House of Slide: Hybrid by Juliann Whicker

Hi guys!

Welcome back to a LATE Sunday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  What can I say, I blog when I can and when I can is sometimes (okay, MOSTLY) in the wee hours of the night/morning.

Today, we're exploring the second installment of a Young Adult Fantasy series that'll really get your heart racing.  Of course I'm talking about the House of Slide and although it's been a while since our last encounter with its inhabitants both friend and foe, it'll feel like only yesterday once you crack the spine (virtual or otherwise).  Now this being a series, I do recommend reading the first book to start off on the right foot because although the several types of beings are explained well enough as well as the new breeds we encounter, it doesn't mean a lick if you don't have the background knowledge to go with it.  So, end story short...read BOOK 1 (Hotblood) first, then continue on a journey through the pages of today's book of choice...

Hybrid

House of Slide, Book 2

by

Juliann Whicker

9781479326211

WhickerBooks

About the book...

A new soul in a dangerous world.

Dariana Sanders, daughter of the prestigious House of Slide, has her hands full. The Bloodworker who killed her brother is dead, but it turns out that he's not the only one who wants Dari, or who will do anything to make sure that she's taken care of before she learns to control her powers and becomes a force to be reckoned with. She needs her friends, family, and a reluctant soulmate if she's going to survive.

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In the beginning, there were Hotbloods...and then we were introduced to Wilds, Cools, Hollows, etc, complete with definitions/descriptions that fairly coincide with their names and our fantasy world expanded THAT much more in the best way possible.

We all know my relationship with Fantasy works by this stage in the game, and although this one has its own culture, it's not SO big that dabblers like myself get lost in the creative energy.  The author has the ability to really get you inside Dariana's mind for better AND worse so that we can see all that's bubbling and bouncing around between her ears.  Trust me, there is A LOT going on.  Let's see, we've got the partial blood binding wreaking havoc (nothing a little Fatherly leaning can't fix...for now....dun dun dunnnn!), her mixed feelings for her hunter/intended/dangerous-version-of-McDreamy/McSteamy all in one that send her head spinning pretty much every time he's near, her familial ties and "house" responsibilities, her uncontrolled powers that seem to be growing by the day, and oh yeah, her newly returned soul that's as bright as a spring daisy seeking a rainbow to sprout under.  A prime example of that last one can be seen in this passage....

 

“I can’t kill, he can.”

“He’s been trained to kill. Your soul has been protected, kept pure and untainted. If you worked at it, you could become a truly destructive force.”

I stared at him. “Thanks, dad. I always wanted to know my full potential.”

--pg 15 (approx.)

...not exactly the father/daughter talk you might expect and yet appropriate for this pair.  While we're dealing with all the off-ness in Dariana's world, we have the enjoyment of reality punctuations scattered throughout.  Example, when she finds Hot Topic (you know the store, don't pretend you don't).  Oddly enough, it was her desire to find an old school pony shirt (along with tutus, and rainbow tights, and sparkly shoes) that led her inside, but the irony is I had a similar experience once upon a time that made it even easier to connect with our leading lady. (Although I was looking for a cute punk shirt for a concert...)  I admit, I was in awe initially of the contrast of her world's darkness and the light she seemed to be seeking.  Was that the reason or was it deeper?  Did it stem from what her brother did to her in fracturing her soul?  The pondering combined with reading brought me to the conclusion that her fascination with bright colors, ponies and things of childhood were quite possibly because of her restored soul. She was but a child when her brother did what he did...perhaps it takes time for the soul to grow and age to match the person.  No worries...there's plenty to age someone a hundred years or more this time around.

Seriously, A LOT is going on in this installment and a whole lot is going to change.  We watch Dariana grow stronger in herself, her powers, and her position both in life, house, and love.  She goes through the most changes perhaps of anyone her physically as well as mentally but if you can keep up, you're in for one amazing (and at times painful!) ride.  We see her relationships change with Lewis (*wolf whistle*), Old Peter, Satan (*awesome but scary dude*), Grim, her mother and father, and a thousand others along the way.   We explore the Nethers, a line suppose to be run dry, as well as other Houses, the likes of which are very different than Slide AND have ties we haven't seen until now.  We discover that Hybrids are not as uncommon as we first believed, their powers vary greatly between them, and that those of pure blood are not as much friends as they are foes.  We also see there are others forces after the pureness of Dariana's soul though the why is something that remains to be seen.  As I said, A LOT going on...and I wouldn't want it any other way.

