Irresistible Force (K-9 Rescue #1) by D.D.Ayres

Contemporary Romance

From Goodreads:

When adrenaline runs high, so does the force of desire…

For Shay Appleton, it’s love at first sight when a gorgeous stray dog is brought into the animal shelter where she works. She just knows he’ll make a terrific watch dog—and with an abusive ex who won’t let go, she needs all the protection she can get. But Shay never suspected that her new pet is actually a trained police K-9 named Bogart—until Bogart’s even more gorgeous, human partner shows up on her doorstep.

Officer James Cannon is one tall, strong alpha male who’s convinced that Shay stole his dog. But once he gets closer to the suspect, he realizes that this stubborn, independent woman not only needs a guard dog, she needs James as well. It seems that someone from her past is stalking her, and threatening her life. When danger meets desire, will James risk his career and his best friend…to protect the woman who’s stolen his heart?

I think anyone would love Bogart (Prince) from the beginning of the story.  I am not so sure about James Cannon.  He came across as  cruel at the beginning of the book.  Shay did not steal his dog.  In fact she rescued Prince (Bogart) and James did not give her any credit.  However as the story progresses he does redeem himself with his actions.

While James has to work to become a good character Shay is great from the very start.  She is so much stronger than she looks.  Life has given her some very hard knocks and she has not let them keep her down.  After a rough start James is smart enough to recognize that Shay is a special woman, one he wants to get to know much better.

The plot two features two very different dangers to Shay and I was kept guessing until the end.  James and Bogart ride to the rescue on one and Shay takes care of the other.  All in all Irresistible Force is a  very satisfactory story.

ST. Martin’s Paperbacks published Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayres in 2014.

I received a free copy of Irresistible Force from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Stacking the Shelves, September 6, 2014

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their 

shelves.

This week my books are from the library and are book received for review.  Except for one they are also all Science Fiction.

For Review:

The Genome by Sergei Lukyanenko
Willfull Child by Steven Erikson
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
Mars Evacuees by Sophia McDougall
A Last Chance Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson

From the Library:

Lock In by John Scalzi
The Departure by Neal Asher
The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter

YA Regency Paranormal

I received a copy of The Midnight Queen from Penguin's First to Read program in return for am honest review.  This is the first time I have received a book from this program and I found I had trouble downloading the book.  As a result I ended up having to read it on my computer which is not my favorite way to read.  It may change how I participate in the program.

Blurb:

In the hallowed halls of Oxford’s Merlin College, the most talented—and highest born—sons of the Kingdom of Britain are taught the intricacies of magickal theory. But what dazzles can also destroy, as Gray Marshall is about to discover…

Gray’s deep talent for magick has won him a place at Merlin College. But when he accompanies four fellow students on a mysterious midnight errand that ends in disaster and death, he is sent away in disgrace—and without a trace of his power. He must spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Appius Callender, working in the gardens of Callender’s country estate and hoping to recover his abilities. And it is there, toiling away on a summer afternoon, that he meets the professor’s daughter.

Even though she has no talent of her own, Sophie Callender longs to be educated in the lore of magick. Her father has kept her isolated at the estate and forbidden her interest; everyone knows that teaching arcane magickal theory to women is the height of impropriety. But against her father’s wishes, Sophie has studied his ancient volumes on the subject. And in the tall, stammering, yet oddly charming Gray, she finally finds someone who encourages her interest and awakens new ideas and feelings.

Sophie and Gray’s meeting touches off a series of events that begins to unravel secrets about each of them. And after the king’s closest advisor pays the professor a closed-door visit, they begin to wonder if what Gray witnessed in Oxford might be even more sinister than it seemed. They are determined to find out, no matter the cost…

Falling into the story from the very beginning is the sign of a well-written book. From the very beginning I was intrigued with the world, the characters and the story line in The Midnight Queen.  Hunter made good use of the action, the setting and the characters to set the scene for a story that builds in tension and romance.  Magic and its uses form much of the foundation for The Midnight Queen.  It’s use in the story starts very slowly and becomes more important and more understandable as the characters learn how to use their powers.  

All of those elements add to a story that is character driven.  Sophie and Gray have to carry much of the story.  Both grow and become more developed as the plot is revealed.  They are backed with secondary characters that are also fully fleshed out.  Several of those characters had unexpected surprises to deliver.  Those surprises sent the plot in directions I was not expecting.

Everything leads to a very enjoyable book.  While it is the first in a new series it still came to a very satisfying conclusion and works well as a stand-alone novel.

Penguin published The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter in 2014.

Book Beginnings and The Friday 56, September 5, 2014

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56.

 Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and join the fun.

The Beginning:

"Vampyre's Ball, New Year's Eve

Cautiously, Tess peered at the crowd through a side stage door. She might be able to control her behavior, but her body told a different story. Her mouth had dried out, her heart pounded and her palms had turned clammy."

Page 56:

"The blood offering could have been such a beautiful gesture, the trembling evocative, sensual and indicative of surrender, yet the taint of her fear had saturated the air."

