Anchorage, Alaska

The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare. Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She’s careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island.

Her attitude—and immunity to vampires’ allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she’s in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she’ll retire is her grave…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.

I was looking at Carina Press’ weekly new release e-mail when I noticed the title which was rather intriguing. Then I looked at the blurb and thought that I would enjoy this different take on vampires and humans so I decided to get it. Overall I really enjoyed reading this with a few quibbles and when I stated that on Goodreads I was asked if I was going to review it, which I wasn’t but decided I would. As a result this will be a shorter review then my usual ones .

I enjoyed how Ms Summers pulled different aspects of vampire legend together. For example the mind control and also that their blood could possess healing properties that didn’t always work as planned. I liked how the couriers were considered fair-game by the vampires instead of being off limits so they were forced to develop methods of self-protection and disguise. The couriers had their own rules and tried to mentor the new ones yet each was responsible for their own survival. I found it fascinating that even though the courier companies were independent it almost seemed like certain individual couriers were considered property of certain vampires. And given how vampire politics tends to operate that could contribute to the shortened life expectancy of the couriers.

As much as I liked Ms Summers’ idea I still noticed some things that bothered me. It is mentioned in the blurb that vampires and technology don’t mix well but I didn’t get to see that in action and I wanted to. Even with that limitation it seemed they still had ways of finding out information that was kept hidden. I did think that the couriers would have a closer finger on the “political” pulse of their area since they went everywhere making their deliveries. No, they might not know what was in the messages they delivered but the overall feel/tone should have told them something. Looking back over what I have written so far I really haven’t talked about Sydney or Malcolm. Sydney is pretty much as described in the back-cover blurb and I never really got a feel for Malcolm. I was enthralled by the world and the action and not as much with the characters. I think if Don’t Bite the Messenger had a longer word count the main characters could have been fleshed out more while maintaining the same level of action.

I really hope that Ms Summers continues to write in this world because I do want to see more and I liked the ideas she presented. I give Don’t Bite the Messenger a B-

Links to purchase

Nook | Kindle eBook

Review – Don’t Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Publisher: Awe Struck Publishing
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: From the author

She will use her body to discover his secrets…

Poor and innocent, Aubriana Welbrey is concealing a terrible truth–her smuggling brother murdered the local revenue officer and she will do anything to protect him…even spy on the dark and dangerous Lord Ravenspur–a traitor to England, according to Sheriff Hodgeson who hired her. But to garner all of Ravenspur’s secrets, she must first become his mistress.

He will play the fool for no woman…

Alexande Telford, the Marquis of Ravenspur, is no insouciant Lothario as the ton believes–he’s a spy for the Crown, on a mission to capture the murderer of the revenue officer and stop a traitor from betraying England to France. Then there is his lovely new mistress, which Alex suspects may be somehow involved. Can he seduce her secrets without surrendering his own?
This blurb came from the author’s website here.

As I started reading The Rogue Who Loved Me I noticed that Ms Hyatt started with an excerpt from a poem. I have found that while some authors dive right into the story others use different techniques to almost cue the reader’s mind before things really get going. I have seen prologues, quotes from (in) famous people, quotes form literary works and excerpts from poems. The quote, from one of Rudyard Kipling’s poems, that Ms Hyatt used not only made me expect intrigue but also a very vivid world as all of Kipling’s works included. I thought this was significant to mention because I noticed an immediate change in my perspective, mental outlook, and expectations for the novel I was about to start.

I will admit as I read that I was slightly concerned about my expectations rising too much because everything seemed pretty straightforward at the beginning and I was sure I knew who the traitor was and who had committed the murder. I also didn’t like the hero initially because he certainly fit the description of a rake. Not just by his actions, what people said about his reputation but his very thoughts. Then I realized that unlike most rakes in historical romances I actually got proof that he was a rake besides having that title. Ms Hyatt used an alternating first person POV that gave me insight into Alexande’s character and I could actually see how his thought patterns changed from the pretty despicable rake to someone who I thought could actually be in a faithful relationship. I was cheering him on by the end of The Rogue Who Loved Me.