In the end, there were a few plot holes here and there with a transition or two skipped now and again but overall one WICKED STORY. I can't help but smile at the ending the author delivers and wonder at what's still to come for those still around.  Hey, what's war without a death or two?  Exactly...

Recommended read for teen readers and beyond!

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About the author...

Juliann C. Whicker was raised with chickens, goats, and a cow named Mrs. Mooley who everyone (neighbors included) chased down the street in a small college town. She now lives in Saint Louis with her five children, husband, and all the free museums and zoos a soul could crave.

She works painting in oil and ink, writes clean fiction that's too dark for those with delicate stomachs, and has a marvelous time hanging out with her friends and family.

Some hobbies include: Sewing, Painting, Photography, Writing, Ballroom Dancing, Hiking, Biking, and Gardening.

FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to author Juliann Whicker for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or those works forthcoming, feel free to click through the links above.  Stay tuned for my coverage of book 3 in this series, entitled Hunter, in the coming weeks.

Until next time...happy reading!



A Matter of Time by Margaret Locke

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking the TIME to review a novel that was in my TBR Mountain for a bit not because of a lack of interest but a lack of TIME.  I simply knew that is was only A MATTER OF TIME before it rose to the top and allowed me to journey once again through the pages of an author's work I'd come to know only last year but still adore.  Don't you love it when that happens?  ^-^  Anywho, I could wax poetic about it til the cows come home or I could simply dive in and considering my penchant for rambling (even in type) when I really enjoyed a book, I think I'll follow the latter.  Ladies and gents, don your best high necked gowns and well-fitted breeches, it's time to step into the past with a heart full of the present as we tackle today's book of choice...

A Matter of Time

Matters of Love, Book 2

by

Margaret Locke

9780996317030

Locked on Love Publishing

About the book...

Love comes when least expected.

Nobody would blame widowed doctoral student Eliza James for giving up on Happily Ever After; at twenty-nine, she’s suffered more loss than most people do in a lifetime. But Eliza’s convinced her own hero is still out there, waiting for her, just like in the beloved romance novels she devours. Every girl deserves a Darcy, right?

Only Eliza doesn’t dream of a modern-day affair: she wants the whole Regency experience. When a magical manuscript thrusts her back two hundred years into the arms and life of one Deveric Mattersley, Duke of Claremont, however, Eliza soon realizes some fantasies aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, especially when her duke proves himself less than a Prince Charming.

Deveric Mattersley has no interest in women, much less marriage. Determined to atone for his sins after convincing himself he's at fault for the death of his first wife, he decrees himself content to focus on running his family’s estates, and on raising his son–until the mysterious Mrs. James appears. Who is she? What does she want? And why does she make Dev’s blood run hot in a way no woman ever has?

Can a man with a past and a woman from the future forge a love for all time?

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This is a story I could go on and on and on about.  There are so many little things that really make it sparkle and shine yet nothing ginormous that steals the show away from the matters of the heart we're exploring.  We start with a heroine from our time whisked to the past to star in her own Regency Romance but without the certainty of how things will end.  We continue with a leading man (Deveric Mattersly) that unwittingly has been written in to play a part yet without the script to do it.  We've the Mattersly sisters who despite their first impressions are a few of the female ton that you'll cherish long before book's end and a "Dragon Mother" with whom you'll battle for common ground.  Outside the immediate family, we've male suitors not blind to the enchanting Eliza James (family connections to the Duke or not), those employed by the household who take a shine to this refreshing young woman, and even an appearance by Miss Austen herself to continue the magical threads woven through this story...and those are just the people!  As I said, there is much to love and MANY to love as this story unfolds, but it's not a flash in the pan, all action or reaction kind of book.

