Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Review: Thrown for a Curve by Sugar Jamison

Thrown for a Curve by Sugar Jamison
Series: Perfect Fit, Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary Romance Thrown for a Curve Cover
ISBN: 9781250032980
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

When you're a big girl

Cherri has often wished she were thin and graceful like a ballerina instead of being a six-foot-tall blonde with curves that require serious caution. Surely a charming Irishman like her new boss Colin, with his throaty brogue and to-die-for bod, would never go for someone like Cherri. Unless maybe he’s looking for the exact opposite of a delicate lass?

There’s more of you to love

When Colin hired Cherri to work in his furniture-restoration shop, he had his eyes, first and foremost, on her artistic talents. But now he can’t help but see Cherri for the lush, spirited beauty that she is…and, soon enough, he finds himself mixing business with pleasure. But Cherri turns out to be more vulnerable than she appears. Is she in need of more than Colin can give? Or could it be that a feeling stronger than lust has him thrown for a curve?

I start every book I pick up hoping to love it, but it’s a sad fact that some stories just aren’t going to be a good (never mind perfect) fit. Such was the case for me with Thrown for a Curve. I went into the second Perfect Fit novel hoping for a fun, sassy read in the vein of the first novel, Dangerous Curves Ahead, and came out disappointed.

Thrown for a Curve follows Cherri and Colin on their rocky road to happily ever after. Cherri is a young artist who wants to be a teacher, but I felt I never really got a solid grip on her personality aside from that. She’s sprightly in the beginning of the story and I enjoyed that, along with her love for her grandmother and her not-so-hidden insecurities. Unfortunately, in the second half of Thrown for a Curve Cherri does a one-eighty, devolving into someone unrecognizable and, ultimately, frustrating. Her mood swings gave me whiplash (and hormones don’t cover it, I’m sorry to say) and I really lost respect for her when she failed to simply open her mouth and talk to Colin about her problems. Not to mention my irritation with the entire plotline involving her becoming a teacher. I don’t presume to be knowledgeable about New York teaching credential programs, but one would think Cherri would have to spend at least 30 seconds in a classroom before she’s given a teaching position. As it only takes her that long to decide she hates her “dream job” and not much longer than that to quit, I really questioned her maturity, which was sad considering author Sugar Jamison had spent the whole book working to prove that Cherri was mature for her age. Colin, in turn, is a handsome Irishman (don’t worry about remembering that, it’ll be referenced multiple times per chapter) whose past has left him with issues when it comes to women. He makes mistakes with Cherri and also regresses as the book goes on, but I was able to understand where he was coming from slightly better, even if I didn’t agree with his actions and wanted to shake him.

I do want to stress that I liked Cherri and Colin for the first half of the book, even though I felt things moved incredibly slowly. Unfortunately, when the action picked up the story derailed. I won’t spoil what happened, but I will say that a lot of Colin and Cherri’s problems could have been solved if they’d simply had honest conversations with one another where each spoke and truly listened to one another. The drama felt manufactured and there were a few other seemingly random moments thrown in at the end to “test” Colin and Cherri’s relationship which didn’t help.

I finished Thrown for a Curve feeling disappointed and unsure if I want to read the third book in the series, which is a pity, as I liked both the first Perfect Fit book and the novella “Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas.” Fans of Dangerous Curves Ahead should be pleased that Mike and Ellis appear and are instrumental in making Cherri and Colin’s relationship work. There’s a satisfying epilogue in Thrown for a Curve which ends the book on a positive note and reminded me of what I generally like about Ms. Jamison’s writing.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday: Azagoth by Larissa Ione


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

I go gaga over Larissa Ione's books, so I'll try to keep the fangirling to a minimum this week. That being said, OMGICAN'TWAITFORAZAGOTH'SSTORY. I've already pre-ordered Azagoth on Kindle and I'm really trying to avoid the temptation to pre-order the paperback as well :)

Azagoth Cover Title: Azagoth
Series: Demonica Book 10.5 / Lords of Deliverance Book 5.5
Author: Larissa Ione
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Release Date: June 10, 2014
Larissa Ione Reading Order and Reviews

Book Description (from Amazon):

Even in the fathomless depths of the underworld and the bleak chambers of a damaged heart, the bonds of love can heal…or destroy.