Aubriana was also a much more complex character then she seemed at the beginning. She certainly did not fall into Alexande’s bed or arms easily. It was fascinating seeing her mental conflict as she struggled with her attraction for Alexande, her fear for her brother, and her reluctance to spy. She was certainly determined to succeed at whatever she attempted and that became readily apparent as she settled into her position with Alexande.

I can’t say a lot about the murder, the traitor and the required misunderstanding without spoiling the book but I will say that I was very nicely surprised by the conclusion of those three elements. As a side note I would love to read the butler, Mr. Wiggins’s story *grin*.

I give The Rogue Who Loved Me a B

Links to purchase: Kindle eBook

Review – The Rogue Who Loved Me by Ingela Hyatt is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

“Hazel — Promise me you won’t give up on your dreams.”

“I won’t, Mom!” Hazel swears, assuming Mom means that she should try to be whatever she wants to be, a doctor, or lawyer, or even a mermaid. Hazel is just nine, but she really means to keep that promise.

Seventeen years later, she wonders if she’s broken it – or maybe just failed to fully realize it, because she hasn’t become a doctor, or a lawyer, or a mermaid. Or anything much, really. Yet, in one way, she has kept her promise — because Hazel is a Grand Champion Dreamer. When she’s asleep, she dreams a dazzling universe full of heroes and monsters, princesses and goddesses, cities and temples and gardens that make the most wonderful places on Earth seem dull in comparison.

During the day, she does what she has to do to pay the bills. At bedtime, she turns in, confident that she will dream, and that the sun will come up in the morning. So on the evening of her last day, she embraces the night wholeheartedly and drifts into the universe of her imagination.


But when the alarm goes off, she opens her eyes to darkness. The sun hasn’t come up, the world outside has become a City of Night, and the dwellers there are Night Shifters — gods and elves, daemons and djinns, dreamers and wizards. All of them have their own agendas, all of them are chasing Hazel, and as she fights to understand this world of dreams and her place in it, she can’t help remembering what her mother said.

And she wonders. All those years ago, when she swore to never give up on her dreams, did she really understand what she was promising?
This blurb came from Goodreads.

Back when I was on an extremely limited budget – allowance from chores—and I had exceeded my parents’ pockets on books from the bookstore, exceeded the library’s weekly checkout limit I lived for the Friends of the Library semi-annual book sales. We were members which meant we would show up early help organize them and get to shop a day before everyone else. Those sales provided my introduction to I don’t remember how many authors. One of the books I found was called Larissa and happened to be by Emily Devenport. I really enjoyed reading it and often wished I could find any other books by Ms Devenport, this was also during the heyday of Usenet and BBS (Bulletin Board System) so I didn’t have the capability of finding her website on the internet like we can today.

When we were contacted with a review request for The Night Shifters I liked the premise of the book and thought the author’s name sounded familiar, so I did a little research, found out it was the same author and leaped on the chance. Ms Devenport created an extremely vivid sort of world that reminded me of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Neil Gaimen’s Neverwhere while containing some unique twists. As Hazel explores the City of Night she is faced with some interesting characters, choices and things that aren’t quite right. In the process she learned a lot about herself, her values and who she really was. I enjoyed watching Hazel triumph over some of her old fears and start paying attention to her instincts instead of what other people told her.

While the story as a whole flowed some of the scenes didn’t quite match up. I admire Ms Devenport’s use of that technique because it was very similar to how different scenes in a dream don’t necessarily appear to go together while you are experiencing it. I felt that added to the overall atmosphere in the City of Night. It was also interesting to see how characters continue to show up and morph according to the scene again making it more dreamlike. Unfortunately, while well written, I really struggled finishing The Night Shifters. Ms Devenport happened to hit a button I didn’t know I had which caused me to remember some of my neverending dreams that weren’t exactly nightmares but were not comfortable either. As a result I was never able to settle down and just enjoy. Just as a side note I wasn’t able to get into Alice in Wonderland or Neverwhere either.

I give The Night Shifters a C+

Links to purchase
Kindle eBook | Barnes & Noble 

Review – The Night Shifters by Emily Devenport is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

James and Olivia Forster have been happily married for many years. A harmless kink here or there spices up their love life, but they can’t imagine the kinks they’ll encounter while sneaking off to their beach house for a long hot weekend.

