Review: The Better to See You by Kate SeRine

Happy Friday, everyone! Today we have a review of urban fantasy/paranormal romance author Kate SeRine's novel, THE BETTER TO SEE YOU, book two of the Transplanted Tales series! If you haven't already seen my review of the first novel in the series, RED, you can do so by clicking here: Review of Red by Kate SeRine. Enjoy both reviews!

Synopsis: Once upon a time, a spell went awry and Make Believe characters were cast into the ordinary world. And the results aren’t always happily ever after…
Everyone thinks fairy godmothers can do no wrong. But if not for a certain spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother, the Tales would not be stuck in the Here and Now. Fortunately for Lavender, she’s about to get a second chance at a happy ending…

The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who’s been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth’s deep sensuality has blinded her to the truth. And that distraction could put innocent lives in danger. Including her own…

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

First Sentences: "Magic's a funny thing. It's seductive, addictive. There's no bigger rush than harnessing the elements and bending them to your will, experiencing that orgasmic release of energy as a spell bursts forth and alters time, space, reality..." A fabulous opening! This short excerpt from the prologue hooks you into the story and pulls you right in. I fell in love with Lavender's character from the start. Despite being the reason the Tales currently find themselves in the Here and Now, I felt sympathetic toward Lavender from the get-go and once Lavender gets back on her feet and reclaims her magic, she's a force to reckoned with!

 

Brownie Points: As with RED, my favorite thing about Kate SeRine's novels is the voice. It hooks me in every time and I can't get enough of it. I couldn't stop flipping the pages of THE BETTER TO SEE YOU--even when I was in Europe on vacation!!! Yes, you read that right. When I was in Europe, I was staying up late to read Kate's book knowing very well that I was potentially sacrificing European daylight hours. That's really saying something. Aside from the amazing voice, Kate's novels are always wrought with tension and in the case of THE BETTER TO SEE YOU, that tension is both action-related and sexual. The heat between Lavender and Seth is smoking! Their chemistry radiates off the page. And Seth? *low whistle* From being hunted nearly all his life and a love life that's left him lonely and heartbroken (until now), Seth is brooding, tortured, and oh so delicious--and who doesn't love a man who can cook? ;-) THE BETTER TO SEE YOU has everything that readers will love about urban fantasy--action and mystery--and everything readers love about paranormal romance--sexy tension and a whole lot of hot and heavy love scenes ;-)

Beefs: I have no beefs with THE BETTER TO SEE YOU. Just like it's predecessor, RED, THE BETTER TO SEE YOU is an amazing, page-turning read! I guarantee it won't disappoint.

Ending: The ending of THE BETTER TO SEE YOU didn't disappoint and the plot/mystery held my interest all the way through. When murdered Tales start showing up in the Refuge, where Lavender and Seth have taken shelter as wayward tales, things only get progressively worse as Seth and Lavender become the killer's main target. Lavender has to summon up some serious magic faerie mojo to get them out of this one--but did I mention her magic has been on the fritz since the Tales landed in the Here and Now? Non-stop conflict makes THE BETTER TO SEE YOU captivating all the way through the last page.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I can't say enough great things about The Transplanted Tales series. Both RED and THE BETTER TO SEE YOU are a fantastic beginning to what I hope will be a long, continuously capitvating and enchanting series. The third installment in the series, ALONG CAME A SPIDER, cannot come soon enough! I have been waiting for Nicky "Little Boy" Blue's story and I'm so excited it's finally here in the next book! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little while for that one =( But I bet it will be well worth the wait! Filled with kickass heroines, yummy men, tension that doesn't stop, and sexual sizzle that will leave you breathless, I give THE BETTER TO SEE YOU a rating of a full moon, the highest rating here at Nocturnal Readings.

 

 

I highly recommend this book to readers who love urban fantasy, and those who enjoy paranormal romance as well.  A reasonably priced awesome read. So get your asses in gear and purchase your e-book, folks!

Review: Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today we have a review of debut urban fantasy author Cecy Robson's novel, Sealed with a Curse, the start of the Weird Girls series! If you haven't already seen my review of her self-titled prequel novella, you can do so by clicking: here. Enjoy both reviews! Also, don't forget to check out the giveaway at the end of the post!

