Early Review of Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls, #4) by C.C. Hunter

• Title: Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls Novel (Quality))
• Classification: Young Adult (Ages 12 and up)
• Genre: Paranormal
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (October 2, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 1250011914
• ISBN-13: 978-1250011916

Author's Website: http://www.cchunterbooks.com/
Notes: I'm one of C.C. Hunter's Street Team

"Why does my life need to be so damn hard?"

Kylie Galen thought finding out what she was would make things better, but it didn't. If anything it just complicated things even more. She has finally discovered what type of supernatural she is, well, sort of. She knows the name, but not exactly what it truly entails. She is a chameleon and no one seems to know exactly what that is, but Kylie's hopeful it doesn't involve a tail and a really long tongue. Perhaps it explains her crazy brain pattern and why everyone has been having so much trouble reading it? She's still coming into her powers, and while she now knows what she is, she is about to discover what she is truly capable of, and it's quite spectacular. Chameleons are known for changing their colors to blend in, so you have to wonder what a supernatural chameleon can do?

Meanwhile, her ghost whispering skills are once again being called upon, but this ghost is the scariest by far because it looks like someone Kylie knows...and they're not dead! Is she now able to speak to people's ghosts before they've passed? If so, can she prevent their death? One thing Kylie knows from her previous experiences is that listening to a ghost can sometimes determine whether someone lives or dies.

Additionally, her father stated before he faded back into the land of the unliving that they'd find out what being a chameleon meant together. Does that mean she is going to die too?  So many questions, but the answers are forthcoming. One question posed toward the beginning of the book will gain more significance toward the end...

"Have you ever known the right thing to do, but couldn't do it?"

Kylie will need to make a difficult decision she wishes she didn't have to make. The irony is that the person who posed the question will be the one to finally make her see there truly is only one right choice for her and push her one step closer to finding her destiny. She'll come to realize, 'Life could still hurt like a paper-cut right across the heart...Every new day was about opportunities. You couldn't always control life, just your response to it.'

_________________

This was such a fun book with so much revealed yet leaving so much more yet to be discovered. I truly can't wait to see what the next, and sadly last, book of the series will hold. Is there anyway to sign a petition to extend the series? Each book seems to pull me deeper and deeper into the story.

In Whispers at Moonrise, Kylie will finally get to meet her paternal grandfather. He holds the answers she craves. She'll learn what a chameleon is and some of what one can do. She still hasn't gained her full powers and hasn't yet gained total control over those she currently possesses. New powers seem to randomly appear, but she'll find they aren't as random as she thought, and begin learning how to control them.

Lucas will show aspirations of gaining a seat on the were Council. He wants to make a difference. To do so, however, he has to gain his father's approval. He's secretive about what that entails, but asks Kylie to have faith in their relationship and in him.

Kylie will once again be haunted by a ghost and need to put her protective powers to use to save someone. The difference with this ghost is that it looks like someone Kylie knows and cares for. Holiday says sometimes ghosts can have an identity crisis and put on the face of someone else, but is that what is truly going on? She'll have to sort things out to get to the bottom of who the ghost is trying to warn her about before it's too late.

Why is the book named Whispers at Moonrise? I believe it has to do with this:
'Moonrise, she thought. She felt again the whispers echoing in her mind. Whispers she couldn't understand, whispers that both lured her and frightened her.'
Something is whispering for Kylie to come and join them in the forest. She'll need to decide whether to refrain from the compulsion or give in to it.

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved the drama involved with the ghost. I loved the difficulty involved with Kylie's decision to stay or to go with her grandfather. I enjoyed the interaction with Holiday and seeing Kylie's powers go astray. I loved pretty much everything that went on, but felt things were a teeny bit dragged out when it came to discovering what a chameleon was. I thought enough clues were given at the end of Taken at Dusk to give everyone a good idea, but I did love some of the humor that went with the speculation. Action and emotion go hand in hand in this one, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Hunter has up her sleeve for the next book. This one will leave you craving for the next book, Chosen at Nightfall. I keep hoping for a spin-off series.

Order of Series:

Coming October 2nd:

Cover Wars: Which of Nalini Singh's covers for Angels' Blood is your favorite?

The following is a poll that is currently going on in Nothing but Reading Challenges, the online Goodreads Book Club that I help moderate. Which is your favorite cover for Angels' Blood? There are so many good ones I don't know if I can pick just one.