Anso Vitul has ruled the wereseals for one short month. He hardly needs his authority questioned because he’s going crazy from mating heat. Anso’s best friend and male lover Ty offers to help him find the human mate his genes are seeking. To Ty’s amazement, Anso’s quest leads him claim not one partner but a pair. Ty would object, except he too finds the Forsters hopelessly attractive.
I got this blurb from the author’s website here.

Hidden Depths is the second in Ms Holly’s Hidden world following after Hidden Talents which I reviewed here. Unlike the majority of other series I read, which are set in the same world and have some reoccurring characters or events that provide continuity, this seemed much more of a standalone novel. Yes, it was set in the same world but dealt primarily with a different species and environment not to mention an entirely different theme. I will admit when I read the blurb and saw that this featured a married couple I had my doubts but I should have trusted that Ms Holly would make it work.

Ms Holly does not pull any erotic punches with the main characters coming on scene and pretty quickly enjoying an intimate moment with their respective partner. Those encounters displayed not only what types of things the characters enjoyed but also the emotional trust and caring they had within their relationships. I think their caring relationships were the key that allowed the merging of the couples to work. If any individual had been less committed to their partner’s happiness I think the outcome would have been entirely different. I liked that while Ms Holly did use the ‘fated mate’ trope she did not use that trope as the final solution but as the reason for meeting. I also liked how both James and Olivia experienced what the wereseals could give them at the same time but in separate locations. That continued to keep them on an even level with their relationship with each other.

The inclusion of several twists in this story helped elevate it above the increasingly more familiar multi-partner erotic romance. The woman scorned, while determined to get her own back, did not go down the typically well-worn path. As I mentioned earlier the idea of fated mates was not the ultimate answer. Ms Holly also did not make the focus of this as three close male friends/relatives all interested in sharing a single female but more about four people initially two separate couples building a relationship with each other. And then there was the setting…I have always be fascinated with the sea and this certainly fed my imagination. The wereseal world was full of some pretty intriguing creatures and seascapes. I wish we could have explored it and some of the wereseal culture a bit more.

My only quibble is that it seemed some things were accepted a bit too easily not just by the main characters but by the entire ensemble as a whole. Aside from the group of dissenters, which included “the woman scored”, everyone else went along with and loved what James and Olivia brought to their world.

I give Hidden Depths a B

Links to purchase

Barnes & Noble | Kindle eBook

Review – Hidden Depths by Emma Holly is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Arriving home on leave from his tour of duty, Army Captain Alex Montoya knows there’s a beautiful woman waiting for him-his best friend’s sister. She’s always been off limits…until now. He fully intends to move them out of being “just friends” and encourage her to release the sexual needs he senses she’s buried deep.

Tianna McIntyre is starting over after her marriage ended. Her ex-husband weakened her self-esteem and caused her to deny her true sexual desires. But being around Alex brings all her dormant fantasies to the surface, and now Tianna feels the stirrings of her secret, submissive wishes.

Determined to help repair the damage Tianna’s ex did to her self-worth, Alex will use whatever means necessary to convince her they’re meant for each other, including tying her down to make sure he has her full attention while he takes her to the heights of pleasure she’s always dreamed of…
*Blurb from Goodreads*

When I first heard that Kaylea Cross had a pen name to write more steamy erotic stories, I hunted down that name and continue to keep an eye out for any new stories she writes. When I finally was able to sit down and read Touch Me, I couldn’t put it down!

Alex is home on leave, healing from an injury while fighting overseas. Although he wants to be back fighting with his team, he is also looking forward to finally getting a chance to show Tianna that they are meant to be together.

Tianna is just getting over a failed marriage from a man who beat her down emotionally. She doesn’t think she’s ready to venture out into the dating world again, until Alex comes home. Around him she can open up, be more herself, and get back to a point where she is happy in her own skin. But will Alex be enough to help pull Tianna out of her shell and gain enough confidence to take another chance at love?

