Protector by Milly Taiden
A woman with a secret…
The Federal Paranormal Unit is an elite squad of supernaturals dedicated to solving missing persons cases. Erica’s gift allows her a special connection with the crime, but it comes at a deep personal cost… Until now, she’s kept her gift a secret, even from the other members of the team. But this case will throw her together with Agent Trent Buchanan. He’s the object of her secret desires, but he’s also a cocky womanizer. She’d rather swim in shark-infested waters with a paper cut than admit she has feelings for him.
A man with one desire…
Wolf Shifter Trent wants Erica more than he’s ever wanted any woman. He’s spent years patiently waiting for her to admit that she wants him too. Working one-on-one in a race to find a serial killer, Trent’s patience and Erica’s resolve wear thin. When Trent discovers the truth about Erica, will he accept her for who she is? And can he protect her from the horrors that her gift brings?
A case that pushes them to the edge…
Erica will have to risk it all if she wants to stop the killer, and when she does, Trent may have to put his own life on the line to make sure his mate is protected.
Rate & take
Heat Index 3 ☼☼☼
Ladies, I have a question for you. Do you ever refer to your core/sex/love box/vagina by the 'P' word? Unless I'm way off on this I think the answer is no for most of you. The main female character in this book seems very comfortable with the word. I found that a little distracting, but maybe that's just my quirk. I like the fact that the story had other things going for it like a group of very special agents tracking a killer. No big surprises in the plot but that does not meant that it wasn't a decent beach read.
