Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I'm a HUGE fan of the In Death series, so it's pretty much a guarantee I'm always going to be looking forward to the next book. That being said, I'm particularly excited about Thankless in Death because we're going to see Roarke's family. The best moments in the series (for me) don't come from the cases, but rather the more intimate moments relating to love and family.

Thankless in Death Cover Title: Thankless in Death
Series: In Death, Book 37
Author: J.D. Robb
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Release Date: September 17, 2013
J.D. Robb Reading Order

Book Description (from Goodreads):

In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood.

Other couples aren’t as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn’t made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn’t think he was capable of this.

Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Katharine Ashe Book Order

Click on series title to jump to a particular reading order:

Twist
Prince Catchers
Falcon Club
The Devil's Duke
Rogues of the Sea
Stand Alones




Twist


1. Again, My Lord

2. Forever, My Lord (available 6/7/20)

3. My Lady, My Lord


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Prince Catchers


1. I Married the Duke
Luc Westfall and Arabella Caulfield
My Review

1.5. Kisses, She Wrote

2. I Adored a Lord

3. I Loved a Rogue

3.5. The Scoundrel & I

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Falcon Club


1. When a Scot Loves a Lady
Leam Blackwood and Kitty Savege
My Review

2. How to Be a Proper Lady
Jinan Seton and Viola Carlyle
My Review

3. How a Lady Weds a Rogue
Wyn Yale and Diantha Lucas
My Review

* "Ask Me to Dance" (in the Once Upon a Ballroom anthology)
Lord Vaucoeur and Fiona Blackwood
Note: Currently out of print

3.5. How to Marry a Highlander
Duncan Eads and Teresa Finch-Freeworth
My Review

4. The Rogue

4.5 The Scoundrel & I

5. The Earl

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The Devil's Duke


1. The Rogue

2. The Earl

2.5. The Pirate and I

3. The Duke

4. The Prince


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Rogues of the Sea


1. Swept Away by a Kiss
Steven Ashford and Valerie Monroe
My Review

1.5. A Lady's Wish
Nikolas Acton and Patricia Morgan
My Review

2. Captured by a Rogue Lord
Alexander Savage and Serena Carlyle
My Review

3. In the Arms of a Marquess
Ben DoreƩ and Octavia Pierce
My Review

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Stand Alones


Captive Bride
Peter Cheriot and Beatrice Sinclaire

"How Angela Got Her Groove Back" (in the At the Duke's Wedding anthology)
Trenton Ascot and Angela Cowdrey

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Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.katharineashe.com/

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Gris Grimly's Frankenstein


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I like Mary Shelley's classic well enough, but what has me really eager for a re-read of Frankenstein is the artwork of Gris Grimly. I absolutely love Grimly's twisted, oddball art and I can't wait to have this on my bookshelves!

Gris Grimlys Frankenstein Cover Title: Gris Grimly's Frankenstein
Author: Mary Shelley
Illustrator: Gris Grimly
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Book Description (from Amazon):

Gris Grimly's Frankenstein is a twisted, fresh, and utterly original full-length, full-color graphic-novel adaptation of Mary Shelley's original text, brought to life by acclaimed illustrator Gris Grimly.

This is the first fully illustrated version to use the original 1818 text and is destined to capture the imagination of those new to the story as well as those who know it well.

New York Times bestselling illustrator Gris Grimly has long considered Frankenstein to be one of his chief inspirations. From the bones and flesh of the original, he has cut and stitched Mary Shelley's text to his own artwork, creating something entirely new: a stunningly original remix, both classic and contemporary, sinister and seductive, heart-stopping and heartbreaking.

Perfect for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Neil Gaiman's Coraline.

Author Interview: Anna Lee


I'm thrilled that one of my favorite authors, Anna Lee, has stopped by Wit and Sin! Ms. Lee's newest release, The Battle for Galerir, is the second installment of her delicious male/male fantasy romance series, The Galerir Saga (available here at MLR Press).

Below you'll find my interview with Ms. Lee as well as the book blurb and an excerpt from The Battle for Galerir!

Interview with Anna Lee

Wit and Sin: What inspired you to write the Galerir Saga?
Anna Lee: I’ve always loved fantasy, when I was growing up I read every fantasy book I could get my hands on. Dragons, elves, centaurs, you name it, they all fascinate me. I wanted to write a story that was different than all the stories I had read growing up. So in this series the prince falls in love with his knight, who is definitely not a princess locked away in a tower guarded by an evil dragon.

I love writing fantasy, I was inspired with the idea of the Galerir Saga by the thought of Sera, the baby dragon, being left in the woods and then being discovered. From here the whole story unfolded and grew until I had not just one story to tell but a whole series.

W&S: Do you have any favorites of the characters you’ve written?
AL: Yes, I adore Griffin from the Galerir Saga. He’s my favorite to write for as I always seem to be learning more about him as the story continues. He’s a little like me with his perseverance and never give up attitude despite having the worst thrown at him. He’s such an interesting character to write as well. He’s become a hero not for the fame, glory or riches but for love. He’s fighting for Galerir, embracing who he is, and being the man Tomas needs because he loves him. He’s a strong and compassionate character who is driven by that love and hope that things can change for the better.

W&S: What are you currently working on?
AL: I’m currently finishing up the third story in the Galerir Saga. Reuniting Galerir will pick up moments after the second story and is all about Tomas and Griffin trying to reunite Galerir with the lost lands of magick. I haven’t finished it yet and since I write as I go I’m not sure how it’s going to end!

