Audio Book Review: Crane

Crane

By:  Stacey Rourke

Publish Date:  May 26, 2014, Audiobook June 9, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 15 mins
Narrated By:  Karen Krause

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Legends Saga series

Impression:  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow twisted to tell the 'true' story of Ichabod and the influence of the Headless Horseman in current times.

Synopsis:
The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

First Sentence:
If his wife hadn't let her ass grow to the size of a sofa, Vic wouldn't have to cheat.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

The Van Tassel's helped build this town. Now, Tarrytown has just had Vic Van Tassel murdered in a hotel parking lot. Decapitated. Ireland Crane has only been in Sleepy Hollow for one week, and now has the cops at her doorstep. Vic Van Tassel's body was found with her last name carved into his chest. The police think it's a copy cat of the old legends. But tell Ireland to keep an eye out, with her last name she just might become a target...wanting to act out the legend with an actual Crane. Ireland finds an old man claiming to have woken from a sleeping spell because the Headless Horseman has returned. He's to teach her how to control the horseman, but he finds she's branded with the Headless Horseman's mark. What does it mean?

I had the pleasure of listening to this story. Karen has vocalized this story in voices slightly different for each character in sound and persona. I got a kick out of her drunken slurring in the first chapter. We do get a story from past and present, in which Karen has different sounds in speech for different time frames. The dialog for the characters in the past is something I didn't ever grow accustom to, though did feel to get better toward the end of the book. Each word spoken felt stiff and as if it was a sentence of it's own. I know it's of a time that is speech is proper and people watched what they said, but there didn't feel as if there was a flow to the words spoken. The story and narration of the rest of the story (past and current) along with dialog in present time were read with flow.

We get two stories in one. Boy oh boy do they parallel each other! We get Ichabod's story as he falls for Katrina and his friends, Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle. The story of Ichabod's life isn't as it's told in Irving's books, and there's a very good reason for that. We get Ireland Crane's story in the present as she's new to Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow. And how Ireland's life gets flipped upside down with Rip van Winkle waking in a secret room in her basement. Ireland's life is extremely similar to Ichabod's life, yet the two stories are unique in their own telling. Reading Ichabod's story gives us answers as things escalate in the present time, and fall into similar events as Ichabod's time. There is a reason for all of this.

We follow the murder's of the Headless Horseman in both times. There is more to the story than simply a headless man cutting off heads. There is also a question I'm curious to see explained in relation to the Headless Horseman. How to control him. There is indication of a talisman, which is in two forms. But also, there seems to be control in way of 'payment' (per say) which is used. It seems to me others could use this 'payment' method to make a deal and control the Headless Horseman at any time. I'm curious to see how this plays out in the series.

I was drawn into the story because I love the Headless Horseman stories. This is a twist on that tale with a lead to more to come. I felt for Ichabod and those around him. I was irritated by Rip's actions in the new town they arrive in, he's different in present though. I guess he's slept that desire away? lol. Ireland feels as she's a hard shelled character in the beginning. She's moved to Sleepy Hollow to start anew and leave things in the past, an ex-fiance that's turned her from her desires. The things she's unknowingly done here in Tarrytown are going to be an obstacle for her. But she's got a chance at a relationship, maybe. Ireland starts to grow toward the end of the story. She starts to let people in again in her life. She starts to accept what she learns of herself now too.

As the story here is finished, there is more to come. A mystery of who knows about the control of the Horseman. Ireland needs to find out. I'm curious as to what Ireland comes across with Rip as they search to find out who knows the secret that was buried in tales about the Headless Horseman.

Mythical Monday (13)

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Urban Fantasy author Carolyn Crane

Talking of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.

Hi and thanks so much to Melissa for inviting me to Mythical Monday!!

I love how many books come out of myths of different kinds. It gives me a new sense of the myth, and I like to think it keeps myths vibrant.

I’m here talking about the myth of Aladdin and the magic lamp. That is really the direct inspiration for my Code of Shadows series (Mr. Real is book #1, and the prequel will appear in the Fire & Frost anthology).

