Review: A Cursed Embrace by Cecy Robson

A Cursed Embrace
by Cecy Robson
Series: Weird Girls #2
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: July 2, 2013
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
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My review of book one: Sealed with a Curse 

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other twenty-something girls—with one tiny exception: They are the products of a curse that backfired and gave each of them unique powers that made them, well, a little weird… After Celia Wird and her sisters help master vampire Misha save his family, their powers are exposed to the supernatural community of the Lake Tahoe region. But fame comes at a price, and being “weird” isn’t always welcome. To make matters worse, Celia desires the love of Alpha werewolf Aric, but his pack is bent on destroying their relationship to preserve his pureblood status. And once weres start turning up dead—with evidence pointing to the vampires—she must face the prospect of losing Aric forever. But the chaos only masks a new threat. An evil known as the Tribe has risen—and their sights are set on Celia and her sisters.

With Cursed Embrace, Cecy Robson has been added to my favorite authors list and The Weird Girls series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. Fans of Kim Harrison’s the Hollows series and Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series will devour Weird Girls. Robson delivered an action-packed tale with characters I instantly connected with. She took me on an emotional roller coaster ride and I want more! Three world review: Intense, heart-breaking and brilliant.

The girls are all recovering from the escapades of the last novel and attempting to return to normal. *Pfft* Things are looking good in the love department, except for Celia who isn’t sure where she stands with Aric. When a dead raccoonwere shows up on their door step things are about to get ugly and normal it is not! Told from Celia’s perspective the tale kept me enthralled as we fought evil and Robson toyed with my heart and emotions.

While Celia is the most fleshed-out character, I adore them all. Each has a unique voice and it is easy to keep this cast of characters sorted. Stand out characters would be Bren who in my opinion is a total smart-ass and loyal to the end. Of the sister’s Celia and Taran are my personal favorites. To the outside world Taran is a total bad-ass, and confident, but inside she is this big old ball of heart and I’d totally go into battle with her or shoe shop. Celia is brave, caring, tormented and gads do I adore her. In battle she is quick, smart and fearless even as her personal life resembles a vortex sucking out her very soul. The girl's love interests are adorable, smexy wolves and we see some tender moments. The relationship between Celia and Aric is one smoking hot mess! I am totally 100% for them but my emotions shifted from elated to hunt him down and kill him. Ha! I understood him, but that doesn't mean I have to like it! All I can say is I better get my HEA even if it takes twenty books!!!!  Ari is swoon-worthy and I one of the aspects I like about weres is their possessiveness. That whole, “mine” mentality curls my toes. Despite the whole alpha thing he is also tender, romantic and respectful. This was/ is a total turn on. *swoons* Misha is back, and he totally wants Celia and isn't afraid to say so. While he makes his feelings quite clear, I give him credit for respecting Celia’s wishes. We have the tribal leaders, villains and other characters that both aid the plot and toyed with my emotions. Grrr!

While we see plenty of action and the threat is fascinating, the central theme in this second novel is the relationship between Aric and Celia Whatever it was, it kept me flipping the pages and caught up in the action. I verbally engaged with the tale shouting my frustrations, oohing and ahhing it was totally crazy and I loved every friggin' minute of it. Robson introduces us to a serious threat and makes us privy to some diabolic violence. While I learned more about the girls, their boyfriends and life in Tahoe, I really want to know more about the different supernatural beings and different classes of weres. Hopefully those things are answered in the next book. The girl’s relationships talk, shopping trips and boyfriend issues had me giggling aloud as these moments helped me catch my breath between the non-stop action scenes. The relationship between Aric and Celia was one hell of a ride. We get some seriously hot moments and a few  romantic ones.  The climactic scene right before the ending had me reeling, making the cliffhanger ending more manageable. I understood it, but dang it I want more. I immediately searched out the next book's release date and I am now counting the days.