I absolutely adored this story, even though it was shorter than I normally like. I’m always a sucker for the macho Alpha hero who is head over heels in love with his leading lady, and Alex was the perfect hero. He was strong and confident and alpha to the core, but at the same time he was also gentle and caring and ready to protect Tianna by any means necessary. I really liked that he was so willing to stand by her side and help her pick up the pieces of her somewhat broken life, but he was willing to let HER do the work, without being an overbearing jerk about it. There wasn’t one single thing about Alex that I didn’t love and adore.

While I didn’t connect with Tianna as quickly, I did care for her as more of her story came out. Her history with her husband and why their marriage dissolved wanted to make me cry. Tianna had a lot of growing to do, and while we don’t get to see too much of that in the story, Croix does a good job of showing it in the little subtle things. I do wish that Tianna would have just talked to Alex when she was scared instead of running away and trying to put as much space between them as possible.

All in all I thought Touch Me was a wonderful short story. It was full of smokin’ hot sexy times, but it also had a deeper emotional connection between the hero and heroine. It was both sweet and sexy and fun to read. I just wish we could have had a little longer time with these two.
I give Touch Me a B

Review – Touch Me by Callie Croix is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Beth Danube’s emotionally abusive husband is dead and buried. So is her heart. It’s no big deal, she has all she wants: her three little boys and a fresh start in a small Alberta town. What she doesn’t want is another man in her life—not now, maybe not ever. After ten years of unsatisfactory, missionary-position sex, she never expected her libido to reawaken. One look at sex-in-boots Daniel Coleman in a Calgary bar, though, blows the dust off her sexuality.

Sensing an edge of desperation, even fear, beneath Beth’s come-on, Daniel finds himself giving in to the powerful urge to let his normally subdued desires run wild. The lady wants non-judgmental, non-vanilla sex? She’s got it—in and out of the bedroom.
At first, friends with blazing-hot benefits is more than enough. Then she realizes Daniel is burning away the protective fortress around her heart…and the guilty secret she dare not reveal.

Warning: One woman determined to retake control of her life, a man with the single-minded purpose of offering her—and her body—everything she needs. Inappropriate behavior in barns, change rooms, and oh-my-gawd phone sex with a cowboy.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

MinnChica: It’s no secret that I am a total fan girl of Vivian Arend, especially when she goes off and writes about sexy cowboys. After the first book in the series, I was hooked on the Coleman brothers and couldn’t wait to get my hands on more. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to. While we didn’t get to know a while lot about Daniel in the first book, I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with him in this one. He is just so sweet and caring and supporting and sexy that I couldn’t help but love him. And while I didn’t connect as easily to Beth, I really felt for her character as time went on. I cried with her and laughed with her and really cheered for the two of them to work everything out.

E: Out of the two Six Pack Ranch books Ms Arend has published so far I found Rocky Mountain Haven my favorite.  I really enjoyed it when it was published the first time and I continued to really like her re-published version.  I fell in love with Daniel during their first two “meet cutes”.  He was so gentle and refused to accept that Beth really just wanted a one night stand so when things didn’t work out that night he tried to set it up so they could meet and get to know each other.  Then when he encountered her again he noticed her discomfort with public attention and protected her from it.  Then I sat back and enjoyed how he steadily moved towards his goals while ensuring that Beth and her children remained comfortable with his presence.  Beth and her boys had a traumatic past that she didn’t share immediately with Daniel yet you could tell that he paid extremely close attention to her physical reactions (more then just the seriously smexytimes) as he continued towards his goal.

MinnChica:  That was one of the big things that endeared me to Daniel the most as well. The fact that he was so in-tune to Beth, that he wanted her so much he refused to let himself stay behind her walls, that he ingrained himself so fully into her life and became such a permanent fixture in the life of her boys. I also really liked that Beth was so hesitant with letting someone in. Given her history I wasn’t surprised by her keeping Daniel an arms length away, and I enjoyed that it took him so long to wiggle his way into her circle of trust. But damn, once he got there it was so sweet!

