YzhaBella's BookShelf: December 2010

12/28/10

ARC Review: Taken By The Others by Jess Haines

What can I say but, Whoa Mama! Shiarra’s gotten herself in quite the pickle…again! Once again, Haines has created one hell of an adventure! Most definitely not for those with a queasy stomach, Taken By The Others tells a tale of pure and unadulterated revenge. It appears that Vampires are masters at holding a grudge and those around them seem to be the unfortunate souls destined to pay the price!

With twists and turns that will keep readers glued to their seats in this nail-biting adventure, Haines once again displays her talents for quickly establishing character and setting. Haines’ quick wit and seemingly effortless writing style is sure to keep the reading adventure moving at a good pace!

Yet again, Alec Royce – one of the strongest and ancient elder Vampires in the US – will leave the ladies gushing while still trying to determine if he’s really the bad azz bad boy he seems or, if it is all just an act. He’s a powerful force to be reckoned with, to be certain. But, as with many a strong and silent vampire, me thinks there is still much we have yet to learn about Mr. Royce and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed at what lies beneath the surface!

So, I was sitting on the pot, (ehem, pardon me) thinking about how to best tackle this review and to how best include something about my fascination with Alec Royce, when it hit me! I suddenly realized that, regardless of how Haines has described Alec in her books, all along I have had my own vision of who Mr. Alec Royce, “Bad Boy, Ancient Elder, Vampire Extraordinaire” is. You see, when I read a book, my brain “pictures” the words like a filmstrip. And I realized that from word one I have had a very specific idea of who “my” Alec Royce is…

Nummy Nummy! It’s Mr. Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård) from HBO’s True Blood Series! He’s HOT, and dangerous, egotistical and powerful, conniving and one of the most powerful members of the vampire community…who owns a night club! Oh, and have I already mentioned that he’s really d*m*ed HOT! (*fans self profusely just thinking about that hot muscular sexy “wanna gobble him up” body him!

Ehem…Anywho, my dearest friends, Haines H&W Investigations is one that is not to be missed! Grab the books, hoard all your snacks, and sit back and enjoy the ride because, this is one series that you all will want to gobble up in one sitting!

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Taken By The Others: H&W Investigations, Book 2

by Jess Haines

Publisher: Zebra (Kensington Publishing Group) January 4, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420111884
ISBN-13: 978-1420111880

From The Author

Once, New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest’s most pressing problem was keeping her agency afloat. Now she’s dealing with two dangerous, seductive vampires who have been enemies for centuries. The only thing Max Carlyle and Alec Royce agree on is that they both want Shia–for very different reasons.

Max is determined to destroy Shia for killing his progeny, while Royce’s interest is a lot more personal. That’s not sitting well with Shia’s werewolf boyfriend, Chaz. As the feud between Max and Royce gets ever more deadly, a powerful vampire-hunting faction is urging Shia to join their side. Shia has always believed vamps were the bad guys, but she’s discovering unexpected shades of grey that are about to redefine her friends, her loyalties–and even her desires…

Coming up in this great new H&W Investigations series!
H&W Investigations #2: Taken By The Others Jan. 4, 2011
H&W Investigations #3: Deceived By The Others July 5, 2011
H&W Investigations #4: Not yet titled – Work in Progress

Where to find Jess Haines on the Web:

Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010

12/18/10

New Release & Contest News! Ravished by a Viking by Delilah Devlin

RAVISHED BY A VIKING
Berkley Heat
ISBN-10: 0425239616
ISBN-13: 978-0425239612
Format: Trade Paperback
On Sale: January 4, 2011

Read an Excerpt

Pre-Order Trade Paperback
Amazon | B & N | Borders
Books-A-Million
IndieBound

What a Viking wants, a Viking takes.
When his younger brother goes missing, Dagr, Viking warrior and Lord of the Wolfskin Clan, will do whatever it takes to get him back. But nothing could have prepared him for Honora—a feisty, intelligent woman who is nothing like the women of his world—women who are content to serve their men in all things. Drawn to her despite her recalcitrant nature, Dagr is determined to show her who’s boss both in bed and out.
When the two enemies-turned-lovers join forces to find Dagr’s brother they are thrown into a rousing adventure full of danger, intrigue and erotic abandon. Can their passion truly unite them or will their different worlds lead to destruction for them both?

Contest and Release information courtesy of Delilah Devlin

12/12/10

Thank You Secret Santa!

There's nothing more joyful to me than the gathering of friends and family 'round the Christmas Tree!

But, I must admit, getting a Secret Santa Gift can be lots of fun too!

Courtesy of the loverly Kate over at The Neverending Shelf, many joined in the fun of this season's

Secret Santa event!

Let's take a look see at what I received!

So? What did you all get from your Secret Santa this year? C'mon! Spill the beans! You know you want to brag! So, brag away!

12/5/10

Review: Rough Magic by Caryl Cude Mullin

Rough Magic won at the Quebec Writers’ Federation Literary Awards, in the Children’s and Young Reader category.

The fantasy novel-based on Shakespeare’s play The Tempest – is written by Montreal novelist Caryl Cude Mullin. The winners were announced at a gala ceremony in Montreal on November 23rd.

Rough Magic by Caryl Cude Mullin
Second Story Press
September 9, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-897187-63-0

From The Publisher
Out in the midst of the ocean, rising out of the rough seas, lies a mysterious island.

It has seen visitors over the years, and has learned to fear them. Humans have done nothing but take, stealing the island’s magic and enslaving its spirits.