Fun facts about Aladdin, Mr. Real and more:

1. Did you know that Aladdin is a Chinese boy? The tale is a Middle Eastern tale, but set in China. Most
   
   of the other characters are Middle Eastern. I didn’t know that until I looked it up on Wikipedia just now, thinking, well, if I go on Melissa’s blog talking about this myth, I’d better sound like I actually know it.
2. Aladdin has a magic ring and a magic lamp. His mother discovers the magical lamp powers when she tries to clean it. Which means, if there are any magical lamps in this home, they will never ever be discovered.
3. Enchanted computer software is the magic lamp in Mr. Real. My heroine, Alix, discovers the magic by accident, just like Aladdin’s mother did, except instead of rubbing the lamp, she discovers it when she clicks on jpegs in a certain way.
4. No genies appear in Mr. Real. The computer makes things that Alix clicks on in a certain way appear on Alix’s doorstep. She is kind of a reckless girl, and when she figures out the power, she orders accessories, clothes, and during one horny, lonely, drunken night, a handsome TV spy character she wants to have sex with.
5. Confession: my inspiration is more from I Dream of Jeannie and Disney, which were, of course, inspired by Aladdin.
6. Question: If you watched old shows like I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched, as I did in my youth, were you SO bummed that the characters didn’t use their magic WAY more? I was.
7. In the original Aladdin myth, Aladdin keeps all his wealth and stuff and lives happily ever after. But so often, when you are granted wishes in tales, it’s always about “be careful what you wish for!” And usually the person in the tale realize they were happier before their wishes were granted. Isn’t that a totally Puritanical interpretation? I have to say, I think I like this original version better, where Aladdin gets to keep his stuff and he enjoys the hell out of it, after battling various sorcerers.
8. In my series, sometimes the things that appear are beneficial, other times not.
9. The magic software in my series was created by Alix’s Aunt Veronica, a 1980’s computer nerd who was also a witch, and she was really into Flock of Seagulls and Grand Master Flash. The prequel is about her.
10. Where’s my magic lamp? My magic computer? I need a tenth fun fact!!!!

Thanks so much for having me, Melissa! 

You can find Carolyn at:

Website:  http://authorcarolyncrane.com/

Blog:  The THRILLIONTH page

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CarolynCrane

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.crane2

Description:
He finds the girl of his dreams…with the secret agent of his nightmares.

Alix Gordon is a woman who doesn’t take life too seriously. What’s the fun in that? So when she stumbles across occult software that can bring any computer image to life, she conjures up lots of awesome outfits and accessories. And then, on one drunken, horny night, she conjures up Sir Kendall, the sexy TV ad spy . . . who looks exactly like Paul Reinhardt, the super-sexy martial arts teacher who kicked her out of class three years ago.

Fighter Paul Reinhardt has good reason to hate Sir Kendall, the character he brought to life to land a part in a TV ad; he’d do anything to forget him. A cross country road trip seems just the thing . . . until Paul finds himself inexplicably drawn to Minnesota and is shocked to discover Sir Kendall - in the flesh - with the girl he’d once loved from afar. He barges into Alix and Sir Kendall’s love nest, determined to stop the madness - somehow.

But is superspy Sir Kendall transforming into something more dangerous anyone can imagine? And what will Sir Kendall do when Paul and Alix finally give into their mad lust for each other?

Devil's Luck Has an Epilogue!

Have you enjoyed the Disillusionist series by Carolyn Crane?  You know these books:

(Click the cover to check it out on Amazon)

Well, I did.  And loved reading Devil's Luck.  A novella story in the Disillusionist world with Simon and Fawna.

If you'd like to check out how much I enjoyed the genious magic system and realistic characters of the stories, you can check my reviews:
Mind Games
Double Cross
Head Rush

Wild & Steamy (novella short story in Disillusionist world)
Devil's Luck

Now the big reason for the post....

Devil's Luck now has an Epilogue!!  Yes!  Carolyn decided a year later to go back and share a little more on these two after the story.

