Review: The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick

The Mystery Woman
by Amanda Quick
Series: Ladies of Lantern Street #2
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: April 23, 2013
Genre: Adult Historical Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased
Purchase* Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
My review of book one: Crystal Gardens

Beatrice Lockwood, one of the intrepid ladies of Lantern Street, is in the middle of a case when her past comes back to haunt her.  Joshua North, a former spy for the Crown, has come out of a self-imposed retirement after a disastrous case that left him scarred and forced to use a cane.  He is hunting the villain who is blackmailing his sister.  The trail leads him to Beatrice who is his chief suspect.  But when he realizes that she is not the blackmailer they set out to find the real extortionist.  Passion flares between them as they dodge a professional assassin.  Meanwhile a mysterious scientist intent on resurrecting his dead lover using an ancient Egyptian formula for preserving the bodies of the dead is also hunting Beatrice. He is keeping his dead love perfectly preserved in a special, crystal-topped sarcophagus filled with the special fluid.   But he needs Beatrice's paranormal talent to activate the reviving properties of the preservative in the coffin.  Time is running out for everyone involved. The two cases collide at a mysterious country-house filled with artifacts from ancient Egyptian tombs.  The drama concludes in the mad scientist's laboratory where Joshua discovers that the past he thought was dead is still very much alive -- sort of.

Can I just have a fangirl moment? Squee! This is one of my favorite authors and one whom I would love to meet and share a coffee with. Amanda Quick is one of Jayne Anne Krentz’s pen names and the other is Jayne Castle. I adore her books in all three genres; historical, contemporary and futuristic. The Mystery Woman is the second book in the Ladies of Lantern Street and Quick truly delivered. The tale is filled with spies, mystery, romance and danger all wrapped in a little paranormal woo-woo. Set in historical London I quickly slid into the world and its characters. Three word review: Suspenseful, romantic, captivating.

The Ladies of Lantern Street work for a private investigation company and its employees are mostly female. These trained women often disguise themselves as companions as they solve cases and protect young woman. Beatrice Lockwood is on case to protect a young lady from a fortune hunter when she encounters Joshua North, a former spy for the crown. He assists her and then informs her he has been searching for her. Beatrice has a secret past and it’s all about to catch up with her when she is suspected of blackmail and murder. When Joshua interviews her, he quickly realizes all is not as it seems and together the two must find the blackmailer and stop a madman.

The ladies of Lantern Street are bright, feisty and witty. They each possess some kind of paranormal talent and I found them fascinating. Beatrice is clever and her ability to see emotional footprints and access situations was believable and interesting. Her fiery red hair matches her witty and sometimes snarky personality. Joshua North has been recovering from injuries he suffered during his last case. He has been melancholy and suffers from both physical scars and emotional ones due to the accident. He is tall, angular and while not classically handsome his strong presence draws the female eye. Meeting Beatrice and working this case has given him a new vigor for life. The banter and slow building romance was quite good and I found myself rooting for them. The mad scientist and his obsession with an ancient Egyptian formula added suspense to the tale. The assassin was positively creepy and learning about him as he pursued them was quite fun. We briefly see the other ladies of Lantern Street and their employers. I enjoy this group and I am looking forward to more tales.

One of the things I love about Quick (Krentz) is that she knows how to spin a captivating tale. She carefully weaves all of the threads together at a beautiful pace that allows the reader to completely immerse themselves in the world and characters. Time and time again she gives me that book high I so desperately chase. I found the mystery and Beatrice’s part in it quite clever and the mix of Egyptian mythology added to the paranormal woo-woo of this tale and felt genuine. There were quite a few twists in the mystery and while a part of me suspected, it wasn't until close to the end that I was sure. The romance was splendid, built slowly and had moments of humor and sweetness. We do get a little heat and it was hot but discreetly done. Each of these books contain one mystery and one romance and I look forward to the next ladies story.

I highly recommend The Mystery Woman to fans of historical romantic suspense and mystery wrapped in paranormal woo-woo. Crystal Gardens was the first book in this series, and the third is expected in 2014. Amanda Quick is on my auto buy list and I've read almost everything written by Jayne Anne Krentz and her pseudonyms.