Fans of urban fantasy with kick-butt heroines and smexy weres and vampires need to check out Cursed Embrace and the Weird Girls series. Curse Moon a novella will be released in December and Cursed By Destiny book three will be released in January of 2014. *are we there yet?*

Four and half cups of coffee out of five

Review: Proxy by Alex London

Proxy
by Alex London
Series: Proxy #1
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: June 18, 2013
Genre: YA Science Fiction Dystopian
Source: Publisher in exchange for unbiased review
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Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death. Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own. Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

Alex London presents us with a futuristic world where everything is digital. Proxy, his debut novel is the first book in a promising new series. I found both the characters and world-building to be captivating as I read this action-packed tale. Three world review: thriller, captivating, page-turner.

The tale is presented to us from two points of view. First we have Knox, a Patron and son to one of the wealthiest men in the city. Next we meet Syd an orphan who lives in the valve. The world is completely digital and everyone is linked to the data but their worlds are completely different. Every Patron is matched to a Proxy.  In order to settle his debts for housing, school, food, and medical attention the government made Syd a Proxy. Since he was a small boy he has received a punishment for Knox's mistakes. The two have never met, but Knox has had to witness Syd taking his punishment. When Knox crashes his car and kills his friend Syd is branded and sentence to a life that will surely mean death. When Syd escapes the only person who might be able to help him escape is his Patron and the tale that unfolds is fast-paced, action packed and suspenseful.

The characters in London’s tale are fascinating and complex. Each carries their own emotional burden. Syd is smart, level headed and determined to be free of debt. He works on gadgets fixing and repairing them off the grid.  He is comfortable with his homosexuality even when others become aware of it and I loved the way the author portrayed him. Knox is your typical spoiled rich kid, who cares more about his next hook up then the consequences of the world around him. As we peel back his layers we see anger, loss and growth. Marie is another Patron and doesn’t like the social system. She is strong and ready to fight for the causes she believes in. While at times I wanted to see a little more depth from the characters and glimpse more into their psyche I ended up liking them. Knox is driven by his hatred of his father, Syd by fear and Marie by the cause. There is no romance although we do get to laugh at a few kisses. The banter and tension between the characters was hilarious one moment and sad the next but it helped us gain insight.

London spun science-fiction twists into this dystopian world making it a fast paced and compelling read. I thought the world building was well done, especially the picture he painted of the valve and Upper city. As they traveled away from the city the tale almost had a western feel to it. The gadgets, technology and science fiction aspects were fascinating from the Guardians (guards, government police) to what makes Syd special. The tale at times was dark and intense as we faced both death and spine-tingling chases. The points of view goes back and forth between Syd and Knox and I thought it was well done. The interaction between Knox and Syd are my favorite as we witness growth, trust and reflection. The author effortlessly weaves a few social issues into the tale and allows us to both see the absurdity in them and the consequences. My only real complaint was that I wanted more depth both in the characters and the world but of course I am greedy! The ending was climatic and I am anxious to see what book two has in store for us.

Fans of fast paced dystopians with science fiction elements will want to read the Proxy. Guardian the second book is due out in 2014 and I am anxious to visit the world and it’s characters again.

Three cups of coffee out of five

Waiting on Wednesday # 41 Penguin Wishlist

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme

 hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

Dark Witch

by Nora Roberts

Series: The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy #1

Publisher: Penguin 

Publication date: November 5, 2013

Genre: Paranormal

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 With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends. Ireland. County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits. Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package. Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive… Don’t miss the next two books in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy Shadow Spell and Blood Magick.

I am not going to lie, I love Nora Roberts and this series has me drooling. We have witches, its in Ireland and hello Boyle McGrath aka pirate, cowboy and horseman....swoons!  

All The Truth That's In Me
by Julie Berry
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: September 26, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary Suspense
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Ever since the horrifying trauma that left her best friend dead and her permanently mutilated, she’s been a pariah in her close-knit community. Judith spends her days silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when the town is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you reading feverishly until the final page.

From its cover to its synopsis All the Truth That's In Me has me curious. What secrets, what happen to Judith and her friend. Eep!

What are you Waiting for? 

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Review: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Invisibility
by Andrea Cremer and David Levitan
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: May 7, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
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ARC provided in exchange for unbiased review
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

I have enjoyed David Levithan’s previous works and so I was excited to read Invisibility his collaboration with Andre Cremer. He takes his readers on a journey that leaves them in awe at the close of the book(s). From magic, to romance to friendship I was completely caught up in the tale and its characters. While I clearly heard Levithan’s voice throughout the novel, I was equally impressed by Cremer and look forward to explore more of her works.  Invisibility is a book to be both devoured and savored.