Want to get in on the fun of voting? CLICK HERE

Poll

Cover Wars: One Book, Multiple Covers, You Decide…
Book: Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

Book covers have undergone an evolution! Gone are the days of plain Jane book covers. Today, covers have enough pizzazz and style to rival artistic master pieces. But with so many beautiful covers to choose from who can decide the fairest of them all? Cover Wars allows our members to view one book, its various international covers, and then decide their favorite. It’s our way of slowly finding the creme dela crème of book covers.

[IMPORTANT] If you find that you are having an especially hard time voting for your favorite cover, then feel free to leave a comment about your top five picks. Also, if you have a particular book that you would like to see in next month’s Cover Wars then shoot us a message or leave a comment.

German Cover
French Cover
Italian Cover
Thai Cover
Spanish Cover
USA Cover
Hungarian Cover
USA Audio Cover
Polish Cover
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Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls, #3) by C.C. Hunter

• Title: Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls)
• Classification: Young Adult (Ages 12 and up)
• Genre: Paranormal
• Format: Paperback, 400 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Original edition (April 10, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0312624697
• ISBN-13: 978-0312624699

Author's Website: http://www.cchunterbooks.com/

     "I feel as if nothing in my life makes sense anymore. Everything is changing."
     Holiday wrapped her hair into a rope. "Change isn't the worst thing, Kylie. It's when things aren't changing that you have to worry." 
     "I disagree." Kylie dropped her chin down on her kneecap. "I mean, I know change is necessary for growth and all that stuff. But I'd like one thing in my life to feel...grounded. I need a touchstone. Something that feels real."
     Holiday raised her brows. "Shadow Falls is real, Kylie. It's your touchstone." 

Kylie Galen has gone through a lot of changes in a short time. She can see and talk to ghosts. She realized she had that power for a while, but it wasn't until recently that she learned she's not fully human, she's part supernatural as well. With each new ghost she encounters, she struggles to find out the meaning of what they're trying to tell her. While ghost whispering is the first power she acquired, it is not the only one she possesses. She is slowly coming into her full powers and it almost seems there's almost no limit to what she can do. The counselors and administration of Camp Shadow Falls, a camp for supernaturals, are miffed as to what she might be. At times she's displayed traits which have made them think she might be part fae, vampire, or werewolf. The thing is nothing can be ruled out yet because she could very well be any one of those. Too bad Shadow Falls doesn't have it's own personal sorting hat to tell her which group she should be in. That would make her life so much less complicated and make her feel like less of a supernatural freak. Of course, even if she knew where exactly where she fit in, could anyone really feel normal with ghosts hanging around making eerie declarations...

     "So many people want me to tell you something." 
     "Who?"  Realizing she'd whispered the word out loud, she bit her lip. Was it Daniel? Nana? What do they want you to tell me?
     The spirit met Kylie's gaze as if she understood. "Someone lives. Someone dies."

What Kylie doesn't yet realize is that the ghost who is currently haunting her doesn't come bearing just warnings, she holds the key to unlocking the mystery of Kylie's origins and power. Be prepared for a bumpy ride. Not everything is what it seems and Kylie will come that much closer to what the death angels decreed her to do...

"Go and uncover your past so you may discover your destiny."

  ________________

This is my favorite book of the Shadow Falls series thus far. So much was going on and we finally discover what Kylie is. Yay! I wouldn't have guessed it, but it makes so much sense. :)

In Taken at Dusk, we find out more about the feared death angels who are rumored to haunt the Falls and dole out punishments. We learn more about FRU, the Fallen Research Unit, that Burnett works for and discover why Holiday is so leery of them. Kylie finally makes contact with a couple she believes to be her dad's adoptive parents. When the private investigator hired to find them turns up dead, however, the identity of that couple is called into question.  Additionally, Kylie seems to be having a bout of bad luck. She keeps finding herself in dangerous situations and barely missing harm. Can anyone truly have that many close calls or is something funny going on? Perhaps Kylie's just a little paranoid after all that happened when Mario abducted her?

Kylie finally chooses who she wants to be with, but will she second guess herself? Being attracted to a supernatural being has complications the rest of us can't imagine. Some Fae have the ability to manipulate your emotions. Werewolves apparently are master at seduction. So how is a girl supposed to know if what she is feeling is truly her feelings or something imposed upon her? It's clear that Kylie has feelings for both Derek and Lucas, but are relationships supposed to be so complicated at age 16?  Whenever it seems like she's made her choice something happens to make things even more difficult. In Awake at Dawn, Derek practically handed Kylie over to Lucas on a silver platter when he decided he needed to take a step back from her. Will she pick Lucas or wait for Derek to pull himself together?