He holds the ability to annihilate souls in the palm of his hand. He commands the respect of the most dangerous of demons and the most powerful of angels. He can seduce and dominate any female he wants with a mere look. But for all Azagoth’s power, he’s bound by shackles of his own making, and only an angel with a secret holds the key to his release.

She’s an angel with the extraordinary ability to travel through time and space. An angel with a tormented past she can’t escape. And when Lilliana is sent to Azagoth’s underworld realm, she finds that her past isn’t all she can’t escape. For the irresistibly sexy fallen angel known as Azagoth is also known as the Grim Reaper, and when he claims a soul, it’s forever…

Monday, March 24, 2014

Monday in Review

It’s update time again :)

Below are the newest reviews I’ve written recently - cold season has me a bit behind. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

Reviews for upcoming releases:
- Hope Ignites (Hope, Book 2) by Jaci Burton (available 3/25/14)
- Midnight Pursuits (Killer Instincts, Book 4) by Elle Kennedy (available 4/1/14)
- Wildflower Wedding (Cricket Creek, Book 6) by LuAnn McLane (available 4/1/14)

All other new reviews:
- Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
- Cairo Caper (Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider, Book 3) by Barbara Silkstone

Upcoming reviews:
- Rise of the Gryphon (Belador, Book 4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
- Dangerous Seduction (Nemesis, Unlimited, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
- Skies of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 3) by Zoë Archer
- The Seduction of Elliot McBride (Highland Pleasures, Book 5) by Jennifer Ashley
- The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Book 6) by Jennifer Ashley
- Wild Man (Dream Man, Book 2) by Kristen Ashley
- Make You Mine (Dumont Bachelors, Book 1) by Macy Beckett
- Down for the Count (Dare Me, Book 1) by Christine Bell
- Down and Dirty (Dare Me, Book 2) by Christine Bell
- Bolted (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 2) by Meg Benjamin
- The Professional: Part 1 by Kresley Cole
- The Professional: Part 2 by Kresley Cole
- The Professional: Part 3 by Kresley Cole
- Cowboy Waltz by Cameron Dane
- How to Ravish a Rake (How to Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Scarlet Devices (Steam and Seduction, Book 2) by Delphine Dryden
- Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- One Taste of Scandal (Redcakes, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
- Beauty Bites (Biting Love, Book 6) by Mary Hughes
- The Volatile Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons, Book 4) by Sandy James
- Thrown for a Curve (Perfect Fit, Book 2) by Sugar Jamison
- Breathe by Lauren Jameson
- Archer (Hard Body, Book 1) by Debra Kayn
- Double Take by Leslie Kelly
- Since You’ve Been Gone (Welcome to Paradise, Book 4) by Elle Kennedy
- Caught Up in You (Loving on the Edge, Book 4) by Roni Loren
- Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, Book 1) by Bec McMaster
- All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2) by Kate Meader
- A Reason to Love (Snowberry Creek, Book 3) by Alexis Morgan
- Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Soul Sucker by Kate Pearce
- Dare to Love (Dare to Love, Book 1) by Carly Phillips
- The Fifth Favor by Shelby Reed
- The Collector by Nora Roberts
- Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
- Shadow Spell (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 2) by Nora Roberts
- Nights of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 4) by Nico Rosso
- Secrets of a Gentleman Escort by Bronwyn Scott
- Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter, Book 6) by Nalini Singh
- Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, Book 12) by Nalini Singh
- Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling, Book 13) by Nalini Singh
- Sully’s Sweet Salvation by Sierra Summers
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Easy by Tammara Webber
- The Heir of the Castle by Scarlet Wilson
- Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

Friday, March 21, 2014

Review: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
Publisher: Touchstone
Genre: Humor Hyperbole and a Half Cover
ISBN: 9781455573271
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Every time Allie Brosh posts something new on her hugely popular blog Hyperbole and a Half the internet rejoices.

Touching, absurd, and darkly comic, Allie Brosh’s highly anticipated book Hyperbole and a Half showcases her unique voice, leaping wit, and her ability to capture complex emotions with deceptively simple illustrations.

This full-color, beautifully illustrated edition features more than fifty percent new content, with ten never-before-seen essays and one wholly revised and expanded piece as well as classics from the website like, “The God of Cake,” “Dogs Don’t Understand Basic Concepts Like Moving,” and her astonishing, “Adventures in Depression,” and “Depression Part Two,” which have been hailed as some of the most insightful meditations on the disease ever written.

