Renee's Book Addiction

February 1, 2009: Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins

I read Kristan Higgins’ Just One of the Guys, last year, and immediately got a hold of the rest of her backlist. Her contemporary romances are sweet, funny, and have a great cast of characters. I’ve been excitedly waiting for this, her next book.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:       

When Grace Emerson’s ex-fiancé starts dating her younger sister, extreme measures are called for. To keep everyone from obsessing about her love life, Grace announces that she’s seeing someone. Someone wonderful. Someone handsome. Someone completely made up. Who is this Mr. Right? Someone…exactly unlike her renegade neighbor, Callahan O’Shea. Well, someone with his looks, maybe. His hot body. His knife-sharp sense of humor. His smarts and big heart.

Whoa. No. Callahan O’Shea is not her perfect man! Not with his unsavory past. So why does Mr. Wrong feel so…right?

• Kristan Higgin’s site.
• Too Good To Be True excerpt.

February 1, 2009: 

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this story arc is resolved. While probably not necessary to read these in order, I’d recommend it. The nice thing about this series is that the next book in the series, Prey, will be out in July!  

Here is a book description from the author’s site:               

Here’s hoping cats do have nine lives

I’m on trial for my life. Accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. I’m not guilty. But tell that to the panel of Alphas sitting in judgment. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I’m two for three. A goner. 

On top of that, Marc is in danger of being tossed from the Pride, then we discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. I think I can protect her from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council. 

If I survive my own trial…

• Rachel Vincent’s website.
• Pride excerpt. (PDF file)

ETA: Rachel Vincent has a contest going on at her blog! Enter before February 4, 2009 to win signed copies of ALL THREE Shifters novels.

February 3, 2009: Scandal by Carolyn Jewel

I saw this book over at KatieBab’s Babbling About Books, and More! and immediately added it to my booklist. (I’ve since reserved a library copy!)

Here is the description from the author’s site:

The earl of Banallt is no stranger to scandal. But when he meets Sophie Evans, the young wife of a fellow libertine, even he is shocked by his reaction. This unconventional and intelligent woman proves to be far more than an amusing distraction — she threatens to drive him to distraction. Unlike the women who usually fall at Banallt’s feet, and into his bed, Sophie refuses to be seduced. And soon Banallt desires her more than ever — and for more than an illicit affair.

Years later, the widowed Sophie is free, and Banallt is determined to win the woman he still loves. Unfortunately, she doesn’t believe his declaration of love and chivalrous offer of marriage — her heart has already been broken by her scoundrel of a husband. And yet, Sophie is tempted to indulge in the torrid affair she’s always fantasized about. Caught between her logical mind and her long-denied desire, Sophie must thwart Banallt’s seduction — or risk being consumed by the one man she should avoid at all costs…

• Carolyn Jewel’s site.
• Scandal excerpt.

February 3, 2009: Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson series, book 4) by Patricia Briggs

Among the large number of eagerly anticipated books, this is one I’m looking forward to most.

Here is the description from the author’s site:

In a world where “witches, vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters live beside ordinary people” (Booklist), it takes a very unusual woman to call it home. By day, Mercy Thompson is a car mechanic in Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shape-shifter with some unusual talents, Mercy’s found herself maintaining a tenuous harmony between the human and the not-so-human on more than one occasion. This time she may get more than she bargained for.

• Patricia Briggs’ site.
•  Bone Crossed excerpt on author’s site.

February 3, 2009: Ravenous (The Dark Forgotten series, book 1) by Sharon Ashwood

I’ve heard so much buzz around the blogs on this one. I’ve become pickier about the new UF series I start, but this one stands out. I’ve already got it on request from the library.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

One kiss is all it takes to lose your soul…

Holly Carver is a small-time witch who busts ghosts for tuition money, but ends up wrangling a demon when a haunted house job goes bad.

Her Undead business associate, Alessandro Caravelli, suspects the demon is somebody’s not-so-secret weapon. The supernatural community is at war, and Holly’s unpredictable magic holds the key to hell’s doorway. Soon Holly is on everyone’s “must have” list, and not in a good way.