The tale begins when we meet a single mom and her two teenage children as they move into an apartment building in NYC. Recently relocated from Minnesota they are fragile and rebuilding their lives after a vicious hate crime tore their family apart. Laurie is attending summer school, Mom is adjusting to her new job and that leaves Elizabeth to unpack the apartment. While trying to open the door and unload packages she spies Stephen and no one is more surprised that she can see him, then Stephen. Stephen was born invisible; no one not even his mother has ever seen him. The tale that unfolds is filled with romance, danger and acceptance.

The tale is told in dual POV’s going back and forth between chapters giving us an intimate look into the minds of Elizabeth and Stephen. Elizabeth is struggling after her brother’s attack and betrayal from people in her life. She immediately connects with Stephen, and while at first it felt a little like insta-love the romance settled and gained more substance. She is really trying to discover herself or reinvent herself and we see this from simple things like trying to change her name to the way she is drawn to Stephen. While I didn’t always agree with her, I understood what drove her. She has moments of kick-ass-ery which I adored, she can be selfish and in the next moment put others ahead of herself. In a nut-shell she is complicated, and felt fleshed-out and genuine. Stephen is strong, an island unto himself and doesn’t realize how lonely his existence has been until Elizabeth and her world collide with his. A part of him embraces all of it and another wants to keep a bubble around himself and Elizabeth. Their romance was pure, slow, tender, and bittersweet. You cannot help but wish them a happy ending. Laurie is a shining star, an optimist and a survivor. He is there for both of them and I adored this young man. Millie, Saul and Stephen’s grandfather help us understand the curse and magical aspects of the tale and added to the overall suspense.

Invisibility is a tale you want to savor, and the tale flows beautifully. It’s the type of book where you slide right into the world, look up and realize you’ve consumed a hundred or more pages. I did not find myself rushing towards the conclusion and instead basked in the unfolding of the tale. The curse, spellbinders, spellcasters and cursecasters were all fascinating. The authors did an excellent job of providing enough history to make it feel plausible and yet I craved more. I loved the descriptive style used to describe the curses afflicting victims and the way Elizabeth was able to see them. There are intense battles, and scenes which were vividly described and I felt like I was right there in the middle of it all. There were lessons to be learned, questions to be asked and ideas to be pondered as I weaved further into the tale. The ending gives us both resolution and unanswered questions but most of all hope. Another book could easily be created and this tale continued or the author(s) can leave us to create our own idea of happily-ever-after.

For fans of Levithan’s Every Day, Invisibility is a must read. If you are seeking an original paranormal with fleshed-out characters that will make you ponder some of life’s biggest questions then this book is for you. Andrea Creamer is the author of the popular NightShade series and I look forward to exploring more of her works.  

Four and half cups of NYC finest coffee out of five

Spotlight/#Giveaway: Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli

Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli

Publisher: Penguin

Publication date: February 26, 2013

Version: paperback

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 Glow synopsis

On the eve of World War II, young Ella McGee sits on a bus bound for her Southern hometown. Behind her in Washington, D.C., lie the broken pieces of her parents’ love story—a black father drafted; an activist mother of Scotch-Irish and Cherokee descent confronting racist thugs. But Ella’s journey is just beginning when she reaches Hopewell County, and her disappearance into the Georgia mountains will stir up memories long suppressed. As the secrets of Ella’s family history unfold in a vivid generational saga, Glow transports us to the Blue Ridge frontier of 1836, where slave plantations adjoin the haunted glades of a razed Cherokee Nation. Ron Rash’s Appalachia cascades into Alice Walker’s Georgia red clay in this lushly written debut announcing a major new voice in Southern fiction

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Review/Giveaway: There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister's Husband, and He Hanged Himself: Love Stories by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya

There Once Lived A Girl Who Seduced Her Sister's Husband, and he Hanged Himself: Love Stories
by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: January 29, 2013
Genre: Russian Literature 
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Love stories, with a twist: the eagerly awaited follow-up to the great Russian writer's New York Times bestselling scary fairy tales. By turns sly and sweet, burlesque and heartbreaking, these realist fables of women looking for love are the stories that Ludmilla Petrushevskaya—who has been compared to Chekhov, Tolstoy, Beckett, Poe, Angela Carter, and even Stephen King—is best known for in Russia. Here are attempts at human connection, both depraved and sublime, by people in all stages of life: one-night stands in communal apartments, poignantly awkward couplings, office trysts, schoolgirl crushes, elopements, tentative courtships, and rampant infidelity, shot through with lurid violence, romantic illusion, and surprising tenderness.