Synopsis: Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

First Sentences: "The courthouse doors crashed open as I led my three sisters into the large foyer. I didn't mean to push so hard, but hell, I was mad and worried about being eaten. The cool spring breeze slapped at my back as I stepped inside, yet it did little to cool my temper or my nerves. My nose scented the vampires before my eyes caught them emerging from the shadows. There were six of them, wearing dark suits, Ray-Bans, and obnoxious little grins. Two bolted the doors tight behind us, while the others frisked us for weapons. I can't believe we're in vampire court." How can you not love an opening like that? Within the first few paragraphs, Robson has already drawn me into her fictional world. Vampire court? Pretty cool idea, not to mention the tension is already palpable. Celia is in a fierce mood and a pinched situation, surrounded by enemies. That equals badass action!

 

Brownie Points: As I said in my review of the Weird Girls' novella, Robson has an outstanding and superb voice filled with all the right stuff--humor, sass, emotion and a relatable narrative character--and Sealed with a Curse doesn't disappoint. The Wird girls continue to be fun, sympathetic characters, you can't help but love. No matter their perils or mistakes, Celia and her sisters are easy to champion as they battle with werewolves, vampires, and a viscous supernatural vampire virus throughout the course of the novel. What really stood out as a unique trait to me (as a romance writer and reader) was the stronger than usual romantic elements within this urban fantasy. In the UF genre I often find myself craving more romance than I'm given. This wasn't the case in Sealed with a Curse. It walks the perfect line between sexy romance and action packed urban fantasy, so romance readers and urban fantasy lovers alike will enjoy this novel. Besides, who doesn't love a rivalry between two sexy supernatural men? Aric the werewolf and Misha the vampire? I vote both, please! It's clear who is the winner of Celia's heart, but I won't spill the beans ;-)

Beefs: No major beefs. Sealed with a Curse hits the ground running with action and tension, and it kept me hooked and longing for more up to the very last page.

Ending: As with any great novel, I didn't find the plot predictable in any way. I continued to be surprised by it's twists and turns in the best of ways.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I can't say enough great things about The Weird Girls series. Both the self-titled prequel novella and Sealed with a Curse are a fantastic jump-start to what I'm certain is going to be a continuously capitvating and enchanting series. The second novel in the series, A Curse Embraced, cannot come soon enough! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until July 2013 for that one =( But I bet it will be well worth the wait! 

I give Sealed with a Curse a rating of a full moon, the highest rating here at Nocturnal Readings.

 

 

I highly recommend this book to readers who love urban fantasy, and those who enjoy paranormal romance as well. The novel will be available in both paperback and e-book formats starting December 31st! A reasonably priced awesome read. So get your asses in gear and pre-order, folks! 

 

CHECK OUT THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!! Cecy has graciously gifted me with a signed copy to give away to one lucky winner! This giveaway is open to both U.S and international entries!

 

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Fall in Love Blog Hop and GIVEAWAY

Happy (shortly belated) Halloween, everyone! Hope you had some great autumn festivities with more to come. A las personas que celebran el dia de los muertos, espero que disfrutan sus felicidades! En caso de mi espanol esta mal, perdonme por favor--no es mi lengua nativa y estoy aprendando lol.

First things first. As part of the Fall in Love hop theme hosted by the wonderful Reader's Confession, I want to gush about my two favorite debut authors this year: Kate SeRine and Cecy Robson. See their covers below! =D Aren't they pretty?

Both writing urban fantasy with a wonderful dash of romance, but casting their own unique spins on the genre, these ladies' novels rocked my socks off! Kate SeRine's gritty, badass heroine Tess "Red" Little knows how to hold her own in a world where fairytales run rampant. And Cecy Robson's kind-hearted, Weird Girl, Celia Wird, has a fierce inner tigress--literally!--and Celia's not afraid to sink her claws into anyone who threatens her family.

These debut authors have amazing voices. In all her stubbornness and intelligence, Tess kept me right by her side and rooting for her from the very first page, and Celia is a woman after my own heart--she balances the line between the girl everyone can relate to and a badass superwoman perfectly. ;-)

The writing is strong in both of these novels and any urban fantasy reader, and even those who normally enjoy solely paranormal romance, should give these fantastic debuts a try. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Transplanted Tales and of the Weird Girls.