Alessandro wants her for more than magic. A lover with six centuries of experience, the vampire is walking seduction, but he’s also a predator. Every moment he spends guarding Holly, every second he spends falling under her witch’s spell, he becomes more and more of a threat himself. As Holly’s sharp-tongued grandma warns her: vampires are like a box of rich chocolate—they seem so tempting, but over-indulgence is a killer…

• Sharon Ashwood’s site.
• Ravenous excerpt.  

February 3, 2009: Undone (Outcast Season: Book 1 of 4) by Rachel Caine

This new series is set in the same world as Rachel Caine’s Weather Warden’s series.        

Here is a book description from the publisher:

Once she was Cassiel, a Djinn of limitless power. Now, she has been reshaped in human flesh as punishment for defying her master-and living among the Weather Wardens, whose power she must tap into regularly or she will die. And as she copes with the emotions and frailties of her human condition, a malevolent entity threatens her new existence…

• Rachel Caine’s site.
• Undone excerpt.  

February 3, 2009: Kiss of Fate (A Dragonfire Novel, book 3) by Deborah Cooke.

I really liked book 1 in this series, and have book 2 on my TBR shelf. I’m thinking of reading books 2 & 3 back to back. The series focuses on a group, or Pyr of dragon shifters (yeah, I love the dragons) and their destined mates. Each book follows a different couple, but there is a larger story arc that connects the series.

Deborah Cooke also writes historical romance and urban fantasy under the name Claire Delacroix.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

Haunted by dreams of a lover who takes the form of a mythical dragon, Eileen Grosvenor searches for the truth.  She never expects to find a real dragon shape shifter, let alone one who who awakens her passion and ignites memories of her own forgotten past.

Erik Sorensson is focused on leading the Pyr to triumph against the Slayers at all costs, even the sacrifice of his own life. When an ancient relic that can turn the tide of the battle reveals itself again, Erik knows he has to retrieve it from Eileen’s possession. But he’s shocked by an incredible firestorm when he tries to claim the relic — a firestorm that forces him to confront the truth about Eileen’s identity. Her presence touches him in unexpected ways, reminding him of mistakes he’s determined to not make again, and Erik is forced to make a choice…duty or love.

Only by unlocking the secrets of the past can Erik and Eileen fulfill the final prophecy of the Pyr — but can they face their deepest fears and claim their destined love in time to defeat the Slayers?

• Deborah Cooke’s site.
• Kiss of Fate excerpt.

February 3, 2009: Mortal Sins (World of the Lupi, book 5) by Eileen Wilks.

I’m so glad that Lily is the protagonist for this book in the series. I like Cynna (protag for part of book 3 and for the entirety of book 4), but I’ve been wanting more of Lily’s and Rule’s story.

One of the few Asian American heroines in a series, I love how Lily’s culture and family dynamics come to play in the series (I can relate. lol) Her grandmother (with some supernatural abilities of her own) is one of my favorite characters.

I’m also really curious, too, to find out some more about Rule’s history in this installment.

Here is the book description from the author’s site:

FBI agent Lily Yu is in North Carolina with her lover and mate Rule Turner, lu nuncio of the Nokolai werewolf clan, where he is to take custody of his son from the boy’s grandmother. It’s a purely personal trip until Rule, in wolf form, finds three bodies in a shallow grave. They carry the stench of death magic, which makes the murders a federal crime. Lily takes charge of the investigation, and soon realizes that nothing adds up—not the motives, not even the accused killer, who’s behind bars when death strikes again.

But murder, however bizarre, is an everyday affair for Lily, who was a homicide cop before being recruited into the FBI’s Magical Crimes Division. A more personal shock arrives in the person of Rule’s son’s mother. Why is she challenging Rule’s long standing plan to bring his son to live among the Nokolai?

But family must take a back seat when the violence escalates, and there’s no rhyme or reason for the killer’s next strike—a killer who may not even be of this world…

• Eileen Wilks’ site.
• Mortal Sins  excerpt on author’s site.

February 6, 2009: Mexican Heat (Crimes and Cocktails series, book 1) by Josh Lanyon and Laura Baumbach (M/M)

Josh Lanyon’s books are always winners for me. I’ve heard great things about this one!

This is for the ebook. The trade paperback is already released.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

Tough, street-smart SFPD Detective Gabriel Sandalini is willing to do whatever it takes to bring down West Coast crime boss Ricco Botelli –including a dangerous, deep undercover gig as one of Botelli’s hired guns. But Gabriel’s best laid plans may come crashing down around him when he falls hard for Antonio Lorenzo, the sexy, suave lieutenant of a rival Mexican drug lord.  Turns out Antonio may have a few secrets of his own: secrets that could destroy both men and the fragile bond between them.

• Josh Lanyon’s site.
• Mexican Heat excerpt (scroll down.)

February 24, 2009: White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows series, book 7) by Kim Harrison

I haven’t yet read a bad book in this series. Actually, I will probably be listening to the audiobook on this one, since I usually use my Audible points when a new Hollows book comes out. The productions are always excellent.

In WW,BC Rachel seeks answers for the shocking death that occurred at the end of For a Few Demons More.

Here is a book description from the publisher’s site:

Some wounds take time to heal . . . and some scars never fade.

Rachel Morgan, kick-ass witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imagined, and now she won’t rest until his death is solved . . . and avenged. Whatever the cost.

Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and when a new predator moves to the apex of the Inderlander food chain, Rachel’s past comes back to haunt her.

Literally.

• Kim Harrison’s site.

February 24, 2009: Kitty Raises Hell (Kitty Norville series, book 6) by Carrie Vaughn

It’s so great that Carrie Vaughn is coming out with back-to-back releases a month apart. In January, Kitty and the Dead Man’s Hand was released, and now instead of having to wait another year for the next one, we get Kitty Raises Hell.

Since I haven’t yet read KatDMH —I’m waiting for my library request to arrive — I HAVE NOT read this description. (Just in case something is revealed below to ruin it.) You’ve been warned!

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. 

Kitty and Ben flee The City That Never Sleeps, thinking they were finished with the dangers there, but the sadistic cult of lycanthropes and their vampire priestess have laid a curse on Kitty in revenge for her disrupting their rituals. Starting at the next full moon, danger and destruction the form of fire strikes Kitty and the pack of werewolves she’s sworn to protect. 

She enlists the help of a group of TV paranormal investigators – one of whom has real psychic abilities – to help her get to the bottom of the curse that’s been laid on her. Rick, the Master vampire of Denver, believes a deeper plot lies behind the curse, and he and Kitty argue about whether or not to accept the help of a professional demon hunter – and vampire – named Roman, who arrives a little too conveniently in the nick of time. 

Unable to rely on Rick, and unwilling to accept Roman’s offer of help for a price, Kitty and her band of allies, including Vegas magician Odysseus Grant and Kitty’s own radio audience, mount a trap for the supernatural being behind the curse, a destructive force summoned by the vengeful cult, a supernatural being that none of them ever thought to face.

• Carrie Vaughn’s site.

February 24, 2009: Made to be Broken (Nadia Stafford series, book 2) by Kelley Armstrong.

This is Kelley Armstong’s sleeper series. It seems to get lost beside the popularity of her Otherworld series, and her new YA series, Darkest Powers. I really loved book 1 in the Nadia Stafford series, Exit Strategy, and am so glad she’s returned to Nadia’s story.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

Nadia Stafford isn’t your typical nature lodge owner. An ex-cop with a legal code all her own, she’s known only as “Dee” to her current employers: a New York crime family who pays her handsomely to bump off traitors. But when Nadia discovers that a troubled teenage employee and her baby have vanished in the Canadian woods, the memory of a past loss comes back with a vengeance, and her old instincts go into overdrive.

With her enigmatic mentor, Jack, covering her back, Nadia unearths sinister clues that point to an increasingly darker and deadlier mystery. Now, with her obsession over the case deepening, the only way Nadia can right the wrongs of the present is to face her own painful ghosts—and either bury them for good, or die trying. Because in her book, everyone deserves a chance. And everyone deserves justice.

• Kelley Armstrong’s site.
• Made to be Broken excerpts: Chapter 1, chapter 2, Chapter 3