W&S: Tell us a little about yourself.
AL: I’m a writer but I also do editing, proofreading, graphic design and social networking. I like to keep myself busy. I’m 29 and my biggest challenge is my disability but I never let it stop me from doing anything I set my mind to. I have the best friends anyone could ask for and though my family often drives me crazy they’re great too. I adore my nieces and nephew and spoil them rotten. I love dogs, I have a sassy Jack Russell who’s my baby. I’m easygoing and it doesn’t take much to make me happy. My dream since I was a kid was to be a published author and now I am so life is good.

W&S: When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
AL: All sorts of stuff. I like to watch my favorite TV shows like Doctor Who and Warehouse 13. I like to take my niece and nephew to the park and spend time with them. I like to go visit friends and just hang out and have a good time. I also do Photoshopping projects. I enjoy creating art and banners for friend’s stories and websites.

W&S: Where can readers find you on the ‘net?
AL: My website is: www.storiesbyannalee.com

I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorannalee

You can also find me on Twitter: @annalee59

I’m published with MLR Press and this is a list of my stories currently available: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowAuthorBooks.php?list=_ABKLIST074&author=Anna!Lee

I also have a story published by Silver Publishing: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-broken-road-ebook-p-1307.html


About The Battle for Galerir

The Battle for Galerir CoverSword against sword, magik against magik, dragon against dragon, the Battle for Galerir is being waged and victory will come with great sacrifice.

A traitorous plot seals King Antony's fate and the enemy is days away from reaching the kingdom of Galerir. Prince Tomas must become regent and ensure Galerir is prepared for war. Tomas must also learn to balance duty and love when he lifts the ban on magik and fights for the chance to openly love his knight, Griffin. Together, he and Griffin face their destiny.


Excerpt from The Battle for Galerir

A loud clap of thunder nearly made Tomas jump and smear the ink of his quill across the parchment, but he managed to avoid a mess. He would curse the storm if it were not the reason for the delay of the enemy whose ships had been thrown off course. A few had even wrecked in the force of the maelstrom on the Elysian sea. News had reached Galerir that they had likely taken refuge on the islands of Miros. It might have been the prime opportunity to strike, yet both he and his uncle agreed that it was far too dangerous to send their ships through the storm after them. So they were waiting, hoping that nature would help them some more and the storm continue to batter the enemy's forces. Meanwhile, he was busy drawing up his notes for the revised laws on magik.

"You are too tense," Griffin breathed against Tomas's ear. His lover wrapped his arms around his middle and rested his chin on Tomas's shoulder. Tomas had been so lost in his musings he hadn't even heard his knight come in from his morning exercises.

The Battle for Galerir Cover"Weight of the kingdom on my shoulders again," Tomas said with a weary sigh, looking back down at the paper and scribbling down another note. Griffin pressed a kiss to his jaw then said, "Let me help you with that."

Tomas held up the paper to show it to Griffin. "I decided to start writing down the new laws for magik then all my uncle will need to do is sign it and give it to Vincent. We cannot wait much longer; the ban needs to be lifted if we are to have aid before Ator arrives."

"It needs to happen right away," Griffin said in agreement as he read over Tomas's shoulder. "Though I am certain the storm will last awhile."

"The Great Dragons and the gods have bought us time. Now we need to make the most of it." Tomas looked at Griffin in the hope that he approved. "What do you think?"

"It is written well." Griffin pointed to the lower half of the paper. "This is a list?"

"Mm, all those of magik whom I think will help and those that will not." Tomas laid the paper down. "Can you think of any creatures from your books?"

After taking the quill from Tomas, Griffin wrote down a few on each side of his list. "There you go."

"Thank you... Ogres, trolls, shades and the like will still be banned from here. Only those with good intent will be allowed into the kingdom," Tomas said as he took the quill back, dipped it in ink and then wrote what he was saying. "I want to assure the people we will take care and that this is a change to help us and those of magik who have been wrongly persecuted."

"You should announce this if your uncle agrees," Griffin suggested, his fingers rubbing away the tension in Tomas's neck. "Speak to the people. They will accept it when you say what you just did."

"You think so?" Tomas still felt nervous about being accepted by his subjects. It had been barely a fortnight since his coronation and he was still finding his ground, learning his role as prince. He had received a warm welcome, but would the people have faith and believe he was only doing what was best for the kingdom?

"I know so. The people already love you as I do and will know you are doing this to give the kingdom a fighting chance," Griffin said, as if he had heard Tomas's thoughts.

"No one could love me as you do." Tomas turned his head slightly to kiss the corner of Griffin's mouth. "No one."

"You have me there." Griffin gave him a tender look and brushed their lips together. "When are you going to show this to your uncle?"

"I planned to do so as soon as I finished." Tomas leaned his head back, letting it rest on Griffin's shoulder for a moment. "Now, though, I am quite content to stay here with you." Turning in his seat, he reached up to comb his fingers through Griffin's blond curls, trailing his hand down until he could cradle his lover's head in both of his hands as he pulled him down and devoured his mouth.

With a whimper of need, Griffin kissed him back with the same passion. He let Tomas maneuver him as he straddled his leg, then sank into Tomas's lap, prolonging their kiss. Letting out a moan, Tomas nipped Griffin's bottom lip as his lover stroked his hands down his back. All thoughts of what he needed to be doing flew out the window; there was only Griffin and this moment that he didn't want to end.