Four and half cups of coffee out of five

Review: Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre

Bronze Gods
by A.A. Aguirre
Series: Apparatus Infernum #1
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: April 30,  2013
Genre: Steampunk
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchases through links help support this blog

Hy Breasil is grimmer than it used to be. Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside. That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad. Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city. But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…

Hell and Winter Bronze Gods was good! A.A. Aguirre blends together noir, steampunk, a pinch of fantasy and paranormal with a generous portion of mystery and suspense and then she adds brilliant characters. All of which create a tale that quickly captured my attention and allowed me to slip into the pages. Three word review: suspenseful, charming, and impressive.

Criminal Investigators Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko are partners at the CID Dorstaad branch. Years ago the Architect closed the door to Hy Breasil after a war between humans and Ferishers. This has left unwelcome elements of magic within the city. They been assigned an unusual murder case, but when a second body is found and an infernal device was used they quickly realize they have a madman on the loose.  With their careers and more at stake the tale that unfolds is action-packed, suspenseful and filled with delicious banter.

I abso-freakin-lutely love the dynamic duo Aguirre created with Mikani and Ritsuko. In a way they are exact opposites and it creates this dynamic team that feeds off of each other. Ritsuko dots her I’s, is organized, detail oriented and is constantly working to prove herself as the first female in her division.  She is also quite clever at thinking outside the box and good at the politics and toe side stepping necessary in their field especially as Mikani’s partner. He can be brass at times and a tad too forward as he reads people.  Mikani from his appearance to his actions seemed unorganized but he works on instinct and some Fae abilities in his bloodline. He can be a real charmer, and while not quite a rake he isn’t interested in commitment. His abilities cause him to suffer from excruciating headaches and he self medicates. I loved their partnership; they trust each other, make the other one better and stand up for one another. This makes them the perfect crime solving team. Their banter is charming, hilarious and has a little romantic edge to it. Each isn’t willing to cross the line, but ooh it created moments and I so wanted it to happen. Which caused me to suffer verbal fits of, “Kiss her!" "Tell him!" and, "You idiot” It was delicious and I cannot wait to see how things develop. The characters are wonderfully fleshed-out even the secondary characters creating a world I slipped into.

Aguirre’s world-building is exceptional from the period to the characters. She gave a panoramic view and her attention to detail made me not only see but taste the world she created. The characters were so fleshed out that they literally came to life in my mind’s eye. I could see them fully from their style to mannerism. The mystery itself was intense, fascinating and had moments where I held my breath as it unfolded. The gadgets and magic were filled with steampunk goodness and so true to this genre. I loved the reference to Hy Breasil the mystical island and am anxious to learn more. The threads of the investigation were solid and the author weaved them all together slowly building to the climatic ending which had my heart racing. The villain and suspects were dark and intriguing and while I began to suspect who the villain was it wasn't until the reveal that all the pieces clicked together. This isn't a book you read it one sitting as you will want to savor it and absorb all the complexities of the world.  I closed the book with a smile and then felt sadness as I will have to endure the wait for book two.

Fans of noir, steampunk and epic world building with fleshed-out characters will adore Bronze Gods and the duo writing team of A.A. Aguirre. Silver Mirrors is the next book in the Apparatus Infernum series and there is at this time no news on its expected release *sigh*

Four and half cups of coffee out of five

* FYI for those who have difficulty reading small print the paperback version uses a really small font and even with my reading glasses it was difficult to read. I ending up buying the eBook version so that I could change the font. 

Coffee Pot Reviews: Uncharted by Tracey Garvis-Graves & Until Fountain Bridge by Samantha Young

 
Welcome to Coffee Pot Reviews! These are short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! I have two novellas to share with you today both from authors I love. Adult books contain mature content and are not intended for readers under 18 years of age. Grab a cup of coffee and a slice of coffee cake! 