I have not had a lot of experience with Russian literature but was very curious about the seventeen short stories contained within the pages of There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister’s Husband, and He Hanged Himself.  This is a follow-up to the author’s New York Times best seller There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor’s Baby.  I really enjoyed some of the tales and thought others were ok. What Petrushevskaya does give us is a dark, gritty, in your face look at the misery, love and loss of those living in communist controlled Russia during her youth. Imagine if you will a look inside the apartments of the projects.

I found the translators introduction to be fascinating and it gave me a sense of the book and what I was about to read.  Each of these is a professed love story, but they also show so much more. The daily struggles, mans ability to cope, dreams, needs, wants and fears. These are not romantic tales that will make you swoon, but each holds a ray of hope no matter how dismal or disheartening.  

I did not consume this in one sitting, and in fact read just a few stories each evening. The tales are dark and at times downright depressing. Sometimes I found myself experiencing a range of emotions from shock to laughter and others the tale ended too soon. While each tale is relatively short, we quickly get up close and personal with the authors characters. If you have ever read Grimm’s fairytales then these are the love stories. The writing is very down to earth and plain but the author’s words are deliberate and powerful. She hides nothing behind flowery words; the walls are stark, their bellies empty and you feel it. While I could not always connect with the characters I certainly understood what they were feeling.

Overall There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister’s Husband, and He Hanged Himself was a depressingly dark read that I actually enjoyed. Some of the decisions made by the characters were difficult for me and offered a stark look at the time period and the difficulties these characters faced. I would have really liked one tale and a wider scoop of the time period, maybe about one building and the tenets who resided in it. While this might not be for everyone I am certainly glad that I read it.

I want to thank Penguin for providing this copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Three venti cups of coffees out of five 

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Today's Stops on the Fiery Hot Reads for Ice Cold Nights Hop

 Check out these awesome posts and giveaways! Each day different blogs will be participating so be sure to check in daily for your chance to win and discover new Fiery hot reads!

Christy@Love of Books: Katie McGarry: Pushing the Limits

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings Katherine Keenum: Where Light Falls

Jennifer@Some Like it Paranormal: Cambria Hebert: Recalled

Review: Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz

Dream Eyes
by Jayne Anne Krentz
Series: Dark Legacy Trilogy #2
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: January 8, 2013
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

The death of her friend and mentor, Evelyn Ballinger, brings psychic counselor Gwen Frazier back to the small town of Wilby, Oregon, and brings back memories she would rather forget. Two years earlier, a killer stalked the members of one of Ballinger's research studies including Gwen. And though she survived while two others didn't, Gwen knows that Ballinger's death is related.  Sent by a friend to help Gwen, psychic investigator Judson Coppersmith arrives in Wilby barely in control of his own talent and his own life, haunted by urgent dreams. His attraction to Gwen is primal, but there are secrets he must keep to protect himself from surrendering to her completely, even as their investigation draws them into dreamscapes, into decades of deception, and into the paranormal fires of a desire too strong to resist. . . .

If you have been following my blog, you know I adore Jayne Ann Krentz and all of her pseudonyms. She is an auto-buy for me and I was delighted to begin  Dream Eyes the second book in the Dark Legacy series. This series has so many elements I love in a paranormal romance. Krentz blends mystery, paranormal elements and an over-all plot into her tales. She then mixes in smexy flawed heroes and feisty, confident heroines. While the tales all share a common link; in this case the Coppersmith family, each can be read as a standalone.

