Review: Scarlett Dedd - Cathy Brett

http://scardeparted.blogspot.com/ I had to start this blog to help me through my recent horrific trauma.
I'm DEAD!  Which, in case you're wondering, totally sucks...But I'm learning to live with it.

Scarlett would kill for a kiss from the boy she's crushing on...but her life has just taken a dramatic turn for the worse and now it's not just her romantic plans that are festering - even her friends are acting like she doesn't exist...

Left in limbo, bored to death and fearing her friendless state is terminal, an ominous idea pops into Scarlett's head.  Over her dead body will she be ignored...but can Scarlett really execute such a grim plan?  And will it reap the reward of eternal friendship or turn out to be a fatal mistake?

Visit Cathy Brett's website for more information

Review:
Scarlett has always been a bit of a misfit and apart from a couple of close friends she is pretty much an outcast at school.  This hasn't been helped by her quirky family and her second hand clothes.  She doesn't want to go on the school trip but her plan to make herself too ill to go backfires when she accidentally kills her entire family.  As a ghost she is lonely and desperately misses her friends but can she find a way to communicate with them?

I'll start by saying how much I loved the drawings and different text effects that appear throughout the book, Cathy Brett is a talented illustrator and I spent a lot of time looking at the details in the pictures as I was reading.  I loved the way you had to turn the book around to different angles to be able to read some of the writing, it made for a fun read that I'm sure even the most reluctant reader would enjoy.

In the first few chapters I found myself feeling quite sorry for Scarlett, her family really didn't make it easy for her to fit in at school and be accepted and I could relate to the teasing she suffers from.  However, after Scarlett and her family died I found myself liking her less and less as the story progressed.  Her "poor me" routine may have been understandable but it grated on my nerves and I really didn't like the course of action she decided to take to ease her loneliness.  It made for a funny story but I found her attitude disturbing and really wanted to shake her out of it!  Despite the things she was doing I didn't even find myself feeling any sympathy for her friends who to be honest weren't the nicest of people and wouldn't be the kind of friends I'd want to hang out with.

I enjoyed the story for it's uniqueness and the quirky humor and would probably enjoy a sequel more because Scarlett does seem to come to her senses towards the end of the book.  If you're looking for something unusual and fun to read then you might want to give this one a try but I'd probably recommend it more for younger readers who are less likely to worry about the issues I had with the story.

Source: Received from Headline in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
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Review: The Darkest Night - Gena Showalter

Maddox - Immortal keeper of Violence

Every night for thousands of years, he has been murdered and sent to the fires of hell...

Cursed by the gods, bound to a rage-filled spirit he can barely control, Maddox has all but forgotten his humanity - until Ashlyn Darrow comes to his prison in Budapest seeking help.  Maddox finds his anger is soothed by her presence.  But he can't help question why a beautiful innocent has come looking for the Lords of the Underworld.

Ashlyn is tortured by voices from the past - and her knowledge might be enough to free Maddox from his death-curse.  When an extreme sacrifice is demanded, will Maddox's superhuman strength be enough to save them both?

The Lords of the Underworld Series:
The Darkest Fire (Novella found in Dark Beginnings)
The Darkest Night
The Darkest Kiss
The Darkest Pleasure
The Darkest Prison (Novella found in Dark Beginnings)
The Darkest Whisper
The Darkest Facts (Series companion)
The Darkest Angel (Novella found in Dark Beginnings)
The Darkest Passion
The Darkest Lie
The Darkest Secret
The Darkest Surrender
The Darkest Seduction (2012)

Visit Gena Showalter's website for more information

Review:
As trusted warriors who were in charge of guarding the King of the Greek Gods, Maddox and his friends were insulted when someone else was chosen to protect a powerful box.  Determined to prove that a mistake had been made they stole the box and in the process released the demons it contained, causing devastation that the world had never seen the likes of before.  With the box missing and no other way to bring the demons under control the Gods decided a fitting punishment would be to make each of the warriors host one of the demons inside their bodies.  Now the immortal Lords of the Underworld have spent thousands of years living in torment, suffering daily and struggling to control the demons within. Maddox has a second curse though and every night he is killed and has to spend the night being tortured in hell before coming back to life in the morning.  Nothing has eased his pain, that is until he meets Ashlyn who has a calming effect on both him and his demon.  Can she find a way to help rid him of his curse?

I've heard a lot of good things about this series and it's one that I've been wanting to start for a long time now.  I love a good paranormal romance and The Darkest Kiss is a promising start to a series that I'm sure I will enjoy.  Like any first book in a series there is a lot of world building as we are introduced to each of the warriors and start to find out about the various torments caused by the demons trapped inside them, I did find myself getting a bit confused about who everyone was at the beginning but by the end I was hooked.  I honestly couldn't say who's story I'm most looking forward to, each of the warriors has something about them that left me wanting to know more!  I loved the use of Greek mythology and this made a refreshing change to all the vampire romances I've been reading recently.

Maddox is the keeper of Violence and struggles to control the demon's vicious impulses, this has caused him to do terrible things in the past and is what led to the second curse he had placed on him.  He feels guilty for his actions and accepts his punishment but is scared to be close to anyone in case Violence causes him to hurt them.  When he first meets Ashlyn he feels peace for the first time in years but he is terrified of what the demon could do to her.  I love a good tortured hero so Maddox was my kind of guy and watching the way he was so protective of Ashlyn was beautiful to see.  It doesn't hurt that he is as sexy as sin and there is some great chemistry between the pair of them.

Ashlyn has a curse of her own and no matter where she is she is able to hear every conversation that was ever held in that location.  The voices are enough to drive her insane so when they are silenced in Maddox's presence she is immediately drawn to him.  I'll admit now that Ashlyn wasn't my favourite heroine ever, she can come across as quite weak at times and there were some inconsistencies in her character where she is supposed to be naive and innocent but acts like she is much more experienced.  However, I did really like her when she tried to protect Maddox from the other warriors even though she was obviously no match for them physically.  By the end of the story she had grown on me and I thought she was a good match for Maddox.

I would have liked to have seen more of the battle between the warriors and the hunters who have been their sworn enemies for centuries but I can see this developing as the series progresses when the author isn't having to introduce a whole new cast of characters to her readers.  I'm also very curious to see how things play out between the Greek Gods and the Titans - that should add a really interesting element to the future plot arc.  Overall I'm really looking forward to continuing with this series and would recommend it to fans of J.R. Ward, Lara Adrian and Kresley Cole.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Headline Blogger Party - 13th May 2011

A couple of weeks ago I was very excited to get to go to Headline towers for their blogger party.  Headline were the first publisher that contacted me about reviewing for them so it was so nice to finally meet Sam & Maura who I have been talking to by email & on twitter for over a year now.  Before the event I met up with Viv (Serendipity) and Michelle (Clover Hill Book Reviews) and after working out where the Headline offices were we decided to walk to Foyles for a little book shopping.  It ended up being much further than we thought it would be which didn't give us much time for browsing before we had to head back but we had a great time nattering about books as we walked!