If you'd like to check out my full review of Kate SeRine's Red, please click the link: Review of Red. I also plan to host the wonderful Kate SeRine again in the coming months of 2013 with the release of the second novel in her Transplanted series, The Better to See You.

You'll have to wait patiently for my full reviews of Cecy Robson's Weird Girls. On November 27th I'll be posting a review of the Weird Girls Novella and on December 18th I'll be posting a review of the first full length novel in the series, Sealed with a Curse. I will clue you in--if you haven't caught my drift already--and say that I LOVED both Cecy Robson's books!

Now, onto the giveaway! U.S entrants only please!

Since my own publisher is Harlequin, I will be giving away four different Harlequin novels from various lines (three of which are signed): Killing Me Softly by Maggie Shayne (single-title romantic suspense), The Protector by Carla Capshaw (inspirational historical romance), His Bride for the Taking by Sandra Hyatt (contemporary romance, and The Longest Night by Cindy Dees (romantic suspense).

The giveaway starts today, November 1st 2012, and ends November 11th 2012 with the winner announced on the 12th.

So how about you? Who are your favorite debut authors of 2012? Please share in the comments! And don't forget to enter the giveaway! Extra entries for those who follow via FB or Twitter, or those who tweet about the contest. Cheers!


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Follow Friday #117

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm sure you're all glad it's the weekend! And the weekend means, it's time for some blog hopping. So please hop on over to Parajunkee's View or Alison Can Read, and hop around to some new blogs. You can also participate in the social media hop as well! So have fun and check out my answer to the weekly blog hop question below.

This week's question:

What do you hope to accomplish with your blog? Is it to one day become an author yourself, just for fun, maybe get some online attention, or maybe something very different?

My Answer: I started blogging and continue to blog in hope of drumming up a fan base for my writing. The first novel in my debut paranormal romance series, Shadow Hunter (Execution Underground, #1), releases in September 2013 with Harlequin's single-title HQN line. I hope that my blog will earn it some attention =) Check out my Goodreads link on the sidebar to read more about it ;-)

Check back on Monday! Cheers ;-)

Signing My Harlequin Contract!!!!

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend!

Though I received my three-book deal from Harlequin back in May, I just finally received the official contract in August. For the sake of memories, I filmed me signing it and thought I would share it with all of you!

I was so super excited to sign that contract! And have been waiting impatiently for my advance ever since LOL! I may just have some other exciting news to share with you soon, who knows *wink wink*

And with that, I leave you a second excerpt from book one in the Execution Underground series, SHADOW HUNTER! This one is HOT, so if you're under 18, look away. You can check out the first excerpt here: E.U Excerpt #1

In the first excerpt we saw werewolf hunter and Execution Underground member, Jace McCannon, in the first pages of the novel, leading up to the discovery of the corpse of a young girl, who'd been slayed by a sadistic Rogue werewolf. In this excerpt, Jace has taken werewolf heroine and Rochester packmaster, Frankie Amato, captive after finding her in wolf form at the scene of the crime. He forces her to shift to human form and cuffs her ;-)

SHADOW HUNTER EXCERPT #2

            Jace was screwed, so totally screwed. He slammed the door to his black H3 and rounded to the driver’s side of the car. Reaching for the handle, he silently cursed himself and wondered what the hell his problem was. Catch and kill. That had always been his philosophy with hunting. Never once had he kept one of those monsters alive. Until now.

            He climbed in the car and closed the door behind him. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw her wiggling in the backseat, naked breasts swaying as she fumbled against the cuffs. He shifted his weight and his erection pressed against his pants in an attempt to escape. As much as he wanted to succumb to her beauty and the electricity which flowed between them when they touched, he knew better. He’d already thought too much with his lower head tonight.

            She was right about the evidence. With no blood on her, no weapons, and a different scent, there was no question she hadn’t killed that girl. But either way, looking at her was a betrayal to his job, his fellow hunters. And damn it, he sure as hell wouldn’t change his conviction for a sweet lay. Werewolves were his enemies and they always had been. He slammed his fist onto the steering wheel. The whole situation was bullshit. She hadn’t done anything wrong, so he wasn’t sure he could bring himself to kill her, but shit, she was a goddamn wolf.