The tale begins when we meet, Gwen Frazier, a psychic talent who can read dreamscapes and see ghosts. She has just arrived at the home of her dear friend, Evelyn Ballinger in Wilby, Oregon.  Gwen hasn’t been back since a series of deaths that ended with a serial killer committing suicide.  She discovers her friend dead and her senses tell her it was murder, just like before. Judson Coopersmith is sent by his brother to help his fiancés best friend. Together they must unravel the mystery and stop a dangerous killer and maybe surrender to the intense attraction they feel for each other.  The tale that unfolds was suspenseful, romantic and completely captured my attention.

Ooo I am just going to say it; I loved Judson. He is dark, smexy, protective and damaged. A recent near death encounter on his last job has left him with horrible nightmares and a nagging feeling that he missed an important clue. He has always been a loner, preferring to work cases on his own, and Gwen changes thing. Gwen is very confident and secure but has given up on relationships, since most men cannot handle the effects of sleeping with her and her gift. Suspects and other characters added to the tale. I loved Ballinger’s cat and the funny moments he created. Nick, Gwen’s brother was hilarious and snarky, I hope we see more of him.

The world building for this suspenseful mystery was very tight and I loved how Krentz tied all the pieces together. The interaction between Gwen and Judson made the tale all the more enjoyable; they worked as a couple both on the job and off.  I am still anxious to learn more about the properties and powers of the Coppersmith crystals and look forward to the next book. I loved that Krentz tied in Jones and Jones to this tale, since I look at these novels as a continuation of the Arcane Society tales.

I highly recommend Dream Eyes and the Dark Legacy trilogy to fans of romantic suspense. Krentz weaves a delightful tale with paranormal elements. I cannot wait for the next book.

Four and half hazelnut coffees out of five

Today's Stops on the Fiery Hot Reads for Ice Cold Nights Hop

Check out these awesome posts and giveaways! Each day different blogs will be participating so be sure to check in daily for your chance to win and discover new Fiery hot reads!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Miranda Kenneally: Catching Jordan & Stealing Parker

Maja@The Nocturnal Library: Stacia Kane: Sacrificial Magic

Jess@The DMS Files: Wendelin Van Draanen: Flipped

Jenny@Supernatural Snark: Wendy Higgins: Sweet Evil

The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams~review

The Shadow Reader
by Sandy Williams
Series: McKenzie Lewis #1
Publisher: Penguin/Ace
Publication date: October 25, 2011
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

There can only be one allegiance. It’s her time to choose.
Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies. A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden. But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.

I purchased the Shadow Reader after reading a delightful review some time ago and this sat in my TBR pile until I found myself in the mood for a good urban fantasy. Williams takes us to Houston and to the realm of the Fae. The tale is filled with battles, a love triangle and characters you cannot help but fall for. I was immediately swept away.

McKenzie Lewis is human and a shadow reader. She is able to read the shadow of a Fae as he fissures out from this world to the next. She is invaluable to the King and has been tracking vicious rebels for him since she was sixteen. She has also been in love with the king’s sword-master Kyol.  There love is forbidden and despite a few stolen kisses they have honored the king. The rebels discover McKenzie’s whereabouts and despite Kyol’s efforts she is kidnapped. Aren the smexy rebel leader whisks her away to a safe house within the realm outside of Germany. McKenzie’s world is about to get turned upside down as Aren teaches her the Fae language and shares with her truths about the Court. Things get really complicated when she begins to develop feelings for Aren all while trying to make her escape. The tale was captivating, the romance complicated and the world of the Fae mesmerizing.

Told from McKenzie point of view and despite some annoying moments we get inside her head. She is smart, fiercely loyal and hilarious at times. The conversations in her head had me giggling more than once. Her soul has been damaged in this awful war and her life put on hold. Her feelings for Kyol have kept her from moving forward. I hate love triangles and my stomach did a flip-flop when I realized I was smack-dab in the middle of one. McKenzie has crushed on Kyol since forever and he has ruined her for mere humans.  He is kind, sweet and gentle. They have had beautiful stolen moments, but never gone too far. His first loyalty has and always will be to the king. I liked Kyol. He is smexy, protective, and moves like a god with a sword. Now, Aren is a rebel, he loves his people and he is immediately attracted to McKenzie. He tries to teach her and show her their side of the war. They desperately need information she has, but Aren chooses to allow her to make the choice. I really liked this about him and felt his feelings for her are genuine. Their relationship progressed slowly and we were sparred insta-love. Who did she pick? Read and see. We meet many different Fae and each was unique and added to the tale. There was a couple who stood out and I became swept up in their side stories as well.