In typical Austen fashion, the story ebbs and flows without a huge dose of action to move it along, and yet move it does.  I can definitely see it being an instant favorite for Austenites, after all, Eliza's fantasy man is a styled after the ever popular Mr. Darcy with the combined looks of Colin Firth and Hugh Jackman.  Can't say that would make a displaced from her century girl sad, now can you?  The modern touches in the non-modern times give it just enough of NOW to appeal to readers firmly set in contemporary reads while allowing historical fans that chance to breathe in the light of this work while perhaps placing themselves in Eliza's shoes...or rather slippers.  Given the chance, would YOU step into your favorite fantasy?  With or without a guaranteed ending?  How about an escape clause? *ponders*

I love how despite being out of her own time and her love of the Regency Romances she toted wherever she went in our own century, when whisked away to her idyllic time/place, she still faced uncertainties.  Sounds heartless? Not really...after all, it's great to be GUARANTEED a happily-ever-after but how does one deal with not knowing whether it was REAL or WRITTEN?  Exactly...and a point that our heroine astutely considered before allowing her magical manuscript writing bestie, nay sister, to pen her own romance.  The kiss that unlocked the past as her future, her destiny as a second chance at long everlasting, was only the beginning.  It took her and her potential other half back to the world of sense and sensibility, manners and propriaty, but she never lost her sense of self.  She managed to fit in but only just, hanging on to her "new world" self enough to not only remain true to her soul but allow her heart to shine...and THAT my friends is what really helped her snag her "prince".  No, I'm not spoiling it, after all...if you've read the first one, you know how things turn out in the end of this one....but it's the journey from start to finish, the bits in-between that really tell the tale, warm the heart, and get the imagination rolling.  

All things considered, I found this to be a rather charming novel and a great follow up to the first adventure.  Eliza was a great heroine, friend, sister, and altogether wonderful woman with a kind heart that deserved a second chance at love...even if it occurred timeline wise BEFORE her first was even a glimmer in his parent's eyes.  Word to the wise, don't contemplate the time travel aspect too much.  You're libel to get a headache.  Take it for what it is...pure literary magic that came from the pen and heart of a dear friend (Cat) only wishing to give her bestie a chance to be as happy as she dreamed she could be.  I will warn you that there are a few steamy scenes as things progress with one that will certainly bring some color to your cheeks closer to book's end, but the sentiments are shared in equal measure by both parties making it a sweet culmination in events.  *ahem*  

My only suggestion/observation of something I wish were different would be the cover.  I adore the simplicity and the meaning the items pictured have but the first one was an eye catcher in another way and seeing how Eliza was traveling through time to secure her happy ending, I thought it would be rather appropriate to portray a gent in Regency garb in the same pictorial styling of the first book.  Just a thought...and one that certainly took NOTHING away from my enjoyment of the read.  Thoughts or comments fair readers?

Recommended read for Contemporary Romance fans, Austenites, and those that dabble in time-travel literature.  It has a little something for everyone...and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next installment.  I have my suspicions as to how it will begin as well but I'll keep those in confidence for now.  

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About the author...

A lover of romance novels since the age of ten (shh, don't tell mom!), Margaret Locke declared as a teen that she'd write romances when she grew up. Once an adult, however, she figured she ought to be doing grown-up things (such as earning that master's degree in medieval history), not penning steamy love stories. Yeah, whatever. Turning forty cured her of that silly notion. Margaret is now happily ensconced back in the clutches of her first love, this time as an author as well as a reader. Margaret lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with her fantastic husband, two fabulous kids, and two fat cats. You can usually find her in front of some sort of screen (electronic or window); she's come to terms with the fact that she's not an outdoors person. Margaret loves to interact with fellow readers and authors! 

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to author Margaret Locke for the signed copy for review. (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Locked on Love publishing, so seek thee out a copy at your first available opportunity...like now.  Now sounds like a plan....^-^ ...and don't forget about the first book, A Man of Character!  They can be read apart but really...would you do that to two best friends?  I thought not.

Until next time...happy reading!

Harlequin Books: Romance When You Need It!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, some EXCITING things are happening in the blogosphere right now (not that THAT'S unusual), and I'm here to give you the scoop!  Yesterday, USA TODAY had the exclusive reveal of a new Harlequin Books promotion.  If you saw it, great...just play along; if you didn't even better...grab your wish list and have a seat.  TODAY....the blogosphere bursts forth with that exclusive to spread the news FAR and WIDE.  

Who's YOUR Harlequin Books hero?