Why is the book called Taken at Dusk? Well, I believe it has to do with this line:
     'The death angels took him at the last second of dusk.' 
If you want to know who lives and who dies, well, you're going to have to read the book. *smirk*

Overall, I loved this one and gave it 5 out of 5 roses. I felt it was the perfect blend of drama, suspense, mystery, humor, and action with a dash of romance on the side. The pace was fast and I found I couldn't put the book down until I finished. I can't wait to read the next book and luckily I don't have to. I received the ARC of Whispers at Moonlight and will start reading it tonight. Yay!  Since this is a young adult book and the romance is quite tame, I'm forgoing a romance rating. I HIGHLY recommend this book and series. I'm truly enjoying it.

Order of Series:

Coming October 2nd:

Winner of a $15 Amazon Gift Card

The Winner of a $15 Amazon Gift Card was:

Stephanie Huff

Thank you to everyone who entered. I think I'll be doing this again so keep an eye out for the next giveaway. 

Early Review of Immortally Yours (Monster M*A*S*H #1) by Angie Fox

• Title: Immortally Yours
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Format: Paperback, 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks; First Edition edition (August 28, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0312546661
• ISBN-13: 978-0312546663
• Author's Website:  http://www.angiefox.com/

"How about a real case next time, Horace?"..."Just give me something interesting." Or at least the chance to save somebody. We'd lost three patients today. Maybe they'd have died on my table, too, but I owed it to these soldiers--and myself--to try to make a difference.

A war has been raging for centuries. The younger gods had declared war on the older ones and the two had been  battling for control ever since. Both are stubborn and determined to win. Everyone else is caught in the crossfire. There is one ray of hope, however. A prophecy handed down by the Oracles says a healer will put an end to the war. The first of three prophecies states, "A healer whose hand can touch the dead will receive a bronze dagger."

Little did Petra know her innocent request for a more interesting case would bring about the beginning of the end. Prophecies come in three and this was only the beginning. The first prophecy had just been set in motion when a new patient was set before her. Sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for because you just might get it...

_________________

I loved the world Ms. Fox created and the humor she infused within her story. There are minor gods in need of appreciation, a Kraken set loose in the bathroom, and sea serpents multiplying like rabbits. If you're looking for a serious read this is not it. This is a crazy, zany, lovable read that had me laughing, grinning, and shaking my head from start to finish.

Petra, a mortal who is half Fae, is a doctor working in a MASH unit for the new gods. She'd been drafted to work for them just as she was getting her paranormal clinic off the ground. She'd only been given one hour to sort out her affairs and close up shop before she found herself transported to the wastelands of Limbo where she'd been for the last seven years and would probably spend the rest of her life. Once drafted, you were pretty much theirs for the keeping because the commitment lasted until the end of the war and there was no end in sight.

Petra's is a fun character. She's got a good sense of humor, loves  books (she has a collection which includes books by Lora Leigh, Charlaine Harris, and Sherrilyn Kenyon ), and is very loyal. Despite the hopelessness of her situation she has a positive attitude and makes the most of the hand fate has dealt her. She's cool under pressure, which makes her a good doctor and able to handle crazy situations. The main thing about Petra, however, is she's been hiding a secret. She can see and talk to the dead. That is something she could be killed for so she guards that secret well. When she saves a handsome commander using her forbidden talent, she worries she's just signed her own death warrant and hopes he won't remember.

Galen of Delphi is a lovable character. He's Petra's deepest fantasy and darkest fear come to life. He's a demi-god described as being like a "Greek statue come to life. Only he was more. Much more." He's fiercely loyal to those he loves and a natural born hero. He's also a commander in the army and when he literally dies on her operating table she uses her ghostly ability to pull his soul back into his body. At first Petra fears he'll tell her secret and she'll lose her life, but it quickly becomes clear it might just be one particular part of her she might lose--her heart.

I love the relationship that develops between Galen and Petra. While Petra tries not to fall for the seductively handsome demi-god, it is fun to see his attempts to persuade her to take a chance and trust him in more ways then one. In this relationship Petra is the one who surprised me most. I didn't expect her to end up being quite as bold as she was with Galen when she finally gave in to his charm.