Oh, I loved it.  It's quick (as epilogues are) and to the point.  You will easily slip back into the world with Simon.

You will adore it.

Believe me!

If you have the original novella, don't fret.  The Epilogue is available on Carolyn's site for you to read FREE.

If you don't have the novella and enjoyed the world, What are you waiting for?  Ok.  You can still go get it.  And with a NEW stunning cover!  The novella is only $1.99.

Yummy, right!  Ooooo.  So good.

Alright.  So, you want this one.  Here's the link to:

Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Noble ~ Nook

Book Review: Devil's Luck

Devil's Luck

By:  Carolyn Crane

Publish Date:  February 28, 2012

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3.5 in Disillusionists series; Trilogy: Book 1 ~ Mind Games, Book 2 ~ Double Cross, 2.5 ~ short story Kitten-Tiger & The Monk, in Wild & Steamy, Book 3 ~ Head Rush

Recommendation:  Oh YES!!!  You learn more of Simon, and Fawna.  And if you like a little romance, this one's for you.

Book Synopsis:
THERE'S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND DOOM.

No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists.  His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he's never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity's most powerful prognosticator.

Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her.  To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she'd do anything to escape.  She's stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everthing she is, everything she stands for.

Simon's defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him?  And will Simon rush headlong into the lelisious doom she offers?

First Sentence:
Fawna Brady stood at the front of the crowded sideshow tent, watching breathlessly as the Great Bertolt turned his face upward toward the flaming knife he held in his hands.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Fawna is at the fair wondering on the man swallowing flaming knives ~ What kind of future would he have? Fawna is fighting the urge of looking into his future.  This is her addiction, she needs to look, and keep looking for the sad part she knows is there.  She's working with her therapist on the issue, but it's hard to fight what she's done all her life.  As Fawna walks to the gaming tent, she sees Simon, whom she is not fond of for his ability with recklessness.  These two opposites, might be able to teach each other something about themselves and what fate has in store for anyone... if they will let it happen, and not fight it.

Oh, I just loved reading this novella!  Carolyn has done a wonderful job of pulling Simon to the front lines, along with Fawna.  Even thought I had "heard" of Fawna in the first two books of the trilogy, we didn't physically meet her until the third book.  I didn't really know much about her going into this read, but I love her now.  We learn of Fawna's past, where she had been, what she did as a captive, and why she doesn't like Simon, feeling someone needs to keep an eye on him.  Fawna finds she wants to be proven wrong for what she sees as the future, but doesn't feel it's possible....but maybe there's something more Fawna doesn't realize.

Then we have Simon! Oh.... I love Simon now.  Oh do we learn so much of Simon!  Why he's the way he is, with Simon being true to his form.  Simon always seems to find trouble, and enjoys it!  He is the one who takes us on the adventures we follow, being he does live a little on the dangerous side.

Did I mention a romance buds here?  Well, our resident bad boy just might find some love along the way.

Carolyn does a wonderful job of doing different chapters from each view, which gives us the full rounded story of our two characters.  This novella takes two who are complete opposites and possibly, if they let each other, could help and teach each other something in the end.

So much feeling and emotion in this novella!  I didn't want it to end, and now I want more of Simon, and Fawna too!


I read this Novella for my own enjoyment.

Looking Forward To... (89)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Devil's Luck

Novella of Simon, in Disillusionist world

By:  Carolyn Crane

Due Out:  February

Oh, I have loved the Disillusionist trilogy.  The "magic" that Carolyn uses is wonderful and creative.  So when I heard about this novella, I could not wait!  We have a blurp and cover to share this week!  Yeah!!  Now, if you are like me, and subscribe to Carolyn Crane's Newsletter, you may already have a copy.  Yes, Carolyn sent a limited time free offer of the novella in her newsletter.

Do enjoy!  I'm hoping to read this over the weekend.

Description from Carolyn's Blog:

There’s a thin line between love and doom.

No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.

Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.

Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?