Michelle & Viv outside of Headline Towers

We arrived back at the building along with a massive group of other bloggers (I've tried to include links to everyone at the bottom of the post but please let me know if you were there & I missed you!).  The event was held on the 16th floor and I completely missed the security guard's warning and ended up travelling in the glass elevator.  I'm sure the views were amazing but being scared of heights I spent most of my time with my head buried on Viv's shoulder and couldn't get out of there fast enough!  I was definitely more careful to pick a lift without a view on the way back down again lol.

Jenna Burtenshaw & Cathy Brett

When we arrived in the conference room we got to mingle with each other, the Headline staff and some of Headline's top authors - Cathy Brett, Jenna Burtenshaw, Jonathan L Howard, Julie Cohen, Jill Mansell, Julia Crouch and Geraint Anderson (also known as Cityboy).  Everyone was so friendly and it was lovely to spend time talking with them all.  I finally got to meet Laura from Book Chick City which was great, I've spent so long chatting to her on Twitter that I already felt like I knew her but it is always so nice to put faces to names.  I'd met quite a few of the other bloggers before so it was good to catch up with them & as always it was nice to see some new faces and discover some fab new blogs to follow!

Headline had created a great video showing some of their current & upcoming releases, they publish a wide range of genres from historical, women's fiction and YA through to crime and thrillers (and many more besides!).  I hadn't realised quite how many different things they had on their lists and there are definitely some books I can't wait to get my hands on!  It would take too long to list all of the books that were mentioned but here are a few of the ones I'm really excited about:

An epic, richly inventive, historically sweeping, magical romance.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...

I've had Discovery of Witches on my wish list for ages now but after hearing how enthusiastic the team were about it I know I definitely need to buy myself a copy!

Meet Jud Lester: Star agent with CRYPT, the Covert Response Youth Paranormal Team.

When a crime is committed and the police are at a loss, CRYPT is called in to figure out whether something paranormal is at work. Jud is their star agent.

Jud, unwillingly paired with new recruit Bex, has just landed his biggest case yet ... people have been disappearing in mysterious circumstances while others are viciously attacked - yet there are no suspects and a complete lack of hard evidence. The only thing that links each attack is the fact that survivors all claim that the culprits were 17th century highwaymen.

Can Jud and Bex work out what has caused the spirits of these dangerous men to return to the streets of London before they wreak more death and destruction?

A fantastic blend of teenage spies, horror and ghost-busting for fans of Cherub and Young Bond.

Crypt sounds like it is going to be a fantastic YA read, it reminded me a little of Department 19 and even if it's only half as good it will be amazing!  Definitely one to watch out for when it's released in September.

The first in Heather Killough-Walden's fantastic new paranormal series, THE LOST ANGELS, features Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance

Four thousand years ago, four archangels were cast down to Earth in human form. God's favourites, they came to find their mates, the other half of their souls made only for them, without whom they will ever be complete.

Uriel, Gabriel, Azrael and Michael, however, were not alone. They were followed by another, determined to find the archesses for himself, and whose power cannot be underestimated. But after centuries of fruitless searching, the archangels - and their enemy - have all but given up hope.

Until one day beautiful and gifted Eleanore Granger crosses paths with Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance. And as a storm rages, outside forces conspire together, initiating an age old battle of good versus evil to win the first archess.

Now Avenger's Angel looks right up my street and I can't wait to get my hands on it!  I'm even more excited that it's the first book in a new series - the only disappointment is having to wait until November for it to be released!

Another book mentioned that I'm really looking forward to reading was called Pure and is a YA dystopian that is being released in 2012.  Headline have big plans for this one and I'm sure it's one we'll be seeing a lot of!

After watching the video it was time for a quiz masterminded by evil quiz masters Sam & Maura.  Luckily we were put into teams or I'd have completely embarrassed myself - the questions were HARD!  I was on a team with Cathy Brett, Naomi (who was interning with Headline), Darren (The Book Zone) and Matt (Teen Librarian) and I dread to think how low our score was, Matt was on a role for the science fiction questions but we left a lot of blank spaces in the other rounds.  It may have been an epic fail but our team had a lot of fun anyway :o)

After the quiz Headline let us help ourselves to the latest releases for each of the authors who were present and we were able to get our copies signed for us.  I came home with a great selection of books & I'm looking forward to reading them all, the only trouble is deciding where to start!  Here are cover images and a synopsis for each of them (information was all found on the Headline website):

Kate has escaped the clutches of the High Council and Silas has left Albion for the continent. But their lives are forever linked and as the veil weakens, causing Albion's skilled to fear for everyone's safety, Silas and Kate find themselves drawn together by the mysterious and corrupt Dalliah Grey

This is the second book in the Wintercraft series and I loved the first book (you can read my review of Wintercraft here) so I can't wait to find out what happens next!  Luckily I'd remembered to take my copy of Wintercraft with me so I was able to get them both signed by Jenna (who was absolutely lovely by the way and just how I'd imagined she would be from speaking to her on Twitter!)

You're dead Scarlett...

Previously a poor taste jibe from school frenemies, now a statement of fact.

Scarlett is absolutely mortified (in more ways than one) to discover that she's accidentally killed herself while trying to get out of a school trip. Even worse, she's taken her entire family with her.

Life as a ghost is pretty dull - if only some of her friends were dead too...

I've already read this one and absolutely love all the pictures and different text effects that are used throughout the book.  Keep an eye out for my review that will be coming soon.

Johannes Cabal is back - a little older, a little wiser, but just as sharply funny, cuttingly sarcastic, and unexpectedly violent as ever.

For necromancer Johannes Cabal, dealing with devils, demons and raising the dead is pretty much par for the course. But when his attempt to steal a rare book turns sour, he is faced by a far more terrifying entity - politics. While awaiting execution for his crime, Cabal is forced to resurrect an inconveniently deceased emperor. Seizing his chance, the cunning Cabal engineers his escape, fleeing the country on a state-of-the-art flying ship. But the ship has more than a few unpleasant surprises, including an unwelcome face from the past and the small matter of some mysterious murders. Cabal may work with corpses but he has absolutely no intention of becoming one. Drawn into a deadly conspiracy, is he shuffling dangerously close to the end of his mortal coil?

