Review: Waking the Dead

dear readers,

(I received ARCs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

Last March 2013 I read...

LET THE DEAD SLEEP
(Book 1: Cafferty & Quinn)
written by Heather Graham
genre: romantic suspense, paranormal

3.5 STARS 

"It was stolen from a New Orleans grave - the centuries-old bust of an evil man, a demonic man. It's an object desired by collectors - and by those with wickedness in their hearts. One day, its current owner shows up at Danni Cafferty's antiques shop on Royal Street, the shop she inherited from her father. But before Danni can buy the statue, it disappears, the owner is found dead...and Danni discovers that she's inherited much more than she realized. In the store is a book filled with secret writing: instructions for defeating evil entities. She'd dismissed it as a curiosity...until the arrival of this statue, with its long history of evil and even longer trail of death. Michael Quinn, former cop and now private investigator, is a man with an unusual past. He believes that doing the right thing isn't a job - it's a way of life. And the right thing to do is find and destroy this object weighted with malevolent powers. He and Danni are drawn together in their search for the missing statue, following it through sultry New Orleans nights to hidden places in the French Quarter and secret ceremonies on abandoned plantations. Cafferty and Quinn already know that trust in others can be misplaced, that love can be temporary. And yet their connection is primal. Mesmerizing. They also know that their story won't end when this case is closed and the dead rest in peace once again." (From Amazon)

A good supernatural romance set against the backdrop of contemporary New Orleans.  I loved the descriptions of the French Quarters and spooky graveyards.  If you like romance and mystery this is a great book.

WAKING THE DEAD

(Book 2: Cafferty & Quinn)

written by Heather Graham

genre: romantic suspense, paranormal

4 STARS 

The novel opens with Quinn returning to New Orleans and Danni and Quinn decide that being apart is not what they want or need.  As soon as Quinn's plane hits the runway he is involved in another murder case... this time it is a painting from 200 years ago that seems to have a history of murder.  

"In the case of Ghosts in the Mind by Henry Sebastian Hubert, that's more than just an expression. This painting is reputed to come to life—and to bring death. The artist was a friend of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, joining them in Switzerland during 1816, "the year without a summer." That was when they all explored themes of horror and depravity in their art….  Now, almost two hundred years later, the painting appears in New Orleans. Wherever it goes, death seems to follow.   Danielle Cafferty and Michael Quinn, occasional partners in solving crime, are quickly drawn into the case. They begin to make connections between that summer in Switzerland and this spring in Louisiana. Danni, the owner of an eccentric antiques shop, and Quinn, a private detective, have discovered that they have separate but complementary talents when it comes to investigating unusual situations.  Trying to blend their personal relationship with the professional lives they've stumbled into, they learn how much they need each other. Especially as they confront this work of art—and evil. The people in the portrait might be dead, but something seems to wake them and free them to commit bloody crimes. Cafferty and Quinn must discover what that is. And they have to destroy it—before it destroys them." (From Amazon)

I enjoyed the first book in the Cafferty & Quinn series - romantic/paranormal-suspense - so was excited about the second book and was not disappointed. The novel, Waking the Dead has a Nora Roberts feel to it - the connections and chemistry between the characters. I also liked the storyline about a haunting and/or haunted painting.

love,

kris

Raybourn Returns to the British Colonies: Reviews

dear readers,

WHISPER OF JASMINE
(Book 0.5)
written by Deanna Raybourn
genre: historical fiction, romance

4 STARS 

Delilah Drummond, heroine from A Spear of Summer Grass, is throwing a grand New Year's Eve party in 1914.  She will not let a little thing like war stop her from having the party she wants.  Also on the socialite's agenda is matchmaking for four of he friends. But within minutes of them all showing up the dashing archaeologist, Gabriel Stark tries to sweep Evangeline Merriweather, a practical girl wanting adventure and love off of her feet.

The Jasmine books seem like a spin-off from the Ryder books but do not look like they are part of one series.

This a short fun romantic story that introduces readers to Gabriel Stark and Evangeline Merriweather.  As the novella ends you ready for the full-length novel and what their next adventure is. Right away you are charmed by the shy but adventure-seeking heroine, Evie and fall for lovely Gabriel.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

CITY OF JASMINE

(Book 1)

written by Deanna Raybourn

genre: historical fiction, romance

3 STARS

The Great War has ended and the now widowed, Evie is trying to support herself and her aunt Dove with her fame as an aviatrix.  Evie and Gabriel were going to divorce before he died on the Lusitania and Evie was left with mix feelings.  While their whirlwind courtship and marriage was ending Evie has always loved her adventurer husband.  Five years since Gabriel's death  Evie is finally moving on with her life when she receives a recent picture of Gabriel.  She suddenly puts her life on hold and sets out to find out the mystery behind the picture.  