E: He was just great!  I have to had it to Beth also.  She decided that she was going to reclaim her life and try to heal the damage done to her boys.  If she hadn’t made that decision then regardless of how wonderful Daniel was this never would have gone anywhere.  On the outside Beth didn’t appear to be a gutsy strong heroine but she had an internal core of steel that gradually made itself evident as the story progressed.  Yes she had self doubts and you could see how she struggled with guilt and self-blame but she never let that get the best of her and her drive for a “normal” life.  I liked how she had managed to start becoming part of the community before she encountered Daniel again so he wasn’t the key to her acceptance.

MinnChica:  Oh yeah, I really liked that as well. I was glad to see that she really made a life for herself outside of him so that she had something else to fall back on when she needed to. I also really liked that she helped Daniel realize where he wanted his life to go. She helped him accept himself and come to an understanding of what he liked in life best, what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. I really liked that. It was also great to see more of the Coleman brothers, see more of them in action and get a better feeling for the family as a while. This book had me so excited to read more about Matt and the twins!!

E: I enjoyed the glimpses we got of the rest of the family and their interactions.  I also started wondering what was going to happen with some of the cousins who have a less then supportive father.  I am hoping Ms Arend will provide us with either a spin-off about them or continue to sprinkle their stories in the Six Pack Ranch series.  I could tell that the heroines or potential heroes…for the remaining brothers are going to have to be special.   One thing that bothered me was the lack of mention about Travis and his issues.  In Rocky Mountain Heat some things came out about him that I think wouldn’t have completely disappeared in this next installment but it was like he really wasn’t present at all.  Granted we did get some family drama with Matt, poor guy, so everything wasn’t rainbows and puppies just because Beth and Daniel were in a healthy relationship.

MinnChica: Oh Matt, after reading about all his troubles I was so, so excited to read more about his story. I couldn’t wait to see what happened with him and if he would be able to get past what happened and move on with his life. I also agree that things with Travis were really left up in the air, and we didn’t get to see much about him or his ongoing issues. I think his story is going to be an interesting one. I have some theories about him, but who knows……

E: I am really looking forward to seeing what else Ms Arend has in mind for this complex family.  I think she has done a great job at showing how even the most tight-knit family on the surface has a lot of complex undercurrents.  I will say that she has her work cut out for her if she wants to displace Rocky Mountain Haven as my favorite.  I can’t say how much I enjoyed the slow growth of friendship and love between Daniel and Beth.  Knowing Daniel’s overall goal made their smexytimes extremely touching and sweet not to mention steamy *grin*.  I give Rocky Mountain Haven an A-

MinnChica: Rocky Mountain Haven quickly surpassed Rocky Mountain Heat as my favorite as well. The romance was so sweet and yet very sexy. I loved Daniel and Beth so much, I wanted to cheer for them and see them both find happiness and comfort in each other. The series has quickly become a favorite of mine, with the dynamics between the brothers and cousins and potential spouses so reminiscent of a real family with real issues and real love for each other. I can’t wait for more and more books in the series! I give Rocky Mountain Haven an A- as well.

Joint Review – Rocky Mountain Haven by Vivian Arend is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

While the tattered remains of humanity huddle underground, hiding in their virtual world, Devi prefers living topside, making dangerous hauls through the demon-infested wasteland earth has become. The wealth that comes from smuggling supplies to those shunned as summoner-born or demon-touched doesn’t hurt, either.

The man she meets to arrange one of those under-the-table hauls is complicated…and handsome as hell. Literally. A glimpse of the predator beneath his silver gaze and she’s tempted to break her cardinal rule: never mix business with pleasure.

Zel’s first look at the wild-haired hauler threatens to distract him from his mission–and reminds him just how long it’s been since he got laid. As the leader of an outcast settlement, he can’t afford to trust too easily. Devi’s got a reputation for running a tight, disciplined crew, but her very willingness to deal with him means she has something to hide.

Not to mention a hot, tempting package like her could be the cleverest trap his enemies have ever set.

Warning: Contains demon bars, virtual (and literal) fights to the death, forbidden love, renegade AIs, a badass truck-driving heroine who will do anything to protect her crew and the half-demon warrior who will move heaven and hell to make her his.
This blurb came from the authors’ website here.

MinnChica: When Bree and Donna first announced the Children of the Undying series, I was sooo excited. The moment I got my copy of Hammer Down, I read it immediately and couldn’t even begin to express just how awesome I thought this book was. There were so many amazing things about this, and the set up for the series that it instantly became one of my favorite books and most anticipated new series!

E: Like Minn I was really excited about this new series but I decided to wait to read Hammer Down until right before we were going to write this review. It didn’t help that work got crazy and I thought I would need a treat once things calmed down again. I am very glad I wanted because I think the anticipation of this book made it even better!

MinnChica: We first met Zel in the novella Demon Bait, and although we didn’t get to know his character very well, I knew back then I would love him like crazy, and of course I was right! He was an alpha to the extreme (and we all know how much I love my alpha heroes!) and the thing that I loved most about him, was despite how alpha he was, he also loved the fact that Devi was just as strong, just as alpha, just as kick ass. He didn’t worry about putting her in a bubble or hiding her away. There is just something very sexy about a man who let’s his alpha heroine be just as kick ass as he is.

E: Zel *fans self* he was certainly sizzling from the taste we got to see in Demon Bait and I was rather curious to see if he was going to live up to my first impression. He certainly did! I could see how responsible he felt towards his people and how frustrating he found diplomacy but when the time called for it he clamped down on his demon instincts and let his word talk for him. Those moments when he let everything out were just amazing! Like Minn I was really impressed that almost despite his Alpha-ness he let Devi do what she needed to do. He didn’t always like it but when the chips were down he didn’t waste time trying to stop her. I think it takes a pretty impressive leader to let others use their skills even in danger, especially when they are someone you care deeply about.

MinnChica: Oh definitely! Sometimes with really alpha heroines, I have a hard time getting on board with their character, but to me Devi was the perfect woman for Zel. She fought for him, and when her people needed her to, she fought against him for what she believed in. Watching her with the other truckers was great as well, she really came across as being the mother hen. She was their protector, their boss, their family and for me, that brought her character to a whole other depth.

E: Devi was a great complete character too. She never tried to prove that she was more of a man then any of the men. I loved how she portrayed that you don’t have to do that in order to be an alpha woman. You could see the depths of the trust and how deeply her fellow truckers cared about about her by how they acted. She knew when to push them and when to let them snarl without taking it personally or getting into a testosterone match. In other words she wasn’t portrayed as guy with a double X chromosome. But she wasn’t the only character who really intrigued me. What did you think about Tanner?

MinnChica: Oh Tanner… Oh Trip…. Oh what a kick ass cast of supporting characters! One of the things I love most about Moira Rogers’ series is that I know that I can always count on them to bring me an incredible cast of characters that are developed from the moment they step onto the page. Between Tanner and Trip and Cache I just know that we are in for an AMAZING series that will feature heroes and heroines that will continuously blow us away. I need to know more of Tanner and all his secrets! I need to know what is going to happen with Trip! I’m hooked!!

E: I agree their cast of supporting characters is always a treat. I really enjoy how you get to see glimpses of who they are and what they can do as the book progressed. They are not used as just placeholders. I enjoy their growth as much as I do the main hero/heroine yet they never overshadow the main action. I think the tension between the truckers and the outcasts isn’t completely settled yet. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens as everyone tries to find their places in their changing world. Another thing I enjoyed was the inclusion of not just external tension — humans vs demons vs half-human/half-demon but the internal politics and how should Zel’s community be run.

MinnChica: I can’t wait to find out everything about the world. I think that this world-building is one of the best post-apocalyptic worlds I’ve ever read. There are so many different aspects that I love: the technology, the paranormal, the dynamics between humans and demons, the half-bloods, the politics… I could go on and on. I really just can’t say enough good things… All in all Hammer Down was one book that absolutely blew me away. Everything that I’ve come to expect and love from Moira Rogers was here: wonderfully developed characters, an interesting alternative world and some steamy lovin’. From the first page on I was engaged and in love with the story.
I give Hammer Down an A

E: Moira Rogers packed some very interesting twists and turns in their world. It is amazing the amount of detail they have provided and yet there is still so much more to be discovered. I really liked how technology, mental skills, a certain ‘flexibility’ as well as everything that Minn mentions above has been integrated. Yes this is a dangerous post apocalyptic world but it isn’t complete devastation and lawlessness. People still go on living, satisfying elemental urges and cherishing their dreams. I completely lost track of time while I was reading this which I find to be a wonderful treat.
I give Hammer Down an A.