Uncharted: An "On the Island" Novella 
by Tracey Garvis-Graves
Series: On the Island #1.5
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: July 2, 2013
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases through buy links help support this blog
My review of : On An Island

Tracey Garvis Graves - and Anna and T.J. - return in this companion novella to the New York Times bestseller On the Island. When twenty-three-year-old dot-com millionaire Owen Sparks walked away from his charmed life, he had one goal in mind: get as far away as possible from the people who resented his success, or had their hand out for a piece of it. A remote uncharted island halfway around the world seemed like a perfectly logical place to get away from it all.  Calia Reed wasn't part of Owen's plans. The beautiful British girl - on holiday in the Maldives with her brother, James - made Owen wonder if getting away from it all might be a lot more enjoyable with a carefree girl who didn't know anything about the life he left behind.  But Owen had no idea how much his carefully detailed plans would go awry. Nor did he realize that a decision he made would have such a catastrophic effect on two passengers who boarded a plane in Chicago.  And when Owen shows up at Anna and T.J.'s door with an incredible story to tell, everyone involved will learn just how much their lives are intertwined. Uncharted includes an early look at Covet, coming September 2013.

I was completely taken by surprise with how much I enjoyed On An Island as it embraced a subject I wasn't sure I could accept. I loved it, adored it and shared it with everyone. I even bought copies for family members at Christmas!  So when the publisher informed me there was a novella that tells the story about some of the mysteries on the island I about flipped at the chance to review it. I devoured Uncharted in one sitting and found Owen's story to be touching, captivating and intense. I loved the growth we see in Owen and enjoyed the tale he shared with us. A lot of the unanswered question I had from Anna and T.J.'s time on the island are answered. Of course it was also delightful to see Anna and T.J. again. Tracey Garvis-Graves has so impressed me with her ability to give you a glimpse into others lives and to share in their experiences. She makes you rethink taboo subjects and the people involved  in them. There is a sneak-peak of her Covet, her next novel due out in September 2013. 

Three and half cups of mocha coffee out of five

Until Fountain Bridge
by Samantha Young
Series: On Dublin Street #1.6
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: June 18, 2013
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases made through buy links support this blog
My review: On Dublin Street (book #1)
My review: Down London Road (book #2)

Ellie Carmichael had a crush on Adam Sutherland, her brother, Braden’s, best friend, for years, and although Adam treated her with proprietary concern he made it clear he thought of her only as a little sister. Over the years, as Ellie’s crush develops into love, her romantic idealism makes it difficult for her to move on. To make matters worse, as she’s gotten older, Adam’s attitude has changed toward her. His affection for her is now joined by attraction, but his loyalty to Braden, and his fear of losing the only family he has, stops him from claiming Ellie the way she wishes he would.  But one night his attraction is put to the test, and as much as Adam would like things to remain the same everything changes between them in a simple brush of the lips. Soon lust, love, jealousy and heartbreak combine to force change upon their relationship… and Adam discovers the hard way that life is too damn short to spend it on regret.

So far I have read and loved On Dublin Street and Down London Road and while Ellie and Adam were present in both books, we never really got their back story. Until Fountain Bridge delivers just that through some flashbacks using Ellie's diaries as a guide. It was sweet, tender and adorable giving us a glimpse at Ellie and her crush on Adam through the years. I enjoyed reading about their interactions. Fans of the series will enjoy this short and sweet novella. I read this in under an hour and laughed, giggled and sighed. 

Three and half cups of coffee out of five

Review/Giveaway: The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice

The Lemon Orchard
by Luanne Rice
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: July 2, 2013
Genre: Woman's Ficton
Source: publisher in exchange for unbiased review
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchases through buy links support this blog

In the five years since Julia last visited her aunt and uncle’s home in Malibu, her life has been turned upside down by her daughter’s death. She expects to find nothing more than peace and solitude as she house-sits with only her dog, Bonnie, for company. But she finds herself drawn to the handsome man who oversees the lemon orchard. Roberto expertly tends the trees, using the money to support his extended Mexican family. What connection could these two people share? The answer comes as Roberto reveals the heartbreaking story of his own loss—a pain Julia knows all too well, but for one striking difference: Roberto’s daughter was lost but never found. And despite the odds he cannot bear to give up hope. Set in the sea and citrus-scented air of the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains, The Lemon Orchard is an affirming story about the redemptive power of compassion and the kind of love that seems to find us when we need it most.

I was delighted when the opportunity presented itself for me to review The Lemon Orchard and I moved my schedule around to accommodate it. I am so glad that I did because Luanne Rice delivered a beautifully poignant tale about loss, love and hope. From the very first page I was enthralled by the author’s voice and her characters. Three word review: heart-breaking, captivating and beautiful.

