Review: Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Usually I do my buddy reviews with Nath - I'm too shy to go out and solicit reviews from other bloggers (hint hint LOL). But new blogger Monroe, from Monroe with a Twist, is such a sweetheart that I just had to ask her to do a buddy review with me. We decided to read and review Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. Also, this is Monroe's first buddy review ever. Thanks sweetie!

As always, our review reads more like a discussion and so there are spoilers. You've been warned.

He answers to no one...

No one has ever truly touched Jack Travis's heart or soul...until Ella Varner comes along. She appears one day on his doorstep with fury in her eyes and a baby in her arms. Her troubled sister is the mother and, according to Ella, Jack Travis is the father. But when Ella demands that Jack take responsibility for the first time in his life, he ends up taking much more than that...

She trusts no one...

Ella Varner is responsible and controlled. Her childhood taught her that love is fleeting and best avoided. That is, until baby Luke appears on her doorstep after her reckless sister, Tara, abandons him. What Luke needs now is stability, and Ella's determined to do what is best for him. As her bond with the helpless child grows stronger every day, Ella goes to Houston in search of the father. What she finds there will change her life forever...

And when things heat up between these two, the time for talking is long gone...

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: 3rd in the Travis family series

All right - let's get to it!

Ames: I liked Smooth Talking Stranger. It's been a while since I've read an LK contemporary and I've forgotten how she reels you into the story. So much so, I got a little teary eyed at the end.

And you?

Monroe: Well as you know I've been reading these books pretty much back to back and none of them have fallen short of my expectations. I love LK's way of making you feel like you’re really there in the story. And she truly does make you sympathize with the characters. I LOVED this ending so much and I think Jack ended up being my favorite out of all the heroes in this series.

Ames: Jack is definitely my favorite hero too! Although I would have liked a bit more internal dialog from his point of view when he first meets Ella and then later decides to pursue her. Because why would he go out on a date with that super model type chick and then come back to Ella and put the moves on her?

Monroe: Ohh good point. Ya we didn't get too much into his head. And when Ella saw him with her I was fuming! And I just loved how that model didn't think Ella was a threat to her beauty! HA! THANK GOD he got rid of her.

Ames: Yes - but what was the turning point for him? I would have liked a bit more from his point of view in that regard.

But once he does start going after Ella? Hot stuff! He's so sexy and he's exactly the kind of hero I like. Like totally alpha but not too domineering.

Monroe: Ya and I liked that he didn't really go in-between his feelings much. He stayed VERY persistent when courting her! I do love a man who knows what he wants and knows how to get it! ;o)

Ames: Exactly!

As for Ella, I really liked her character. I understood the attitude she had towards marriage and how her childhood really affected her adult relationships. She was smart and loyal - too loyal though. Her boyfriend Dane was such an ass!

Monroe: Oh sheesh! Ya he was such a moron. Open relationship...ok if he wanted that it seems he would've talked to her about it beforehand! But I will say I loved how they ended their relationship. There were really no hard feelings, although that would never happen in real life! Lol And boy was her childhood so relatable! I loved how LK showed a different kind of abuse in the story. Yes there was some physical with her sister and mother's boyfriend but the main abuse that was brought up was all mental and that's something that hard to translate into a book. It comes with a lot of emotion and LK RULES the emotion department.

Ames: Yes she does! I really felt for the two young sisters and their mother, awful! There's a narcissist for you.

As for her open relationship Dane should not have assumed that their relationship was open unless they had discussed it. Because Ella was caught off guard with that conversation, you could tell. And as for how it ended, it was very calm and "adult" and yeah, I doubt things can end that well in real life. (If so, what does that say about the kind of relationships we've had? haha) But the way it ended, it shows how un-invested Ella was in her relationship with her guy so we don't feel so bad about her hooking up with Jack. And what a hook up! I thought that scene in the parking garage was hot stuff. LOL

Monroe: Ya heat is one thing her books are never lacking! And what's great is in that heat is also tenderness. Like for example when Ella, Jack and Lukeall go on his pocket yacht...after laying Luke down for his nap Jack pulled Ella into the bedroom of the ship and told her she could have
whatever she wanted and her response was that all she wanted him(sweet). Then he proceeded to pin her wrist down to the mattress and make sexy lovin' to her (hot) then they talked about how they were going to try to have a traditional relationship together UNLIKE what she had with Dane. Such a good mix of my fav L's - Lust and Love! Lol

And what did you think about the boating accident? Ok call me blind but I totally didn't see it coming! I guess I was just so caught up in Ella having to give up Luke it didn't even cross my mind that something was wrong with Jack! So that was a surprise to me!

Ames: Oh yeah, that boating accident totally caught me off guard!! I remember someone too at one point telling me something about someone dying so here I was all worried for Joe. LOL Luckily, no one dies. Then we found out it was an explosion I thought maybe Ella's sister's lover tampered with the engine so that he wouldn't have to support Ella's sister via legal agreement. And then in the end it was none of those things. haha

And the reveal as to who the baby's father was? I saw that one coming. I knew it wasn't who Ella thought it was. That it was the other guy. Her sister kind of annoyed me at the end when she was all "I'm going to be with him" blah blah blah. We all know how that turns out.

But the story was about Ella and Jack and I thought it was a sweet story. I'm not a big fan of babies in my romances and I totally didn't mind Luke. Actually, that's what had me teary eyed at the end, when Ella gets her complete HEA.

Monroe: Oh ya I totally saw the true father when she first went to the church. I don't mind babies as long as they aren't mine! Lol I like babies in stories and Luke was great! I loved how Jack was with Luke. So loving and gentle! And the sister...how selfish of her! Who wants to be the "other woman". He won’t ever leave his wife...did you hear her..."after a few years when the kids are grown he will leave"...YEARS?!?! Whatever!

Ella SO deserved her HEA! I would not have been satisfied with her
only being the "favorite aunt" to Luke. Now her little family is complete! (OH and I SO wanted her to get pregnant at the end lol)

Ames: Ok, I say I don't like babies in my romance, but I totally melt for heroes who are nice to kids at the same time! LOL I'm so contradictory. But yeah, it just shows how the hero is a great guy.

Her sister was totally selfish. I don't really feel like things were completely resolved for her sister. But again, glad that her sister didn't get more page time. And her mom? Coming onto Jack? That's sick!!

Monroe: Oh I totally forgot to bring up her mother! What a hussy! And to get with her boyfriend when she was in high school?!?! OMG! THEN for her to come after poor Jack. Well I say poor but honestly if anyone could handle this intolerable cougar it's him! And how sweet is it that he didn't want to let Ella know it happened. In fact I loved when he knew her mother was coming and he snatched up Luke when she tried to make him leave. Like he was holding Luke as leverage! lol

Ames: I loved how Jack handled her mom. And the whole thing at the end saying if she keeps Ella happy for 6 whole months he'll buy her a car? haha!!

Monroe: Oh and I don't think this review would be complete if we didn't bring up the proposal...*sigh. It was absolutely sweet how he wrote to her like one of her readers (which btw those snippets of letters were too cute, and Ella was one smart cookie when answering). And how the ring was in her cup! Epp! Loved it! And when she walked back into the room with the
ring on...how he was relieved! :*)

Ames: Ooh, that was a cute proposal. Seriously, everything Jack did was just perfect for me. Even his jealousy and possessiveness were spot on.

Monroe: Oh ya he wasn't like creepy/jerk possessive it was more like "mine" (he even said those words to her hehe) and "let me take care of you". As apposed to Dane who couldn't even man up enough to help her with Luke. I mean she talked about visiting and he said he's stay somewhere else! MEN!

Ames: Oh Dane was so UGH. There's no other way to put it. I thought it was cute that Jack got jealous when Dane stayed the night too. LOL

Monroe: Ooooo...I know what you mean and when he said he wasn't going to stand back and let him takes what's "his"!!! I was like "that's right suckaaa!" lol

Ames: Yeppers, Jack totally made this book for me.

But Ella held her own and that's what I like in my heroines.

Monroe: Ya I loved her! Oh and when he made her eat steak! Lol Too funny!

Ames: Oh yeah that's another thing - with Dane, Ella was totally a doormat. But with Jack she was all feisty.

Here’s an example:

“Unbelievable,” I said in disgust.
“What’s unbelievable?”
“Your ego. It’s surrounded by its own cloud of antimatter. You’re a black hole of…of hubris!”
Jack stared at me through the shadows, and then he averted his face, and I thought I saw the white flash of a grin.
“Are you amused?” I demanded. “What the hell is so funny?”
“I was just thinking if the sex with you is one-tenth as fun as arguing with you, I’ll be one happy bastard.”
“You’ll never find out. You—“
He kissed me.

Monroe: Ya it was like she wasn't afraid to hold back. And she didn't! lol

Ames: True, true.

All right then, in the end I really enjoyed Smooth Talking Stranger and it was a B+ for me. :P

Monroe: Hmmm...honestly I would give it 5 stars on my blog so A then? (Im way too sweet on LK ;op)

Ames: Okay, at this point on Monroe's blog, she likes to include a little snippet of the book that she really enjoyed. So since she liked when Jack got possessive, here's the perfect snippet to reflect that:

He turned me around to face him. "Beautiful," he whispered. His hands went lower, following the clingy knit of my dress. His expression was intent, his lashes half-lowered until jagged shadows scored down his lean cheeks. And he breathed another word so softly I almost didn't hear it. "Mine."

Mesmerized, I stared into those dark eyes and shook my head slowly.

"Yes," Jack said, and he brought his mouth to mine.

Monroe: Ooh i just got shivers!

Review: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Woohoo! Another buddy review!! :) That's three weeks in a row!! I'm trying to be consistent, but it's hard ^_^;

So this week's review is The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong. Joining me is Li from Me and My Books who is quickly becoming my favorite buddy reviewer for urban fantasy and fantasy novels :) Big thanks for accepting my invitation each time! :) Here are our thoughts on the second book of Ms Armstrong's YA The Darkest Power trilogy.


The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
published by DoubleDay Canada in April 2009 (Trade-size)

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl – someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment – not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a group of people who call themselves The Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I’m a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends – a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch – and we have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before The Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

Genre: Urban fantasy, YA
Series: The Darkest Power, book #2

Li: Right, The Awakening... my initial take is that I liked it, but it didn't wow me. And while I will get the final book, I don't feel the need to know what happens next.

Nath: LOL, isn’t that because this time, Ms Armstrong does not end the book with a cliffhanger? Me, I really enjoyed The Awakening. It was not a wowzer, but close. It definitively was a good, solid read and I’m curious to know how it’s going to end.

Li: I think I said previously that it was a quick and easy read. As with all her writing, very clean and precise prose. It strikes me as more plot-driven, rather than character-driven. I like the fact we are beginning to see the bigger picture - there is quite a bit revealed about the institute and the reasons why the teenagers were brought together. It feels a lot less claustrophobic than the previous book, when they were all in Lyle House.

Nath: It was definitively a quick and easy read. If I remember correctly, I finished it in a couple of hours… of course, I had to stay up till 1.30am LOL. I actually was totally engrossed in the storyline - the rhythm and pacing were very good and I just wanted to finish the book as quickly as possible. I really like Ms Armstrong’s writing style. The bonus here is that her writing is not different because she's addressing a younger audience. The characters, their ways of thinking, their action do feel younger of course, but not the writing...

Li: Agree, it is YA in the sense the characters are teenagers, but she hasn't dumbed down her writing. Obviously the heat level is now very subtle as opposed to sizzling - do you remember the Jaime/Jeremy balcony scene in No Humans Involved? ;-)

Nath: LOL, seriously, who can forget that scene?!?! It was awesome, especially since readers were waiting for Jaime and Jeremy to get together for so long!! :D but yes, she turned down the heat level to appropriate :)

You mentioned earlier that you think The Awakening is more plot-driven than character-driven. I think one of the reasons for this is the time frame. The story spans on what, 3 or 4 days? Hard to make your characters grow so much in such a short period of time. It could happen, but it wouldn't be as believable. Although I think that Chloe did mature a lot at the end, accepting the reality of her powers.

I have to admit, I had my doubts in the first book about the plot. I mean, there you go again: some teenagers with special powers that are put together to be studied and tested – it’s been done before, no? However, I was pleasantly surprised with the events that happened. There were many twists in The Awakening and none that I really expected. Tori – didn’t see that one coming. Even the purposes of the study! As a result, I was totally okay with the story being more plot-driven :) The only thing now is that I'm not sure how Ms Armstrong is going to wrap the whole storyline in one single last book ^_^;

Li: Oh, I have faith! I generally get the feeling with an Armstrong book that Ms Armstrong knows exactly what happens at the end and how she is going to get there, and The Awakening is no different. I think the way that this book ended - even though there was no cliffhanger - was very much setting things up for the plot climax in the third book.

Nath: Oh, I do have faith too :) I’m just curious to see how she’s going to wrap this up. I guess I want more than another book :P By the way, aren’t you glad this does not end with a cliffhanger? :P

Li: LOL. I think you so know my feelings on cliffhangers. I've even stopped reading some authors because of the way they include cliffhangers in their books. So yes, I'm glad this concluded in a ummm tidier manner. It definitely felt like a middle book in a trilogy though. You know, she's started filling in the blanks but it's not quite there yet.

Nath: But close though, because she has to keep something up her sleeve for the last book. In my opinion, you don’t want the middle book to be too packed and be incredible, because then, you have a let-down with the final book… like the Study trilogy by Maria V. Snyder.

All right, enough of the plot, what did you think of the characters and their relationship?

Li: On relationships, she is so setting the scene for a relationship between Chloe and Derek. However, I felt the chemistry was somewhat missing between the two. Good friends, 100% yes, something more than friends, I don't know. Maybe. I normally love romance in YA books because the build up tends to be quite intense (maybe because they don't go beyond the bedroom door so there is more focus on the relationship), but I didn't really get that here.

Nath: LOVE TRIANGLE! There is a definite love triangle going on between Derek, Chloe and Simon! Although, I have to agree with you, Ms Armstrong seems to lean more towards Chloe and Derek - Chloe just hasn't realized it yet :P

As a reader though, who do you prefer though, Simon or Derek? I'm biased and have been rooting for Derek from the beginning. He reminds me so much of Clay LOL. Of course, he’s not as anti-social, kind of hard to beat Clay in that department :P Also, don't you find it funny, Jeremy and Jaime and now Derek and Chloe? What are the odds that you'd have another werewolf-necromancer couple?

Li: Maybe there is something between werewolf and necromancers ;-) I don't think Simon's going to get a romance in this book. Unless it's Tori. Which would be amusing. I don't actually think Simon has been as well fleshed-out as Derek in the series so far. Derek is definitely the more interesting of the two - more secrets, more angst...

I was thinking Derek = Clay as well! Though I haven't yet finished Men of the Otherworld so I can't really recall if Clay's adolescent years were similar to Derek's.

Nath: You haven’t finished Men of the Otherworld yet?!?! Why not?!?! LOL.

LOL, Simon and Tori :) Well seems like the adults in the book want them to pair up, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.

As for the chemistry between Chloe and Derek, I think there was more in The Summoning; however, the book was more character-driven. In The Awakening, the story goes so fast and there is a lot of action, Chole and Derek seem to have less time to be together for the chemistry to be present. I do think that Chloe is attracted to Derek, but at the same time, I think she’s scared. Between Derek and Simon, Simon is much safer and that’s why I think she tends to gravitate towards him. I mean, for someone who is new to the Otherworld, when presented the choice of a sorcerer or a werewolf going through his first Change… but Chloe is handling it well :)

Also, you’re right. Chloe and Derek are definitively good friends, and that’s a good start no? See, what I’m worried about is that we’re not going to get a clear answer on the love triangle in the next book, because Ms Armstrong has the possibility to explore this love triangle again in the future in The Women of the Otherworld series. It sure would be fun to have a book about their grown-up version or a huge cross-over between this series and the Women of the Otherworld series.

Li: I like that we get to see a bit more of the Otherworld universe she's created, with mention of the Cabals etc, in The Awakening. Not sure how that would go down with readers new to this series though. I would love to see Clay meet Derek! And maybe Jaime and Chloe. That would be interesting.

Nath: I agree with you. I think that Ms Armstrong is doing well linking this series to the other… and I would love Jaime to become Chloe’s mentor! And I sure hope that Derek is going to become part of the Pack.

What scene stands out in this book for you?

Li: The scene where she accidentally raised the dead homeless man was a bit eewwww for me. If I were Chloe, I wouldn't dare go to sleep after that!

Nath: See, that's the part of The Awakening that I liked the least - that Chloe is summoning dead bodies right and left. Can you imagine how strong that makes her?!?! I'd say, that makes Chloe even stronger than Jaime in raw power ^_^; which makes sense with the explanations given in The Awakening… but still. The girl definitively needs a mentor... LOL :) As for the scene itself, I have to agree with you - well actually every scene where she summons something – ewwww.

Li: I remember Kelley Armstrong books used to be shelved in Horror in my local bookstore, and I can see why!

Nath: LOL, although her adult books never seemed to be this horrific! Gory, yes, but horrific? No.

By the way, what did you think of Tori and the events involving Rachelle? It’s fun to find out that Tori has some hidden depths. It'll really be interesting to see how her character develops...

Li: Tori is the most interesting character in the series to me. She has potential for redemption, and I think you start to understand why she is the way she is. Rachelle - the twist made sense. But I didn't really feel the betrayal too much. Because the plot was quite fast-moving, there probably wasn't much time to show Chloe's reaction to the reveal.

And I'm glad Aunt Lauren redeemed herself.

Nath: I’m glad as well about Aunt Lauren… and I hope Chloe will be able to reunite with her father! Poor man…

Li: I think there's lot of potential for this series to end on a feel-good note! Don't forget Simon and Derek's dad as well.

Nath: Not forgetting him. I wonder who he is…

Overall, I thought The Awakening was a solid and enjoyable read. At first, in The Summoning, I was a bit skeptical at Chloe's power. I mean, she just recovered them and she is already able to raise the death - involuntary! Raising the death was a very big step for Jaime, so to see Chloe do it so easily... However, now, it all makes sense. I'm glad that Ms Armstrong has such a tight plot.

Although, what I don't understand is Tori's mom. She clearly wants a powerful child - so why would she adhere to this program... hmmm, another mystery?

I'm giving The Awakening a B+. I have to admit, I would have liked a bit more chemistry between Chloe and Derek. However, for such a fast-paced storyline, there was plenty of action and the plot was very interesting :) Looking forward to The Reckoning! :) What about you, Li?

Li: I went for a B. I thought the suspense side was good, but I'm still lacking a proper connection with the characters. I will get The Reckoning. Hmmm... part of me is wondering if I'd have enjoyed these books more if I could read all three in one sitting!

Nath: Perhaps, but then to wait three years? I wouldn’t be able to do it LOL :P

Buddy review: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

First, I'd like to thank Leslie for accepting to join me and buddy review this book. Second, I'd like to apologize to Leslie for the long time period it took to put the review together and finally post this ^_^; I plead the lazy bug that bit me... and I hope that she'll agree to write more :P

If you need to know why we both read this one, just ask Kristie... :P


The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley
published by Dorchester in May 2009

The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them--of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz.

The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.

Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama--an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.

And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.

Genre: historical romance
Series: Highland Pleasures, book #1

Leslie: Nath, I'm dying to know what you thought of it. I'm really not sure which way you're going to go - either loved it like Kristie or ??? I'm still processing my thoughts but overall I liked it. I wasn't blown away by it but I did like it.

Nath: LOL, like you, I enjoyed it a lot – it was a good read, but unfortunately, not a wowzer :(

Leslie: Kristie will be happy that we both liked it. :)

I liked Beth and Ian. At times Beth seemed almost too perfect for Ian; she knew exactly how to "handle" him and when to back off and let him be.

Nath: Hmm, I don’t agree with you. I think that sometimes, the way you treat someone is instinctive no? Based on how you perceived someone – if he looks happy, sad, angry, etc. – you’re going to adjust your behavior. How you act and how you handle someone... it seemed that way with Beth to me.

Ian was definitively a very interesting character and a good hero. I liked him a lot.

Leslie: Beth - instinctive - yes, that makes sense. With her background dealing with her drunken father and growing up in the East End, that would make sense that she would know how to handle someone who doesn't always act and react the way society would expect. Thanks!

Ian - I can see why many readers would fall for him. This 9 year old boy sent to an asylum and treated so horribly - like a nightmare you never wake up from and with no one there to comfort him. It must have been such a relief to finally have Curry there with him. But considering everything that Ian experienced he really was quite normal. He had a few oddities and quirks but I think if he hadn't spent time in the asylum people may have thought him "rather odd' instead of crazy. And the way he kept comparing himself to his father with regards to his rages, I think Ian knew enough to get himself away from everyone when the rage would begin so nothing like his father. Except where Fellows was concerned but that I think had more to do with protecting Beth from the ugliness that he associated with Fellows and the murders.

Nath: You know, although he was all alone in the asylum and suffering, I think he took comfort in the fact that his brothers never abandoned him, don't you think? They always thought of him, sending him stuff and Curry :) I really like the siblings’ relationship in this book. I liked how they were all kind of protective of Ian.

I agree with you, given all he's gone though, I thought that Ian was pretty normal and yes, society would probably have labeled him more as eccentric than mad. Personally, I wished we'd have seen Ian interact more with the society more or at least, strangers, it would have given another side of Ian.

Leslie: They sent him porn Nath... :) Nothing says brotherly love like porn. LOL. I did like reading the brothers interactions, not Hart so much but Mac and Cam with Ian. I think Hart will need a lot of redeeming before I can see him as a hero.

Nath: LMAO :) I like that Mac and Cam looked out for Ian. They tried to protect him as well as the people around him.

Something that bothers me though is that we know that their father was bad and harsh... they all agreed and seemed to have some scars of their own, but I would have liked more concrete examples, experiences from the brothers - not just Ian’s and not just agreement.

Leslie: The thing with their father - I think because Ian was so different his father didn't know how to deal with him to get the results he wanted. So he ended up treating Ian worse than his brothers. But yes, having Hart, Cam and Mac simply agreeing that their father was an ass didn't work as well as having examples of their experiences with him would have. Maybe we'll get that in their books.

Nath: Ms Ashley will most probably cover how much Ian's father was an ass in the brother respective books. My feel is that their father saw Ian as weak and therefore, was really harsh on him to change him. Not only weak, but bizarre and so, he tried to mold Ian...and he was probably freaked out by Ian's memory, but really, the reason why Ian was put in an asylum was because he witnessed his father killing his mother, no? That is what I took from the book. If not for that event, I think that Ian's father would have tolerated Ian... oh, it wouldn't have been a happy life, but he could have avoided the asylum.

Leslie: Yes, he was admitted the next day. I can't help but wonder if he had stayed at home and out of the asylum would his father, in one of his rages, turned on Ian and possibly killed him like he did the mother or would the brothers have kept him relatively safe. I'd like to think the brothers would have looked out for him.

Nath: In this case, are you assuming that Ian has witnessed his mother's death or not? If yes, then I think that Ian would be at risk. His father would have become paranoid and I think eventually, Ian would have succumbed to his father's rages. As for brothers’ protection, I think it would have depended if Ian told his brothers what he saw or not... However, even if his brothers would have protected him, they couldn't have been there always, so there would always be a risk, don't you think?

Leslie: I think he was at risk anyway, just for being different and someone his father couldn't control. But after seeing his mother killed, definitely more risk, probably would have been killed by his father just to keep him quiet. What did you think about how quickly Ian was put in the asylum? Like his father had already considered doing it?

Nath: But the fact that his father would put Ian in an asylum instead of killing him… Does it say something good about the father? A little bit of love for his children? I don't think so... perhaps it was going to be too difficult to explain the deaths of two people? In the end though, I do think sending Ian to the asylum was the safest path, don't you agree? Of course, Ian was lucky that Hart sprung him out...

Leslie: I think, like you said, the father was afraid of explaining two deaths so close together. But he could have kept watch over Ian, using fear and intimidation then maybe a few years later got rid of him. I have no problem believing the father might kill Ian. He had three other sons so...

As for safe, horrible but he lived through it so yes, better option.

Onto a different topic, I did wonder how Ian would be during sex - if his attention would suddenly wander off and focus on some distant point. But he did just fine. :)

Nath: LOL, strangely enough, it doesn't seem as if Ian lacked experience or feminine company... wonder if it's due to his status and money or just himself. Personally, I thought he was fine.

Leslie: Probably both. And he was good looking. But my guess is that most of his feminine company was mostly of the paid for type.

There was a line on page 74 where Ian looks at Beth, "She stood like a flower, fragile and vulnerable. The only color in a sea of gray. " The sea of gray part made me think that Ian's world is gray except for those points that capture his attention. Like at the very beginning when he's with Mather and Ian focuses on the drop of ink. Maybe that's why he connected so well and so quickly with Beth - because she was this color in an otherwise world of gray. Or I could just be reading too much into it. ;)

Nath: LOL, I think you're reading into it a bit too much :P

Leslie: smartass :)

Nath: LOL. Anyway, back to paid company - I wouldn't be surprised and I wouldn't hold it against him.I'm just glad that Ian didn't turn out to be a very shy character. Seriously, he was quite normal with a few quirks.

Leslie: With Ian not willing to look anyone in the eye you might think that he would have been more shy. He wasn't what you could call "long-winded" lol. I would think of him as more of being selective with who (whom?) he interacted with. Not being able to interpret body language and the nuances of speech left him at a disadvantage so he became impatient when talking to people.

Nath: Oh, he is definitively more selective of the people with whom he interact. Remember, the first scene when Beth and Ian meet. He found her worthy of saving, that's why he told her about Mathers. If she hadn't been, I think he would have left her marry the guy. It sure makes him interesting... and I don't think he was shy. Ian has very good instincts and actually takes decisions very quickly. Not that he is haughty, but he has to find you worthy for him to interact with you. Otherwise, he's just forcing himself.

Leslie: That's right - he thought she was worth saving. I'd forgotten that part.

Nath: What did you think of Beth? All in all, I thought she was a great heroine - passionate, compassionate and courageous. I really liked the fact that she stood up for herself and for Ian… she was just a tad too curious for her own good though ^_^;

Leslie: Beth was the type of historical heroine I like - true to her situation and time period but not weak or completely submissive. She didn't allow anyone to put her in the corner and expect her to be quiet. ("Nobody puts Baby in the corner") But at the same time she wasn't terribly rude or overbearing in getting her point across. The scenes with Beth standing up to Hart - loved those. She had a bit of a smart mouth and I liked it when she used it on Hart. Can you tell I didn't like him very much?

She was surprisingly smart considering her childhood which also gave her tolerance for people who were different, helping her relationship with Ian. She was very curious wasn't she? LOL I think if Ian had been more willing to talk about the murders then she would have let him take the lead. And what did you think of Thomas? I liked him even though he was dead. LOL He certainly had a progressive way of thinking, especially for a vicar.

Nath: I think that those scenes where Beth stands up to Hart are proofs that Beth is a courageous woman. As for Thomas, have to admit that I didn’t really care about him, but I'm glad that Beth had him. I think it opened her up and that he had a lot of influence in her life.

One of my favorite moments in the book was when Ian gave to Beth one of his ceramic bowls and she said it was indeed better than a carriage and horses and how triumphal he felt, LOL :) It was just so cute!! :)

Leslie: And then he took it from her and put it back on the shelf. LOL I like that fact that she totally understood why he would put it back.

Nath: LOL, well where would she have put it anyway?

Leslie: On a table in her room or somewhere else in the house. I think another lady might have wanted to have it out where everyone could see it instead of locked away in Ian's special room. IDK - it's like he gives her this gift but he's keeping it for her. Are you laughing at me again? LMAO

Nath: :P So I loved the siblings camaraderie in this book as well as the heroine and hero… but I said earlier that The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie wasn’t a wowzer for me. One of the reasons is the murder intrigue. I thought it was the weakest part of book. Not only was it boring , but Fellows annoyed the hell out of me. What did you think of it?

Leslie: Agree about Fellows and the murders etc., weakest point.

Nath: What annoyed me most is that Beth is the one who solved the mystery. Ugh!

Aside from the weak murder intrigue, I felt like we missed a book in the storyline. There were lots of events that the characters referred to that were never really told or explained to the readers. For example, Fellows accused the Mackenzie brothers of trying to ruin his career. I wonder if he was simply paranoid... I understand Fellows resentment towards the Mackenzies, although it should have been aimed at the father, but not the brothers... and it seems that Fellows has harassed them - which is why he was under order to stay away from the Mackenzie. But I wonder if what is the event that led to this point. Why or did the brothers really try to ruin his career?

Leslie: Yes, they would refer to past events and I would wait for more info... then nothing. The whole thing with Fellows - if there had been more information throughout the book on him then I think I would have had more interest in the murder subplot. Instead Fellows just kept popping up every now and then just to get slapped down. And the resolution of the murders towards the end felt too fast. Hart and Ian seemed to be blinded by what they thought had happened even after Beth practically spelled everything out for them. Ugh! Frankly, I didn't care much about that whole murder plot and it just made me like Hart even less.

Nath: As for Hart, I'm reserving judgment. I think that for each brother, their respective passion shaped their personality. Hart being one for power, money and politics, it's just normal that he's such a jerk LOL. In addition, he's the duke and the oldest... I would say he's had it the hardest and that's why he uses people like he does. Of course, it could also be his failed love relationship - I'm curious about that :) At least, we know who's going to be his heroine :)

Leslie: So wealthy and powerful = jerk? LOL - jk But yes, I can definitely see what you mean about Hart and all the responsibility plus he did try to look out for Ian before Ian was sent to the asylum. Ian had referred to Hart as "cold" so maybe he's like that because of being jilted and then losing his wife and baby. He did love Ian but wasn't able to show it the was Cam and Mac did.

Nath: LOL, in a lot of cases, yes :) I think that Hart "coldness" comes from much before he lost his wife and baby. I'm curious, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with his father and him being jilted. You know how harsh the education of an "heir" can be. For sure, he isn't as carefree as Cam and Mac and like I say, I wonder if it's because he was the "heir."

Leslie: The whole thing with Hart being jilted - I'm actually looking forward to meeting her. LOL

Overall, I liked Ashley writing style but would have liked a stronger storyline with regards to the murders or like you said more Ian, Beth, Hart etc. and less on the murders. I can definitely see myself picking up the next three books, even Hart's. :) I definitively want to read Mac and Isabella's story and I'm guessing they're next.

Nath: Oh, I am definitively picking up the next book and you’re right, it’ll be Isabella and Mac :) The one I’m actually looking forward to is Cam though.

So what is your grade for this book? I think The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie deserves a B+ from me :)

Leslie: Hey, we actually agreed on the grade. B+ from me too. I had a few problems with it but overall I liked Ian and Beth. A good start to the series.

Nath: Definitively :)

Review: True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson

Ames and I are on a roll!! LOL, two back-to-back buddy reviews, it's been a while since it happened :) The book we are going to review is again a contemporary romance by an author we both enjoy, True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson :)

It was a quick read and a quick review. So here we go...

*Warning: possible spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk*

True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson
published by Avon in April 2009

Disaster Number One: Men

Hard knocks and hunger taught Faith Duffy not to believe in love. Still, when she married her very wealthy—and very old—husband, she became the perfect wife. And then he went to that big bank in the sky, leaving Faith with lonely nights, a pile of money, and a total mess of a pro hockey team. Heck, Faith doesn't even watch hockey!

Disaster Number Two: Passion

But most of America and half of Canada is watching Ty Savage. His lethal sex appeal and deadly right hook make him the favorite of fans. For most of Ty's life, he's dreamed of winning the Stanley Cup. The last thing he needs is a bimbo messing up his plans.

Disaster Number Three: Love

Faith loathes Ty on sight, but she can't stop thinking about him all day... and night. Then a moment of temptation ends with Faith in Ty's bed, and she begins to see there's more to him than sex appeal. Ty discovers there's far more to Faith than beauty and billions. But a relationship with Faith is impossible, and falling in love—that would be a disaster.

Genre: contemporary romance
Series: Loosely connected to Simply Irresistible and See Jane Score

The Story: Basically, old Virgil Duffy finally got his trophy wife: Faith who was a stripper and former playmate. Old Duffy dies, leaving his prized hockey team, the Seattle Chinooks, to his wife instead of son. Son is not happy and wants Faith to sell the Chinooks to him; however, Faith decides to keep them... and thus, become involved with hockey and Ty Savage.

Nath: So what did you think of the newest Gibson, Ames? I just finished it and thought it was meh.

Ames: I enjoyed it, but yeah, some things got on my nerves.

Nath: Let me guess. Faith was one of the things that got on your nerves... right?

Call me prejudiced, but I didn't like Faith very much. I'm not holding the fact that she was a stripper/playmate/trophy wife against her, but it sure didn't endear her to me. Kudos for her though for not being embarrassed by her past career choices. She assumed the consequences of these choices and that was great. However, although she had a sappy "story" behind it all, I don't feel like she had much substance... She was kind of bland.

Ames: Faith was one of the things that annoyed me indeed. She kept saying she wasn't sure who she was - and we were never really sure either. In one scene, she's mulling over the fact (again, she mulls a lot over this fact) that she's not sure who she was. She used to be a stripper and playmate, then she used to be a trophy wife. Who is she now? Many of her decisions for the last 5 years were based upon her husband's wishes, even such things as what she should wear. So yeah she went out shopping for clothes she liked and she didn't try to fit into anyone's mold anymore, but there wasn't enough character growth for me.

Also, when Landon tried to blackmail her into giving him the team, she holed up in her apartment and avoided the world. She gave up!! There's nothing more frustrating than that. And THEN, she had this whole big thing about taking care of someone because she's been taken care of so long... so what does she do? She let's Ty figure out what they're going to do! I guess she gets an A for effort though, that she was going to give him up for love. But it was meh.

Nath: True, true, nothing worse then a hero or heroine that gives up. There was no fight, she just gave up and there's no excuse for that, even if she tried to protect Ty.

I felt that there wasn't enough growth for Faith and not enough strength. I imagined she'd have become more independent, stronger now that she was free; however, that didn't happen. The thing though is that Faith was not weak, she just didn't have much initiative. She went through the motion and never really fought back. She got kicked out of her home - so she found a new apartment. She got kicked out of the high lady society, she took it and found something else. She was told to sell the team and she was going to. She got invaded by her mother and she let it happen. Even Pebbles pushed her around and she let it happen.

Ames: I agree with what you say about Faith not having initiative. But I don’t think she was kicked out of the house, Landon inherited that house and she inherited the apartment in Seattle. But yeah, she did let people push her around.

Nath: In a way, Faith and Landon were somewhat stereotypes. Faith the trophy wife with a golden heart and Landon, the mean and angry son who hates the trophy wife. In my opinion, Virgil could have done a better job at protecting Faith for the future. I wished Faith had the guts to crush Landon's balls LOL.

Ames: Ok, I have to disagree with you about Virgil taking care of Faith’s future. He gave her 50 MILLION dollars!! And a hockey team!! It’s not Virgil’s fault that Faith let’s people push her around. LOL

Landon, Virgil's son, struck true as a villain for me. He's the spoiled rich son that believes he's entitled to everything and everyone and there's no way his inheritance is going to fall into the hands of a golddigger. He was a sleazeball. LOL

Nath: LOL, put that way, Virgil did take good care of Faith. However, since Faith said that they had become "best friends," he could have done more... but I guess it's not really important.

Speaking of something important... Ty, the hero :P What did you think of Ty? I thought he was okay, but that's pretty much it ^_^;

Ames: I liked Ty. The only thing though - is that scene in the restaurant, you know when he finally gives in to his attraction and follows through with it? There was no inner dialog from his point of view about why he decides to go all the way with Faith. I mean he pulled away from her before, why the change of mind?

Nath: Because he just couldn't resist, if not, there wouldn't have been any story! I don't feel like we really got to know the real Ty, it was all superficial. He didn't want to be like his father, he wanted to win a Stanley Cup... Okay, but what about the real Ty? Does he feel anything but lust? What is his view on life? I liked that he came up to defend Faith against Landon and I liked that he didn't commiserate with his teammates about Faith. Other than that? Nothing.

Don't you think there was little chemistry between Faith and Ty? In a way, I thought that Jules got to know Faith better than Ty and he was her better champion. Wonder why he came back to work for her, hmmm.

Ames: I think Jules came to work for Faith because he knew it would be interesting and a challenge for him. Also maybe as a way to make up for what he said about her. But I thought the stuff with Jules was left unresolved. They kept making reference to the way he dressed and no one showed him how to dress differently. It was just page filler, the stuff going on with Jules.

Nath: Yeah, there was a lot of page filler going on :( Also, one thing that I don't understand in the book is why did Ty and Faith keep their relationship a secret? I understand that she and Ty are in a delicate situation, but was it for professional reasons or because her "husband" has just died?

Ames: I think Faith and Ty wanted to keep their relationship a secret for professional reasons. I know they kept saying something about Ty’s career – but I think it was just contrived to create some conflict.

Nath: I agree with you, the secret relationship felt forced to me. Especially since in the end, they didn't seem to really care who knew. I mean, Ty just retired and announced it to the whole world... but I'm still wondering, how would it have affected them? Sure, there would be some negative press, but then, once she gave the team to Landon, he would have exchanged Ty to another team no matter what.

Another thing that didn't work for me: the parents - Faith's mother and Ty's father...

Ames: The parents – ewww!! LOL They were just wrong. Worse is that Faith and Ty didn't really do anything about them...so are they going to let them barge in on the rest of their lives? Especially Faith's mom - she's a user.

Nath: The parents were totally unnecessary. It seems their only purpose in the story was to gross us out and also, show the readers what Faith and Ty DO NOT want to become. Poor Faith, walking on them having sex!! As for Faith's mom, she was a user and the worst kind. I'm so tired of those kind of moms! She reminds me a bit of Mac's mom in Visions in White, but worse!!

What did you think of the references about the Canadians? Like Sa-Vah-ge and aboat instead of about...

Ames: OMG! The aboat thing pissed me off!! When I was in school in Germany, all the American students made fun of our supposed accent, but unless you're French, it's really not that noticeable. I don't say aboat. I say ABOUT. Ugh.

So was Ty French Canadian? Otherwise the whole sahvage thing would be for no reason.

Which reminds me, I had to laugh after the one game when he said to her how to pronounce his name properly and she said well for his information, she was Miss July!

Nath: LOL, that tiny part was one of the few laughs I had while reading the book :)

As for Ty, he wasn't French Canadian, he was from Saskatchewan! Also, I'm nit-picking here, but the back blurb? About most of America and half of Canada watching Ty Savage... Please, that would be the opposite. Most of Canada and about half the States.

Ames: I don't even think it would be half of Canada. Overgeneralizations like that bother me. Because its just not true in either case.

Nath: Hmmm, I'm giving True Love and Other Disasters a C-. In my opinion, it was just okay. It really didn't catch my attention and I had difficulty connecting with the story, let alone the characters. Even Jane's brief appearance couldn't save this for me... and I hate the cover! What is up with the crack on the ground between her legs?!?!

Ames: I gave this a C+. I enjoyed it, but it definitely had some flaws. And I never even noticed the crack on the cover. LOL

Review: Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy

Nath and I both read and enjoyed Flat-Out Sexy last year so we decided to buddy review the sequel. Note, there are spoilers.

Grad student Imogen Wilson realizes she's hit on the perfect thesis for her sociology degree. If she follows the so-called "rules" on how to get a man, can she steer her way into the world and hearts of stock race car drivers, and establish their dating— and mating—patterns?

Although sexy and reckless racer Ty McCordle is the ideal test subject, Imogen knows that for the sake of science, she can't give in to her growing attraction for him. Yet he's the one who's chasing after her, and Imogen realizes that she actually wants to be caught. A southern gentleman like Ty will satisfy all her curiosity—and make all the risks worthwhile...

Nath: I don't really know how I feel about this one... I like the idea of Ty and Imogen together, because they are so different. Opposite attracts is a cute theme and I enjoy it. Thing is, there wasn't much to their story no? Got together for sex, had great sex, fell in "love", conflict and resolution. Too much of the book was about them having sex and the conflict and resolution were really rushed at the end.

Ames: I had a tough time for the first half of the book. I thought the sex scenes were drawn out and Imogen really got on my nerves. She constantly questioned why and it kind of reminded me of a little child.  "Why?"  Over everything!  After the camping trip though, things did pick up - Imogen relaxed and started to go with Ty's flow.

I enjoyed the book, but I do agree with you - the conflict and resolution at the end did feel rushed. But they needed to have that conflict. It addressed the fact that they did fall in love kind of fast and it deals with Ty's dyslexia and Imogen's...I don't want to say uptightness...but her analness I guess. LOL

I liked how they were opposites. It worked for them. Ty's risk taking with Imogen's tendency to observe and think everything through, they balanced each other out.

Nath: See, I think I'm the opposite of you. I had a tougher time with the second half of the book, because I thought it was too rushed. I think the pacing of the book is off - slow in the beginning and fast at the end. If the book was a bit longer, it would have worked better.

Ames: I agree that the pacing was a bit off.  There was a slow build up and then boom, conflict and resolution and its over. In and of itself, that's ok, because really, who wants to read about a long drawn out conflict? I think just coupled with the slow beginning for me, it creates an unevenness. But the book is still enjoyable to read! Don't get me wrong about that.

Again, that conflict was needed. Things had been smooth sailing for Imogen and Ty and they needed something to test their love, to prove to each other that yeah they can argue, they don't really have a lot in common but that they love each other and in the end, that's what matters most. They know who the other person is, even if they don't know all the details of each other's lives, they know what lies inside. And that's why I enjoyed Hard and Fast. It's not perfect, but damn it's enjoyable.

Nath: Oh, of course, nobody wants a long conflict, but it needs to be well-balanced in order to work and I absolutely agree with you that they needed a conflict and you're right, it addresses the fact that their relationship developed very quickly... but they way it was done, it really screamed "CONFLICT NEEDED" and so it was thrown in just to make the story "interesting." I don't think it was well-balanced and served the storyline well.

Ty having dyslexia was interesting and unexpected; however, I don't think Ms McCarthy fully explore that characteristic of Ty. I can understand why she wouldn't want to blow it out of proportion and make dyslexia the focus... because it's been done previously with varied degree of success. At the same time, I think it was an important aspect to Ty and the way it was handled, I felt like it was an afterthought, "Oh, by the way, I have dyslexia."

Ames: I don't think Ty's dyslexia was under-explored. He came up with coping mechanisms that allowed him to function and he was scared to make himself vulnerable to Imogen by revealing his "weakness" to her. The way Ms. McCarthy handled it was fitting with Ty's personality. I kind of think Imogen got too mad at Ty over it though. Yeah he didn't reveal it to her right away, but why would he?

Another thing - I hate nicknames in books - but Emma Jean and Engine were cute. I love the dynamic between Ty and Imogen. Nothing gets me better than witty dialog and banter, and these two had it in spades. And I thought it was really sweet of Ty to memorize those lines from Shakespeare.

Nath: I don't mean that Ty's dyslexia itself was under-explored. I actually thought it was done well. In many instances, I was like: maybe if he wrote it or someone spelled it to him... and then, I realized that it wouldn't work. It's like wow, reality check here. What I meant is that I think that Ty's dyslexia was part of the conflict, not the main focus, but important and I felt it wasn't dealt properly as an issue between the couple... but then, the whole conflict wasn't, so I guess this is a bit of a moot point.

I liked the fact that Ty wasn't ashamed of his disorder. Sure, he's not advertising it on top of his lungs - but it's kind of understandable. In his position, a lot of people would take advantage of it. At the same time, he has come to terms with it and there is no awkwardness that is often present with other characters with dyslexia. That I found refreshing.

I actually thought that it was very cute that Ty called her Emma Jean :) Engine was also cute LOL :)

I liked Hard and Fast, but then, like many, not as much as Flat-Out Sexy. I really liked the first part, but I kind of lost interest by the end. I thought nothing was happening... like we said, I think the pacing was totally off. As a result, I'm giving it a C+.

Ames: I enjoyed Hard and Fast, but like you, not as much as Flat-Out Sexy. I found Imogen annoying in the first half of the book, and the first half went kind of slow for me. But things picked up towards the middle and that's when I really got into the story and enjoyed it. I'm giving it a B-.

Nath: I thought Imogen was okay. She's a peculiar character and it's nice to see a nerdy female for once :) However, I thought the whole matter about her thesis subject was boring and seriously, in the end, it's Tamara who came up with one.... LOL, the way Tamara presented it, it was so funny because it did really sound like a thesis subject :)

What do you think is going to happen in the future books? When Tamara got sick near the end of the book - it said that she was nauseous - I was like, here we go again, somehow, Elec went from sterile to not and she got pregnant... I'm glad it was just a case of food poisoning.

Ames: When Tamara was sick, I was afraid she was miraculously pregnant, so I'm glad that was just food poisoning. But then, what was the point? Ah well.

Nath: I don't know if there is a point ^_^; There is very little information on this series (which I find frustrating)... but I was wondering if Evan would get his book, although I think the next book is going to be Ryder and Suzanne. I want to know if the person in Ryder's bed was Suzanne, but I guess not.

