A Political Affair, by Mary Whitney

 

Format: ebook, 284 pages

Published: October 18, 2012

Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee House Publishing House

Back cover blurb: Stephen McEvoy never expected to fill his father’s U.S. Senate seat at such a young age—or to fight to keep it. When clever Anne Norwood interns in his office, Stephen dismisses her as another pretty face—until her independent streak catches his attention. They’re both too smart to fall for one another, yet they do. During a tough election, their relationship is an impossible political gamble. Campaigns—like love—are either won or lost.

My review: I have a soft spot for political love stories, so I was really excited to read this. Yes, it’s the old story of a politician falling for his intern, but the way Mary Whitney has told the tale means it comes across as far from cliched.

Stephen McEvoy, heir to his family’s political dynasty, has been a player in the past, but when Anne Norwood becomes an intern in his office he fights his attraction to her, not in the least because her family comes from the opposite side of the political spectrum to him. Once they can no longer deny their feelings, their relationship must be “managed”, and that’s where the excellent secondary characters come in. I loved Stephen and Anne, but his family and old friends were lots of fun, and the rival politicians were suitably villainous. The behaviour of Helen, in particular, made me wonder what really goes on up on Capitol Hill!

This is a great read, which I would highly recommend. I must also say it is a beautiful cover. I’m looking forward to more from Ms. Whitney

My rating: 5/5

Cover reveal: One Sweet Ride, by Jaci Burton

I think this young man deserves to go LARGE!

Jaci Burton yesterday revealed the cover of her latest book in the Play by Play series, One Sweet Ride. I wasn’t a fan of the first book, but, oh my Lord, they have verra nice covers!

The reveal on Twitter sparked this little exchange, which I’m sure we all agree with

So what do you think? Worth buying for the cover alone? I think maybe yes

Here’s the blurb from GoodReads: Race car driver Gray Preston enjoys fast cars and an uncomplicated life, until political aide Evelyn Hill enters the picture and complicates the hell out of it with a request that he help out his estranged father’s political campaign. Racing and politics don’t mix, but Gray and Evelyn’s sexual attraction sizzles like asphalt in August.

One Sweet Ride (Play by Play #6) will be out in June 2013.

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #17: Say You’re a Beta…

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that runs over the weekend, hosted by Crystal from one of my favourite blog sites, Reading Between the Wines.

Question of the Week:  If you could beta read for any author who would it be and why?

Well, I guess I already do beta for a number of authors, since I’m an editor at a small publishing house.

I really liked Crystal’s choices of J.R. Ward and Olivia Cunning but the one “big” author I would like to offer my services to would have to be Jaci Burton. I was hugely disappointed in the number of errors and inconsistencies in The Perfect Play, and it made me not want to read the rest of the series, even though a lot of people rave about them.

Being Jaci’s beta might also mean I’d get the chance to meet those cover models… it’d be a sacrifice but someone’s gotta do it!

What about you? Who would you like to beta for? Leave a comment below or link up HERE to follow the meme.

Necropolis, by Michael Dempsey

Format: ebook

Published: October 1, 2011

Publisher: Night Shade Books

Back cover blurb:

In a future where death is a thing of the past, how far would you go to solve your own murder?

Paul Donner is a NYPD detective struggling with a drinking problem and a marriage on the rocks. Then he and his wife get dead–shot to death in a “random” crime. Fifty years later, Donner is back–revived courtesy of the Shift, a process whereby inanimate DNA is re-activated.

This new “reborn” underclass is not only alive again, they’re growing younger, destined for a second childhood. The freakish side-effect of a retroviral attack on New York, the Shift has turned the world upside down. Beneath the protective geodesic Blister, clocks run backwards, technology is hidden behind a noir facade, and you can see Elvis at Radio City Music Hall ever night. In this unfamiliar retro-futurist world of maglev Studebakers and plasma tommy guns, Donner must search for those responsible for the destruction of his life. His quest for retribution, aided by Maggie, his holographic Girl Friday, leads him to the heart of the mystery surrounding the Shift’s origin and up against those who would use it to control a terrified nation.

My review:

I haven’t read much sci-fi for a while, so this was a refreshing change. The first half was great – innovative, written in the hard-boiled Chandler style and full of concepts that seemed totally conceivable for forty years in the future. I liked Donner and Maggie, and the villains were perfectly evil.

However, in the second half of the book I felt things dragged a bit, and found it easy to predict what was about to happen. I knew quite early on what one of the big gotchas would be, and that soured things for me a bit. This book was best when the sudden violence and twists were out of the blue.

My rating: 3.5/5

The Duchess of Love, by Sally MacKenzie

Format: Kindle Edition, 106 pages

Published: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Zebra

Back cover blurb:

A Duke In Disguise…

The day was as hot as the pond was inviting. It’s not as if anyone in Little Huffington was going to happen upon a secluded vale on the Duke of Greycliffe’s lands. And Venus Collingswood didn’t want to get her shift all wet. It was the perfect setting in which to plan her lovely bookworm of a sister’s betrothal to the mysterious new duke arriving seven days hence. If only she had a suitable accomplice…

Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe, never thought arriving at his own household a week early would cause so much trouble. The housekeeper thinks he’s his own cousin. Actually, the chance to not be the duke for a while is a pleasant opportunity indeed. It might even help him interrogate the delectable little nymph he’s discovered swimming in his pond—if he can manage to get a word in edgewise…

My review:

It is quite clear MacKenzie is a fan of Colin Firth diving in the pond at Pemberley… so it’s a good thing I am as well As I read this novella, I could just picture all the events of the story happening on the set of Pride and Prej – in fact, the beginning few lines had me expecting someone to cry “Netherfield Park is let at last!”.

P&P aside, I enjoyed the story, although things progressed incredibly quickly for them to be credible, particularly for the period. The cover is pretty, too, but isn’t how I imagined Venus would look. This is the prequel to a series about Venus and Drew’s sons, and I’d quite like to know what becomes of Aphrodite and Nicholas, so I may have to continue with this series.

My rating: 4/5

The Perfect Play, by Jaci Burton

Format: Trade Paperback, 324 pages

Published: February 1, 2011

Publisher: Berkley Heat

Back cover blurb:

Football pro Mick Riley is an all-star, both on the field and in the bedroom. But a sexy, determinedly single mom just might be the one to throw him off his game…For years Mick has been taking full advantage of the life available to a pro athlete: fame, fortune, and a different girl in every city. But when he meets and beds confident, beautiful event planner Tara Lincoln, he wants much more than the typical one-night stand. Too bad Tara’s not interested in getting to know football’s most notorious playboy any better.As the single mother of a teenage son, the last thing Tara needs is the jet-set lifestyle of Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand was unforgettable. Tara’s life is complicated enough without being thrust into the spotlight as Mick’s latest girl du jour. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn’t intend to put herself out there again, especially with a heartbreaker like Mick.

But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind.

My review:

The cover is probably the best thing about this book, and I’ve added half a star on for him alone. The story was ordinary, the heroine incredibly annoying, and it really could have done with a better editing job. Several times the same phrase was used in quick succession, and near the end a character changed her name within the space of a page.

It is very hot, though, and the secondary characters were good. But you can’t base a book on smut alone. I doubt I will be reading the rest of this series anytime soon. Maybe one day, when the price comes down (I paid $18 for this and it really wasn’t worth it).

My rating: 3.5/5

Teaser: Iced, by Karen Marie Moning

You all know how much of a fan of Jericho Barrons I am – *swoon* – so I was super-excited to see Karen Marie Moning had posted a wee teaser for her upcoming continuation of the Fever series, Iced, on her Facebook page yesterday. Iced is going to be the first in a trilogy based on Dani and featuring Christian MacKeltar and the mysterious Ryodan – and I hope JZB makes lots of appearances!

Here’t the teaser:

Ryodan doesn’t like Mac. He never has. She got between him and his best boy-bud. I give him a look. “I’ll tell you a secret, Ryodan. You mess with her, Barrons’ll kill you.” I drag a finger across my neck. “Just like that. You aren’t all that. Barrons’ll stomp your ass, hand’s down.”

He smiles faintly. “I’ll be damned. You have a crush on Barrons.”

“I do not have a crush—”

“You do, too. It’s all over your face. Anybody could see it.”

“Sometimes, boss, you’re just wrong.”

“I’m never wrong. You might as well take out a billboard. ‘Dani O’Malley thinks Jericho Barrons is hot.’ My offer to teach you is still open. Save you from future embarrassment. If I can see it on your face, he can, too.”

“He never figured it out before,” I grumble then realize I just admitted it. Ryodan has a tricky way of wording things that makes you say things you didn’t mean to say. “Maybe I’ll ask Barrons to teach me,” I mutter and turn away from the stairs, heading for his office. I run smack into his chest. “Dude, move. Trying to get somewhere here.”

“No one but me is ever going to teach you, Dani.”

He touches me before I see it coming, has his hand under my chin, turning my face up. My shiver is instant and uncontrollable.

“That’s non-negotiable. You signed a contract with me that grants exclusivity. You won’t like it if you try to break it.”

Ooh, me likey Iced is expected to be published on October 30.

Insurgent, by Veronica Roth

Format: Kindle Edition, 545 pages

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books

Back cover blurb:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.Tris’s initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth’s much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My review:

Wow! Veronica Roth never ceases to amaze me, especially given her young age. Insurgent is an emotional ride, and at times I had to put it down because the heartfail got a bit much. I love Tobias/Four, but sometimes I just wanted to shake him for being so clueless. Typical teenage boy, really. This book is missing the delicious UST of the first because they have become a couple, yet their relationship is seriously tested by communication issues right to the end.

Tris, although only 16, seems to get stronger as she fights on bravely to find what truth there is left in their world. I was genuinely afraid for her most of the story, but she really is a fantastic heroine. Regardless of heartfail, I could not put down the last third of this book. That ending was amazing, and I cannot wait for book three (which Roth is very amusingly calling Detergent as she is writing it). This series is a must-buy and I cannot recommend it enough!

My rating: 5/5

Related articles

• Free Four: Tobias Tells the Story, by Veronica Roth (mrsaubergine.wordpress.com)
• Divergent, by Veronica Roth (mrsaubergine.wordpress.com)

Cover reveal: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Here it is: the cover we have all been waiting for! J.R. Ward revealed Blay and Qhuinn’s book cover and title on her Facebook page today, and I think we can agree it is a winner I particularly like that arm gripping the dagger

There have been a few comments bemoaning the fact the cover doesn’t have two men on it, but Ward has said this:

“I do think it’s going to be important for people to realize the story’s going to be written as it comes (came) to me, and that they’re not getting special treatment either for or against them because of their sexuality- to me, this story has always been about Qhuinn coming around and accepting who he really is and who he really loves- so the title and the cover was always about him in my mind. This is not to dimish Blay or his journey or his role- not at all. And it is not a case of the book focusing solely on Qhuinn and ignoring Blay’s feelings (because he’s going to have some big issues to deal with, too.) I just think Qhuinn’s the one who’s fought against their HEA and is the one who has to travel the most to get there. If that makes any sense?”

Well, in any case, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of this, the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, in about nine months’ time!

Related articles

• Lover Reborn, by J.R. Ward (mrsaubergine.wordpress.com)

The Governess Affair, by Courtney Milan

Format: Kindle Edition

Published: April 22, 2012

Publisher: Courtney Milan

Back cover blurb:

She will not give up…

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake.

He cannot give in…

Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love…

My review:

Courtney Milan is fast becoming a favourite with me. First of all, her covers are gorgeous, but more than that, she can write in such a way to make you fall for even the most vilest of scoundrels.

Hugo Marshall is a coalminer’s son who is the Duke of Claremont’s “fixer” – he makes things go away – but when he is confronted by Serena Barton, a governess who was raped and left pregnant by the duke, he finds she is not so easy to pay off and dismiss.

I loved Serena and her stubborn persistence, and the way in which Hugo eventually gets her to reveal her story to him. She gets under his skin to the point where he cannot just leave her and her child to rot. Oh, the meeting in his office, and the game with the pins… *sigh*… and the letters! Milan really had me with the letters.

I couldn’t put this down, and cursed when I had finished and realised the next book isn’t out yet. The series seems to pick up next with the duke’s (legitimate) son, Robert, but I seriously hope we go back to find out what happens to Serena’s sister, Freddy. If anyone needs to get laid it’s her.

My rating: 5/5