From Thea Harrison's latest Novel of the Elder Races, Night's Honor. I had it on pre-order and received this week on it's release day. This is another series I cannot resist so it did not stay on my TBR list. It went to the top of the pile.

Alien Attachments (Book One) by Sabrina Priestley

Science Fiction Romance

From Goodreads:

Will their love be strong enough to keep them alive and get them back to Earth? Finding one's psi-mate is something every Sandarian hopes for, but when Ian Cavacent accidentally starts the bonding process with the Earthling, Dani, he has to fight his desire with every ounce of his being. If the process is completed, it means both political and financial suicide for Ian and his family.

A natural klutz, Dani somehow always manages to land on her feet and win her mixed martial arts matches. At home on Cat Island, her balance is thrown when bazillionaire Ian takes notice. Unfortunately some Torog aliens also take notice, sending her life spiraling out of control and into Ian's arms. But Dani isn't the type of woman to let alien voodoo decide her future or her mate...no matter how gorgeous the man is or how much pleasure he gives her.

For centuries the Cavacents have mined Earth for a precious element, carnium, while protecting the planet from other alien species. Thanks to the Torogs, Dani and Ian must flee to Sandaria. As Dani learns to use her newfound psi powers, the empire crumbles around them.

If you read the blurb from Goodreads you will recognize several familiar themes in Science Fiction Romance. Earth has something aliens want.  The Cavacent family has the job of protecting earth.  Sandarians have psi and some have a psi-mate.  An Earth woman also has psi.  There is another alien species that is the enemy. Priestly does a good job of mixing and matching all of this to come up with an interesting story line.

The character building, action and world building start from the very beginning and continue throughout Alien Attachments.  Everything revolves around two important points.  First is the fact that Dani and Ian are psi-mates.  While that seems like a good thing, Ian knows that he is destined for a much better match than Dani.  Second are the internal problems on Sandarian and how they impact the Cavacent family and Earth.

Dani and Ian are the two main characters and I have to say I did not like Ian.  His actions around Dani were cruel.  Small spoiler – the plot came up for a way for them to be together but it seemed to happen to quick.  I felt that Ian needed to suffer at least into the next book.  He got off way too easy. While I did not like Ian I did like the rest of the book.  This is book one is a new series but it does not leave things hanging  There is a solution to the two main issues in the book while the world building and character development leave plenty of room for more action and romance in future books.

Lyrical Press published Alien Attachments by Sabine Priestley in 2014.

I received a free copy of Alien Attachments from the author in return for an honest review.

Sky's End by Lesley Young Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Lesley will be awarding a $75 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Sky’s End

by Lesley Young

Science Fiction Romance/Space Opera

 BLURB:

A secret she must never share. A secret that two warring species are determined to control. A universe’s future at stake.

Twenty-year-old Cassiel Winters joins Earth’s new space academy in hopes of finding her brother, one of Command’s top pilots and her only family, who’s been reported MIA. But she quickly realizes she may not be cut out for life in space, where female cadets are outnumbered, competition’s fierce, and she’s already failed her hand-to-hand combat test once.

Even the station’s most respected officer, Lt. Damian King, probably can’t help Cassiel pass the second time around – so why is he so interested in her progress? If only one of her freaky déjà vu visions would offer an answer instead of mysterious messages like hide.

When Cassiel’s manipulated into a perilous mission, she encounters a warrior species bred to protect the universe from an even greater threat. And she learns that her secret visions are at the heart of it all.

Now Cassiel must fight to control her own destiny and race to save her brother – even if it means pretending to be the pawn of Prime Or’ic, the cold-as-steel Thell’eon leader. Even if it means risking her life, facing hard truths, and making the ultimate sacrifice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Thoughts on Sky's End:

Sky’s End, Book One in the Cassiel Winters Series, is combination of Space Opera and Science Fiction Romance.  It is also Lesley Young’s first book and she has produced an interesting story line.

The world Cassiel lives in comes to life pretty fast.  It is a military academy in space and resembles the military academies of today. The danger in this world comes to life as Cassiel’s gift is revealed. 

The plot has quite a few twists and turns.  On the surface it is simple.  Find the weapon and find Cassiel’s brother.  Every action is a result of those two facts but look for the weapon to be a surprise and Cassiel’s brother is not where you expect.

The world, the plot, and the action kept me reading. I like the alien race that was created for this world.  For me the one weakness in the story was the character development.  Cassiel starts out unsure of herself, grows as the story progresses but still come across as very young.  She spends so much time looking at hot male bodies it is hard to see her as anything more that a hormone obsessed teen (even though she is 21).  King and Or’ic (the alien)  are presented as the two love interests for Cassiel but the connection between them seemed weak. The one male I liked best (Hathaway the science geek) turned out to play a really minor role.

This is the first book in the series so even though it is SFR do not look for a HEA for Cassiel. 

EXCERPTS (YOUR EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT):

The blood that was pooling in my cheeks is now spreading down my neck. I need a drink. Preferably high-test.