Since the novel was set in the 1920s I cannot help but picture Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable as Evie and Gabriel.  I did like the banter between and love story of the Starks but there were times in the novel where the book dragged on longer then it should have.  I enjoyed the novel but I still prefer Lady Julia.

love,

kris

Mine to Read: Reviews

dear readers,

I don't read erotic fiction for the genre alone but I have recently been reading romantic suspense that has more sensual scenes than normal.  One author that I will read anything by is Cynthia Eden...

(I received ARCs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

MINE TO TAKE
(Book 1)

3 STARS 

Skye Sullivan is being watched and no one believes her so she is not receiving any protection.  Old flame, Trace is now wealthy and has his own security agency.  When Skye comes to him he drops everything and guards Skye himself.  As the threat continues Trace himself is obsessed with Skye and his lust takes over.  

This novel is more erotic romance than a romantic suspense.  I do not read many erotic novels unless it is the side effect of a romantic suspense.  This one is the opposite where "suspense" is the side story.  Eden is a good writer so there is suspense but at times it does get forgotten.

MINE TO KEEP

(Book 2)

4 STARS 

Mine to Keep continues Skye and Trace's story...after surviving her ordeal Skye wants to have a normal safe life with Trace.  Unfortunately, Trace's past has come to the present day to tear them apart.  Trace's past, after he left her, has been a secret to Skye and Trace still wants to keep her in the dark.  However, his past has come to take his life...which is Skye and he must trust his past friends to survive.

This novel has more action and suspense than the first novel.  I really like Trace's friends from the past - Noah and Drake. I loved the ending as I did not see it coming but also disliked it (cannot say more without revealing spoilers). More please!

MINE TO HOLD

(Book 3)

4 STARS 

Now that Skye and Trace are safe and rebuilding their life, Claire has left town to ask for Noah York's help.  She needs a job and at this point he may be the only one who can help her.  Her parents were murdered by her teenage lover when they would not tell him where Claire was hidden.  After the murder Ethan is sent to prison but his obsession has not ceased nor has his father's anger with Claire.  When she tries to rebuild her life and get a job Senator Harrison is there to make sure it crumbles.

From the moment Noah York met Claire his life has begun to change...he wants to protect the proud fragile woman.  He will do anything he can to make sure she is safe including murder.  When Ethan is attends his father's funeral his car is blown up and Ethan is the first to be suspected...

The novel continues from Mine to Keep and has the same suspense and romance to engage the reader.  I liked the relationship between Noah and Claire and we got to see more the couple's past.  A great book.

MINE TO CRAVE

(Book 4)

3 STARS 

The fourth book in the series features Trace and Noah's tortured friend, Drake Archer and a mysterious thief, Jasmine Bennett.  Jasmine seems to be connected with his past and bringing him down.  Jasmine hold more secrets than Drake. WIll their pasts and secrets get in the way of them being together?

With the last two novels being steeped in suspense this novel fell a bit flat.  The secrets and twists kept coming at you that you soon did not care anymore as it seemed to be the same every time.  I also did not like Jasmine for Drake.

There will be another book in the series...

love,

kris

Miss. Silver is on the Case! (Reviews)

dear readers,

As you know I love mysteries from the Golden Age so reading Patricia Wentworth's well-known series, Miss. Silver Mysteries was right up my darkly lit alley...

Miss. Silver Mysteries: Reviews
written by Patricia Wentworth
genre: mystery, suspense, noir, classic






GREY MASK

(Book 1)

4 STARS

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

Please see previous post:  http://mynoveladdiction.blogspot.ca/2013/08/grey-mask-book-1-miss.html

THE CASE IS CLOSED
(Book 2)

4 STARS

Geoffrey Grey has been convicted of his uncle's murder but his wife and wife's cousin think he is innocent.  Just before his murder Geoffrey's uncle, James changes his will to a nephew he has always disliked.  Upon telling Geoffrey that he no longer his heir the older man is found dead in a locked room with the knife in Geoffrey's hand.

Hilary, Marion Grey's cousin is heartbroken over the conviction and what it is doing to her cousin.  When on a train she is confronted with James's cook she begins to think there is more to the story than what was presented in court.  As the young girl gets deeper into solving the murder she also becomes a target.  Her ex-fiance hires Miss. Silver a P.I. who steps in to help.

This is the second novel in the Miss. Silver and I am hooked.  Unlike other novels from the era the knitting P.I. has a smaller role in the books,  She is often called on the case halfway through the novel.  The book focuses on the character involved in the novel.  If you like cozy mysteries, noir, old time radio programs this might be the novel for you.  

LONESOME ROAD
(Book 3)

4 STARS 

After a few close call accidents Rachel Treherne starts to believe her life may be in jeopardy and the killer may be one of her own family members or a close friend. She looks to governess turned private detective, Miss Silver to help unravel the mystery by staying in the Treherne mansion.  

Rachel's father has left his fortune to her and her desperate family members want more than their share and cannot wait till her natural death.  Then there is her maid who has an unnatural obsession with her and new neighbour who shows his interest in her.  Each day Rachel's suspicions get the better of her and hopes Miss. Silver can help her.

The thought of living with people who may be plotting your death is handled brilliantly by Wentworth.  This one had me guessing at first and then I sat back to see if my guess was correct.  

IN THE BALANCE
(Also published as DANGER POINT)
(Book 4)

4 STARS 

Miss. Silver is on the train returning from her holiday with her niece when a young lady stumbles into her compartment.  Right away she can tell the young girl is afraid of something and tries to get her to open up.  The young woman, Lisle overheard some women gossiping about her husband.  His wealthy first wife's death may have not have been accident and now that his estate is in jeopardy again will Lisle be next? 

A predictable but engaging mystery.  Like in Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca the new bride is frightened into thinking her husband is the killer of his first wife.  And, also like in Rebecca you will be at the edge of your seat wondering if the husband is misunderstood or a monster.


THE CHINESE SHAWL
(Book 5)

4 STARS 

Laura Fane has returned to London to collect her inheritance but it is not the happy moment she anticipated.  Her father was expected to marry a cousin but instead fell in love with Laura's mother.  Her father has left her everything including the estate that his jilted finacee occupies.  She wants Laura to sell her the place so she can leave it to her niece Tanis.  Laura os not sure what to do.

When Laura is summoned to visit Tanis' aunt Laura discovers Tanis is manipulated and will do anything to get her way, including blackmailing.   When Tanis ends up murdered Miss Silver is on the case and everyone is a suspect.

Another great mystery in the Miss. Silver series.  Randal March, Miss. Silver's former charge aids her in solving the murder.  I like the chemistry between the two much like Holmes and Watson.  The way they bounce off of each other makes the solution of the mystery much more enjoyable.

MISS. SILVER INTERVENES
(Also published as MISS. SILVER DEALS WITH DEATH)

4 STARS 

In an apartment building in London the tenants are a little more involved in each other's lives than they really know.  Meade Underwood's finace, Giles has been lost at sea and so she lives with her aunt and uncle miserable but then he returns but cannot remember much of past few years.  Meade's neighbour, Carola Roland a very beautiful and scheming girl announces she is Giles's wife.  Carola has also been seeing another man in the building, and may be a blackmailer.  So when the young beautiful woman is found dead in her apartment the whole building is a suspect. Enters Miss. Silver to help the police with this case.

This Miss. Silver Mystery had me guessing as I could not imagine anyone not wanting to kill the wicked Carola Roland.  The one thing I like about these mysteries is that police always works well with Miss. Silver.  They accept her talent and often look to her to help them.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE 

(Book 7)

4 STARS 

Patriarch James Paradine invites his family over on New Year's Eve to confront them.  Someone has stolen blueprints and Paradine knows who and that it is one of his close family members.  He gives the thief until midnight to come clean.  A few minutes after the clock strikes twelve James Paradine is found dead and whoever stole the blueprints is the murderer.

Another case where everyone seems like a suspect until Miss. Silver steps in an unravels it all.  The mystery is great but the side stories and possible motives are what engages the reader to keep reading and have a ball doing so.

Please let me know if you have enjoyed this series when you get to it...as I know you will ;)

love,

kris

BDB: Zsadist and Butch (Reviews)

dear readers,

I am now full out addicted to J.R. Ward's BDB series. I love the characters and the world she has created - vampire and lessers...

LOVER AWAKENED
(BDB: Book Three)
genre: paranormal romance

4 STARS
  

Bella has been taken by the Lessers and the Brotherhood are up in arms searching for the aristocrat, especially twin brothers, Zsadist and Phury.  Both vampires are sexually attracted to Bella but neither feels they are good enough for her.  Phury has been celibate for a long time and until Bella he has not felt sexual stirring.  Zsadist has had a past that has made him who he is.  He cannot shake the feeling he is unworthy and has dirty blood - this causes him to push Bella away.  

After Bella is rescued from the Lesser her captor is still out there looking for her.  She cannot go home so stays with the BDB for her safety.  She is attracted to the scarred angry Z and has suffered humiliation of his rejection.  Yet she cannot stay away from him.  As Z pushes her to a safer bet in his brother Bella only pushes harder with Z.  

I am enjoying this series more than I thought I would  I love the characters and the flaws they carry and try to still do good in the world.   I like the world that Ward has created with the Brotherhood, civilians and Lessers.  This is a perfect series for those who loved paranormal romances as teens.  The next novel is Butch's story and I am looking forward to this one. 



LOVER REVEALED 
(BDB: Book Four)
genre: paranormal romance

4.5 STARS 

Butch, an ex-homicide detective, has found a home within the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  While Butch is a human among Vampires it is the first time he has felt like he has belonged.  He is love with Marissa, also a vampire, but his past makes him feel like he does not deserve her.  Nor does he feel like he is helping the BDB as much as he could be.

Marissa has been rejected by Wrath, the Blind King and cannot force herself to love Rehvenge, another nobility.  She can only think of the human man that seems to be attracted to her as well.  Can she stand another rejection if Butch does not love her?

My favourite novel in the series so far.  Butch's story does not disappoint and his past is explained with compassion and truth by Ward.  Marissa and Butch's romance is a lot like Romeo and Juliet's in a way.  Butch is not a vampire and cannot fully live in their world. There are misunderstandings among the lovers and sacrifices.

The real "love" story is between Vishous and Butch.  The friendship between the two is phenomenal especially since Vampires do not make friends with humans, and BDB do not let them into their world.  V helps him navigate in their world and they look out for one another.  I really loved the two together.

John also comes into his own and has to deal with other boys's transition.  A great novel if you don't mind reading all night or not getting anything done during the day. :)

It has been great reading these novels but have needed some breaks to get through some other books.  Both books above have already been published and are available.  

love, 
kris

When Downton Abbey meets Gossip Girl: Reviews

dear readers,

Two nights ago to this afternoon I have been immersed in Leila Rasheed's world of Somerton (Britain countryside) and London in the pre-WWI era.  I could not sleep and decided to try a few chapters of Rasheed's novel, Cinders & Sapphires.  As I turned the pages to see what would happen next it was 2am and I could no longer keep my eyes open.  I finished the book last night and started into the second book, Diamonds & Deceit, because I had to know what would happen next.  This afternoon I spent the day inside out from the wind and rain.  I read the second book till it finished...only to frown because there has to a book three...right?

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

SERIES: SOMERTON 
Written by Leila Rasheed
genre: young adult, new adult, historical romance

CINDERS & SAPPHIRES
(Book 1)

4 STARS 

It is pre-WWI and things at Somerton are brewing.  Lord Westlake's heir and nephew isbleeding the funds dry and Westlake's return from India is tainted with malicious rumours.  He is forced to remarry for money and reputation.  His new wife brings with her a daughter, Charlotte, and two sons, Sebastian and Michael.  His own daughters Lady Ada and Georgina try to welcome the Templetons but are met with resistant from their stepmother and Charlotte. 

It is Charlotte's third and last season.  Her mother demands she must marry and Charlotte continues to scheme with her lady maid.  Lady Ada has also been told she must marry by her father.  It is up to Ada to save Somerton as she must marry for money.  Rose, the housekeepers daughter, also a maid becomes a lady maid to Ada and is thrusted in another world. 

This book has been described as "Downton Abbey meets Gossip Girl" and that seems like a fair assessment. For me it was like a historical romance novel in the New Adult genre.  This novel is PG-13 - sex is talked about but there are no steamy sex scenes.  I like the soapy aspect of the novel and it was a quick absorbing read. 

Cinders & Sapphires was published last January in 2013.  

DIAMONDS & DECEIT

(Book 2)

4 STARS

The Westlakes and Templetons are back to finish out the season.  Lady Ada has said goodbye to Ravi and has consented to marry Fintan...some day.  Rose, the former maid is now Lady Rose.  Westlake has finally accepted and adopted Rose as his daughter.  Going from a maid to a Lady is not easy for Rose especially when society talks behind her back.  Rose has attracted the attention of a Duke - who also has a history with Charlotte.  Charlotte afraid she is losing another prospect to the Westlakes kicks up her scheming.  

Sebastian continues to clear Oliver who is holding back a secret.  Michael and Priya are keeping their love quiet but there is a threat coming their way.  Georgina is left alone to care for the estate and those living there.  As she tries to hold it all down she watches the boy she loves love another.

As the season comes to an end the Westlakes and Templetons have to make decisions as their lives changes.

The second novel takes up from where the first book ended and we are again on an absorbing ride.  We see how the characters either change or don't and the consequences from their decisions.  I like the drama, romance and secrets in this novel.  it is a soapy book and I like it!

Diamonds & Deceit was published on January 7, 2014.  


For more information please visit http://leilarasheeddotcom.wordpress.com/

Goodnight dear readers!

love, 
kris 

New Carr Destination...Thunder Point

dear readers,

As you know from my previous blog posts, I HEART Virgin River - a contemporary romance series written by Robyn Carr.  As the VR series looks to be ended there is a new series, Thunder Point...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE WANDERER
(Thunder Point: Book One)
Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS 

"Nestled on the Oregon Coast is a small town of rocky b

eaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.  Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.  With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home." (From Amazon)

I have read several of Robyn Carr's novels (stand alone and Virgin River series) and this book definitely held up to my expectations.  Like Virgin River it sucks you into the life of a small town.  This novel has characters from all ages, background and personalities.  If you are finish Virgin River this is the next book to read.  Or if you are fan of Jill Shalvis, Luanne Rice, Susan Wiggs or Kristan Higgins.

THE NEWCOMER

(Thunder Point: Book Two)

Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS 

The Newcomer picks up from where The Wanderer ends...Mac and Gina have finally admitted their feeling to one another and have become a couple.  Their teenage daughters are best friends and are both going through growing pains.  Mac's ex has returned to town making Gina insecure, his aunt Lou angry and scared and his daughter, Eve hurt. Gina's daughter, Ashley is dumped by her college freshman boyfriend and his new girlfriend sent a fake naked pic to all those in his cell phone. This causes Ashley to get very depressed and Gina does not know how to deal with it all.

I liked that this novel continues right after The Wanderer and like her other series, Virgin River the same characters are in this book.  The main romance in this book is Gina and Mac but as they are single parents their children are prominent in this novel.  The novel deals with cyber bullying and depression which we do not see a lot in adult books.  I think it was a great storyline that hopefully raises awareness.  Carr handled the situation quite well.  This novel might not be everyone's cup of tea as it has more of the teens and their problem in this book.  I enjoyed it and solidly recommend this novel and series.

love, 
kris

Holiday Reads

dear readers,

I was given two novels from an independent publisher, Publerati....

DANCING IN THE KITCHEN
written by Susan Sterling
genre: literature, fiction

4 STARS 

After Rob and Annie's father died their mother is trying to cope with being alone.  Rob stays with his mother for a bit and then returns to England where he is researching his book.  His live-in girlfriend, Jess is trying to find a job as a dancer but is not making great headway.  Rob meets a stranger and starts to wonder if his life as it is is what he wants in the end. 

Annie thinks her mother is not grieving as much as she should be, and then finds out her father may not have loved her mother as much as he should have.  She discovers secrets from the past that are haunting her future. Her husband is rarely home so she looks to their mutual friend for comfort.  Soon she is whirling in secrets, passion and love.

This is not a novel about a family but secrets of a family.  These three characters have a completely different lives apart from one another and do not look to each other for any answers. This novel had be start to finish even when I was shaking my head at their decisions. Set in the Eastern part of the States the novel reminds me of Shreve, Irving and Russo.

Dancing in the Kitchen was published May 2012.


THANKSGIVING
written by Ellen Cooney
genre: literature, fiction

3 STARS 

In Thanksgiving we see the Morely family celebrating the holiday from the Colonial times to present day.

This novel has a great premise of seeing a family evolve through vignettes of Thanksgiving.  Yet, there seems to be something lacking in the cohesion of the stories.  These are not stories you could read on their own as even on a whole you are left wondering more than you should.  Not a bad novel just feels like you are only getting part of the picture.

Thanksgiving was published September 2013.

For more information on Publerati please visit  http://www.publerati.com/

Publerati is a novel concept, quite literally. We only publish excellent new fiction. When you read any of our ebooks, available from leading e-sellers at the links below each book, we donate no less than 15% of our net proceeds to help the Worldreader Organization spread literacy using technology.  It's a good thing. Please help us change lives simply by reading one of our books.

love, 
kris  

*I was given an advance copy of Thanksgiving (from NetGalley)and Dancing in the Kitchen (Publerati) in exchange for an honest review.