What news?  Well, it's a fact; we all like to indulge in a little Romance now and then.  Whether your top pick includes suave billionaires, strapping men in uniform, rough riding cowboys, or the boy, I mean, MAN next door...Harlequin Books aims to bring you ROMANCE WHEN YOU NEED IT!  Hence, courtesy of TLC Book Tours and Harlequin Books, I have the privilege to bring you the following video that shares the same name.  HB...take it away!

Awesome, right?

Right!

Well, it's gonna get even bigger.

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In support of this FAB promo, readers can sign up for the Harlequin newsletter RIGHT NOW and score...are you ready?  17 FREE BOOKS!  That's right!  17 FREE BOOKS!  So, whether you need an escape from your hectic day, or have some unexpected time to yourself—you can count on Harlequin for romance when you need it, wherever you are!

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So, what are you still doing here...unless you're sharing this post or the video, because I totally support that action...CLICK on over to Harlequin Books and sign up today!  Now if you please, a little peace and quiet as I must get back to my reading escape.  You can't keep your book boyfriend waiting forever now can you?

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours and the Harlequin Books team for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information, click through the links above and seek out the other sites participating in this reveal today throughout the blogosphere.

Until next time...happy reading!

Broken Deeds, Broken Hearts by Cindy A. Christiansen

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

This week has only just begun and already I'm running faster than a three-legged pup at a dog track!  I mean really, work has been crazy, life has been along the same lines, the books are stacking up (pun intended and not at the same time), and the weather just can't make up its mind.  Goodness gracious.  What's a girl to do?!  Run faster, jump higher, and READ READ READ.  Let's just say I'm enjoying that last part the most.  ^-^  As for the Southernism I opened with...

Today's featured title is toted as a Sweet Clean Romance but there's also a hint of twang, cowboy hats, and rough riding.  That's right.  A bit of Southern hospitality has crept into my reading but I'd say the hospitable part if rather questionable, at least for our leading lady.  Let's not put the horse in front of the wagon now.  We should give a proper introduction to today's title!  *ahem*  Ladies and gents, cowboys and cow...gals (?)...today's ebook of choice is...

Broken Deeds, Broken Hearts

by

Cindy A. Christiansen

Dragonfly Spirit Books

About the book...

At the age of fifteen, Carly Sue McCluskie ran away from the family farm to escape her abusive great uncle Ezra and the torment of her classmates only to end up homeless on the streets of Salt Lake City. Eight years later, she reluctantly returns to oversee Ezra’s estate and is not surprised to learn someone killed the old codger. What she didn’t expect is someone attempting to kill her.

Seth Wakely and his family have been feuding with the McCluskies for a lifetime, but that doesn’t stop him from helping a neighbor in need. Seth is as surprised as a pig laying an egg when he learns someone in their little country town might have killed Ezra and now Carly Sue’s life is in danger.

Seth finds himself torn between protecting her and the bitter memories of the past, including what he did to Carly Sue. Good thing he can send his Border collie, Jewel, over to protect her.

Will their Hatfield and McCoy relationship continue, or will Carly Sue and Seth be able to conquer the anger which corrals them and, instead, learn to love?

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First things first, when we opened with Carly Sue riding a pink motorcycle, I was thrown for a bit of a loop.  I mean, I'm not one to usually read Western tinged novels but I was expecting HORSES maybe, not HORSEPOWER.  That wasn't the only shock in this story, but you know what?  They all turned out to be for the best.

What begins as a long lost relative coming home to take care of the odds and ends that encompass a life that's now passed, turns into a journey of the heart in more ways than one.  Carly Sue got MUCH more than she bargained for returning to her hometown that never really felt like home.  How could it though?  One fine day, she became the responsibility of her uncle Ezra and the rest as they say is history.  The town turned against her.  Her friends were no longer her friends.  Her life was not something fairytales would have been written about before, but now nightmares would have seemed "happy" comparatively.  She found a way out that kept her sanity and prized a life from the world around her through sheer grit and gumption.  Returning "home" was never in the cards...for her sake though, I'm glad she did.  The act of kindness she performs leads her on a path to find truth in her past and a future she never expected...with perks that are rather kind to the eyes, if you know what I mean.  *ahem*  Enter, Seth McCluskie...