The tale begins with a first person prologue that immediately draws the reader in, and then we fast forward five years later as Julia agrees to house sit her aunt and uncle’s home located in the coastal foothills of Malibu. The tale is then told in third person and broken up into different perspectives by chapter. Julia and Roberto share the bulk, but we also get a few others. Together with her dog Bonnie they enjoy the solace of the beautiful home surrounded by lemon orchards. She is drawn to Roberto the handsome overseer and she recognizes a similar pain in his eyes. As the two become friends she shares her grief and he shares the story of his missing daughter. Julia decides to help find her and the tale that unfolds is breathtakingly beautiful, suspenseful, romantic and completely captivating.

Rice created characters that are well rounded and completely realistic. I immediately connect with them and felt their emotions. Julia keeps everything bottled up just below the surface and you can see them clearly in her eyes and brow. Rice portrayed her struggles and grief in a way that felt real and I could almost imagine myself in her shoes. Roberto’s story captured my heart, and made me look at illegals from their perspective. Lion is a friend of the family and famous movie star whose love story we become privy to and was one that I enjoyed. He helped give us some outside perspective regarding Julia and Roberto. Jack Leary is a retired Border Patrol Officer and a true man of honor who filled in clues and helped further the suspenseful plot. I admired the man. We meet other characters who help further the plot and give us insight.

The Lemon Orchard flows beautifully as Rice paints both the beautiful coastal community and the characters. All of the characters from the smallest to the main characters were fleshed-out and felt realistic. I love when I can immediately identify with them and understand what drives them. Julia’s loss and road to healing was remarkable in itself and then Rice weaved in Roberto’s tale and I came undone. Her perception of loss and parenthood was profound. The romance that developed was sweet, believable and heartbreaking. I was glad to have been a part of and experience the change it brought about. I enjoyed the first half of the book as I watched things unfold but the second half held me captive and would not let me go. As a result, I sat up very late reading to find out what happened. I closed this book with tears in my eyes as I experienced both sadness and joy.

The Lemon Orchard is a powerful tale of love, and compassion. Rice shows us that you can move forward and make peace. This was my first Rice book but it won’t be my last.

Four and half cups of coffee out of five

Penguin Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of 

The Lemon Orchard and this beautiful matching tote!!

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Review: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Frost Burned
by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #7
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: March 5, 2013
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchases made through buy links support this blog

Mercy Thompson’s life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman—the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack—has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy’s life. But on the edges of humanity, what passes for a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more.  After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can’t reach Adam—or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They’ve all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam’s disappearance may be related—and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

The Mercy Thompson series is one of my favorites! I purchased Frost Burn on release day and was delighted when I finally had a chance to immerse myself in the world Patricia Briggs has created. Filled with non-stop action and suspense I consumed this in a single day. As always Briggs delivered exactly what I wanted. I do not recommend reading this out of order as the overall arc and characters are not explained. Three word review: action-packed, heart-tugging, perfection.

The tale begins at almost midnight on Black Friday and if you can believe it Mercy is out Christmas shopping with Jesse.  She is no longer in a wheel chair and fully healed. When the two get into a fender bender and are unable to reach Adam or any of the pack they realize something is dreadfully wrong. Through her bond she realizes they have all been kidnapped and the tale that unfolds is non-stop action with twists and turns as Mercy and her unusual friends must save the pack.

I love all of the characters in Briggs Mercy Thompson series even snarky Honey and the Vampire Queen. I enjoying the growth we continually see in Mercy and love the slow building thread that reveals more and more just how special this shape-shifting coyote is. Mercy is really starting to feel comfortable as the mate of Adam and her role in the pack. Their relationship is healthy, heated and continues to become stronger. We see her use her position with confidence more as she finds it necessary and despite her call to protect and dive in to save the day she is really balanced. Briggs gave us a real treat as we got a third person POV from Adam. While this was necessary because of the plot, it also gave us a little more insight into the smexy alpha himself and I quite enjoyed it.  Since the pack was kidnapped we got a chance to spend more time with Kyle, Warren’s mate. I have always liked Kyle, as a lawyer he is pretty level headed and his attention to fashion always makes me giggle. Missing were both Samuel and Bran which was disappointing since I like them both. Bran does send aid to help but we never really get to know this wolf.  Stephan, the Fae and the vampires are back. We learn things, see a different sides of their personalities and I was quite satisfied. The humans are involved and their police and military branches added to the overall arcs political unrest.