Review: Head Rush

Head Rush

By:  Carolyn Crane

Publisher:  Samhain

Publish Date:  October 2011

Format:  Audiobook

Genre:  Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd of Disillusionist Trilogy; 1st Book ~ Mind Games, 2nd Book ~ Double Cross, 2.5 (short story in) Wild & Steamy

Recommendation:  Yes, and if you started this trilogy you need to finish it!  I just love the take on the phobias and zinging.

Book Synopsis:
Justine Jones faces her ultimate enemy: herself!

In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to Otto Sanchez, the man of her dreams.  But something is off.  Random Details aren't adding up...and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiance keeping secrets from her?  And what's with this strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches?

Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mindgame yet.

With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe...and unravels the most startling mystery of all.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Weeks since last free of body guards Otto has assigned to "protect" her, Justine is with Simon eluding her protectors and looking for her car.  Justine only has two Disillusionist friends left, Simon (hard to believe) and Shelby, as the others have all left on their own missions and a few left with Packard... after what Packard did (at end of Double Cross).  Justine has a full life; along with not zinging in sixty-two days and counting, she's going to nursing school, doing Mid-city things with Otto, and planning her wedding.  Although she has a feeling the world ended the day of the shooting, but she is doing her best to carry on... until things start to come to her attention.

I listened to this book as I couldn't wait for it to come into print, and I will purchase the print version as well to complete my set here.  I'm not much of a book listener, and this was my first experience.  I do think I prefer to read as I get to reread sections as I want when I like them or feel there is more to the words than first interpreted.  But the narrator did a very fine job with the characters.  She had different voices for the characters, some of which I would never have hear like she did but they worked.

The starts of this book gives us a reminder of Justine as we first found her in Mind Games, the hypochondriac version of Justine.  It was so different seeing her this way after evolving with her in Double Cross, but was wonderful in tying the books together and a reminder where we started before the bang of an ending here.  As Justine is one to have things come at her timing, things do surface and Justine returns to the Justine we all remember so fondly and loved in Double Cross.  But in the end Justine evolves even further!  Amazing!  I loved that.

The characters, we get a full cast here again as we easy back into the world.  We get our Simon, lol Simon.  He makes me laugh with his clothing selections and his desire to make Justine do things she doesn't want to do - always a bet for him to make, even if it's with himself.  We see Shelby, who is still hurting.  But we get to meet Justine's dad in this book as well!  I LOVE her dad.  He fits the need we have to know Justine's history and sooo makes the book in the last half.  He really is a great person, even with his own phobia.  Oh, did I not mention Otto and... Packard?  Well, they are here too.  But I'm not mentioning them as I might give something away I don't want to. ;)  I will say... it seems to Justine all her friends and lover have secrets they are keeping and working on, without Justine.

The world in Midcity is still a mess.  We have the cannibal sleepwalkers controlled by the dream invader then there are copy cat murders showing up, ones copying the murders of the highcaps Otto has put away.  The streets are dangerous and there is a curfew put into affect by Otto.  We do get to spend some time in the Tangle, which I find interesting since reading the short story in Wild & Steamy.  I love this tangled mess as it seems a world all its own.

This book was wonderfully done and I'm so grateful Carolyn found someone to print it.  It's the conclusion to her Disillusionist trilogy and one that ties all together wonderfully.


I listened to this book for my own pleasure.

Looking Forward To...(77)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Head Rush

The Disillusionist Trilogy #3

By:  Carolyn Crane

Due Out:  Audio book ~ Out, Ebook ~ December 6, 2011, Print ~ 2012

I know, I've listened to this one on audio book.  But I WANT the print copy as well to go with the books I have already.  I have to have the complete set!  lol.  And I've enjoyed this trilogy thus far.

Goodreads Synopsis:
JUSTINE JONES FACES HER ULTIMATE ENEMY: HERSELF! 

Book Three in The Disillusionists Trilogy 

In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to Otto Sanchez, the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’tadding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keeping secrets from her? And what’s with this strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches? 

Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mindgame yet. 