Some of my favorite quotes/moments:
- 'Both armies liked to poison their weapons. They usually used the blood of Medusa, or spittle from Cerberus, the three headed dog of the underworld. I'd even seen them use Britney Spears perfume. We actually preferred the last one. It smelled nice and it wouldn't kill any mortals on staff.'
- 'Galen moved toward me with all the grace of a predator. He knew I'd be back. His manner said it all."..."Blueberry?" he asked, lifting the bowl to me like he was offering the apple from the forbidden tree.' 
-  "Of all the immortals in limbo, you had to show up on my table."

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. This was a flirtatiously fun read that had a fast pace and a comical edge to it. It definitely contained my kind of humor and I truly enjoyed it. I loved the atmosphere Ms. Fox created amongst the MASH personnel which was reminiscent of the camaraderie and spirit I recall seeing while watching the TV series M*A*S*H years ago. I liked Petra's werewolf roommate who missed his wife and kids, and her vampire roommate who could never get enough privacy. Additionally, I think the series name, Monster M*A*S*H, is cute, clever and befitting. Petra encounters a number of monsters which she needs to escape from. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scored a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

     

Deception by Kris Kennedy

• Title: Deception
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Romantic Suspense/Historical Romance
• Format: Paperback, 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (July 31, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 1439195919
• ISBN-13: 978-1439195918

Author's Website: http://kriskennedy.net/

Sophia Darnly's world was tumbling down around her. She'd tried to escape her past, but the past has a habit of coming back to bite you. Her father, once a respected Judge, had been found to be corrupt and had been executed for his crimes. Sophia had gone into hiding and had married. Her husband, however, had died a year ago and now someone was coming after her, or more specifically, after her father's ledger. A ledger reputed to contain a detailed account of the corrupt dealings that transpired between her father and those rich and  powerful men who had bribed him.

Even though almost four years had passed since his death, there is still pertinent information documented in the ledger which could be used as a potential weapon. Someone wants that information and has burnt down Sophia's silk factory to make a point that they meant business. If she doesn't hand over the ledger she'll forfeit her life. So after several attempts to retrieve the ledger from Tomas Moneychanger, a ledger which was rightfully hers, she finally decided to resort to stealing it. That's where she unexpectedly ran into someone from her past. Someone who five years ago left without a goodbye and had broken her heart.

Kieran (aka Kier) was also looking for the ledger. It was part of his plan to exact vengeance on the man who had once wronged him in the worst way. Kier had set up an elaborate scheme which featured a mysteriously absent benefactress who owned a shipping company named Mistral Company. It transported luxury goods and was looking for clients and financial backing. The story was that Kier was Lady Mistral's factor (broker) and confidant. He planned to destroy the man who had once tried to destroy him. He knew him well enough to know how he worked, for he had once worked beside him. What he didn't expect was for Sophia to accidentally, through a misunderstanding, fall into the role of Lady Mistral. The two, who did not trust each other, were about to combine their resources and talents in an attempt to get what each of them wants--revenge for him and a way to stay alive for her. They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The question in these circumstances, however, is whether or not their shared  past will get in the way?

_________________

Ms. Kennedy has spun an intricate web of danger, deception, lies and secrets that all her characters are entangled in. Cosimo Endolte is the spider at the center who at times devours those around him. He is the Councilor to the King and described as being, "all but invisible, conducting his deals and seeing to his interests via a web of intermediaries and agents that would make a spider proud." Slowly we see the threads cut and those caught in Cosimo's web freed of their bindings as each new secret is unveiled.

Sophia is the type of character you have to admire. She doesn't get easily flustered and keeps her head when things go wrong. When figuratively one door closes, she looks to unlock another. A lesser woman would not handle all that's been thrown at Sophia as well as she does. She's smart, she's adaptable, and a touch stubborn. In some ways she's gullible, but she  learns from her mistakes. She should never be underestimated and Kier knows well enough not too. While he wishes she'd never gotten involved in his scheme, he knows an asset when he sees it. Her father had raised her well in the arts of deception and he'd use everything he could to his advantage.

Kier is the son of a pirate and at age 13 he left that life and ventured out on his own. He's smart, crafty and loyal to those he deems worthy which are few and far between. Five years ago he'd been an integral part of the Cosimo's inner circle, but due to a disagreement Kier had been marked for death. If you disagree with or betray Cosimo you are seldom given a second chances.  But one of Cosimo's faults is hubris. He thinks he's above reproach. That is what Kier is counting on to be his downfall.