I've had the first book in this series (Johannes Cabal the Necromancer) on my to read pile for a while now but after talking to Jonathan L Howard I really think I need to move it up my list, I think it's a series I'll really enjoy.

A gorgeously romantic, funny and heartbreaking read for anyone who's ever run away from home - and found their way back...

Liza Haven couldn't wait to escape the small village where she grew up with her perfect identical twin sister, Lee. Her life in LA as a stunt woman is reckless, fast and free - and that's just the way she likes it. But when a near-fatal mistake drives her home, she finds Lee gone and everyone in the village mistaking her for her twin sister. Liza has to deal with her ailing mother, the family ice cream business, and Lee's dangerously attractive boyfriend. Liza's always been the bad twin, but as she struggles to keep up the masquerade and puzzle out where her sister has gone, she realises it's not so simple. She's spent her whole life getting away with it - is it finally time to face up to who she really is and where she really belongs?

I really like the sound of this one, the idea of one twin stealing the other's identity is intriguing and I'm curious to see how it plays out.  I read Julie Cohen's book Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom last year (you can read my review here) so I'm sure I'll enjoy Getting Away With It.

The gorgeously indulgent, funny and touching new novel from the bestselling author, which reached No. 2 in the hardback bestseller charts.

When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she's ready for a new start - at work, that is. She doesn't need a new man when she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...

Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo who has a secret of her own. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

I read a few of Jill Mansell's books back before I started blogging so I'm looking forward to picking up To the Moon and Back.

A dark, juicy, deliciously unsettling, read-it-in-one-sitting psychological drama.

Rose has it all - the gorgeous children, the husband, the beautiful home. But then her best friend Polly comes to stay. Very soon, Rose's cosy world starts to fall apart at the seams - her baby falls dangerously ill, her husband is distracted - is Polly behind it all? It appears that once you invite Polly into your home, it's very difficult to get her out again...

Cuckoo is a UK 2011 debut and sounds like a fantastic read, I can't wait to get started!

Cityboy is back! The bestselling author of CITYBOY, which sold over 200,000 copies, returns with an explosive, edge-of-the-seat, no-holds-barred thriller of City corruption, scams and monstrously bad behaviour.

Steve Jones, our Cityboy hero, wants out. He's looking to cash-in before the soul-stripping toil of coining it in London's financial heartland turns into a life sentence. All it will take is a handsome seven figure wedge in the bank and it's the good life for him and goodbye to the horrors of the Square Mile. Like the expert chancer he is, he sees an opportunity. Hacking into his boss's computer, he finds something that chills him to the bone. This is big time; there are bad men involved; there are millions at stake. So no change there then. But when he stumbles upon a murder and becomes the prime suspect, he has to go on the run. Together with his partner Gemma, he improvises ingenious ways of outwitting the authorities, a vicious drug cartel and even M15 in a chase that will send him half way round the world if he's going to stay alive...

Author Geraint Anderson was certainly a colourful character and I can't wait to see if this shows through in his book, I'm sure it will be an interesting read!

Cathy Brett

After getting our books signed quite a few of us headed to a local pub where we had a great time chatting.  It was lovely to see everyone in a more informal and relaxed setting and the evening flew by.  Cathy Brett is such a talented illustrator & she got her trusty pad and pencil out to draw cartoons of a few of us.  It was amazing watching her work, she was drawing so quickly and it was impressive to watch.  I took pictures of the drawings she did so have a look at the slide show below to see them & a few other pics taken in the pub.  I think this is probably the only time I'll be able to say I had my portrait drawn by a published author!  Thanks Cathy :o)

I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Headline for organising such a fantastic event and being so generous.  I really had a great time and it was lovely to meet you all!  Thanks to all of the authors too for being so gracious and happily spending time answering our questions.

Who was there:

Sam, Maura, Hannah, Claire, Helena & Naomi - Headline

Cathy Brett - website

Geraint Anderson - website

Jenna Burtenshaw - website

Jill Mansell - website

Jonathan L Howard - website

Julia Crouch - website

Julie Cohen - website

Amanda - One More Page - Event Report

Carolyn & Laura - Book Chick City

Darren - Bart's Bookshelf - Event Report

Darren - The Book Zone (for Boys)

Hadassah - Adventures of a PR Princess

Jackie - Farm Lane Books

Keith - Books & Writers

Liz & Essjay - My Favourite Books

Matt - Teen Librarian

Mel - High Heels and Book Deals

Michelle - Clover Hill Book Reviews

Nick - A Pile of Leaves - Event Report

Rhys - Thirst for Fiction - Event Report

Viv - Serendipity - Event Report

Today I'm Guest Reviewing Divergent at Book Chick City

Today my first ever guest review has been posted over at Book Chick City.  I was very excited when Carolyn asked me if I'd like to take part in her Women of Science Fiction Week and had the perfect book already sitting in my to read pile - Divergent by Veronica Roth.

One choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs and determines your loyalties . . . forever.

When sixteen-year-old Tris makes her choice, she cannot foresee how drastically her life will change.  Or that the perfect society in which she lives is about to unfold into a dystopian world of electrifying decisions, stunning consequences, heartbreaking betrayals and unexpected romance.

One choice can transform you.

All I'm going to tell you here is that I absolutely LOVED this book!  It was one of my favourite reads of 2011 so far and one I would highly recommend.

If you'd like to read my review please head over to Book Chick City where you can find it here.

Review: Black Heart - Justin Somper

A new danger dawns . . .

There's a new ship of vampirates roaming the seas, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.  When a high-profile pirate is slain, the Pirate Federation launches a ship of dedicated vampire hunters, led by newly-appointed Captain, Cheng Li.  Amongst her dynamic crew is young pirate prodigy, Connor Tempest.

Meanwhile, Connor's twin sister Grace enjoys a bittersweet reunion with their mother, Sally, who has some important and shocking news for her daughter.  As Grace uncovers the truth about her family's past, she realises that she and Connor face a daunting and uncertain future . . .

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Having been released from his articles by Molucco Wrathe Connor keen to start a new life with Cheng Li as his Captain.  After the murder of an important pirate by the vampirates they are given a vital mission by the Pirate Federation to track down and destroy the killer.  Meanwhile Grace is keen to spend time with their mother but she is about to learn some shocking news about her family that will change everything for both herself and her brother.