With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the most startling mystery of all. 

Blog Book Chat (20) FINISHED!

We have finished listening to Head Rush by Carolyn Crane.  Yes the third book in her Disillusionist trilogy!  Sad to say the end, but couldn't wait for the book either.

Hope you join us in the chat if you've listened as well.

**Note! There WILL BE SPOILERS in the comments and potentially in questions.

Now, a few thoughts and questions to get us chatting.

Robyn's Questions:
1.)  Were you happy with the end result of the trilogy?
2.)  I almost felt bad for Otto.  Did you think he redeemed himself at the end?
3.)  When Packard and Justine were in the Deli together, was I the only one who kept thinking Packard would get trapped because Otto knew he would be there somehow?  I just kept waiting.
4.)  Thoughts on her dad??

Melissa's Questions:
1.)  What about the wedding events?  What did you think?
2.)  Fiona!  What did you think of her and her vision?
3.)  What about Justine changing?

Blog Book Chat (20) 1st Stop

We are now at the end of the first download of Head Rush by Carolyn Crane.  And ready to chat quick and move on! lol.

Please, if you are listening with us come chat.  The Chat is hosted by Robyn at The Bookoholic Zone this week.

BUT, if you are waiting for the ebook or print version the links to all the chats are on the UF Chat page so please stop by when you get there.

This stop is at the end of Chapter 9.

Come join us if you'd like. :)

Who? What? Where? (43)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )


I have to watch what I tell this week as it could be spoiler-ish, so here is an un-spoiler version.

I'm with Justine in her penthouse condo.  We just came to some big realizations.  But I think Justine might now be in trouble, or maybe that is my fear talking...

Head Rush
By:  Carolyn Crane

Blog Book Chat (20) Schedule

Robyn and I couldn't wait for the print version of this book to come out, so we both picked up the audio version.

Head Rush
#3 Disillusionist Series
By:  Carolyn Crane

Goodreads Synopsis:
JUSTINE JONES FACES HER ULTIMATE ENEMY: HERSELF!

In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to Otto Sanchez, the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’t adding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keeping secrets from her? And what’s with this strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches?

Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mind game yet.

With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the most startling mystery of all.
 
Schedule:
Stop 1 ~ November 3, 2011 ~ End of first audio download, End Ch. 9
Stop 2 ~ November 10, 2011 ~ End of book

Cover Release ~ Head Rush

Have you all seen the new cover for the third and final book of the Disillusionist trilogy, Head Rush, by Carolyn Crane yet?

I love the look of this one!  It gives an air and feel of power.  And look at the power showing in her hands!  That has to be the zing she gives when giving her fear away.  Love this look!  And can't wait for it!

Due Out:  Ebook; December 2011

Audio Book; November 2011

JUSTINE JONES FACES HER ULTIMATE ENEMY: HERSELF!

Book Three in The Disillusionists Trilogy

In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, JustineJones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to OttoSanchez, the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’tadding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keepingsecrets from her? And what’s with this strange sense of unease, and her odd newheadaches?

Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martiallaw, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycatviolence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mindgame yet.

With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dadand best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the moststartling mystery of all.

The third and final book in the Disillusionists Trilogy will come out in November 2011 as an audible.com audiobook and on December 6th, 2011, as an ebook, and at some point in 2012 in print (Samhain). A wild and wacky publishing schedule for the wild and wacky wrap-up of the Justine Jones saga! Official description and cover to come! 

Book Review: Wild & Steamy

Wild & Steamy

By:  Meljean Brook, Jill Myles, Carolyn Crane

Publisher:  eBook

Publish Date:  August 2011

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Fantasy Romance, Urban Fantasy Romance, Steampunk Romance

Series:  Anthology; Disillustionists 2.5

Recommendation:  If you like hot sexy reads, this is a perfect quick fix!

Book Synopsis:
The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook - An Iron Seas novella of 15,000 words: The search for a killer puts Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth's life in danger and her assistant, Constable Newberry, in the line of fire. But Newberry faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?