His family and her family have been at odds since before either was born and all because the earth around them couldn't see fit to give them enough water to ply their trades.  One thing led to another and tempers flared hotter than the summer sun, leaving more than hurt feelings on BOTH sides.  Some learned from the past, let go of the anger, and moved on...pretty much the WHOLE of the McCluskie's, except for one stubborn eldest son by the name of Seth.  He's got a good heart but until he loosens the reigns on it, the feelings from the past will continue to blind him from a VERY bright future.  The play back and forth between Seth and Carly is endearing but also frustrating.  For crying out loud, the older folks know more about what's going on than they do!

In the end, I finished this one faster than a flea calls a dog a home...or some other appropriate twangy Southernism...and though I had guessed who or what was behind it all from a fairly early page number, it didn't damper my enjoyment of the story in the least. I'd call it sweet with an edge and a bit of mystery...plus an ending you can't help but melt over (really, all that went into arranging that!). The friends and foes we meet along the way will keep you entertained.  You'll fall in love with the entire McCluskie clan, especially their fur-baby Jewel (such a sweetheart!), and pull from their fictional strength of heart to your own reality.  Recommended read for Contemporary Romance fans who like their stories clean and their hearts aflutter.

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About the author...

Cindy A. Christiansen writes sweet romance with humor, suspense...and dogs! She is a member of The League of Utah Writers and the American Night Writers Association. She is a former member of National Romance Writers of America and the on-line Kiss of Death chapter. She has served as both treasurer and membership coordinator in her local RWA Chapter. She has judged multiple writing contests, coordinated writing competitions, written extensive articles on writing and taught classes.

Cindy A. Christiansen grew up on a farm and had been active her whole life which made being bed-ridden very difficult. Although she had always enjoyed some form of writing, like plays, short stories, and magazine articles, she began writing her first manuscript in bed to keep her mind active.

Cindy A. Christiansen also wanted to write the kind of books she believes in. "I believe a book should put you through all the emotions, provide a happy escape, and also teach you a little something." When she's up to it, she also enjoys wildlife painting, scrapbooking, antique collecting and refinishing, and clock restoration.

Cindy A. Christiansen lives in West Jordan, Utah with her supportive husband, two very special boys who happen to be autistic, and all her rowdy dogs. All of her books include dogs because life wouldn't be life without them. She is currently working on another novel and hopes she can be an inspiration to other challenged writers to live their dreams. She donates both time and money to organizations that support abused and abandoned dogs.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to the author for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, her other works, or those forthcoming, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now exclusively on Amazon (at the time of this post), so feel free to click through the link above to snag your copy today.

Until next time...happy reading!



BOOK BIRTHDAY BLITZ: If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram - Spotlight + CONTEST!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining the party throughout the blogosphere for a title celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY as we speak.  It's being thrown by none other than the fab force that is I Am A Reader and puts YOU in the front row for all the festivities.  Don't believe me?  Well then, allow me to SHOW instead of TELL.  Ladies and gents, break out the hats and horns as we welcome today's book of choice...

 

If We Were a Movie

(Power of the Matchmaker #3)

by

Kelly Oram

Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella. NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get. Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide.

 

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What readers just like you are saying ...

"WOW! This book is great! The concept is so inventive, and the writing is brilliant."

"I thought Cinder & Ella jerked with my emotions too much but this one might have it beat."

"I finished reading If We Were a Movie yesterday. I loved it! I fell hard for Nate. Jordan was amazing! And Pearl's timing was perfect! "

"Amazing concept with movies as chapters, and fantastic storyline." "I loved this story and was humming along to the songs from the book whilst reading. I can see this book becoming the movie it was written to be." "If We Were a Movie made me want to binge watch movies, listen to old playlists and re-read it all at once."

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TEASER:

“So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”

I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”

I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”

Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”

Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.

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Author Kelly Oram 

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.

 

   

Don't miss the latest news from Kelly Oram! Sign up for her newsletter to receive e-mail notifications for all of her new releases, events, sales, & giveaways. This is a monthly newsletter often with exclusive giveaways and freebies from some of her favorite authors.

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Release Day Giveaway

Signed copies of V is for Virgin & A is for Abstinence

(1 winner, 2 books)

Open Internationally

Ends 3/15/16

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Kathy at I Am a Reader for the chance to bring this BLITZ to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite online retailer.

Until next time...happy reading!