Brosh’s debut marks the launch of a major new American humorist who will surely make even the biggest scrooge or snob laugh. We dare you not to.

Buy this book. Seriously. If you like to laugh, buy Hyperbole and a Half. It’s a book worthy of the “LOL” acronym. Cartoonist Allie Brosh has a talent for mixing hilarity with honest human emotion and for making the ordinary hysterical. Very rarely do I read a book that has me laughing all the way through, which is why I’m so excited about Hyperbole and a Half.

Hyperbole and a Half covers everything from adventures with dogs to a truthful description of depression to musings on identity to an amusing account of a run in with a vicious goose and much, much more. Ms. Brosh has a delightfully wacky sense of humor and I was charmed at how honest she was about herself and her flaws (more so because I share many of these hilarious shortcomings and I appreciate self-deprecating humor). Though I connected with some stories more than others, there wasn’t a page of this book I didn’t enjoy.

Hyperbole and a Half features many comics from Ms. Brosh’s blog of the same name, plus more new content written specifically for this book. For those of you who haven’t visited Ms. Brosh’s blog, do so now: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com. I defy you not to enjoy Allie Brosh’s witty and bright reflections on life.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Review: Midnight Pursuits by Elle Kennedy

Midnight Pursuits by Elle Kennedy
Series: Killer Instincts, Book 4
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Romantic Suspense Midnight Pursuits Cover
ISBN: 9780451465696
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Elle Kennedy Reading Order

Her job is to stay hidden.

Too bad he can’t take his eyes off her.


Soldier-for-hire Ethan Hayes is the youngest member of an elite mercenary team. While he may be affectionately nicknamed the rookie, the skills Ethan honed as a Marine make him seriously dangerous. But when a sudden distress call puts him in close quarters with a rival, he finds more than his field skills being put to the test.

Juliet Mason stands out as the master thief in a covert group of assassins and spies. Her latest mission is personal—and it’s gone horribly wrong. Juliet may prefer to work alone, but when the rookie comes to her aid in snowy Eastern Europe, she can’t deny they make a good team. But even up against a powerful enemy, their most challenging task yet may be fighting the passion between them...

Blockbuster-level action abounds in Midnight Pursuits! Elle Kennedy has once again expertly blended seriously steamy passion with edgy romantic suspense in her fourth Killer Instincts novel and I loved it.

Ethan is the Captain America of Jim Morgan’s mercenaries. He’s honorable, a gentleman, and essentially looks and acts like the boy next door. He’s also dangerous as hell and twice as sexy. I loved Ethan from the start – how could I not? Juliet, on the other hand, took some time to get to know. She’s physically and emotionally wounded when we first see her in Midnight Pursuits, and it takes some time to get past the abrasive front she puts up. Juliet doesn’t magically become the ultra-warm and nurturing type, but rather Ms. Kennedy shows the true Juliet, one who is undeniably deadly and guards her heart, but who is also fiercely loyal and cares deeply for those she’s given said loyalty to. Though Juliet tries to deny her attraction to Ethan, and tries to play down his abilities based on the fact that he’s twenty-five, she can only leave the blinders on for so long. And when they come off…watch out – Ethan and Juliet as a couple are hot enough to burn. Whether they’re taking down corrupt, murderous politicians or circling the sexual tension that simmers between them, Juliet and Ethan are great together.

Midnight Pursuits is the fourth Killer Instincts book, but you don’t have to have read Midnight Rescue, Midnight Alias, or Midnight Games to follow along. However, if you’re a fan of the series you’ll be pleased to know that some of your favorite mercenaries and assassins play strong supporting roles. I loved revisiting past heroes and heroines (even if it’s only a brief mention), and man, oh man I’m more intrigued than ever by (hopefully future heroes) Sully and Liam. What’s more, Ethan and Juliet’s bosses, badass Jim Morgan and “queen of assassins” Noelle, are complete scene stealers, particularly when they’re together. If you’re like me and have been dying to learn about Jim and Noelle’s history, then be warned that Midnight Pursuits is only going to up your craving for information.