Vixen by Jill Myles - A shifter novella of 15,000 words: Miko's denied her were-fox nature for far too long and turned her back on her vixen heritage. But when she meets two very sexy cat-shifters, she has to decide if she truly wants to give up on her frisky side, or embrace it. Because the were-fox in her doesn't want to choose between both men...it wants them both.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane - A Disillusionists novella of 20,000 words: Sophia Sidway, Midcity's most dangerous memory revisionist, seeks out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption...but it turns out that the Monk is not all that pious, and the turnpike is no turnpike at all.
 
My Thoughts and Summary:
The Blushing Bounder ~ By Meljean Brook
90pgs

Tempest is sick and now living with, whom she feels is, her deceiving husband in London and the reason she had a falling out with her family in the US.  Her husband wishes she would get the infection with the "bug" to cure her illness, but fearing the stories of becoming a zombie after death she refuses.  While in her room one night she witnesses a murder in the alley.  Tempest's husband is the one on the case and is to keep her safe from the guilty man.  Tempest looks closer at her husband and learns a few things, and maybe will save his life and hers.

This was a different story for me.  So much here to this world in this short read.  The bugs to heal people, and potential zombies.  Then we have the steampunk take on the mechanics uses here.  Wonderful the way Meljean mixes all this and creates an amazing world in such a short story.  I really enjoyed the world set-up and the ideas here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vixen ~ By Jill Myles
95pgs

Miko lives in the country to be away from distractions and interruptions...including men.  She's a were-fox and men drive the hormones through the roof as foxes are vixens.  Miko has visitors, 2 men visitors, sent from her mother.  They are sent to protect her from the new specialized hunts.  But the flirting begins, and Miko starts thinking about the one thing she moved to keep from her mind the sting of men and...mating.

Hot and steamy.  Sexy!  Have the fan ready!  Miko and these two delicious men.  But not only is the attraction flowing strong, but there is a story here as well.  The hunters are out and boundaries are crossed.  Oh by far Jill has created a Hot! story here.  The whole idea of the were-fox and her needs.  Wow!  But there is a story here about the hunter issue, but the main focus is on Miko.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kitten-Tiger & The Monk ~ by Carolyn Crane
131pgs

Sophia is sick of herself and what she does to others.  She wants rebooted and the only one to do that is The Monk.  She has a hint of where to start to find someone who knows where he is, on her path she learns this person is one from her past.  A past she thought she had moved past but found she never can.  Can she forgive herself and can he forgive her?

This is the story I got this anthology for.  I loved reading the first 2 books of Carolyn Cranes Disillustionist series.  And this one just adds to the list!

We learn more of Sophia and of The Monk.  Oh, I love Robert!  We get to see into the Tangle, the curvy twisting highway mess everyone dreads that is ever present here in the city.  Of this Tangle we see why it's the way it is.  We get just a touch of the stories in the trilogy as well, but it is not needed to have read those to read this.  But you might fall in love with the magic created here to pick up the first two books.  Great side story!


I read this for my own enjoyment.

This read qualifies for the Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.

Who? What? Where? (35)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm with Mrs.Temperance Newberry in her new home in London with her newly wedded husband.  But she now is not happy with him, wanting nothing to do with him, and very very sick.  He mentioned about taking the infection to heal her and keep her healthy, but she refuses as she doesn't want to live as a zombie after she dies.  But as she is mad and hating him, he seems to deeply care for her...so far.


Yeah, I'm needing more of this world to learn more about this infection and of the mechanical/steampunk-ish feel too.

Wild & Steamy
By:  Meljean Brook

A Disillusionist Novella...

I've just received a newsletter from the author of Carolyn Crane on many items.  What, you don't get her newsletter!?  Well, what are you waiting for?  You get the inside digs for her books and stories in these newsletters.  Okay, okay.  Go to Carolyn's site and sign up for it.  Where?  Geez. ;) Okay, HERE is the link.  The link to sign up for the newsletter is on the right side of the page, just scroll down.  And while you are there, check out all she has going on.