One of the things that I enjoy about this series is the non-stop action and clever twists. From the moment you open a book in this series you know you are in for one hell of a ride. Briggs carries your emotions right along with it. She takes us from sweet moments that make me giggle, to the saddest moments that had me wiping tears from eye. I love that we continue to see growth from Mercy both as a coyote and as a woman. We didn’t get a lot of alone time with Adam and Mercy but when we do it is both romantic and intense. I really liked getting inside Adams head and would love to see more of this but in first person. His love for Mercy just makes me shiver and the responsibility and burden he carries close to his heart for his pack, wife and daughter is touching. Why the pack was kidnapped and the end game were exceptional well written and had me on edge. The overall arc regarding revealing themselves to the humans and the consequences are present and we get hints of things to come. 

Frost Burned was a delicious, intense addition to the Mercy Thompson series and this remains one of my favorite urban fantasy series. Night Broken the eighth book is expected to release in 2014. 

Four and half cups of coffee out of five 

The Sunday Post #61 ~sharing blog news and book haul

The Sunday Post ~ 61st Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

Hello my Caffeinated Peeps! I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. It has been quite hot and humid here so I've been spending time reading. *as if that surprises you* I also discovered that Monster makes coffee flavored drinks. Now I know some of you like to get your caffeine from those energry drinks, but I think the others taste like icky medicine. So a friend had one called Mean Bean and I took a chance and bought one..holy coffee flavored goodness! *Note do not crack one open at 11:30 at night no matter how much that cold drink calls to you* I was up till 3 am jabbering. My poor husband was like what are you on?

Last week on the blog we brought you

• A Penny Saved A Murder Earned by S.G. Lee (review)
• Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood (review)
• Proxy by Alex London (review)
• Shudder by Samantha Durante (review/giveaway)
• Rise of the Magi by Jocelyn Adams (guest post/giveaway)
• Less Than A Gentleman by Kerrylyn Sparks (review) where I go all fangirl on facial scruff
• Caffeinated Confessions -The Art of Letting Go and DNF

This week on the blog look for

• Giveaway: If the Shoe Fits by Megan Mulry 
• Surrender Your Love by J.C. Reed (spotlight/giveaway)
• Imaginable by J. Meyers (review)
• The Newcomer by Robyn Carr (review)
• Excerpt of Michael Palmer book and Info on Thrillfest VIII in NYC
• Wanted: Wife by Gwen Jones (review)
• The Best Man by Ana Blaze (review)
• A Human Element by Donna Galanti  (review) 
• How the Heck Did You Do That?!? Blogger Tips & Tricks - Writing Negative Reviews and Handling the Fallout

Around the Blogosphere 

• Christina @ A Reader of Fiction talks about Author Blogger Relationships and makes some good points, go check it out. 
• Heidi @Rainy Day Ramblings is Celebrating with A Birthday Blowout Bash giveaway
• Author Wendy Higgins talks about the Decline of Paranormal and My Predicament. She is asking for ideas and some help. 
• Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic asks "Would You Chance It?" go check it out 
• Trish @ Between the Lines talks about Shoulda/Coulda/Woulda Book Bloggers and It was brilliant, go check it out! 
• Megan @ The Book Babe's Reads gives her two cents on "What I Think About Cover Changes" go add your two-cents
• Michelle @ In Libris Veritas is having a Three Year Blogoversary Celebration stop by!

New arrivals to the Caffeinated Cafe

For Review

Can't Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre
thanks to Media Muscle, Mira and BookTrib 

Uncharted by Tracey Garvis Graves
thanks to Penguin

Tandem by Anna Jarzab
thanks to Random House

Won/Gifted or for Review Consideration

A B&N gift card from the Entangled Publishing's Bliss Party 

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping 

won from Jennifer @ Some Like It Paranormal 

  Purchased

That's my news what's happening in your world? 
*leave a comment and I will stop by*