The world-building in Williams universe was stellar and I found myself completely enthralled. The Fae court, the rebels and the realms were all spectacularly portrayed. The effect of technology on the Fae was interesting, as was the hierarchy. The interaction and reaction that occurred when a human and Fae shared an intimate moment was ooh-la-la. I am looking forward to learning more in the next novel. From the beginning we realize that McKenzie has been trained that the court is good and the rebels are evil. We also discover they have kept things from her. I cannot help but wonder if she would have questioned things more if Kyol was not a part of the equation. The McKenzie, Aren, Kyol triangle was complex and felt genuine. It created angst and kept me on edge. The pacing of the novel was delightful with its ebbs and flow. It allowed me to catch my breath and appreciate the world around the characters. The ending tied things up nicely, and while there is still much to be done and the pockets of the war still continue we get some closure.

I recommend the Shadow Reader to fans of urban fantasy, Fae and high end fantasy. I am looking forward to reading The Shattered Dark the next book in the McKenzie Lewis series. 

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5

Review: The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

The Perfect Hope
by Nora Roberts
Series: Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #3
Publisher: Penguin/Berkley trade
Publication date: November 6, 2012
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Nobles/Amazon/Book Depository

The Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother are breathing new life into the town of Boonsboro, Maryland, by restoring its historic hotel. And they’re finding their own lives revamped by love. This is Ryder’s story... Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out — with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro. And though the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome — and embarrassing — appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him...

Nora Roberts has been one of my favorite contemporary authors for romance and the occasional paranormal woo-woo for almost twenty years.  Her plots are always engaging and her characters melt my heart.  I pre-ordered The Perfect Hope and despite my eagerness had to wait for the weekend to start it, and start it I did. I opened the book around eleven pm on Friday evening and finished it at 4 am. Thank goodness it was the weekend. My hubby wondered why I slept in till almost 10 am. *IDK*

This is the third and final book of the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy. While all of the books can be read as a standalone, there is a plot thread about a ghost haunting the inn that is delightful and best if read from the beginning. In this tale we get the last Montgomery brother's romance, and boy howdy they saved the best for last. Ryder is handsome, rugged and a little anti-social. Since day one he hasn’t really liked the innkeeper, Hope Beaumont. She smells like city and wears those pencil thin heels. Or maybe he protests a little too much ….

It was so good to come back to BoonsBoro and I was excited to finally get Ryder and Hope’s story. Ryder just oozes smexy. He swaggers in his tool belt *swoons* He is talented with his hands, a real looker but not good with socializing or tears. Hope is finally realizing she is happy, but she is also lonely. She thinks of the kiss she shared with Ryder at New Years and despite how good it was insists it was just a fluke. Lizzy the inn ghost has other ideas and the romance that unfolds was warm, intense, and funny. I enjoyed every minute of it. We see all of the key characters from the previous two novels. I loved all the updates and their interaction with this couple add to the humor and enjoyment of the tale.

I loved the small town setting and especially the Inn. The Montgomery family is wonderful and I adored all of the brothers and their antics. While each is stubborn in their own right, together they are a force to be reckoned with. The banter between Hope and Ryder was priceless and this book made me laugh, giggle out loud and even cry. I really enjoyed the paranormal thread in all the books about Lizzy the ghost. Her history and the role she played in the three Montgomery brother’s romances was so much fun. Who doesn't love a mischievous ghost with good intentions playing cupid? The inn’s history and Lizzy’s tale captivated me almost as much as the romance. I loved how Hope peeled back the layers of Ryder’s tough exterior. The romance felt genuine and developed slowly, making each advance that much sweeter.  In the end I was happy but sad to see this trilogy come to an end.

I recommend The Perfect Hope and the entire Inn Boonsboro trilogy to fans of small town romance. Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors and delivers books from mystery to paranormal with a healthy dose of romance. I do not think I've ever read a book of hers I did not enjoy.

I gave this novel 4 cups of coffee out of 5