Black Heart is the fourth book in the Vampirates series and was probably my favourite book so far.  This really is a great adventure series and although you could probably pick it up here and be able to follow the story I'd still recommend reading the books in order or you'll be missing out on some great reads.  A lot has changed for both Connor and Grace since the series began and although they are only 14 they have done a lot of growing up.  I'm enjoying watching their characters grow and am looking forward to seeing what effect the revelations made by their mother will have on them in the future.

I love the way the story is told from so many different perspectives and most of the chapters end on cliffhangers that make you want to skip ahead to continue that particular storyline - although of course moving to the next chapter allows you to go back to another plot that you had been left desperate to read more of previously!  Justin Somper certainly knows how to build the tension and juggle multiple plot threads without making the story confusing.

This is a series with a fantastic range of characters that you want to spend more time with, Lady Lola Lockwood may have been a new introduction but she definitely leaves her mark in the series.  I love both Grace and Connor but I'm also curious to see what happens with Stukeley & Johnny, I wonder if they can redeem themselves or if they are truly going to turn out to be evil at heart.  If you're a fan of either vampires or pirates then this is a series you don't want to miss but I'd definitely recommend starting with Demons of the Ocean, you won't regret it!

Source: Received for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

Other Reviews:

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Review: Hunter's Moon - Felicity Heaton

The horror of the night he failed to save his werewolf pack from the cruelty of their vampire masters has haunted Nicolae for one hundred years, driving him deep into the Canadian wilderness in search of peace. That peace is threatened when unfamiliar hunters and the scent of blood lead him to a beautiful woman and a hard decision—face his past and help her or risk losing everyone he cares about again.

Bearing a heart filled with grief and with vengeance on her mind, Tatyana is intent on killing the hunters she’s tracking and returning to her vampire bloodline, but her plan didn’t include being shot with poisoned arrows or rescued by a glowering alpha werewolf who stirs forbidden hunger in her.

When the hunters make their move, will Nicolae be able to stop them before it’s too late? Will he be able to overcome the darkness in his heart and embrace his desire for a vampire? And can Tatyana face her fears and risk her life for the sake of forbidden love?

Vampires Realm Series:
Prophecy: Child of Light
Prophecy: Caelestis and Aurorea
Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising
Eternity: The Beginning (free read available on the author's website)
Spellbound
Reunion (free read available on the author's website)
Seventh Circle
Winter's Kiss
Hunter's Moon

Visit Felicity Heaton's website or the Vampire's Realm website for more information

Review:
Nicolae has hated vampires ever since his pack was captured, kept as slaves and tortured.  He has never forgiven himself for being unable to save the others, as alpha it was his job to protect them but he is the only one who survived.  It may be 100 years since he escaped but he has been suffering ever since, he may live near another werewolf pack but he refuses to join them and prefers keeping to himself.  His only companionship comes from the local timber wolf pack who he has formed a close bond with.  While out hunting he comes across a group of hunters and is immediately concerned for the safety of the wolves but after following them he soon discovers that their prey is a woman.  Unable to let them kill her he steps in but when he discovers that she is a vampire he regrets getting involved.  He should leave her to her fate but something stops him and he finds himself wanting to help her.  Can he put aside his hatred of vampires and help Tatyana?  Who are the mysterious hunters and what do they want from her?

Hunter's Moon is the 9th book in the Vampires Realm series but it is the first one that I've read.  Usually I hate to read a series out of order but I was assured that these books are all stand alone and I didn't have any problems following the story.  I enjoyed the book so much that I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series though and am looking forward to finding out more about the vampire realm.

Nicolae is a dark and brooding hero, alpha to his core but also incredible sexy and definitely a hero to lust after.  As you learn more about his past your heart will melt for him and you can't help but want him to have a happy ending.  I loved his relationship with the timber pack, it has taken him years to gain their trust but now they are used to working together and he works hard to keep them safe.  When he first discovers what Tatyana is his first instinct is to let the hunters have her but there is something deep inside him that refuses to let that happen.  It isn't easy for him to trust her but as they slowly get to know each other I really enjoyed watching their feelings blossom.

Tatyana's bloodline has never kept werewolves as slaves so she finds it hard to understand Nicolae's attitude towards her.  With him blowing hot and cold she is confused and annoyed but as she learns more about his past she starts to realise how much he has suffered.  She hasn't had things easy either though and has reasons of her own not to trust him.  She is on a mission to track down the hunters that killed someone close to her but then has every intention of returning home to the rest of her family when her task is complete.  She wasn't looking for a relationship but there is something about Nicolae that she finds irresistible.  The pair both fight their feelings but the sexual chemistry between them isn't something that can be avoided forever.   They are both afraid of being hurt again so their relationship develops really slowly and I enjoyed the fact that they took time to get to know each other rather than acting on their attraction early on.

I loved the fact that they are both strong characters and they look out for each other.  Tatyana may start off weak from injury but as she gains her strength she proves to be a kick arse character and protects Nicolae as much as he protects her.  She certainly isn't a wimpy heroine and is worthy of her hot alpha male.  The action scenes are well written and make it easy to picture what is happening.  While there is only one sex scene it was worth the wait and the tension between the couple in the build up will definitely leave you fanning yourself.  This is a great paranormal romance and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a dark and dangerous alpha hero.  I'm looking forward to devouring the rest of the series!

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
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Review: Desires of the Dead - Kimberly Derting

VIOLET AMBROSE'S SECRET IS OUT
Violet has a curious gift: the ability to sense the echoes emitted by murder victims. Only her boyfriend Jay and her closest family know. But when she locates the body of a missing boy sought by the FBI she puts herself firmly on their radar.

NOW SHE'S BEING WATCHED
As if dealing with regular calls from the FBI isn't enough, threatening notes are being left on her doorstep, and she feels disturbing echoes around the home of Jay's new best friend. Violet needs answers fast...

WHO CAN SHE TURN TO?
Violet should feel closer to Jay now he's moved from best friend to boyfriend, but she hasn't told him what's worrying her. She tells herself she's protecting him, but is their fledgling relationship strong enough to cope?

As Violet faces her fears alone she uncovers dark truths that lead her to danger...

The Body Finder Series:
The Body Finder
Desires of the Dead
The Last Echo
There will be a fourth book in this series but the title and release date are currently unknown

Visit Kimberly Derting's website for more information

Review:
Violet has the ability to detect echos left behind by murder victims, the same echos that are carried around by their killers. This has always been a closely guarded secret known only by her family and her best friend (and now boyfriend) Jay but it now looks like someone else has found out. With the FBI constantly asking questions and someone leaving threatening notes for Violet she has a lot on her plate. But why is she finding it so difficult to turn to Jay for help?