Midnight Pursuits is a gripping story that’s fast-paced, dark, red-hot, and wholly entertaining. I finished Ethan and Juliet’s book a well-satisfied reader, but I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next Killer Instincts novel. I’d expect nothing less from Elle Kennedy, who’s proved herself over and over again as a master of romantic suspense.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday: Make You Blush by Macy Beckett


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

I was lucky enough to get an arc of Macy Beckett's first Dumont Bachelors novel, Make You Mine (out May 6th) and I LOVED it. I'm really excited to read the prequel novella for this series, "Make You Blush." We got to see a bit of Allie Mauvais's matchmaking talent in her own book, so it should be a lot of fun to see what Allie's voodoo magic conjures up in this story ;)

Make You Blush Cover Title: Make You Blush
Series: Dumont Bachelors, Book 0.5
Author: Macy Beckett
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: April 1, 2014

Book Description (from Amazon):

Welcome to the Louisiana Bayou and the world of rising star Macy Beckett’s newest series, where hopeful hearts will go to great lengths to change their luck in love...

On the surface, Joy McMasterson has everything—a steady career, a trendy French Quarter townhouse, and high-society parents who fill her schedule with a rotation of trust fund hotties. But despite her good fortune, Joy is suffocating beneath the pressure of her father’s political campaign. Every detail of her life is scripted, from her sensible Tiffany hoops to the men she’s permitted to date.

To assert control over her love life, Joy visits The Sweet Spot bakery—home to Allie Mauvais, third-generation voodoo priestess and renowned matchmaker. Armed with love potion and a newly-found nerve, Joy walks out of the bakery and into Ryan Gibson’s tattoo shop. One look at the gorgeous owner and she knows two things: they have enough chemistry to steam the ink off his skin, and he’s not the kind of guy she can take home to her parents. But if Joy wants to escape her father’s shadow, maybe Ryan is exactly who she needs...

Friday, March 14, 2014

Review: Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton

Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton
Series: Hope, Book 2
Publisher: Jove
Genre: Contemporary Romance Hope Ignites Cover
ISBN: 9780425259771
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

When a movie crew asks to film on his cattle ranch, Logan McCormack doesn’t expect Desiree Jenkins, the young, sought-after star, to be so open, so down-to-earth, or so intimately interested in him. But the last thing a loner like Logan needs is a distraction like Des, who wouldn’t understand what it’s like to live peacefully off the land.

But it’s Logan who doesn’t understand. What Des wants is an escape from paparazzi and gossip columns, and she’s found it at Logan’s ranch. Now it’s up to her to prove that she’s like any other girl looking to be accepted for who she is. And she’s hoping that it’s by this real-life cowboy who has everything it takes—and more—to give her the kind of happily ever after that can’t be found in the movies.

Two very different worlds collide when Hollywood takes over a small part of Hope, Oklahoma. Hope Ignites is an engaging story of finding home and taking a chance on love, and I was utterly charmed by it.

Des is easy to adore. She’s a movie star of the first order but doesn’t have the ego to match. Des is straightforward, hardworking, and generous – the kind of woman you’d want to have as a friend. Logan, by comparison, is a bit of a tough nut to crack. He’s got the strong, silent-type thing down to a science, and his mother did a number on him psychologically. Because of this, he doesn’t trust that Des could ever be happy living on his ranch and he makes mistakes, pushing her away when he should be doing the opposite. What I love most about Logan is that he owns up to his mistakes and genuinely cares for Des. Whether they’re on set, working the ranch, or hitting the sheets, Des and Logan are a great couple and their chemistry draws you into Hope Ignites.

Hope Ignites is the second full-length book in Jaci Burton’s Hope series, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read either Hope Flames or the Hope novella, “Hope Smolders,” but after being introduced to Logan’s family and friends I will definitely be picking those up. Ms. Burton does a great job of creating a sense of community with Hope Ignites, which isn’t an easy feat considering Logan has a tendency to isolate himself. But veering from Hope to L.A., it would be remiss of me not to mention Des’s co-star and best friend, Colt. Man, oh man, I could read a whole book about Colt and his partner. Though Des and Logan are unquestionably the main attraction in Hope Ignites, Colt grabbed my heart and didn’t let go.

Hope Ignites is a wonderful book to relax and mentally escape with. Des and Logan’s story has a different feel from the other books of Ms. Burton’s that I’ve read and I love discovering the many facets of her writing. I recommend Hope Ignites to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances and has a soft spot for gruff cowboys and/or straight-shooting actresses.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Review: Wildflower Wedding by LuAnn McLane

Wildflower Wedding by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek, Book 6
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Contemporary Romance Wildflower Wedding Cover
ISBN: 9780451415592
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Gabby Goodwin had more to prove than the rest of Cricket Creek. Even now, as the successful owner of the local flower shop, she hasn’t forgotten her humble beginnings. So when her high school crush, the former class bad boy, walks back into her life, she keeps him at arm’s length, protecting her heart—and her pride.