There was a rustling by the windows and one was pushed open with a gust of cold wind. Griffin broke from the kiss, tugging a dagger from his boot before Tomas could blink. Griffin's ice blue eyes were still darkened with arousal, except now they were intently focused.

"It is only me," Sera announced, managing to squeeze her lithe body through the window and land gracefully. The young dragon spread her wings and flapped them, sending water droplets everywhere. Tomas wiped away the one that landed on Griffin's cheek. "Sorry, did I interrupt?" she asked. Her voice was innocent, yet if a dragon could truly smile she would have been.

"Perhaps. Was something the matter?" Griffin asked.

"I hate the rain," Sera huffed, smoke puffing from her nostrils. She moved over to the blazing fire and purred. "I had to fly, to stretch." With the ban on magik, she could only fly in the gardens, where the perception spell kept her and her mother Liora hidden. She fluttered her wings again. "Mother is with Kohan so I decided to visit you."

Both he and Griffin chuckled. Tomas understood her need to be out in the open space of the sky. He had planned before the storm to go hunting just to be in the woods, but there hadn't been time. He missed walking through the woods, the peace and tranquility under the canopy of trees. He found that same peace in Griffin's arms so it didn't matter that there wasn't time. As long as he had his lover he could get through this. "We are glad to have you," Tomas told their dragon.

"We are." Griffin got up, but Tomas stopped him with a kiss before letting him go. His knight then went over to the window and shut it before returning to sit on the edge of the table next to Tomas.

Sera curled up as close as possible to the hearth. She folded her wings in and tucked her tail around her body. She had grown a great deal in the fortnight they had been at the castle; she was now the size of a small pony. She could now speak aloud as well. Resting her head on the rug she looked at them through slit eyes. "Pay me no mind, I am happy now." The Battle for Galerir Cover

Tomas chuckled as he shuffled and organized his papers. "I should go see my uncle. I hope to get the ban on magik lifted, Sera."

A wave of happiness washed over him from Sera. "That is good. I hope you succeed."

"I will." Standing, Tomas traced Griffin's cheek with his fingers. "Later?"

"Later," Griffin said, a smile on his lips. "Shall I go with you?"

"Please." Tomas returned the smile then turned his attention to Sera. "We will be back in an hour. Will you be all right?"

"I will take a nap," Sera said with a bob of her head.

Griffin walked over and knelt beside the dragon, stroking her head. Her red scales reflected the heat of the flame and Tomas imagined she was warm to the touch, but it did not seem to bother Griffin. "If you need anything, call for us."

"I will." Sera nudged his hand in affection before he stood. Tomas grabbed his papers then together they headed to his uncle's study.

********

The Galerir Saga -- including The Prince of Galerir and The Battle for Galerir -- is available now at MLR Press.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Review: Carniepunk anthology

Carniepunk by Rob Thurman, Delilah S. Dawson, Kevin Hearne, Mark Henry, Jaye Wells, Rachel Caine, Allison Pang, Hillary Jacques, Jennifer Estep, Kelly Meding, Nicole Peeler, Jackie Kessler, Kelly Gay, and Seanan McGuire
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Urban Fantasy Carniepunk Cover
Release Date: July 23, 2013
ISBN: 9781476714158
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Delilah S. Dawson Reading Order


“Painted Love” by Rob Thurman
Marvelous surprises await you in “Painted Love.” Told from the point of view of a supernatural hitchhiker, “Painted Love” takes readers on an exploration of love and evil. Rob Thurman gave Doodle such an interesting, unique voice that I was drawn into the story from the start and couldn’t stop reading until I learned what was going on. I’m afraid I can’t say much about this story without spoiling it, but suffice it to say that you’re in for a fascinating journey. “Painted Love” stayed with me long after I finished reading it and I’m looking forward to reading more of Rob Thurman’s work.


“The Three Lives of Lydia” by Delilah S. Dawson
I admit, I picked up the Carniepunk anthology for this story. I love Delilah S. Dawson’s Blud series and thus was eager to delve into the world of the Bludmen once more. Ms. Dawson does not disappoint. “The Three Lives of Lydia” explores the terrible beauty of Sang and of Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan as seen through the eyes of Lydia, a human from our world who wakes up in Sang. I loved the vibrancy of the carnival, the darker undertones of the world, and seeing Sang — not to mention curious Bludman Charlie Dregs — through Lydia’s eyes. The twists and turns the story took were interesting, leaving me to ponder the implications of what Ms. Dawson revealed.

If you haven’t read the Blud series, “The Three Lives of Lydia” is a good introduction to the world of Sang. Chronologically, it takes place before the first book, Wicked As They Come, so fans of the series will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the caravan and its members (including Blud heroes Criminy and Casper) before Tish’s arrival. I hope to be seeing more of Charlie now that I’ve read this story, and all in all “The Three Lives of Lydia” sated my need for a Blud fix.


“The Demon Barker of Wheat Street” by Kevin Hearne
What should be a rather ordinary wheat festival turns into a life or death battle against demons and ghouls in “The Demon Barker of Wheat Street.” Follow the Iron Druid, Atticus, his apprentice Granuaile, and Atticus’s Irish wolfhound Oberon to Granuaile’s hometown, where the trio must rescue themselves and others from some hellish (literally) carnies. I delighted in the mix of action, humor, and garish visuals in “The Demon Barker of Wheat Street.” Kevin Hearne has a deft hand with all three and I loved that I could be laughing at Oberon’s commentary one minute, and then be wrinkling my nose at a gruesome ghoul the next.

“The Demon Barker of Wheat Street” is part of Mr. Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles, but as I have not read the series (yet), I can safely say that readers unfamiliar with the Iron Druid books will easily be able to follow along. Fans of the series will surely be pleased with this short glimpse into Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon’s lives.

Aside from the fact that I haven’t been able to get Sondheim out of my head since I first read the title of this story, there’s nothing I didn’t love about “The Demon Barker of Wheat Street.” I’ve wanted to read Mr. Hearne’s work for a while, but now I’m definitely in a hurry to start the Iron Druid Chronicles!


“The Cold Girl” by Rachel Caine
Rachel Caine delivers heart-pounding suspense as a teenage girl’s world comes crashing down around her. There are multiple kinds of monsters in “The Cold Girl,” the worst of whom are human. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d like “The Cold Girl,” but Kiley’s dying journey was enthralling in its sadness and had me turning the pages as Ms. Caine brought Kiley’s terror to life. Though I won’t spoil the story, I will say that readers better get ready for a haunting tale that will keep you guessing until the very end. I really enjoy Ms. Caine’s writing and the outcome of “The Cold Girl” left me a well-satisfied reader.


“Freak House” by Kelly Meding
When half-djinn Shiloh Harrison’s father is kidnapped by a magic abuser, it’s up to her and two new allies to free him and other Paras from their freak show prison. “Freak House” provides a captivating introduction to Kelly Meding’s Strays series. I absolutely loved this story. Ms. Meding gives Shiloh the right amount of intelligence, bravery, and magic to make her intriguing without going overboard (as sometimes happens in urban fantasy) and making our intrepid heroine difficult to relate to. I instantly adored Shiloh and I hope to learn much more about her and her two compatriots, former Army Ranger Julius and forced werewolf Will, in future Strays stories.

The world-building in “Freak House” was expertly done, providing all the information readers need without straying into what I call “info dump” territory. Kelly Meding is a marvelous storyteller and I cannot wait to read more about the world of Strays. Though I haven’t read Ms. Meding’s work before, after reading “Freak House” the four books of hers I have are going to the top of my to-be-read pile.


Carniepunk is an excellent urban fantasy sampler featuring some of the best authors in the genre today. Each author has a distinctive voice, but on the whole Carniepunk feels like a cohesive anthology.

To save this from becoming too lengthy a review, I highlighted my five favorite tales of carnie magic in the anthology. That doesn’t mean that the other nine stories aren’t worth talking about. As one might expect from an anthology featuring fourteen stories, Carniepunk can be a bit of a grab bag, depending on your tastes. Mark Henry’s “The Sweeter the Juice” was the one story that was more horror than urban fantasy. His tale of drugs, transsexuals, and zombie babies in post-zombie apocalypse New York simply wasn’t my cup of tea, though I must give Mr. Henry high marks for his talent as a writer (there are some truly haunting visuals in “The Sweeter the Juice”). Jaye Wells’s “The Werewife,” Hillary Jacques’s “Recession of the Divine,” and Seanin McGuire’s “Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely Sea” were also interesting, well-written stories that simply didn’t speak to me personally.

A good number of the Carniepunk tales are set in established universes. That being said, I could follow along and enjoy every story, regardless of whether or not I’ve read the series it stemmed from. However, Allison Pang’s “A Duet with Darkness,” Jennifer Estep’s “Parlor Tricks,” Nicole Peeler’s “Inside Man,” Jackie Kessler’s “A Chance in Hell,” and Kelly Gay’s “Hell’s Menagerie” are all stories I think I’d enjoy more were I invested in their literary worlds. I do look forward to going back to these particular stories after I’ve read at least the first book in each series (the Abby Sinclair, Elemental Assassin, Jane True, Hell on Earth, and Charlie Madigan series, respectively).

Carniepunk is filled with fantastical and frightening delights. Whether you are a fan of one or more of the authors in this anthology already or are simply looking to try something new, Carniepunk is for you. One note of caution: you’ll never look at a circus tent the same way again.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Review: Perfect Fling by Carly Phillips

Perfect Fling by Carly Phillips
Series: Serendipity's Finest, Book 2
Publisher: Jove
Genre: Contemporary Romance Perfect Fling Cover
Release Date: July 30, 2013
ISBN: 9780425259726
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Carly Phillips Reading Order

Assistant District Attorney Erin Marsden has no problem being classified as the town good girl. Then, on the night of her brother’s wedding, Erin throws caution to the wind and has a one-night stand with bad boy Cole Sanders. What was only supposed to be one night turns into something much more when Erin learns that she’s pregnant.

Manhattan cop Cole Sanders has returned to his hometown to recover from his last undercover assignment. He’s not looking for a relationship — his past makes him feel like he’s unworthy of a woman like Erin — but he can’t get the beautiful lawyer out of his mind. When he learns she’s carrying his child, things only get more complicated between them…and that’s before a crazed stalker takes a shot at Erin. Cole’s determined to stay in Serendipity and act as Erin’s bodyguard until whoever’s targeting her is caught. What he doesn’t count on is the growing urge to stay in Serendipity with Erin, to prove that he’s capable of the love and commitment she and their child deserve.

Though it’s hard to pick a favorite Carly Phillips novel, PERFECT FLING just might be it for me. Cole and Erin’s romance was enthralling and I could not put PERFECT FLING down!

Cole is a man whose upbringing has left its mark on him. Combined with the isolated nature of his career, he’s not at ease around people, even those as warm and accepting as Erin. Cole is such a wonderful hero that it just about broke my heart that he didn’t see his true value as a person. Cole endeared himself to me immediately with his all-out sex appeal, protectiveness and vulnerability. I wanted to see him find happiness with Erin because they both deserved it. Erin is loving, caring and smart — my favorite kind of heroine. She’s got a spine of steel and an open heart and that made her absolutely perfect for Cole. As a couple, Erin and Cole are dynamite. The road to happily ever after is filled with ups and downs for them, but the journey is one well worth taking.

The threat of danger from a stalker, work troubles and family issues are as important to the story as the romance, making PERFECT FLING a “full” story. How the various plotlines weave together gives the feeling that you’re living in Serendipity alongside Erin and Cole. I love how Ms. Phillips’s writing makes me feel like I’m part of the Serendipity community. After finishing a SERENDIPITY novel I always end up feeling like I’m leaving the town, which I hate to do.

PERFECT FLING can easily be read as a standalone, although it is the second book in Ms. Phillips’s SERENDIPITY’S FINEST trilogy, featuring the Marsden siblings. The SERENDIPITY’S FINEST series is a continuation of the SERENDIPITY series, so fans like myself are sure to be happy to see familiar faces popping up throughout Erin and Cole’s book. The only downside to reading PERFECT FLING is that I want to read the next SERENDIPITY’S FINEST book, PERFECT TOGETHER, right now!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Carly Phillips Book Order

Click on series title to jump to a particular reading order:

Rosewood Bay
Billionaire Bad Boys
Dare to Love
Dare NY (NY Dare Cousins)
Serendipity
Serendipity's Finest
Bachelor Blog
Love Unexpected
Lucky
Ty and Hunter
Hot Zone
Costas Sisters
Chandler Brothers
Simply
Standalones


Rosewood Bay


1. Fearless
Kane Harmon and Halley Ward

2. Breathe
Jake Nichols and Phoebe Ward

3. Freed
Braden Clark and Juliette Collins

4. Dream (available 10/16/18)
Kyle Davenport and Andrea Harmon

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Billionaire Bad Boys


1. Going Down Easy
Kaden Barnes and Lexie Parker

2. Going Down Hard
Derek West and Cassie Storm

3. Going Down Fast
Lucas Monroe and Maxie Sullivan

4. Going In Deep
Julian Dane and Kendall Parker

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Dare to Love


1. Dare to Love
Ian Dare and Riley Taylor
My Review

2. Dare to Desire
Alex Dare and Madison Evans

3. Dare to Surrender
Gabriel Dare and Isabelle Masters

4. Dare to Submit
Decklan Dare and Amanda Collins

5. Dare to Rock
Ian Dare and Riley Taylor

6. Dare to Take
Tyler Dare and Ella Shaw

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Dare NY (NY Dare Cousins)


1, Rock Me
Ben Hollander and Summer Michelle

2. Tempt Me
Austin Rhodes and Mia Atwood

3. His to Protect
Shane Landon and Talia Shaw

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Serendipity


1. Serendipity
Ethan Barron and Faith Harrington
My Review

1.5. Kismet
Trevor Dane and Lissa Gardelli

1.75. Fated
Nick Mancini and Kate Andrews
My Review

2. Destiny
Nash Barron and Kelly Moss

3. Karma
Dare Barron and Liza McKnight
My Review

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Serendipity's Finest


1. Perfect Fit
Mike Marsden and Cara Hartley
My Review

1.5. Perfect Strangers (available as a standalone or in the Hot Summer Nights anthology)
Luke Thompson and Alexa Collins

2. Perfect Fling
Cole Sanders and Erin Marsden
My Review

3. Perfect Together
Sam Marsden and Nicole Farnsworth
My Review

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Bachelor Blog


1. Kiss Me If You Can
Sam Cooper and Lexie Davis
My Review

2. Love Me If You Dare
Rafe Mancuso and Sara Rios
My Review

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Love Unexpected


1. Perfect Partners
Griffin Stuart and Chelsea Russell

2. Solitary Man
Kevin Manning and Nikki Welles

3. The Right Choice
Mike Novak and Carly Wexler

4. Midnight Angel
Dylan North and Holly Evans

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Lucky


1. Lucky Charm
Derek Corwin and Gabrielle Donovan

2. Lucky Streak
Mike Corwin and Amber Rose

3. Lucky Break
Jason Corwin and Lauren Perkins


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Ty and Hunter


1. Cross My Heart
Tyler Benson and Lily (Lacey) Dumont

2. Sealed With a Kiss
Daniel Hunter and Molly Gifford


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Hot Zone


1. Hot Stuff
Brandon Vaughn and Annabelle Jordan

2. Hot Number
Damien Fuller and Micki Jordan

3. Hot Item
Riley Nash and Sophie Jordan

4. Hot Property
John Roper and Amy Stone


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Costas Sisters


1. Under the Boardwalk
Quinn Donovan and Ariana Costas

2. Summer Lovin
Ryan Baldwin and Zoe Costas


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Chandler Brothers


1. The Bachelor
Roman Chandler and Charlotte Bronson

2. The Playboy
Rick Chandler and Kendall Sutton

3. The Heartbraker
Chase Chandler and Sloane Carlisle


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Simply


1. Simply Sinful
Kane McDermott and Kayla Luck

2. Simply Scandalous
Logan Montgomery and Catherine Luck

3. Simply Sensual
Ben Callahan and Grace Montgomery

4. Body Heat
Jake Lowell and Brianne Nelson

5. Simply Sexy
Colin Lyons and Rina Lowell


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Standalones


Seduce Me
Jack Latham and Mallory Sinclair

Secret Fantasy
Doug Houston and Juliette Stanton

Brazen
Ryan (Mac) McKenzie and Samantha Reed

"Compassion Can't Wait" (in the More than Words: Volume 7 anthology)
Kyle Hansen and Julia Caldwell

Grey's Anatomy 101
Analysis of Derek and Meredith from TV show Grey's Anatomy

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Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified

information as well as for information books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.carlyphillips.com/

Monday, July 15, 2013

Teaser Tuesday: Blood Brothers and Carniepunk

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm reading a couple of books this week, so I decided to give my teasers a theme: faithful canine companions. Both Blood Brothers and "The Demon Barker of Wheat Street" (in the Carniepunk anthology) feature memorable dogs - Lump and Oberon respectively :)

Teaser:
"Is your dog in a coma?" Quinn asked when the dog didn't move a muscle.
"No. Lump leads an active and demanding internal life that requires long periods of rest."
*Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts, page 44


Book Description:
Blood Brothers CoverEvery seven years, there comes a week in July when the locals do unspeakable things--and then don't seem to remember them. The collective madness has mad itself know beyond the town borders and has given Hawkins Hollow the reputation of a village possessed. This modern-day legend draws reporter and author Quinn Black to Hawkins Hollow with the hope of making the eerie happening the subject of her new book. It is only February, but Caleb Hawkins, descendent of the town founders, has already seen and felt the stirrings of evil. Though he can never forget the beginning of the terror in the woods twenty-one years ago, the signs have never been this strong before. Cal will need the help of his best friends, Fox and Gage, but surprisingly he must rely on Quinn as well. She, too, can see the evil that the locals cannot, somehow connecting her to the town--and to Cal. As winter turns to spring, Cal and Quinn will shed their inhibitions, surrendering to a growing desire. The will form the cornerstone of a group of men and women bound by fate, passion, and the fight against what is to come from out of the darkness...




Teaser:
< Set me loose on a colony of prairie dogs, Atticus. I'll show them what a real dog is,> he told me. < Or point me at some antelope. Can we go after antelope?>
Sure, buddy, I replied through our mental link. But that's going to be quite a run. Hard to sneak up on anything in flat land like this.
< You can hum the theme from Chariots of Fire once we hit full stride. It will make the antelope run in slow motion like the movie and then it will be easy.>
I'm not sure it works like that.
*"The Demon Barker of Wheat Street" by Kevin Hearne


Book Description:
Carniepunk CoverThe traveling carnival is a leftover of a bygone era, a curiosity lurking on the outskirts of town. It is a place of contradictions—the bright lights mask the peeling paint; a carnie in greasy overalls slinks away from the direction of the Barker’s seductive call. It is a place of illusion—is that woman’s beard real? How can she live locked in that watery box?

And while many are tricked by sleight of hand, there are hints of something truly magical going on. One must remain alert and learn quickly the unwritten rules of this dark show. To beat the carnival, one had better have either a whole lot of luck or a whole lot of guns—or maybe some magic of one’s own.

Featuring stories grotesque and comical, outrageous and action-packed, Carniepunk is the first anthology to channel the energy and attitude of urban fantasy into the bizarre world of creaking machinery, twisted myths, and vivid new magic.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Review: Don't Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee

Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee
Series: Sons of Kane, Book 1
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Genre: Paranormal Romance Dont Bite the Bridesmaid Cover
ISBN: 9781622668045
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Alice Shepard needs a date to her sister’s wedding. And since her ex-fiancĆ© happens to be the best man in the wedding, not just any date will do. Alice needs a man who will make her ex rue the day he decided to cheat on her. Luckily for her, she knows just the man: her sexy as hell next-door neighbor.

The last thing Noah Thorpe wants is to be stuck on a cruise ship for a week with his gorgeous neighbor. A vampire like himself must always maintain control and keep from feeding on humans, and to him Alice is delicious as hell. But Noah has a bigger problem than lust, blood or otherwise. He needs to get out of a vampire bonding that will tie him to some unknown female vampire for eternity. Leaving town for a bit in the hopes that his brothers will be able to get him out of the unwanted wedding seems like a good solution. If only he could keep his fangs — and his hands — off of Alice for the week…

Just like the appletinis Alice favors, Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid is sweet with an unexpected kick.

I absolutely loved Alice. She’s incredibly sunny and sweet, but she’s no pushover. Alice knows how to stand up for herself and she’s not easily shaken, even when it comes to falling in love with a supernatural being. Noah, in turn, is charming and suave. His predatory nature makes him a bit dark, but he’s not broody. The longer he’s around Alice the more lively Noah gets, and the change in him was entertaining to watch as it happened. The romance between Alice and Noah was simply lovely. There’s passion aplenty in Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid, along with humor and a deeply satisfying love story.

Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid is the first book in Tiffany Allee’s Sons of Kane series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two books. Noah’s “brothers” played small supporting roles in the story and I’m intrigued by them, as well as Noah’s creator, the enigmatic Kane.

If you like paranormal romances that will make you smile and laugh as you fall in love with the hero and heroine, then you don’t want to miss Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Maid of Dishonor by Heidi Rice


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I loved the first two books in the multi-author Wedding Season quartet (The Unexpected Wedding Guest and Girl Least Likely to Marry), and for that reason alone I'd be excited to read the third book in the series. However, I've been intrigued by Gina and Carter since book 1, so I'm extremely on edge waiting for Maid of Dishonor!

Maid of Dishonor Cover Title: Maid of Dishonor
Series: The Wedding Season, Book 3
Author: Heidi Rice
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin KISS
Release Date: August 20, 2013

Book Description (from Amazon):

When she's very, very bad...
Gina Carrington knows exactly how to have fun! But when she sleeps with her friend's brother, the off-limits Carter, she quickly discovers she's overstepped the mark.

...life is so much more fun!
Years later, Gina sees Carter again to prepare for her friend's wedding, and she can't help but wonder what the harm would be in one more night…. He's available, gorgeous and behind that laid-back Southern charm there's a wild side even she can't tame! But Gina has secrets which she can't hide forever—will their chemistry be strong enough to keep Carter by her side when her secrets come to light?

Review: The Sugar Detox by Brooke Alpert and Patricia Farris

The Sugar Detox: Lose Weight, Feel Great, and Look Years Younger by Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN and Patricia Farris, MD, FAAD
Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
Genre: Health and Nutrition The Sugar Detox Cover
ISBN: 9780738216416
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Sugar is the new controlled substance. The average American consumes up to 31 pounds of sugar a year, and a diet high in sugar can cause diabetes, obesity, and many other health crises. Our excess intake of sugar, from the white stuff on the table to the high-fructose corn syrup hidden in packaged foods, is not only making us sick, it’s making us fat and aging our skin. Now, nutritionist Brooke Alpert and dermatologist Patricia Farris team up in this revolutionary program that helps get the sugar out of your diet to recapture youthful skin and good health.

Designed to limit the amount of extra blood sugar, slim your waistline, increase your energy levels, and improve your skin, this combined approach to nutrition and skin care will make you feel—and look—better than you ever have before. The secret? A three-day detox plan to get the sugar out of your system and get you on the path to eating and living the healthiest way possible.

The Sugar Detox is unlike any health and wellness book I’ve read lately. Authors Brooke Alpert and Patricia Farris explain what sugar does to your body, going beyond the rote “it’s bad for you,” to detail how sugar affects not only your waistline and overall health, but how it ages your skin. Though I don’t have a background in medicine/nutrition, from a layperson’s standpoint, I thought The Sugar Detox was well-researched and found Ms. Alpert and Dr. Farris’s resulting food plan and overall wellness guide to be sensible and not too difficult to follow.

Unfortunately, The Sugar Detox’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. The scientific data Ms. Alpert and Dr. Farris use to explain what sugar does to your body isn’t written in an easily digestible manner. This means that The Sugar Detox is a very dense read and I did wish the authors were a bit more concise in their explanations.

The Sugar Detox is a well-thought out lifestyle change book. If you’re tired of fad diets and simply want to get healthy, I recommend giving The Sugar Detox a try.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Teaser Tuesday: Carniepunk anthology

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm just starting the Carniepunk anthology (urban fantasy), so my teaser this week is the very first two sentences of the book. And they are definitely two memorable sentences :)

Teaser:
"Love is a bitch. There's no getting around it."
*"Painted Love" by Rob Thurman


Book Description:
Carniepunk CoverThe traveling carnival is a leftover of a bygone era, a curiosity lurking on the outskirts of town. It is a place of contradictions—the bright lights mask the peeling paint; a carnie in greasy overalls slinks away from the direction of the Barker’s seductive call. It is a place of illusion—is that woman’s beard real? How can she live locked in that watery box?

And while many are tricked by sleight of hand, there are hints of something truly magical going on. One must remain alert and learn quickly the unwritten rules of this dark show. To beat the carnival, one had better have either a whole lot of luck or a whole lot of guns—or maybe some magic of one’s own.

Featuring stories grotesque and comical, outrageous and action-packed, Carniepunk is the first anthology to channel the energy and attitude of urban fantasy into the bizarre world of creaking machinery, twisted myths, and vivid new magic.

Book Reviews: New Adult

This is a master list of all my new adult book reviews. The books here are span all subgenres of NA and if they're romance, the reviews are also posted in my romance reviews section.

Note: The review links will open up in a new tab/window.


Click to jump to a particular section:

New Reviews

Reviews for Upcoming Releases

Anthologies/Multiple Authors (alphabetized by title)

Alphabetized by Author:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |


New Reviews



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Reviews for Upcoming Releases


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Anthologies/Multiple Authors (alphabetized by title)



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- Not Your Average Hot Guy (Not Your Average Hot Guy, Book 1) by Gwenda Bond

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- The Deal (Off-Campus, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy
- The Mistake (Off-Campus, Book 2) by Elle Kennedy
- The Score (Off-Campus, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy
- The Goal (Off-Campus, Book 4) by Elle Kennedy
- Good Girl Complex (Avalon Bay, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy
- Heroine’s Journey (Heroine Complex, Book 3) by Sarah Kuhn
- Holiday Heroine (Heroine Complex, Book 6) by Sarah Kuhn

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- All of You (Between Breaths, Book 1) by Christina Lee
- Heat it Up (Off the Ice, Book 1) by Stina Lindenblatt

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- One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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- This Book Will Change Your Life by Amanda Weaver

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Disclosure Notice: In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I would like everyone to know that while I do purchase my own books quite frequently, you should assume that each book reviewed here at Wit and Sin was provided to the reviewer by the publisher or the author for free.