Caliban, born to a great sorceress who was marooned on the island’s shores, grew up half-wild with its creatures. Having escaped the island to live amongst kingdoms and courtiers for many years, he now finds himself returning with his young charge Chiara, a girl who has a power within her that no one suspected. Once back on the island they are joined by Calypso, a magical young woman with ties to them all.

Inspired by The Tempest, Shakespeare’s famous play of love, loyalty, and magic, it is the island and its power that draws them all back. But this time the dragon who lives at the bottom of the sea has been awakened and must be satisfied. It will be up to the humans to strike a balance between their power and the natural world.

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Thoughts...
While I hate to admit it, I've never read Shakespeare's The Tempest, (*hangs head in shame*) so I can't comment on this story from that perspective. However, I freely admit that Shakespeare was always somewhat complex, confusing, and (*gasp*) too boring to keep my attention. All that poetic mumbo jumbo and "Shakespearean" English was hard to follow when his works were introduced to me in high-school; I never did try any of his works again...erm, I mean yet!

Rough Magic is quite an interesting story. With a multi-faceted storyline spanning 3 generations, readers will find themselves in the company of witches and kings, princesses and sorcerers, mermaids and dragons. WOW! What a line up!

While I found Rough Magic to be an entertaining read, I am not certain Young Adult readers will find the same level of enjoyment. With all due respect to Mullins, I fear that many young readers will find this particular novel a little too complex. While Mullins is most obviously a talented artist whose writing is well “attempted”, her narration is still raw and I found there to be some "difficult patches”. Throughout this story, there are points of anger, deceit, and brooding that this reader found to be a wee bit of a turn off. Not enough to make me want to set the book aside, yet enough to make the reading experience not entirely comfortable, either.

Additionally, readers may find some parts of Rough Magic to be a little “over-worked” and other parts lacking in foundation. I truly believe there is an amazing tale hidden amongst the pages, unfortunately there is also too much effort required sift through the excess to get to the heart of the story.

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My apologies!
I was unsuccessful in finding any official online presence for Ms. Mullin, other than her mention on
Second Story Press.

12/3/10

Review: Hunted By The Others by Jess Haines

In Hunted By The Others, Jess Haines weaves a thrilling tale of mystery, danger and intrigue that will keep readers at the edge of their seats, gripping and flipping the pages in anticipation of where the story will take them next!

Talk about a gutsy gal! Shiarra Waynest had no clue what she was getting into when she accepted the assignment to help The Circle recover an “artifact” from a local Vampire…Not just any Vampire, one of the most wealthy, powerful and oldest Vampires in all of the United States. Not normally into investigating the Others, Shiarra had many reservations but simply couldn’t pass up the generous compensation offered for her services. Shiarra soon learns that while this job may get H&W Investigations back in the black, she may not live long enough to enjoy it!

One of my biggest pet peeves when reading is finding my imagination suddenly “flung” in another, unexpected direction as the author tries to create back-story or, to further develop character personalities and relationships using a little something I like to call… “TMFI”. Not so with Hunted By The Others! Haines writing style is smooth and casual in that the flow of the story line moves quickly and easily without a lot of added fluff blurring the lines.

With a good balance of quirky comedy and spine tingling fear, Haines has created an adventure sure to keep readers on their toes! With a unique writing style and creative new concepts, Hunted By The Others is a “cool” start to a great new series!

On a side note, while I don’t want to give away anything, I’d like to just add that… Sweet Doggy! Alec Royce sounds like my kind of Vamp! Lol! Now, he’s not the traditional paranormal hottie, but dang! For some reason, that bad boy gets my motor running!...Hmm, time for me to read more of the series and maybe I’ll figure out just what his “it” is!

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Hunted By The Others: H&W Investigations, Book 1

by Jess Haines

Publisher: Zebra (Kensington Publishing Group) May 1, 2010
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420111876
ISBN-13: 978-1420111873

From The Author

They are the Others—the vampires, mages, and werewolves once thought to exist only in our imaginations. Now they’re stepping out of the shadows, and nothing in our world will ever be the same again…

In a Town Like This, Being A P.I. Can Be Murder

Shiarra Waynest’s detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm—if it doesn’t kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York’s most powerful vampires.

As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend—a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing—and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren’t always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil—whether she likes it or not…

(Click here to get a sneak peek at the first chapter!)

Coming up next in this great new H&W Investigations series!
H&W Investigations #2: Taken By The Others Jan. 4, 2011
H&W Investigations #3: Deceived By The Others July 5, 2011
H&W Investigations #4: Not yet titled – Work in Progress

Where to find Jess Haines on the Web:

12/2/10

BCC Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge - I'm In!

Here's the deets on my first 2011 Reading Challenge Participation!

(courtesy of Book Chic City)

Challenge Details

Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011 (24 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to add your reviews.

I have elected NOT to prepare a Reading List as I am quite certain I would only change it a million times anyway!

12/1/10

"No Hope for Gomez!" Birthday Party. Win Kindles, iPods, and get free books!

Guest Spot Event Promo w/Graham Parke!

“It's the age-old tale:
Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”

It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs for my weird little book ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ To celebrate this, and the fact that it just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw an international party. As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you’d come!

Of course, with every cool, international party comes a gift bag!
Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get:

Exclusive short story collection
No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters
Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
Signed hi-res poster + bookplate

(These are all exclusive items and will not be available again)

Additionally, several lucky attendants will win a Kindle or an iPod!

Oh yeah, you can bring as many friends as you like, just don't bring your crazy uncle who drinks too much and then tries to get me to go to the attic with him to see something wonderful. I've fallen for that before and I don't mind telling you, I came away very disappointed!

Find out how to attend HERE.