Now on to the meaning of the post...

So, we are all waiting for the third book to come out in the Disillusionist trilogy.  It's coming, just it'll take a little while as it will be out in ebook format first then print format in 2012.  Be nice now, these authors have a lot of shiet to deal with in getting the books published.

But to hold us over just a little bit, Carolyn has a Novella coming out set in this world.  The novella is in a book of three total authors.  Almost kind of like a small anthology, I guess you could say.  Each story is about 15k - 20k words.

Now this novella timeline wise fits between Double Cross and the final book.  But Carolyn says it can be read before or after Mind Games, and before or after Double Cross.  So you should be good to read it any time and not have any part of the series ruined for you. :)  Curious about it now?

Here are the descriptions for you:

Due Out:  June 2011

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane - A Disillusionists novella: Sophia Sidway, Midcity's most dangerous memory revisionist, seeks out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption...but it turns out that the Monk is not all that pious, and the turnpike is no turnpike at all.

Mina Wentworth and the Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook - An Iron Seas novella: Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth isn't pleased when she discovers that her new assistant is the prudish Constable Newberry. With a brutal murder to solve, the last thing she needs is to be shadowed by a disapproving bounder. But while the search for the killer puts their lives in danger, Constable Newberry faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?

Vixen by Jill Myles - A Midnight Liaisons novella: Miko's denied her were-fox nature for far too long and turned her back on her vixen heritage. But when she meets two very sexy cat-shifters, she has to decide if she truly wants to give up on her frisky side, or embrace it. Because the were-fox in her doesn't want to choose between both men...it wants them both.

Book Cover Released...

Did you know the author Carolyn Crane (Of the AMAZING Disillusionist series: Mind Games & Double Cross) is doing an anthology?

I just found out and it looks and sounds Outstandingly Amazing!

Okay here it is!

Due Out:  September 2011

We have Carolyn Crane with a story called Old Salt.  According to Carolyn's site it's about: a snarky woman tour guide at a seaside tourist trap in North Carolina ('the haunted pier') who wishes that a certain strapping young sea captain who died in 1870 had a less pathetic haunting technique.

Would you like to stop by Carolyn Crane's site? CLICK HERE to check it and her books out.

There are many amazing authors in here!  And to let you know of the other authors in the book, They are:
Jennifer Estep, Lillith Saintcrow, Liz Maverick, Jeannie Holmes, Sharon Shinn, Robecca York, Susan Sizemore, and Stacia Kane.

Book Review: Double Cross

Double Cross

By:  Carolyn Crane

Publisher:  Del Rey/Spectra

Publish Date:  September 2010

Format:  Paperback - 326 pgs, pocketbook size

Genre:  Sci Fi / Fantasy

Series:  2nd book in Disillusionist Trilogy, Review for book 1 Mind Games - HERE

Recommendation:  YES, YES, YES!! A new twist on worries with fast paces action and mystery all mixed with a little love.

Book Synopsis:
SOME SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT.
OTHERS COME TO KILL.

Justine Jones lived her life as a fearful hypochondriac until she was lured into the web of a mysterious mastermind named Packard, who gifts her with extraordinary mental powers - dooming her to fight Midcity's shadowy war on paranormal crime in order to find the peace she so desperately craves.

But now serial killers with unheard-of skills are terrorizing the most powerful beings in Midcity, including mastermind Packard and his oldest friend and worst enemy, Mayor Otto Sanchez, who has the ability to bend matter itself to his will.

As the body count grows, Justine faces a crisis of conscience as she tests the limits of her new powers and faces an impossible choice between two flawed but brilliant men - one on a journey of redemption, the other descending into a pit of moral depravity.

First Sentence:
Ez the coat check girl, a.k.a. the Stationmaster, draws her face right up close to the glass window of her little booth and fixes me with a piercing gaze.