Book Reviews: Non-Fiction

This is a master list of all my non-fiction book reviews.

Note: The review links will open up in a new tab/window.


Click to jump to a particular section:

New Reviews

Reviews for Upcoming Releases

Anthologies/Multiple Authors (alphabetized by title)

Alphabetized by Author:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |


New Reviews


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Reviews for Upcoming Releases


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Anthologies/Multiple Authors (alphabetized by title)

- Plant-Based Meal Prep: Simple, Make-Ahead Recipes for Vegan, Gluten-Free, Comfort Food by Stephanie Tornatore and Adam Bannon
- The Sugar Detox: Lose Weight, Feel Great, and Look Years Younger by Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN and Patricia Farris, MD, FAAD

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- Joyful, Delicious, Vegan: Life Without Heart Disease by Sherra Aguirre

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B

- Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook for Unapologetic Living by Jes Baker
- Cavewomen Don't Get Fat: The Paleo Chic Diet for Rapid Results by Esther Blum
- #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl's Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini by Nicole Byer

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- The Spartan Way: Eat Better. Train Better. Think Better. Be Better. by Joe De Sena
- Healthy as F*ck: The Habits You Need to Get Lean, Stay Healthy, and Kick Ass at Life by Oonagh Duncan

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- Unf*ck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess by Rachel Hoffman

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- Eff This! Meditation:108 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for When You're Stressed Out, Anxious, or Overwhelmed by Liza Kindred

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- The Serotonin Revolution by Lowri Turner

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- Eating Vegan: A Plant-Based Cookbook for Beginners by Dianne Wenz
- Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
- The Paper Solution: What to Shred, What to Save, and How to Stop It From Taking Over Your Life by Lisa Woodruff

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Disclosure Notice: In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I would like everyone to know that while I do purchase my own books quite frequently, you should assume that each book reviewed here at Wit and Sin was provided to the reviewer by the publisher or the author for free.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Review: Time Untime by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Time Untime by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Dark-Hunters, Book 22
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance Time Untime Cover
ISBN: 9780312546618
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Sherrilyn Kenyon Reading Order

Long ago, there lived a Keetoowah warrior whose body hosted the Grizzly spirit. He was untouchable…until one who should have loved him betrayed and murdered him. Resurrected by the goddess Artemis, that warrior is now known as Ren Waya, a Dark-Hunter. For Ren, there’s no escaping the past — not now that he has to stop Grizzly and his brother, Coyote, from ending the world. His only hope for doing so lies with a woman who doesn’t even believe in the paranormal.

Despite growing up with her grandmother’s tales of the supernatural, Kateri Avani only believes in what science can prove. At least, that was the case until raven mockers and spirits and Dark-Hunters invaded her life. Now Kateri must help a warrior, too handsome for her peace of mind, prevent the destruction of the entire world. And for Kateri, saving the world just might be easier than convincing Ren to take a chance on their mutual attraction.

Sherrilyn Kenyon takes readers on a whirlwind journey of trust, love, betrayal and heartbreak in TIME UNTIME. This action-packed DARK-HUNTER novel blends Mayan and Native American legends with the already-established Atlantean mythos to create a story that’s wildly entertaining.

Ren and Kateri are classic Sherrilyn Kenyon protagonists, which means they were easy to fall in love with. Before his death and rebirth as a Dark-Hunter, Ren’s life was downright horrible. His father and brother were abusive and he was looked down on by pretty much everyone. Because of his past, Ren’s fearful of his growing attachment to Kateri and I was rooting for her to gain his trust and make him see that it was possible for him to be loved. These two were a dynamic pair and though I won’t spoil the book by saying why, I admit the end of TIME UNTIME had me sniffling.

Ms. Kenyon’s addition of her own Mayan and Native American stories to the DARK-HUNTER world may be a bit confusing in the beginning, considering the series is primarily rooted in Greek and Atlantean mythology (with a few other pantheons added in off and on). However, once TIME UNTIME gets going Ms. Kenyon’s gift for blending different worlds together shines and ultimately, I loved how she handled the mythological aspects of this book.

TIME UNTIME is the twenty-second full-length DARK-HUNTER novel. While Ren and Kateri’s story could be read as a standalone, I recommend at least reading the previous book, RETRIBUTION, before beginning this one, as events from the previous story impact the plot of TIME UNTIME. And fans of the series, never fear; Ren and Kateri aren’t on their journey alone. Acheron, Talon, Urian, Nick and more familiar faces play supporting roles in this story, bringing humor to the book and making me want more DARK-HUNTER stories. The only thing I didn’t like about TIME UNTIME was that it made me yearn for Urian to get a happily ever after of his own now more than ever, and that’s the greedy reader in me talking.

TIME UNTIME is a strong addition to the fantastic DARK-HUNTER series. I loved Ren and Kateri’s story and I can’t wait to read it again!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.