I absolutely loved The Body Finder so was really looking forward to reading Desires of the Dead. I'm still fascinated by Violet's abilities and I thoroughly enjoy Kimberly Derting's writing style, she has a great way of building suspense but I'll admit I wasn't as shocked by the ending as I was when reading the first book, I'd actually figured things out fairly early on which was a shame because I was really hoping I'd got it wrong.

One of my favourite things in the first book was the romance between Violet and Jay, it is so refreshing to come across a couple who have known each other for years and slowly come to have deeper feelings for each other. Jay is just as swoon worthy as ever - in fact I think he was even more adorable in Desires of the Dead and I love him more than ever! However, I found myself disappointed by Violet's attitude for a lot of the book. She absolutely refuses to talk to Jay which just didn't make sense to me - he has been her best friend and the person she could always turn to forever so it annoyed me that she wouldn't trust him now when she needed him the most. I felt quite sorry for him and almost reached the point where I wouldn't have blamed him for giving up on her. She did manage to redeem herself by the end though so I have high hopes for the pair of them in the future.

What I really enjoyed most was the FBI involvement, I don't want to say much for fear of spoilers but we are introduced to some interesting characters (I'm particularly curious about Rafe!) and I can't wait to see the effect that certain events have on Violet in the next book. Although Desires of the Dead didn't quite live up to my expectations I would still recommend the series - The Body Finder was one of my favourite books in 2010 and the series is unique in the YA paranormal market and well worth picking up. If you're a fan of the first book you don't want to miss the new developments in Desires of the Dead and I will be among the first in the queue for the next book!

Source: Received for review from Headline in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

News: Vampirates Blog Tour with Justin Somper

I'm really excited to be taking part in Justin Somper's blog tour to celebrate the release of Immortal War, the 6th and final book in the Vampirates series.  There will be lots going on so make sure you check out all of the tour posts in June.  Have a look at this video of Justin talking about the tour for more information:

 

 

Here is a full list of all the tour stops & don't forget to stop back here on the 9th of June when Justin will be taking part in my Author's Animal Antics feature!

• Monday 6th June -- Chicklish - Extract #1
• Tuesday 7th June -- My Favourite Books - An interview with Justin Somper
• Wednesday 8th June -- The Crooked Shelf - Guest Post: on Lady Lola Lockwood & The Women of Vampirates
• Thursday 9th June -- Feeling Fictional - Animal Antics
• Friday 10th June -- The Bookette --Extract #2
• Saturday 11th June - Girls Without A Bookshelf - Playlists & The Music of Vampirates
• Sunday 12th June - Wondrous Reads - 10 Ways to Know You're Obsessed with Vampirates
• Monday 13th June -- Daisy Chain Books - Guest Post: Ending An Era -- Killing Off Vampirates
• Tuesday 14th June -- Empire of Books -- Top ten Vampirates characters ever
• Wednesday 15th June -- Book Zone For Boys -- Q&A with Justin
• Thursday 16th June - I Want To Read That - WIN! Vampirates swag

If you'd like to find out more about the Vampirates series before the tour starts you can always check out the Vampirates website or follow Justin on Twitter!

Review: Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews

US Cover

Atlanta would be a nice place to live if it wasn't for the magic . . .

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear while guns fail to fire and cars refuse to start.  But then technology returns and the magic fades as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes a living cleaning up those magical problems.  But when Kate's guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta's magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shape-changers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings - and the death of Kate's guardian may be part of the same mystery. As Kate's pressured by both sides to find the killer, she realises she's way out of her league - but she wouldn't have it any other way.

The Kate Daniels Series:
A Questionable Client (Short Story in the Magic Graves anthology)
Magic Bites
Magic Burns
Magic Strikes
Magic Mourns (Novella included in the Must Love Hellhounds anthology or available separately as an ebook)
Magic Bleeds
Magic Dreams (Novella included in the Hexed anthology or available separately as an ebook)
Magic Slays
Magic Tests (Short Story included in the An Apple for the Creature anthology)
Magic Gifts (Novella available for a limited time as a free ebook from the authors and included in the print version of Gunmetal Magic)
Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniel's World book 1)
Retribution Clause (Short Story in the Hex Appeal anthology)
Small Magics (Anthology containing previously published stories including A Questionable Client, Magic Tests and Retribution Clause as well as 2 other stories not set in the Kate Daniels world)
Magic Rises
Magic Steals (Novella included in the Night Shift anthology)
Magic Breaks
Magic Shifts
Magic Stars (Novella, Grey Wolf book 1)
Magic Binds
Iron and Magic (The Iron Covenant book 1)
Magic Triumphs

Visit Ilona Andrews' website for more information

Review:
In Magic Bites we are introduced to an interesting new world where magic and technology can't coexist. When the magic is high electronics everywhere start to fail and with the magic levels constantly fluctuating it is impossible to rely on technology to keep you safe. We are also treated to an unusual form of vampires - these aren't your sexy vamps that appear frequently in urban fantasy but are instead evil beings who are constantly in a state of blood lust and are only able to function under the control of a necromancer. They certainly make lethal pets and I have to admit the necromancers are almost as scary!

Main character Kate Daniels is a loner, she has a few trusted colleagues but doesn't make friends easily and prefers to do things her own way. As a magic user she could choose to work for the Order of Knights, an organisation that offers aid to people with magical problems, but not one to stick to the rules she is happier as a mercenary drifting from job to job. When her guardian is murdered she is determined to track down his killer but with clues pointing to both the necromancers and the pack (shape shifters of all kinds) she doesn't know where to start. It looks like she may have to turn to the Order of Knights for assistance if she wants to figure things out. With disappearances amongst both the pack and the necromancers each are blaming the other and look to be on the verge of war. Kate must discover who is to blame before humans get caught in the crossfire.

Like any first book in a series there is a lot of time spent setting the scene and introducing us to the world which meant the first part of the book is a little on the slow side but the action really picks up towards the end and made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I liked Kate but I was particularly intrigued by Curran, the leader of the pack. I've heard a lot of good things about Curran and although we don't know a lot about him at the moment I have high hopes for future books. There is definitely chemistry between him & Kate but I liked the fact that this wasn't over done in the first instalment and gives us something to look forward to as the series progresses. Magic Bites is a promising start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading more, we have a lot more to discover about Kate and the world she lives in and I'm sure it will be an interesting journey!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

UK Cover

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Archangel's Kiss - Nalini Singh

Elena Deveraux is a Guild Hunter. She was hired to do the impossible - to hunt down a rogue Archangel - and she succeeded where none had believed she could. But in the process, she fell in love. And not just with anyone: with the Archangel Raphael. It's a love that's as powerful and entrancing as it is terrifying, and dangerous.