The chemistry between Kier and Sophia is sizzling hot. Probably more than most because they'd once been in love,or so Sophia had thought. My favorite description of Kier is when Sophia walks in on him half naked as he's in the midst of exercising:
     Without turning his head, he said, "What is it, Sophia?" He lowered his body down again.
     She yanked her jaw shut, "I was...I thought to inquire..."
     His hair, untethered, fell across his cheek as he turned to look up at her, one palm still overturned at the small of his back. He was covered in a magnificent sheen of sweat. 
     The perspiration covering her was not magnificent. It was hot and uncomfortable, but he, he looked like a Greek statue in the rain. His arms and back were contours of sculpted muscle.

Overall I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters and finding out the many secrets as they were revealed. I was caught in the web of this tale which had layers to it that were uncovered as the story progressed. I also enjoyed finding out what really happened to Kier all those years ago that took him away from Sophia. A truly delightful read. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scores a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Early Review of Sins of a Virgin (The Sinners Trio, #1) by Anna Randol

• Title: Sins of a Virgin
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Format: Paperback, 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (August 28, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0062025791
• ISBN-13: 978-0062025791

Author's Website: http://www.annarandol.com/Public/default.aspx

Gabriel Huntford was a Bow Street runner. Seven years ago his life was changed when his twin sister, Susan, was murdered. Ever since he's been on a mission to find her killer. A killer who didn't just stop at one victim and still roams the streets of London. Her death is the reason he became a runner.

Before her death, his sister Susan had been involved with an aristocrat whose name her brother did not know. Now another murder has taken place and there was no mistaking he was the same killer. With that murder, a new piece of information has been revealed. The latest victim had been seen leaving with a gentleman. A gentleman who'd visited her before in a coach with a family crest containing some sort of animal. Using that information he's narrowed the list to seven possible suspects. Now he's been assigned to guard Madeline Valdan. A woman of questionable stature, but who may give him the answers he needs. Through her he may be able to peruse the financial records of his suspects and perhaps find a link to the murders. He never expected Madeline, however, to look like every man's fantasy. The type of woman who could tempt a saint to sin...and he was definitely no saint.

At the age of 14 Madeline Valdan was imprisoned for murder. While serving her sentence in  Newgate prison she was found by Sir James Glavenstroke who recruited her and two others to be spies for the Crown. The group, code named Trio, were the best of the best and had saved countless lives and were invaluable during the war. Now, 10 years later, the war has ended and their services are no longer needed. Armed with a measly government stipend, not worthy even of a foot soldier, and a pardon for their crimes, they were let loose into the world. Madeline having a very narrow skill set could think of only one commodity she had left to sell...

     Madeline trailed a hand slowly down her hip. "I bring you something for sale." She nodded at offers shouted by several of the bolder gentlemen to share their beds for the night. "Not quite. I'm here to inform you of an auction."
     "What's being sold?" asked the overdressed and overfed Colonel Willington.
     She scanned the room, gauging the reactions. Excellent. Every single one of them strained tor her answer. She waited three more heartbeats before answering. "My virginity."

_____________________

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I was intrigued. Madeline is smart and strong, but she has no family to fall back on or friends other than her two fellow spies. She considered marriage for a fleeting moment, but with no ready prospects and not liking the idea of being under a man's thumb, she tossed the notion aside.  So instead of thinking small scale she thought big, hoping that if she planned it right, she'd only have to sell herself once. So Madeline being the type of woman she was, came up with a plan.

She spent what little money she had on a slightly daring wardrobe, housing in London, and someone to guard her. She decided the best way to make someone think you had something of worth was to act like it was so valuable it was worth guarding. She never dared to suspect that she'd actually need guarding, but someone, be it a disgruntled associate from her spying days or a suitor upset because he can't afford her, is out to harm her. Lucky for her she has Gabriel, her own personal guardian angel, to protect her. The question is who would save her from him?

Madeline is a expert manipulator. That was her most highly prized skill when she worked for the government. She seduced men to gain needed intelligence England could utilize during the war. Her mantra would probably be, "Every man has a weakness...Any weakness can be turned into an advantage."

Gabriel is described being somewhat altruistic. He has a urge to protect others. While described as "not precisely handsome", he had an affect on Madeline that slowly grows stronger until neither of them can deny it. While he is attracted to her, he is also a bit appalled by the idea of her selling herself.

I truly enjoyed this one. There is the mystery of who killed his sister, who is behind the attacks on Madeline, and the question most of London is asking, "How do we know you're a virgin?"
Madeline's response is, "It's a gamble, is it not? And that, gentlemen, is why you will have to bid and bid well." 

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. A fun and witty read with a lot going on. On the Lisarenee  Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.