            He revved the engine and glanced in the mirror one more time. Her jaw clenched, pure frustration evident on her face as she continued to struggle with the handcuffs. Princess was seriously pissed off. Ripping his eyes from her gorgeous allure, Jace pulled away from the curb and slammed down the gas pedal. He floored it. Damn meeting started in fifteen minutes.

Copyright Kaitlyn Ballenger, Harlequin Enterprises Limited

2 GIVEAWAYS and Follow Friday #115

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm sure you're all glad it's the weekend! And the weekend means, it's time for some blog hopping. So please hop on over to Parajunkee's View or Alison Can Read, and hop around to some new blogs. You can also participate in the social media hop as well! So have fun and check out my answer to the weekly blog hop question below.

This week's question:

What hyped up book do you think was worth all the talk?

My Answer: I'm going to agree with the featured blogger on this one: The Hunger Games. Everyone had hyped it so much I was worried I would be disappointed, but I DEFINITELY wasn't. Love that series!


Make sure you scroll to the two posts below to find some awesome giveaways! You could win one of three ebook copies of Kate SeRine's debut urban fantasy novel in her Transplanted Tales series, Red, or you could win an autographed copy of NYT Bestselling author Christina Dodd's paranormal romance novel, Chains of Ice!

Cover Reveal: THE BETTER TO SEE YOU

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I'm happy to participate in featuring the cover reveal of the second novel in the Transplanted Tales series, The Better to See You, by the wonderful Kate SeRine!!! If you haven't checked out my Interview with Kate SeRine or the Review of Red, the first novel in her Transplanted Tales series then you should click the links!

Isn't it an awesome cover? Gorgeous, drool-worthy man-candy! Congratulations, Kate! The Better to See You debuts in February 2013 with e-Kensington and the intriguing back cover blurb is right below:

"Once upon a time, a spell went awry and Make Believe characters were cast into the ordinary world.

And the results aren’t always happily ever after…

Everyone thinks fairy godmothers can do no wrong. But if not for a certain spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother, the Tales would not be stuck in the Here and Now. Fortunately for Lavender, she’s about to get a second chance at a happy ending…

The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who’s been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth’s deep sensuality has blinded her to the truth. And that distraction could put innocent lives in danger. Including her own…."

You can also find more information on Kate and her books in the following places:

Goodreads

Kate's website

Twitter
Facebook

And as if that all wasn't enough, we have a giveaway to accompany it! Just enter in your information to the widget below in order to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Hope you enjoyed Kate's cover and blurb! I did and I will be ordering my copy of The Better to See You as soon as it releases! Cheers

Execution Underground Title Reveal!

Hi everyone! Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a great weekend!

I have lots of exciting posts coming up. One year from now, my first novel will be released! Okay, well not on this specific day for sure, but in September 2013, and as a result, I am ssssssoooooo excited to announce that the official title of my first paranormal romance release, book number one of the Execution Underground series, will be titled SHADOW HUNTER!!!

Since I am so excited to announce this title, I thought 'hey, why not have a giveaway?'

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

The SHADOW HUNTER Giveaway opens today (9/17/12) and closes Sunday September 23st, 2012 at 9PM EST!!!

U.S entrants only please!

Simply leave a comment on this post with your email address in order to enter.

Tweet about the SHADOW HUNTER Giveaway and it's link for an extra entry! Only one extra entry per person!

PRIZE:

An AUTOGRAPHED copy of New York Times Bestselling Author Christina Dodd's paranormal romance novel, Chains of Ice!

So please leave a comment with your email address in order to enter! And as a special treat, I leave you with this: the first three pages of SHADOW HUNTER (Execution Underground, #1). 

 

Chapter One

Jace McCannon palmed the Mateba and clicked back the gun’s hammer. The cold grip panels of the modified revolver sat comfortably in his hand. Six silver bullets for a rogue werewolf. Limited shots. But he was feeling lucky.

            He gripped the gun with both hands and lowered it to his side, slipping in and out of the shadows. The rank scent of garbage, car exhaust, and piss wafted into his nose as he passed through the alleyway. Ah, the sweet aroma of Rochester’s slums. He ran his tongue over his teeth, jonesing for a cigarette to drown out the smell and steady the adrenaline buzz creeping through his veins. Goddamn, he wanted to find this son of a bitch.