But the world won't stand still while Elena and Raphael enjoy their new-found love. Vampires and angels still go rogue, and it's still Elena's job to hunt them down and return them to their angelic masters. For all that she is exceptional. Elena isn't invulnerable - and the more obvious her talents become, the bigger a target she could find herself . . .

The Guild Hunter Series:
Angels' Dance (ebook novella that is also included in Angels' Flight)
Angels' Judgment (novella included in Angels' Flight and the Must Love Hellhounds anthology)
Angels' Pawn (ebook novella that is also included in Angels' Flight)
Angel's Blood
Archangel's Kiss
Archangel's Consort
Angel's Wolf (novella included in Angels' Flight and the Angel's of Darkness anthology)
Archangel's Blade
Archangel's Storm
Archangel's Legion
Archangel's Shadows
Archangel's Enigma
Archangel's Heart
Archangel's Viper
Archangel's Prophecy
Archangel's War

Visit Nalini Singh's website for more information

Review:
When Elena wakes up after a year long coma she is like a different person, her new abilities will only make her stronger in the long run but for now she is even more vulnerable than she was before. Raphael has taken her to the Refuge so she can continue her recovery but his enemies see her as his weak point and seek to destroy her. When mysterious murders start to occur it is Elena who has the ability to track down the killer but can Raphael keep her safe?

I loved the first book in this series (Angel's Blood) and was glad I already had a copy of Archangel's Kiss so I could continue Elena & Raphael's journey immediately. I had high expectations for this book and Nalini Singh didn't disappoint me, if the rest of her books are as good as these 2 then she will be added to my list of must buy authors. This series continues to straddle the lines between paranormal romance and urban fantasy, the beginning of Archangel's Kiss was definitely more focused on the romance and then the action kicked into gear for the second half and left me breathless with anticipation. If you're a fan of either genre then I'm sure the series will have enough to keep you happy, my only recommendation would be to make sure you read the books in order but you should definitely read them!

I love reading about Elena and Raphael and their relationship develops really nicely throughout the book. Raphael can come across as possessive and jealous but Elena also brings out his more caring and sensitive side and he is starting to learn that he can't force Elena into things, she has to choose to do them. Elena isn't used to having anyone to rely on, we saw in the first book how her father had rejected her after the deaths of her mother and sisters so know that she has had to stand on her own two feet. Although she is physically weaker than those around her she still shows great strength of character and refuses to show her fear. I was glad to find out more about her past and the events that lead her to become a Guild Hunter and I loved seeing her slowly learn to trust Raphael and start to open up to him.

The world Nalini Singh has created is rich in detail and easy to picture, although her angels are hardly the benevolent creatures they are usually portrayed as they are fascinating to read about and we learn a lot more about their hierarchy in this book. Archangel's Kiss is a romantic, fast paced read that will have you hooked from the first page and leave you desperate for the next installment. A highly recommended series but make sure you start with Angel's Blood!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Review: Small Blue Thing - S.C. Ransom

Alex doesn't know who to believe, Callum or Catherine.

One of them truly cares for her.  One of them wants to prey on her memories.  Both of them drowned.

After her school exams, Alex finds an extraordinary bracelet set with a mysterious blue stone buried in the Thames mud.  She discovers that she can use it to communicate with the river's dead.  Condemned to a half-life of misery, they must steal the happiness of the living to exist.  Callum - desperate, lonely and breathtakingly good-looking - is one of them.  Alex falls deeply in love.

And Callum loves her.

Doesn't he?

Small Blue Thing Series:
Small Blue Thing
Perfectly Reflected (June 2011)
Scattering Like Light (2012)

Visit the Small Blue Thing website for more information

Review:
Alex is a normal teenager who just wants to celebrate finishing her exams and is hoping to catch the attention of the boy she fancies.  When she attempts to rescue a trapped swan and discovers a silver bracelet with a beautiful blue stone she picks it up out of curiosity.  Wearing the bracelet she starts having visions of a handsome young man and when they find a way to communicate she starts to fall in love.  But as she learns more about the boy only she can see she starts to wonder if he is telling her the truth, especially when his sister Catherine has a completely different story to tell.  Who should she trust - Callum or Catherine?

I have really mixed feelings about Small Blue Thing.  One one hand it was really refreshing to read a story set in the UK, so many of the YA paranormal romances are set in the US that I enjoyed reading a story set in familiar surroundings.  I really want to take a trip to St Paul's Cathedral now, especially to the whispering gallery!  S.C Ransom has created something different which I really appreciated, I loved finding more about the Dirges (people who have died but aren't quite dead) and found that side of the story really interesting.

What I really had a problem with was the speed of the relationship between Alex and Callum.  Yes, I know it was supposed to be love at first sight but it just didn't come across as at all believable.  They speak to each other about twice before they start declaring their love for each other and Alex knew absolutely nothing about Callum apart from the fact he was gorgeous.  I could totally buy lust at first sight but I was a long way from feeling the love!  I was about ready to throw the book across the room at that point and had to force myself to keep reading.  Having said that once we got the I love yous out of the way the story started to pick up and I began to enjoy it again.  This is when you really start to learn about the dirges and like I said the mythology was unique compared to anything else I've read.

I would have liked a little more detail when the main action happened, it was all over quite quickly and left me a bit disappointed.  However the great twist at the end has made me want to read more so I'm sure I will read the sequel when it comes out, I just don't think I'll rush to get hold of a copy.  If you don't mind love at first sight with nothing to back it up then you'll probably enjoy this more than I did and I'd say it is well worth picking up a copy.  If you're like me and that is something that really irritates you then I'd suggest reading a library copy first if you want to give it a try.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Angel's Blood - Nalini Singh

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best - but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option - even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other - and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just might. For when archangel's play, mortals break . . .

The Guild Hunter Series:
Angels' Dance (ebook novella that is also included in Angels' Flight)
Angels' Judgment (novella included in Angels' Flight and the Must Love Hellhounds anthology)
Angels' Pawn (ebook novella that is also included in Angels' Flight)
Angel's Blood
Archangel's Kiss
Archangel's Consort
Angel's Wolf (novella included in Angels' Flight and the Angel's of Darkness anthology)
Archangel's Blade
Archangel's Storm
Archangel's Legion
Archangel's Shadows
Archangel's Enigma
Archangel's Heart
Archangel's Viper
Archangel's Prophecy
Archangel's War

Visit Nalini Singh's website for more information

Review:
In a world where vampires and angels live alongside humans Elena is a hunter who is employed to track down rogue vampires and return them to the angel who created them. She isn't just a good hunter, she is the best, but that may not be a good thing now she has caught the attention of the world's most frightening Archangel Raphael. He has a job for her but tracking down an evil Archangel isn't going to be easy and she is putting her life at risk even attempting it. But going against Raphael's wishes isn't an option so Elena finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place - can she live to tell the tale?

I've heard so many good things about Nalini Singh and both her Guild Hunter and Psy Changeling series so I couldn't resist giving Angel's Blood a try. Now I know what all the fuss is about and I'll definitely be ordering the rest of her books! Angel's Blood is billed as an urban fantasy story and it contains all the elements I'd look for in good UF but I think it straddles the line with paranormal romance and fans of both genres are sure to love it.

Elena is a fantastic heroine, as a human she is physically weaker than the vampires and angels but she knows how to hold her own. She may be terrified but she refuses to show it and I loved some of the snarky comments she came out with. What we learn about her past adds depth to her character but there is still a lot of information we don't know and I'm sure we'll discover more as the series progresses. I enjoyed watching her interactions with her friends at the guild but the best thing by far was the banter between her and Raphael. The pages sizzle when those two are in the same room and I couldn't put the book down.

Raphael isn't your usual hero, he is old, incredibly powerful and at times downright scary. You just know he isn't someone you want for an enemy as he'd squash you like a bug but despite that there is something so delicious about him that you can't help wanting him. He is sexy as sin and I loved the description of his wings (I need to get my hands on some angel dust!). I think his attraction was described perfectly in this quote:

"Because the very thing that repelled her about Raphael also attracted her. Power. This was a man she couldn't take on and hope to win. A hotly feminine part of her appreciated that kind of strength, even as it infuriated her."

I don't want to go into the plot because I want you to discover the story yourself but the action scenes are fast paced, the descriptions of the angels are beautiful and the twist at the end was fantastic! Angel's Blood is probably my favourite adult read of the year so far and I would highly recommend it to urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans. I've already read and loved the second book Archangel's Kiss (review coming soon) and am waiting impatiently for my copy of Archangel's Consort to arrive!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Piatkus Blogger Event - 12th May 2011

Last Thursday I was invited to go to the Piatkus offices to find out about the new releases they have coming out this year.  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was, Piatkus publish some of my favourite authors - Larissa Ione, Keri Arthur, J.R. Ward, Christine Feehan & Sherrilyn Kenyon to name a few - and are without a doubt my favourite UK publisher when it comes to adult paranormal romance stories!  They don't just publish paranormal romance though, they also publish urban fantasy, women's fiction, romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and even crime novels and thrillers!  I met up with Viv (from Serendipity) before the event and it was great to have a catch up as we walked along to the very posh Piatkus offices (I wish I'd thought to take some pictures inside the foyer).

When we arrived we spent some time mingling with the staff and some other bloggers in the library (yes we did start drooling over the books!) and we were treated to drinks and some delicious looking cupcakes.  I finally got to meet the lovely Carolyn from Book Chick City which was great - her blog is one of the first ones I discovered when I started blogging so it was nice to put a face to the name.  When everyone had arrived we were shown to a conference room and given a presentation by some of the editors and the marketing team.  Let me tell you they have some amazing looking books coming out this year and I can't wait to start reading them!

One of the first books they talked about was The Guardian Angel's Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke which is the Piatkus super lead title for 2011.  The story is about a woman in her 40's who dies and gets to come back to earth as her own guardian angel.  It was described as the Lovely Bones meets the Time Travellers Wife and had me really intrigued.  We were given a copy and I've already started reading it - I'm about half way through now and really enjoying it.  I'll get my review posted as soon as I can so I can tell you all about it.  Carolyn Jess-Cooke is currently working on a sequel which I think will be called Angel Behind the Door.

Next up was Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton that is being published in the UK in June.  Rosamund's debut novel Sister was the fastest selling British debut novel in 2010 selling 430,000 copies in the UK and it is being launched in the US this summer.  I've heard good things about Sister and am going to have to get hold of a copy soon.  Afterwards is about a mother who runs into a burning building to rescue a child and sounded fantastic.  It was described as crime fiction meets women's fiction and early reviews have been rating it as even better than Sister.

We had a chat about Nora Roberts who writes romance under her own name and romantic suspense as J.D. Robb.  She is an incredibly popular author all over the world and has written over 190 novels with at least 4 new books every year (she sells at least a million copies of each book in the US alone!!).  I have heard great things about her In Death series (published under the name J.D. Robb) but have always been reluctant to start a series that already contains over 30 books!  We were told she writes feisty women and great sex scenes so I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy a copy of Naked in Death to try.  Piatkus are going to be releasing ebook versions of some of her previously unreleased short stories to encourage new fans and I'm looking forward to giving them a try.

If you're a Sherrilyn Kenyon fan you can look forward to book 20 in the Dark Hunter series Retribution which releases in August.  The whole series is getting a new look and I have to admit I really love the new covers.  Now, I'm a bit late jumping on the Dark Hunter bandwagon and have only read the first book (Fantasy Lover) but I can already tell that Sherrilyn Kenyon will be included on my favourite authors list!  I have the next 3 or 4 books on my to read pile and I really think I need to work on catching up on the series this year.  Other good news for fans is that Sherrilyn has started on a new series - The Belador Code - the first book is called Alterant and is out in September.  If you're up to date with the Dream Hunter series (which I believe is a collection of some of the books in the Dark Hunter series) then you can also look forward to the next book The Guardian in November.  Like I said, I really need to get a wriggle on & catch up!

Christine Feehan is another prolific author who usually releases 4 books a year.  Piatkus have just released Savage Nature from the Leopard series (sexy leopard shifters - yes count that as another series added to my wish list!) and will be releasing the next Carpathian book Dark Predator in September.  I'm a huge fan of her GhostWalker series (another one will be released in January 2012 squeeee!) but have only read the first Carpathian book (Dark Prince).  I admitted that I wasn't as keen on that one as I was on the GhostWalker series and editor Donna told me that they have re-released Dark Prince with 100 extra pages.  One of the other bloggers said it's now like a different book so I'm keen to try it again and see how I think they compare, Donna very kindly gave me a new copy so I'm hoping to read it soon.  Christine Feehan has started a new series called Sisters of the Heart (which is linked in with her Drake Sisters books) and the first book Spirit Bound will be out in December.