Reese Marino gave up most of his wild ways years ago, graduating from college and becoming part owner of his uncle’s pizza parlor. The fact that Gabby still treats him like a troubled teenager drives him mad, but that’s not the only thing about the sassy florist driving him to distraction. Despite Gabby’s reluctant attitude, Reese is determined to win her over and show her that love often blooms right where you least expect it.

Wildflower Wedding is sweetness and Southern charm with a healthy dose of sensual romance. There’s something innately welcoming about LuAnn McLane’s Cricket Creek books and I was drawn into Gabby and Reese’s book from the start.

Back in high school, Reese was the classic bad boy with a chip on his shoulder. He’s matured greatly in the intervening years since moving to New York and back, but the chip’s still there at times…as are his old feelings for Gabby Goodwin. Gabby’s as bright and sweet as her name implies, but that doesn’t mean she’s easily charmed. She and Reese have a history, one that made me smile every time there was a flashback. I loved watching the two of them fall in love, and it’s not that far a fall, given the feelings that were already there. Ms. McLane doesn’t make it all smooth sailing for them – now that he’s returned to his hometown, Reese has trouble letting go of the past and that impacts his relationship with Gabby. Even so, the two of them get a lovely happily ever after with just the right amount of sentiment.

A secondary romance involving Reese’s uncle, Tony, is every bit as important to Wildflower Wedding as Gabby and Reese’s love story. Tony’s been through the wringer thanks to his grasping, cheating ex-wife and he doesn’t want to fall for anyone. Too bad for him, as his neighbor and landlord, a divorcée by the name of Trish, tempts him to start trusting in love again. If two love stories weren’t enough, a pair of tertiary romances play out in the background of Wildflower Wedding, adding to the story’s message of taking a chance on love. I loved how Ms. McLane balanced all these characters and storylines, giving the lovable residents of Cricket Creek a sufficient amount of page time without ever detracting from her main characters.

Wildflower Wedding is a strong addition to the delightful Cricket Creek series. I finished Reese and Gabby’s story with a smile on my face and I can’t wait to return to Cricket Creek once more!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday: The Collector by Nora Roberts


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

If you've visited Wit and Sin a couple of times, then you probably already know I'm a HUGE Nora Roberts fan. Is it any surprise, then, that I'm on the edge of my seat as I wait for newest romantic suspense? :)

The Collector Cover Title: The Collector
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Release Date: April 15, 2014

Book Description (from Amazon):

From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a novel of a woman who needs nothing, a man who sees everything, and the web of deceit, greed, and danger that brings them together—and could tear them apart...

When professional house-sitter Lila Emerson witnesses a murder/suicide from her current apartment-sitting job, life as she knows it takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, the woman with no permanent ties finds herself almost wishing for one...

Artist Ashton Archer knows his brother isn’t capable of violence—against himself or others. He recruits Lila, the only eyewitness, to help him uncover what happened. Ash longs to paint her as intensely as he hungers to touch her. But their investigation draws them into a rarified circle where priceless antiques are bought, sold, gambled away, and stolen, where what you possess is who you are, and where what you desire becomes a deadly obsession...

Monday, March 10, 2014

Review: Cairo Caper by Barbara Silkstone

Cairo Caper by Barbara Silkstone
Series: Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider, Book 3
Publisher: Barbara Silkstone
Genre: Comedy Mystery Cairo Caper Cover
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

Part-time tomb raider and full-time real estate broker, Wendy Darlin joins her lover, archaeologist Roger Jolley, in a quest for Cleopatra’s tomb. All they have to do is get from Cairo to the Temple of Taporisi Magna alive.

Armed only with a couple of hijacked ashtrays and faced with a trek across the blazing Sahara desert can Wendy out-maneuver Russian oligarchs, a dozen Dark Force mercenaries, and Roger’s chubby ex-girlfriend in time to find the tomb and seal it before chaos erupts in Egypt?

There’s never a dull moment in Cairo Caper. Author Barbara Silkstone’s third Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider adventure is filled with pratfalls, pith helmets, killer ashtrays, mismatched shoes, and tongue-in-cheek film references. It’s less Indiana Jones and more Three Stooges, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re a fan of non-stop slapstick.

