Review: Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

June 4, 2013 by Spencer | 0 comments

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, #1)Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Shadow Falls #1 // 398 pp. // Paranormal YA // St. Martin’s Griffin // Mar. 2011

After a ridiculously long reading slump, I picked this up on a whim from my local Barnes & Nobles. To be honest, prior to this the only paranormal I’d ever read was the Twilight series, which I surprisingly enjoyed loved. Though this isn’t exactly like Twilight, I enjoyed it nonetheless.

SUMMARY: Born At Midnight is the first book in the Shadow Falls trilogy and tells the story of 16-year-old Kylie and how she’s shipped away to a camp for “troubled teens” after being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. There she discovers the camp is actually for teens who are supernatural, not delinquent, though she she’s convinced she still doesn’t fit in there, either.

As if trying to convince everyone she doesn’t have supernatural powers wasn’t enough, she also has to juggle a creepy ghost who keeps popping up, a narcissistic best friend, her parent’s divorce, AND two hot guys who both have supernatural powers and are both into her (oh, the agony!).

Kylie starts off stubborn and judgmental — albeit in a relatable, I-was-a-teen-once kind of way — but she does mature and progress as the story unfolds. Her refusal to accept the fact that she was supernatural was at times frustrating and borderline annoying, but she came through in the end — go girl!

What I found most interesting was the side characters (Kylie’s roommates were wittier than I was at that age!) as well as the explanation of supernaturals. I like the mix of traditional paranormal history with a twist, like when the author explains the origin of vampires or how shapeshifters turn.

Overall, it was a good book that was interesting enough to hold my attention and make me curious to read book two while at the same time still being a quick, lighthearted read.

Conquering A Case of the Mean Reds

April 3, 2013 by Spencer | 2 Comments

Hello, darlings! Miss me? Today’s post is all about getting over a case of the blahs and digging myself out of a reading rut. Now that I think about it, those two things sort of go hand-in-hand since books make me happy… Anyway, I digress.

Confession: I haven’t read anything for pleasure in nearly TWO months! That’s the equivalent of a year in bookworm time! In that time, I’ve found myself bouncing between apathy, indecisiveness, and paralyzing fear that when I finally choose a book it won’t live up to my expectations. If you’re a book nerd like I am, I’m sure you’ve experienced this before and understand where I’m coming from. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, believe me when I say it S-U-C-K-S!

Between the cold, gloomy weather and a perpetual case of the Mean Reds, it’s been a blah couple of weeks. The only things I had the energy for were scanning through TV reruns on Netflix, mindless internet surfing and scarfing down Oreos. Pathetic, I know.

After a particularly melancholy weekend involving sweatpants and one too many cookies, I finally decided to get off my ass, take charge and tackle my to do list, which includes reading a damn book already (and hit up the grocery store, but that’s a given)! So, I’m doing just that. After a pick-me-up latte and an uplifting 90s playlist — Spice Girls and N*Sync will always have my heart! — I’ve already crossed off numerous things on the list, plus scheduled fun and exciting plans for me to look forward to the rest of the month. On the book front, I downloaded a handful of sample previews on my Kindle and tuned in to my first #TeaTime (hosted by the gals at Epic Reads) today. I’m happy to report that I’m more pumped than ever to dive in and tackle ALL THE BOOKS!

ROAMING QUESTION: Have you ever been in a reading rut or stuck with a case of the Mean Reds? What did you do to get over it?

Happy Release Day — Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

April 2, 2013 by Spencer | 2 Comments

happy release day - green

"Thrill Ride" by Julie Ann WalkerToday marks the release of Thrill Ride, the fourth book in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knights Inc. series and by far my favorite so far. If you haven’t read it yet, run to your computer/local bookstore and buy it NOW! If you’re still on the fence (though why would you be?) hopefully my RT review will help sway you, and if you’re unfamiliar with the series, check out my review of the first, second, and third book. Oh, and FYI, even though characters reappear in each story, the series doesn’t necessarily need to be read in order.

So cheers, Ms. Walker. Here’s to happy sales and more sexy, brooding, bad-boy Black Knights to come!

Waiting For The Veronica Mars Movie? Try These Series!

March 14, 2013 by Spencer | 2 Comments

Veronica Mars is one of my all-time favorite TV shows and when it was (unjustly) cancelled, the world weeped. Okay, a bit overdramatic, but I was seriously bummed. If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s about a high school/college girl named Veronica who has a penchant for sarcasm and solving crimes. Adding to the mix are awesome side characters, which include smouldering bad boy Logan, faithful sidekick Wallace (who was always my favorite) and Veronica’s dad, a sheriff-turned-detective who I always thought was one of the most laid-back parental units on TV at the time.

Talks of a movie have been circulating around for years and thanks to a Kickstarter project spearheaded by the show’s creator, fans finally got their wish. In less than 24 hours the $2M goal was met surpassed, ensuring a movie to be made sometime later this year. Talk about a SQUEE moment! With more than 40k backers and counting (including myself!), this trumped the news of a new Pope (sorry, Francis), making it the most talked-about topic around the interwebs yesterday.

That said, now comes the waiting game. Even though the WB has made all three seasons available online, that still leaves a lot of downtime before the movie’s release. So to pass the time — and keep excitement levels at a steady high — I’ve listed a few series that encompass similar traits to the show for those moments after you’ve exhausted all the episodes (which I realize may hard to do). I chose series because not only am I a sucker for ‘em but also because that means there’s more to gobble up while you wait — and more characters to become emotionally invested in, mwahaha!

On the off chance you’re in the minority and are not a fan (don’t even tell me if that’s true) or have never seen the show (which, if that’s the case I demand you click on the link above, STAT!), you can still enjoy these books on their own for the following qualities.

If you like Veronica Mars for the…

Mystery-solving:

Witty banter:

Kickass heroine:

Smouldering bad boy:

Now, excuse me while I shut the world out and have a VM marathon attempt to be productive for the rest of the day…

Top Ten Tuesday: Series I’d Like To Start But Haven’t Yet

March 5, 2013 by Spencer | 2 Comments

top ten tues

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme started by the lovely (and creative!) Jamie of The Broke and the Bookish. After following along since TTT’s inception and because list-making is a die-hard hobby of mine, I figured it was high time I made a Top Ten list of my very own! So I present to you:

Top Ten Series I’d Like To Start But Haven’t Yet

top ten new series

  1. The Hathaways series by Lisa Kleypas — Confession: I don’t read historicals but I’ve been eager to fall in love with them like many of my friends have. I’ve been told Lisa Kleypas is the perfect intro to historical romance and after reading the premise of this series it seems like a great place to start.
  2. Delirium series by Lauren Oliver — After hearing the buzz about this series on Twitter, I bought book 1 when it was a $2.99 Kindle Daily Deal. Now I’ve just got to actually read it!
  3. Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward — A dark paranormal series that is sensual and brooding. As a fan of The Vampire Diaries and True Blood (the TV shows) I think I’d really enjoy these.
  4. Play by Play series by Jaci Burton — I admit, the only reason this series even made it to my radar was because of the HOT covers! Of course, after reading the blurbs and finding them interesting, now I’ve got even more of a reason to give ‘em a shot.
  5. Marriage to a Billionaire series by Jennifer Probst — The Marriage Bargain was a hit from Day 1 and after hearing the success story of the author (and how it’s been optioned for film), it’s high time I see what all the hoopla is about.
  6. Adrenaline series by Vivian Arend — After reading Falling, Freestyle, I became hooked on Vivian Arend’s sexy action romances. I’m sure this new series will not disappoint!
  7. Animal Magnetism series by Jill Shalvis — I love Jill Shalvis’ voice and when combined with cute animals that are part of the story, I’m betting I can’t go wrong with this series.
  8. Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa — Another Kindle Daily Deal that I gave into. The fantasy YA genre has piqued my interest in the last few months and I really want to read these to get a taste of what fey life is all about.
  9. Psy-Changling series by Nalini Singh — After witnessing all the crazed reactions to the recent cover reveal of the upcoming book in this series (#12, Heart of Obsidian), I knew I had to give in to peer pressure and see for myself what everyone was getting all worked up about (starting from book 1, obviously).
  10. Because You Are Mine series by Beth Kery — After the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, the Because You Are Mine serial became a hit. So much, in fact, that it’s been combined and turned into a full-length print book. So while technically it’s no longer a series, I’m still counting it as one since it started off that way.

And there you have it — my first Top Ten Tuesday and a list of series I need to read ASAP. Now it’s your turn!

ROAMING QUESTION: What do you think of my list? What series would you like to dive into?

Roaming Around the Web (4)

March 1, 2013 by Spencer | 0 comments

Time for another R.A.W. roundup!

  • Planning for Love by Christi Barth is currently free on Amazon. A contemporary romance that is the first book in the Aisle Bound series, it’s a must-download! Look out for the next book in the series, A Fine Romance, which will be released March 13.
  • Kristie (aka Kindle Gal) from Kindles and Wine posted a Q&A where she answers questions from bloggers (including myself!) and gives readers a behind-the-scenes peek at her personal/blogging life.
  • I’m sure you’re familiar with those awesome old-school pulp fiction posters –  you know, the ones that were on the covers of hard-boiled stories from the ’50s. Well, now you can make your own with the Pulp-O-Mizer tool! Totally free and completely customizable, the Pulp-O-Mizer will make a pulp fiction cover for your blog, book or Facebook page. I’m planning on making one & maybe even ordering a notebook or coffee mug with my print on it.
  • I come across random web videos all the time, but this one in  particular was SO awesome that I just had to share it: Soldiers imitating a “Call Me Maybe” video originally performed by the Dolphin Cheerleaders. The way those guys get into it totally. Makes. My. Day. If there’s one video you watch it’s this one, trust me!
  • And lastly, an app recommendation from me to you: Songza, a music site that plays songs based on your mood/setting/etc. For instance, right now it is Friday morning and the “Concierge” suggests playlists for: Working (no lyrics), Brand New Music, Working (with lyrics), Easing into the Day, and Enjoying the Morning. Cool, right? Best part: it’s free & ad-free! (PS: it’s also available on your computer if you don’t want to download the phone app)

ROAMING QUESTION: Have you come across anything interesting (romance/book-related or not) in the World Wide Web? If so, please share! I’m especially keen to links that feature cute animals doing even cuter — and quirkier — things.

Review: Falling for Finn by Jackie Ashenden

February 23, 2013 by Spencer | 0 comments

Falling For FinnFalling For Finn by Jackie Ashenden

141 pp. // Contemp. Romance // Samhain Publishing // Feb. 2013

GOODREADS SUMMARY: When you’ve been burned, the heat of the moment is the scariest place to be.

Six months after a sexual assault, Anna Jameson has decided enough is enough. She’s sick of being a victim, of letting the experience have power over her. She wants her fear of physical intimacy gone, as in now.

In the quest to reclaim her sexuality, she needs a man. A man she trusts absolutely. A man like her best friend, Finn.

Finn Shaw is all about taking risks. He does it every week on his extreme sports TV show. But there’s one boundary he’s never pushed, and that’s his friendship with Anna. When his hyper-intellectual family kicked him to the curb over his dyslexia, Anna stuck by him.

Her request to become friends with benefits throws him for a loop. He can’t deny her anything, but this is a whole different ball game. Once they’re skin to skin, there will be no hiding the fact that he’s loved her for years.

When their chemistry burns out of control, Finn decides he’s the one who’s had enough. It’s time to break out of the friend box—and show Anna that risking her heart is a risk well worth taking. Even if it costs him her friendship.

Jackie Ashenden’s debut release packs a helluva punch!

Even though it took Anna some time to fall for Finn, I fell for him almost immediately. Yes, he’s good looking — okay, he’s hot! — but he’s also extremely patient and thoughtful. What woman wouldn’t want a man who pushed her to be a better person? It’s clear how much he cares for Anna and their relationship made my heart swell — even though they had their explosive moments (boy did they!).

There were times when Anna frustrated the hell out of me and I just wanted to give her a good shake because she was so clueless about how lucky she was to have a guy like Finn. However, it was these same quirks that made her character flawed and three-dimensional. As someone who’d went through a traumatic experience, her willingness and strength to try to take back her life was admirable and I respected her for that.

It’s been a while since a book made me cry, but parts of the story were so emotional that I couldn’t help it — the on-air scene, for example. Even with the waterworks turned on I kept on reading while sniffling. In fact, I didn’t stop reading and in a matter of hours I had finished the entire book!

This is a strong start to Ms. Ashenden’s author career. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

Guest Post: What’s in a Cover by Julie Ann Walker + Giveaway

February 22, 2013 by Spencer | 88 Comments

What’s up, all you romantic suspense junkies out there? Julie Ann Walker here, tickled pink to be joining you today, and talking about those smokin’ hot covers we all love to drool over on the shelves of our local bookstore, or on the screens of our favorite e-Readers.

Now, it’s said you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. But, hey, I can’t be the only one who’ll buy a novel based solely on the bad-ass hunk on the front, now can I? And publishers know this, they depend on it, in fact. So today, for you, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own covers. Letting you in on the secrets — and the thinking — that goes into making a book “shelf-ready.”

Here’s how it will work. In the first cover of each set, you’ll see where my publisher started. And what will follow will be a shortened version of the round-robin, quick-fire questions that resulted in the final product. So, without further ado, I give you some covers for Black Knights Inc…

In Rides Trouble covers

Q: Does this cover look a bit dark and dreary to anyone else? We want readers to skid to a stop when they see this on the shelf.
A:  Hmm. Maybe we can punch up the color. Make the title pop!

Q: Does the placement of that knife look dangerous, or is it just me?
A: Hell yeah it looks dangerous! If he squats the wrong way, he’s liable to slice into his femoral artery or cut off something much more important! *snicker*

Q: This series plays up the motorcycles, right? So, why the heck can’t we see the danged bike?
A:  Let’s move the cycle up. More bike and less city!

Q: Does this guy look just a bit too polished? I mean, he is supposed to be masquerading as a motorcycle mechanic, after all.
A:  Let’s dirty up his T-shirt a bit. Make him a grittier!

Rev It Up covers

Q:  Do we really like this red background? I thought we decided to go for a color scheme that was a little more neon?
A:  Let’s do a blue background with hot pink lettering!

Q:  Anybody else think the city is too distracting? We don’t want anything taking attention away from the handsome hunk!
A:  Let’s push it back, and off to the side! Let the hunka-hunka-burnin’-love shine!

Q:  What’s with the dead tree branch in the upper right-hand corner? It makes this look like a dystopian novel.
A:  Gone!

Q:  I don’t know about those tattoos. Romance readers tend to equate tattoos with a paranormal series, and this is romantic suspense.
A:  Gone and gone! *sad face* <– (That was my sad face, by the way. I love me some kickass tattoos!)

Thrill Ride covers

Q:  Does that lettering in the title match the lettering in the other books in the series?
A:  Nope. It’s a bit different. Let’s change it for consistency’s sake.

Q:  Once again, is that big building in the background taking too much away from the delicious piece of manliness?
A:  Perhaps, let’s nix it. Manliness for the win!

Q:  This cover is vastly different than the previous covers. Don’t we want people to recognize “the brand?” Shouldn’t be try to keep the covers the same?
A:  Let’s see what we could do to make the cover better match the previous covers. Oh, yes! Just look at those abs! *MEOW!* <– (Again, that was MY meow.)

And there you have it, folks! How a book cover goes from point A to point B. Now, I want to hear from you. Did my publisher make the right decisions? Or would you have kept some of the original concepts?

Thanks to Spencer for having me on today. It’s been a blast!

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She’ll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission. Look for the first three books in her fast-paced series: Hell On Wheels(August 2012) In Rides Trouble (September 2012) and Rev It Up (October 2012).  Thrill Ride debuts April 2nd, 2013. For more information, please visit www.julieannwalker.com or follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor and/or Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor.

***

Thrill Ride giveawayThank you, Julie, for joining me here today.

But wait, there’s more! The wonderful Julie is offering one lucky reader a signed ARC copy of Thrill Ride (which releases on 4/2)! All you have to do is leave a comment telling us which of the Black Knight covers you prefer — the original or final copy. I’ll choose a winner on Monday, so be sure to check back to see if you’ve won!

Thrill Ride giveaway winner #UPDATE: Congrats, Danny! Please go to my contact page and send me your address to claim your signed ARC of Thrill Ride!

Peek to Pique: Falling for Fin by Jackie Ashenden

February 19, 2013 by Spencer | 0 comments

In honor of debut author Jackie Ashenden’s first release, today’s Peek to Pique spotlights Falling for Fin, a contemporary romance that features a broken heroine who decides to take back her life… with the help of her gorgeous, surfer-blond friend, Finn.

***

"Falling for Finn" by Jackie AshendenShe didn’t take her gaze from the floor. “I’m kind of scared about this.”

Something clenched hard inside him at the bald honesty of the statement. At the admission.

“That makes two of us.”

Slowly, she lifted her gaze. Met his. “I thought you weren’t scared of anything.”

“I’m scared of disappointing you. Of frightening you.”

She blinked, as if that wasn’t an answer she’d expected. “I guess if you go slow, it’ll be okay.”

Slow. He wasn’t sure if he could do that. Not after so many years of wanting. Wanting and not having. Yet that’s what she needed.

Finn thought for a minute. “Perhaps you need a safe word.”

“A safe word?” A surprised look on her face. “But isn’t that for bondage type of stuff?” And then, surprise giving way to fear. “I don’t want—”

“No, relax. Christ, I’m not thinking that. All I meant was you having a way of letting me know if anything’s getting too much for you.”

One dark brow rose. “Stop doing that isn’t enough for you?”

Finn stared at her, the reality of what they were about to do sinking slowly into him. The reality of what he needed. And what she needed from him.

“No,” he said. “No, it’s not.” 

***

*Swoon* Oh, Finn! Hooked? Head over to the Samhain site for more info as well as an extended excerpt!

Review: Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

February 16, 2013 by Spencer | 2 Comments

A picture summary of Rev It Up, by Julie Ann Walker:

If pictures aren’t your style, check out my RT review of the third Black Knights Inc. story, which features:

  1. A sexy surfer — who isn’t a fan of those? (Answer: no one!)
  2. Sleek, chrome motorcycles — this is what the Black Knights are known for, after all.
  3. The gritty streets of Chicago — descriptions of the city leap off the page.

Of course there’s more to this action-packed story than that, but tell me you’re not hooked after getting a peek at that surfer’s bod board! Also, if you’re new to the series, here’s book one and two if you’re the type who prefers to start from the beginning (like I am).