            Resting his back against a brick building, he paused and glanced up. The white moon stared down to Earth, calling him. Heat prickled beneath his skin and his beast shifted. But he wouldn’t allow it. Not tonight.

            He wrenched his gaze from the damn tempting sky and forced himself into the moment. Inhaling a deep breath, he rushed around the corner and scanned the area, pointing his gun into the darkness. No one. No werewolves, no hobos. Damn, not even the prostitutes were roaming.

            Not that he blamed them. Regular killings weren’t anything to call home about—happened all the time. But this was different. Innocent women being found with their organs slung around their corpse, Jack the Ripper style. The worst part? Jace had no idea where to find the sick fuck responsible, and the thought of the young women’s pain sent his blood boiling.

            He wandered the alley, gun still at the ready and eyes searching for any sign of movement. A rustling noise hissed from around the next corner. Jace held his gun tight and snuck down the narrow passage toward it. The sound grew louder and he quickened his pace. When he reached the bend, he stopped, listening close. He threw himself around the edge, gun ready and his finger on the trigger.

            A plastic bag caught on a dumpster swished in the light wind. He cursed under his breath. Maybe he wasn’t so lucky tonight. He pushed his fingers through his hair. The cell phone jammed in the pocket of his jeans vibrated. He pulled out the annoying piece of shit and read the screen: David.

            He jabbed his thumb into one of the buttons, hoping it was the right one and shoved the phone to his ear. “Yeah?”

            “Meeting in an hour,” David’s deep voice rumbled over the line.

            Aw, hell. Jace shook his head. “Don’t toy with me. I’ve got business.”

            “I’m not shittin’ you, J. One hour, and you better be there or Damon’s gonna rip my head off. I told him I’d get you here.”

            Jace frowned. He hated being forced to carry a damn cell phone. He didn’t enjoy people contacting him whenever they pleased. “It’s near the full moon, David. This is my prime time. You know that.”

            “You don’t have to preach to me. Damon’s the one hawking you.” David paused for a moment. “He’s gonna want a report tonight.”

            “Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. I’ll have something.”

            “Sure you hear me, and I like to dress up in tutus, while my girl spanks me and calls me Big Daddy.”

            Jace smirked. “Hey, if that’s what gets you off—”  

“Shut it,” David said. “You’ve gotta report tonight or your ass is in a sling. So what are you gonna tell him?”

            Jace glanced into the empty darkness surrounding him. “Same thing I told him last time: jack shit. I’m not opening my damn mouth until I’ve either got their packmaster bound and chained, or preferably, his head on a silver platter courtesy of my bare hands.”

            David let out a frustrated sigh. “I thought you said you had something.”

            “I do.” Jace lowered his voice; it didn’t matter that he was alone, some things he couldn’t say aloud if he wanted to keep his sanity. “I’ve got a scent. That’s all, and it’s familiar, so I smell it everywhere. Trailing him is about as much fun as shooting myself in the foot.”

            “It’s something.”

            “You better believe it’s something. But what do you expect me to do, David? Tell the whole goddamn council their werewolf hunter happens to be so damn good at his job because he’s a friggin’ half-breed?”

            Silence answered him from the other end of the line. Another rustling sound blew through the alley, but Jace ignored the noise. “Look, I’ll deal with this, all right? Forget about it. I’ll be at the damn meeting with bells on and a smiling face, but let me do it on my own terms.”

            “Yeah, fine. I better see you there or the next time I’m around, I’ll have a long rope and it’ll be coming straight for your neck.”

            Jace huffed. “Talk to you later, Big Daddy.”

            “Yeah, you too, sugar.”

            With a small click,  the line went dead. Jace shoved the machine in his pocket again. The swishing sound continued, the noise growing. Jace rolled his eyes, ready to ball the grocery bag and pitch it. He eyed the plastic.

            Shit. The wind stopped. It wasn’t blowing.

            The faint sound of footsteps echoed and the rustling quieted. Jace wrenched his revolver from his side, launching himself down the alley and around the corner. He held his gun tight, prepared to shoot.

Copyright Kaitlyn Ballenger, Harlequin Enterprises Limited