My Review and Summary:
Justine is free, yet still trapped.  As we finished Mind Games it seemed everyone found that happy medium to get what they wanted.  Or did they?  Justine and the Disillusionists are working for Packard, whose working for Otto, to help rehabilitate the highcaps Otto has locked up in order to help ease the pressure on his head.  Justine finds she still has troubles with what she does and rationalizing it to herself.  However, one day on the job Justine makes an error with a dream highcap, she touches her with out glove protection, which results in this dangerous woman invading her dreams.  And to top it all off Packard pulled Justine away from the woman while they where touching, which then links him in the dreams too.  Will the dreams be of that hot steamy night that started so good and ended before it got to far or on the dark past Packard is trying to keep hidden?

I'm going to start off by saying, I absolutely love this trilogy thus far.  To me it is fresh, new, and a fun nonstop read.  Okay.  Now that I've told you I absolutely love this series, I hope it's out of my system.  I will apologize now in case it keeps coming up.

The system of 'magic' here is something I enjoy.  It's new to me.  Carolyn has built a system based on our worst fears, those worries we always have about health, the world, anger management and even down to gambling addictions.  And there is a second magic type here with the highcaps and how they get their abilities.  It's all related to the brain thinking process, and it works magnificently.

The characters are wonderful mix and complement each other amazingly.  They all have unique and individual personalities.  Even when they challenge each other they bring out the best, or worst in some cases, to make the book work wonderfully.

This book is a great second book.  It has its own story told here with the link of the constant growth of the characters wants and lives following Mind Games.  There is a story here that makes the book, but Justine is still on her mission to get out from being at Packard's beckin' call as one of his minions.  Justine will do just about anything...or will she...

I will suggest this trilogy thus far to anyone who loves Urban Fantasy books.  It is fun, steamy, and full of wonderful suspense.  This book will leave you drooling for the third one, not yet out.

Want to check out Carolyn Cranes' website to look at her books, CLICK HERE.
Or maybe Carolyn Cranes' blog, CLICK HERE.


I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.


This book qualifies for my Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.

Blog Book Chat (4): Final Stop!

We are at our final stop for Double Cross by Carolyn Crane.

I know there are many out there who have read the book already, and NEED to talk about it.  So this is the spot to do so.  Join in with us.  I know I am gnawing at the bit to talk about this one and what I'm looking forward to.  What about you?

No hold bar here!  Let us have it!  There is so much to talk about and hope for. 

Just remember if you haven't read the book yet, there WILL be SPOILERS in the comments.

We do have some questions to start us in the discussion as well.  Here they are...

Robyn's Questions:
1.  Do you think there is any good in Otto at all?
2.  Will Packard fight for Justine in the third book?
3.  Will Justine figure out the truth about Otto and Avery?  Maybe it will be on her own or will get help from her friends.
4.  If Justine does figure out the truth, do you think Otto will do anything to keep her from leaving?
5.  Will the wedding take place?  Maybe Packard will go all Dustin Hoffman and do the ending of the Graduate, lol.

Melissa's Questions:
1.  What ever happened to the missing kids?  Will we ever know?
2.  Will Justine ever remember?  Do you think her subconscious is working to remember the truth?  With the headaches and worries of Otto reaching into his inside pocket...
3.  Why do you think Otto did what he did?  To trap Packard?  To get the girl?  Or something more?

Teaser Tuesday (46)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

He starts to roll the cart sideways.  I clampdownhard on my side, stopping it, shocked that he's talk so dirty in an office superstore.  Then I realize that he hasn't said anything dirty at all.

pg 107

Double Cross

By Carolyn Crane

Book Blog Chat (4): Double Cross - Stop 3

This book just keeps getting better and better.  Justine, Packard, Otto, Simon, Shelby... All the characters and a few new ones. 

Double Cross: we have chat stop #3 through page 256, Chapter 21, is up if you would like to stop by and check it out.  Maybe even say hello (would be nice).

The post is at Robyn's blog: The Bookoholic Zone this week,  HERE'S THE LINK.

Do remember, there will be SPOILERS in the comments.  So, if you don't want to know, don't read the post. :)

Thank you all for stopping by!