I went into Cairo Caper hoping for a comedic Lara Croft meets The Mummy story, and came out disappointed. It’s a sad fact that no book will charm every single reader, and Cairo Caper was a miss for me. For the most part, I liked Wendy Darlin, former real estate broker turned tomb raider, but unfortunately she was the only character who had more than one dimension. Perhaps I’m at a disadvantage when it comes to connecting with Wendy’s lover, Roger Jolley, as I haven’t read the first two books in the series (Wendy and the Lost Boys and London Broil), but I felt he was uninteresting. The cast of mostly irritating secondary characters were one-note as well, and I simply didn’t find humor in the clingy, dim librarian Fiona or Roger’s ex, Darcy, who also had the unfortunate side-effect of bringing out Wendy’s catty side (I cannot think of one scene in the story where Wendy didn’t snark about Darcy’s weight).

Issues with the characters aside, I did enjoy the pace of the story and Wendy and Roger’s quest for Cleopatra’s tomb did have its exciting moments. Although Cairo Caper wasn’t my cup of tea and I don’t connect with Ms. Silkstone’s brand of humor, I do recommend the story to fans of extremely zany adventures.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Sunday in Review

Happy March everyone!

It's been a bit slower than usual in terms of review writing, thanks to work and winter colds. But I've got a few excellent reads I reviewed in the past few weeks here on Wit and Sin. As always, the master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

Reviews for upcoming releases:
- Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street, Book 3) by Cara Elliott (available 3/4/14)

All other new reviews:
- Mystery Man (Dream Man, Book 1) by Kristen Ashley
- The Billionaire’s Demands (Boardrooms & Billionaires, Book 3) by Addison Fox
- The Clockwork Wolf (Disenchanted & Co., Book 2) by Lynn Viehl

Upcoming reviews:
- Rise of the Gryphon (Belador, Book 4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
- Dangerous Seduction (Nemesis, Unlimited, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
- Skies of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 3) by Zoë Archer
- The Seduction of Elliot McBride (Highland Pleasures, Book 5) by Jennifer Ashley
- The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Book 6) by Jennifer Ashley
- Wild Man (Dream Man, Book 2) by Kristen Ashley
- Make You Mine (Dumont Bachelors, Book 1) by Macy Beckett
- Down for the Count (Dare Me, Book 1) by Christine Bell
- Down and Dirty (Dare Me, Book 2) by Christine Bell
- Bolted (Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 2) by Meg Benjamin
- The Professional: Part 1 by Kresley Cole
- The Professional: Part 2 by Kresley Cole
- The Professional: Part 3 by Kresley Cole
- Cowboy Waltz by Cameron Dane
- How to Ravish a Rake (How to Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Scarlet Devices (Steam and Seduction, Book 2) by Delphine Dryden
- Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- One Taste of Scandal (Redcakes, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
- Beauty Bites (Biting Love, Book 6) by Mary Hughes
- The Volatile Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons, Book 4) by Sandy James
- Thrown for a Curve (Perfect Fit, Book 2) by Sugar Jamison
- Breathe by Lauren Jameson
- Archer (Hard Body, Book 1) by Debra Kayn
- Double Take by Leslie Kelly
- Midnight Pursuits (Killer Instincts, Book 4) by Elle Kennedy
- Since You’ve Been Gone (Welcome to Paradise, Book 4) by Elle Kennedy
- Caught Up in You (Loving on the Edge, Book 4) by Roni Loren
- Wildflower Wedding (Cricket Creek, Book 6) by LuAnn McLane
- Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, Book 1) by Bec McMaster
- All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2) by Kate Meader
- A Reason to Love (Snowberry Creek, Book 3) by Alexis Morgan
- Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Soul Sucker by Kate Pearce
- Dare to Love (Dare to Love, Book 1) by Carly Phillips
- The Fifth Favor by Shelby Reed
- Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
- Nights of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 4) by Nico Rosso
- Secrets of a Gentleman Escort by Bronwyn Scott
- Cairo Caper by Barbara Silkstone
- Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter, Book 6) by Nalini Singh
- Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, Book 12) by Nalini Singh
- Sully’s Sweet Salvation by Sierra Summers
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Easy by Tammara Webber
- The Heir of the Castle by Scarlet Wilson
- Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson