Monday, January 11, 2010

Urban Fantasy Review: Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin Book 1
by Jennifer Estep





http://www.jenniferestep.com
Pocket Books (Simon and Schuster)
ISBN: 9781439147979
Release Date: January 26, 2010


from the publisher's site:


My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction...especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

my thoughts: 

Gin is awesome! I'm really excited about Jennifer Estep's new Elemental Assassin books. I was completely sucked into Gin's world and I can't wait for another visit. 

Gin is exactly the kind of kick-ass heroine that I love to read about. Donovan Caine is the kind of hottie you always want to see in a book. The attraction between the two is obvious and explosive and I can't wait to see what happens between them in future books. Despite being an assassin and seeming cold it's obvious that Gin cares about those closest to her. And heaven help anyone who harms her family.   

The action in SPIDER'S BITE is near-constant and intense. The end totally wowed me. I'm hooked on Jennifer Estep's new series and I can't wait for book 2, WEB OF LIES. 

 

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Romance Review: Lip Service by Susan Mallery

Lip Service
Book 2 of the Lone Star Sisters
by Susan Mallery





HQN
ISBN: 9780373773725
http://www.susanmallery.com
Release Date: May 26, 2009


from the author's site: 


Skye Titan’s wealthy father thinks he can still dictate his daughter’s choice in men.  Now widowed and a single mother, Skye isn’t the yes-girl she once was.  Especially since the love of her life is back in Texas after eight long years.  He won’t like the answers to the questions he’s asking.  About why she left him at the altar.  And about her eight-year-old daughter.

Former Navy SEAL Mitch Cassidy comes home to find nearly everything different.  His wounds from battle have changed the way people treat him.  His cattle ranch is suddenly organic.  But time hasn’t touched his desire for Skye—or the sting of her betrayal.  Forget lip service.  He’s asking that luscious mouth of hers to reveal the truth.  But will Mitch be able to put the past aside to help Skye get out from under her father’s thumb… and help himself recover from a broken heart?

my thoughts: 

LIP SERVICE is a great read about reunited lovers. This is the first book I've read by Susan Mallery but I'll definitely be reading about the rest of the Titan sisters, starting with book 1 since I accidentally skipped over that one. 

It was obvious from the beginning that Mitch and Skye were just plain meant to be. It just took them a while to get it. Both characters had a lot of issues to work through before they could be together. Seeing them work through it all was a big part of their story and makes it all worth it in the end. 

There are so many great relationships in LIP SERVICE aside from Skye and Mitch: Skye and her daughter Erin, Mitch and Fidela and Arturo, Skye and her sisters, Lexi and Izzy. At its heart LIP SERVICE is a story about family and it's a family I want to visit again. 

Check it out for yourself and be sure to check out the other stories too: UNDER HER SKIN, STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP, and HOT ON HER HEELS.  



Monday, January 4, 2010

Steampunk Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless
Book 1 of the Parasol Protectorate


 by Gail Carriger





Orbit
ISBN: 9780316056632
http://www.gailcarriger.com
Release Date: October 1, 2009


from the author's site:


Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced! Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire, and the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate. With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

my thoughts:

I was in love with SOULLESS from the very beginning.  Alexia is a great wit. The way she spars with Lord Maccon is fabulous and so much fun to read. And Lord Maccon himself is such a fabulous character. These two really have me looking forward to reading more in CHANGELESS. 

It's not just about the characters though the story is great too. I was actually caught by surprise with this book. Obviously I'm not about to reveal any spoilers here, but I hadn't anticipated the cause of the vampire disappearances and I can't help but wonder if it's really over. There was also more romance to the story than I'd expected, but for me that's a good thing.  

Gail Carriger wrote a fabulous story with SOULLESS and it's one that you really need to check out for yourself. So you should go do that, like now.