Links to Purchase:
Nook | Kindle eBook

Joint Review – Hammer Down by Moira Rogers is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Peppa Grant’s fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she’s also heard that he’s aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company’s annual party…but he’s also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family’s holiday get-together, she agrees.

Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron’s only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way—or will he give love a second chance?
*Blurb from Goodreads*

| Kindle eBook

Review – One Perfect Night by Rachel Johns is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Congratulations to:Victoria Zumbrum!!! Please check your email for details on how to claim your prize.

Happy reading!

Winner – Thea Harrison Giveaway is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter

Jaines Cord plans to kill the man who murdered her husband, even though killing a Bounty Hunter is said to be impossible. One bullet took away her livelihood, her home and her love. One bullet made by her. Fired from the gun she completed for the Arcane Bounty Hunter.

Obsidian wears the scars of disobeying the powerful Arcane Union. He barely escaped with his life and now lives quietly, in a town the lawmen forgot. When Jaines arrives asking too many questions, he’s faced with a decision. Help her or run…again. Obsidian knows that if he flees he’ll always be looking over his shoulder. His name is one of the first on the Bounty Hunter’s death list.

Yet when Obsidian is offered an opportunity to stop the stone taking over his body in exchange for retrieving the gun, he asks Jaines for her help. Now Jaines must choose: a dead man’s vengeance or a living man’s hope?
This blurb came from the author’s website here.

I was browsing on Net Galley a while ago and saw this book. I really liked both the cover and what the blurb said and thought that the world-building could be rather interesting given the use of words like Arcane, Bounty Hunter, dead man’s vengeance or a living man’s hope.” I can only say two negative thins about Dark Vow. The first is why did it take me so long to get around to reading and writing this review? And the second is that I can’t go out and get the sequel (hint…hint).

Ms Husk has developed a really interesting world that appears in some ways to be post apocalyptic, others alternate history with magic that features a strong capable heroine, a damaged almost anti-hero, secrets, and a fascinating religion that governs all aspects of life including the time of the day and what your occupation is or can be. There are 10 Gods or Lords and each has a segment of the day that belongs to them. Depending on their name they are also the patron god for particular trade. For example The Smith Lord would govern smithies and anything else that fell within the metal working area to include the craftsmen themselves. Women aren’t formally admitted to any of the trade unions although they can assist in some.

Jaines was one of those rare women who actually knew and practiced a trade. She was a smith although she had to work under the supervision of a Master Smith. Jaines learned the trade from her father alongside her four brothers. She married a man who was a Master Smith so they worked together. As the blurb states Jaines’ husband was killed by a bullet she made fired from a gun she had just finished. Faced with the difficult situation of having to find a living without husband or legitimate work Jaines vows that she will avenge her husband’s death. It is along her travels that she encounters Obsidian.

I will admit that I have a weakness for anti-heros and their path to love or at least partial redemption. Obsidian fit that perfectly. When he was first introduced I will admit I had my doubts that he would have any heroic tendencies but as their journey after the Arcane Bounty Hunter continued Jaines was able to get beneath Obsidian’s callused exterior and drag out the person he tried to be before.

I really enjoyed how Ms Husk developed her characters and showed that things are not always how they seem regardless of how much you think you know about them. I also liked how the Ten Lords were incorporated seamlessly; I really got a sense of exactly how much religion ruled everything without inciting fanaticism. The main trope used to establish the story I have seen only a few times before in short stories I had enjoyed so it was extremely gratifying to see it used to good effect again.

Like I said at the beginning of this review I really hope that Ms Husk continues to write in this particular world. I really want to know what happens next. Ms Husk is a new to me author but after reading Dark Vow I believe I need to go check out her backlist. I give Dark Vow an A.

Links to purchase:
Kindle eBook | Barnes & Noble

Review – Dark Vow by Shona Husk is a post from: The Book Pushers | Book Reviews | Book Chatter