He asks, “Why do you hide yourself from others?” Wow. So direct. So dead on point. There’s a real big lump in my throat. I’ve been at this fork in the road with a few people before. Once it was a girl in levels who wanted to be friends mostly because of her huge crush on Daz. A few years later it was a guy, nice enough, but relentless about getting me out on a date. Now King is asking me the same dreaded question they all did, just indirectly: Why are you such a loner?

How do you explain that having a secret creates a wall between you and the rest of the world? Everyone around you senses your guard eventually, stepping back just enough to prevent any real closeness. The question that’s not lost on me, has not been lost on me for years now, is, How will I ever be close to anyone, to any man, if I don’t share everything with him? And now here’s a guy, a pretty spectacular guy, who seems willing and able to step inside.

But how can I explain it to him? He’ll think I’m crazy. I’ll lose him.

“I’m just shy.”

King’s still stroking my hair. “You need to trust me, Cassiel, if this ever going to work.”

I stare at him. Why’s he pushing me? Can I trust him?

“You don’t, it’s really . . .” I stop, take a deep breath, collect myself.

I start again. “If I tell you, you’ll think I’m crazy.”

He makes to reassure me but I keep going. “No. I want to trust you, King. Really, I do. And I will. But I’m just not ready. Look, all I ask is that you give us some time together, some time for me to get to know you better before . . .” Before I tell you I’m a crazy, hallucinating kook.

He watches me for a short moment. I hold my breath. All at once he inches my face toward him with his hand already draped over my shoulder and kisses me, harder than I like, releasing me suddenly.

Rattled.

“We better quit the story if we expect our ‘just friends’ cover to hold up,” he says. He stands up, brushing the grass off his pants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Journalist Lesley Young never thought she would delve into the world of writing fiction, but when she sat down for the first time to put pen to paper, ideas for what would become her first novel just poured out naturally. Young’s first book, “Sky’s End,” is a multi-genre tale that showcases her unique style of weaving romance, action and wit into one page-burning story.

Young was born in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. She holds an arts degree from the University of Alberta and a journalism degree from the University of Victoria.

Young now lives in Loretto, Ontario where she works as a journalist, freelance writer and editor for health, décor and business magazines. Since 2008, Young has written more than 300 articles for print and online media including Profit, Toronto Life, MSN Green, and Elle Canada among others. She is a regular contributor to Reader’s Digest, Best Health, Canadian Living and House and Home Magazine.

Soul Mate Publishing releases “Sky’s End” on July 15 in paperback and e-book. The novel is Young’s first installment in a series about Cassiel Winters, a futuristic heroine, and her outer space escapades.

Links:

Facebook.com/LesleyYoungBooks

@LesleyYoungBks

LesleyYoungBooks.com

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Skys-End-Lesley-Young/dp/1619352389/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372207931&sr=8-1&keywords=sky%27s+end+lesley+young

Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skys-end-lesley-young/1115564788?ean=9781619352384

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:"
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book. 

The Teaser:

"Time was we'd have gone in guns blazing, but Grimm insisted on talk first, bullets later.  That was a sign of his genius, in my opinion."

From Free Agent, a Grimm Agency Novel, by J.C. Nelson, a new paranormal series. 

Here is the blurb:

When it comes to crafting happily-ever-afters, the Agency is the best in the land of Kingdom. The Fairy Godfather Grimm can solve any problem—from eliminating imps to finding prince charming—as long as you can pay the price…

Working for Grimm isn’t Marissa Locks’s dream job. But when your parents trade you to a Fairy Godfather for a miracle, you don’t have many career options. To pay off her parents’ debt and earn her freedom, Marissa must do whatever Grimm asks, no matter what fairy-tale fiasco she’s called on to deal with.

Setting up a second-rate princess with a first-class prince is just another day at the office. But when the matchmaking goes wrong, Marissa and Grimm find themselves in a bigger magical muddle than ever before. Not only has the prince gone missing, but the Fae are gearing up to attack Kingdom, and a new Fairy Godmother is sniffing around Grimm’s turf, threatening Marissa with the one thing she can’t resist: her heart’s wishes.

Now Marissa will have to take on Fairies, Fae, dragons, and princesses to save the realm—or give up any hope of ever getting her happy ending…

Musing Monday's, September 1, 2014

TC is in the sun musing about the chipmunk she sees out the window.
Hopefully that is all she does.  So far this month she has presented me
 with two chipmunks - one alive and one dead but both in my bedroom.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week.…Musing Mondays is sponsored by Should Be Reading.

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to talk.

Today I am musing about  Ann Aguirre's latest book.  Havoc is the second book in the Dred Chronicles.  Set in a space station where criminals are dumped it is filled with characters I would not want in my neighborhood.  Dred is the Queen of one of the sections in the station.  Each section is run by one of the convicts and each is run very differently.  Perdition, book one, followed Dred's war to save and strengthen her section of the station.  Book two starts when the supple ship arrives but instead of new convicts and supplies it has a group of mercenaries that are there to clean out (kill) the convicts.  It seems someone has a new use for the station.  Once again the Dred Queen and her chosen champion Jael must fight to survive.  Even though I would not want them anywhere near me or mine the book is very entertaining.  There is just something about people who fight and succeed in order to survive in even the worst condition.