I was incredibly excited when they mentioned Keri Arthur's new Dark Angel series.  I've read nearly all of Keri's back list since I started blogging in Jan 2010 (I think I have about 4 books to go before I've finished the Riley Jenson series but I've finished the Spook Squad trilogy, Nikki and Michael series, Damask Circle & Ripple Creek series - yes I'm a huge Keri Arthur fan!!).  The Dark Angel series is a spin off from the Riley series and tells Risa's story, the first book Darkness Unbound is out in September and we only have to wait until October to get hold of book 2 Darkness Rising!  I think I squealed out loud when I found there was an ARC of Darkness Unbound in our goodie bag :o)

Pretty much anyone who reads adult paranormal romance books has heard of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward (if you haven't where have you been hiding?  It was one of the first series I discovered in the genre!)  I read the first 6 books in the series (Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened, Lover Unbound & Lover Enshrined) about 3 times each before I started blogging but am working my way through them again now to review them before I finish reading the series.  Book 9 Lover Unleashed was only released 6 weeks ago and has already sold 9,000 copies in the UK (I haven't even bought my copy yet!).  J.R. Ward also writes the Fallen Angels series which is set in the same world but about different characters, I've only read the first book (Covet) but am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and the third book Envy will be out in September.

A new urban fantasy series that I'm really excited about starts with First Grave on the Right and is written by Darynda Jones.  This is a debut novel but has already won an award and J.R. Ward said: "The best debut novel I've read in years . . . An absolute must read - I'm already begging for the next one".  High praise indeed & luckily we don't have to wait too long to read it, First Grave on the Right is released in November and sequels Second Grave on the Left and Third Grave Dead Ahead are due out in January & February 2012.  The series introduces 20 something Charley Davidson who is a PI and also a grim reaper.  It is an adult series but will have cross over appeal for older teens.  The TV rights have already been snapped up by the people who created Gossip Girls and The Vampire Diaries (although this doesn't guarantee that a TV series will be created).  I can't wait to get started on this one!

Jacquelyn Frank is the author of the popular paranormal romance Nightwalkers series.  I've heard a lot of good things about the series but it was unavailable in the UK so I haven't started reading it yet.  The good news is that Piatkus will be publishing the whole series starting with Adam (book 6) in November (at the same time as it hits the US) and then the rest of the series in 2012.  I was very excited to find a copy of Adam in our goodie bags but I have a thing about reading a series out of order so I may have to wait until I've been able to get hold of the earlier books before I can read and review it.  They will also be publishing Jacquelyn's new Three Worlds trilogy so that's a lot of new books to look forward to.

I am incredibly excited that Piatkus are going to be releasing Larissa Ione's Demonica series in the UK (all 5 books will be published between July and December this year).  I already have US copies of the first 3 books which I loved but I think the UK covers are awesome and I'm going to have to replace my copies!  The Demonica series is about super hot demons who work at a demon hospital and is one of my favourite paranormal romance series.  Larissa's new Lords of Deliverance series (starting with Eternal Rider which has just been released in the UK) is a spin off from the original series and will have appearances by the characters we've already met but can be read separately.  The second book Immortal Rider will be out in December so it's going to be easy to get a Larissa Ione fix this year!

If you're an urban fantasy fan and looking for something a little different it will be well worth keeping an eye out for S.G. Browne's new book Fated.  This was billed as a witty urban fantasy full of black humor and sarcasm and is being released in September.  It sounds like a fun story and I'm looking forward to reading it.  If you're a fan of Christopher Moore or Chuck Palahniuk this should be right up your street (that's another two authors I'm going to have to add to my to read pile lol).

I haven't read many historical romances since I started blogging but hearing about some of the new titles Piatkus have coming out has made me think it's about time I picked up a few again.  The first one they talked about was Just Like Heaven which is the first in a new series by Julia Quinn.  This was described as a comical historical romance that is a cross between Bridget Jones and Jane Austen and sounds like it will be a really fun read.  The book is being released in June so you don't have too long to wait if it sounds like something you want to read.

Another exciting historical series by Eloisa James starts with A Kiss at Midnight which is a retelling of Cinderella but set in regency England.  The first book is released in August with the second (When Beauty Tamed the Beast - bet you can guess what fairytale that one is based on!) coming out in September.  There are going to be 4 books in the series with the remaining two being retellings of The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling.  I can't wait to read them all!

If you fancy a Georgian romance for a change keep an eye out for Elizabeth Hoyt's new series.  I have to admit I was sold on Scandalous Desires as soon as I heard that the hero is a sexy London river pirate - oh yes this is on my wish list!!  Piatkus are also re-releasing Claire Lorrimer's Women of Fire series that was originally released in the 70's and 80's and sold over a million copies worldwide.  The series follows a family from the end of the Victorian era right through WW1 & WW2 and sounded really interesting.

If you're a Stephanie Lauren's fan you can look forward to a new series from her starting with Viscount Brekenridge to the Rescue in September.  This is a series about 3 sisters who are all looking for husbands but instead of being set in London they take their search to the Scottish Highlands (can I hear you say kilts & accents? Yay!).  Sorry for the lack of a cover image for that one - I couldn't find one online yet.  Last but not least we talked about The Apothecary's Daughter a debut novel by UK author Charlotte Betts.  This one sounded really interesting and I'm looking forward to reading it.  The story is set in London at the time of the plague just before the Great Fire in 1066.  I don't think I've ever read anything set in that time period so it should be really interesting to find out more.

After the presentation it was back to the library for some more drinks and nibbles and time to chat about all the amazing books we'd heard about.  It was lovely to have time to chat with the editors and publicity team about the books we all love and the kind of things we'd like to read in the future.

Here are a few pictures I took while we were chatting:

I mentioned earlier that we were given a goodie bag but I still can't quite believe how many amazing books we came home with!  It really was like Christmas come early and I can't wait to get reading.  My only problem is where to start lol.  I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the staff at Piatkus for being so generous and for hosting such a great evening.  We literally had to drag ourselves away so we didn't miss our trains but I could have happily stayed all night!

Do you have any preferences on what you'd like to see reviewed first?

Who was there:

Paola, Donna, Lucy, Sophie, Maddie, Jo, Steph, Kate & Emma - Piatkus
Viv - Serendipity
Carolyn - Book Chick City
Grete & Tracey - Book Thing
Tanya & Anna - Murder One Romance Book Club
A couple of other bloggers arrived a bit late and missed the introduction so I didn't get their names & blog addresses written down so if I've missed you off please let me know & I'll add your link.