Ames: I think the next book is going to be Ryder and Suzanne. I'm not sure if the woman in Ryder's bed was Suz or not. If not, I feel bad for her, because they obviously still love each other.

That one scene, when Suz was telling Ryder that she was going back to work because the alimony was almost dried up and he offered her another year or two, that scene really touched me. I was just like, "awwww!"

I don't know how I feel about Evan getting a book. We don't really know him at this point, so I don't really care. LOL

Nath: Yeah, I feel the same for Suz... if she wasn't the one in bed with Ryder... I wonder why they divorced when it's obvious they still love each other. At the same time though, can't really blame Ryder for having sex.... but yeah, hoping that it is Suz, but I doubt it.

That was indeed a very nice scene - which further reinforced the point that Ryder still loves Suz. So wake up, kids! It came at the right moment though, because I was actually wondering why Suz wasn't working?

As for Evan, true, we don't know him very well so far, but he's been appearing in the book with more than a cameo role, don't you think? In the first book, he had to mouth out and insult Tamara's dead husband. In this one, he gets punched LOL :)

Ames: I think it'll be good for Suz to see Ryder with someone else. So I'm hoping that woman wasn't her.

But someone getting punched doesn't scream sequel bait to me. LOL

Nath: No? LOL :) He's the character on the peripheral, not part of the obvious pairings, that steers up trouble. It does scream sequel bait to me :P

What do you think people?

Review: Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

It’s funny how I’ve been buddy reviewing a lot of fantasy/urban fantasy books for Breezing Through lately. I have no idea how it happened, but it seems like it’s easier for me to find buddy reviewers for fantasy/urban fantasy... Hmmm, something to think about.

Anyway, today, I am going to review Turn Coat along with Renee from Renee’s Book Addiction. I’d like to thank her patience because it took forever for me to put the review together, but I did! :) So without any more delays, here we go... the newest installment of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files.


Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
published by ROC in April 2009

The Warden Morgan has been accused of treason against the Wizards of the White Council--and there's only one, final punishment for that crime. He's on the run, wants his name cleared, and needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog. Someone like Harry Dresden.

Now, Harry must uncover a traitor within the Council, keep a less-than-agreeable Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head--someone like Harry.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Dresden Files, (full-length) book #11

***Before you go any further, warning: lot's of spoilers!!!***

Nath: So Renee, what did you think of Turn Coat?

Renee: Another solid installment of the Dresden Files. I love Harry, and by this book in the series, the characters and setting are pretty complex, but it's always easy to pick the story back up again.

Jim Butcher writes some of the best openings of books, up there with Charlaine Harris and Kelly Armstrong, and with Turn Coat, I was immediately thrust into the action. Morgan showing up on Harry's doorstep for help was unexpected, but made sense: they've always hated each other, but over the years know one another well enough that Morgan knows that Harry is always ready to fight for the underdog/lost cause, and Harry knows that Morgan would never betray the Council.

Nath: You think so? I think it’s very easy to slip back into Harry’s world; however, all the books are so detailed, there are so many plot lines going on that it’s not that easy to pick up the story again. There’s just so much that can be forgotten. I know I did...

I do agree though that Turn Coat is another solid installment and that the opening of this book is great. Personally, I think Jim Butcher is on a roll here, but then, it's easy when your plot is so convoluted and when you have so many great characters :) As for the opening, well LOL, Morgan showing up at Harry’s doorstep when he’s in trouble... that’s just the cherry on the sundae!! So ironic... I believe that all Harry can think of is: "Are you serious?!?" LOL.

Renee: It's funny, though, because it sort of started off with a bang: Morgan showing up, the skinwalker attacking, but then there was a bit of a lag in the pacing. It didn't pick up again for me until Thomas disappears. Then, everything seemed to flow more smoothly.

Nath: It's true that there was some lull in the middle of the book; however, readers were kept entertained by the characters and dialogues. There were so many great conversations, especially every time Harry walked in to see the people in his apartment facing each other and only stopped by Mouse! LOL :) Speaking of Mouse!! I want a dog like that! Seriously, the scene with the bullet in his shoulder? Awwwww, but at the same time, it was hilarious. That dog is soooooo clever!! :) I really want to find out more about Foo dogs :)

Renee: Yes! I loved it when there'd be this scene every time Harry came back to his apartment. The sad part was that Mouse always seemed the most mature out of the whole group!

Actually, Mouse and Toot-toot are 2 of my favorite characters in the series. I've always loved large dogs (my lab is over 100lbs) and it cracks me up how he totally understands what Harry says, and helps Harry out at least as much as any of the humans. Toot-toot, the pixie, is another great Butcher character, with his Pepto-Bismol breast plate and the hollowed out piece of a golf ball he uses as a helmet. And, how Harry pays him with pizza, and Toot-toot calls Harry Lord 'Za totally cracks me up. I agree, those little in-between scenes with their dialog are just great.

Nath: That's why Mouse is so cute, because he's sooo wise!! :) He's such a great dog and presence in Harry's life :) I'm glad we saw Toot-toot :) He always provides some comedy relief :) It’s also fun to see how small his presence is, him and the other pixies, but the great impact they have in the storyline. They’ve really played a major role and saved Harry’s life a few times :) I think it’s cute that they are addicted to pizza!! I guess that's one advantage of Harry being a warden -a steady paycheck. Although I have to say that lately, we've seen Harry more as a warden and wizard than P.I.

Hmmm, speaking of characters, there was a lot of character development in this one!

Renee: Some Dresden Files books seem to have more character development, others more plot development. For me, Turn Coat was mostly about the character and emotional development of a lot of the characters. Molly and Billy are coming into their own, Murphy and Harry seemed to have some great moments of emotional honesty, Lucio and Harry clarified things, and Thomas, well, Thomas just makes me sigh...

It wasn't until the very end that the plot (of the big story arc-the war with the Red Court and White Council politics) was moved forward. I loved how things are falling into place with the White/Black Council.

Nath: I’m all for character development, but what annoys me and what makes character development so difficult to keep track in my opinion is the timeline. I mean, almost a year passes by between books, right? As a result, I find it difficult to keep track with everyone’s age. I mean, how old is Molly now, 21 or 22? I think that in that sense, Morgan is right and Harry has to stop baby-ing her, taking small steps, and start working harder on her. I like that Billy is affirming himself – finally - too bad it came at such a high price.

Renee: I agree about Molly. I was really glad that he made her take responsibility for Mouse and "do the hard thing" rather than do it for her. But, it is sort of consistent with his character that he would baby her a bit (he's always had a weakness for the damsel in distress!)

Speaking of the timeline, I was sort of surprised that the last book ended with Michael and the knights sort of up in the air --how well he was going to recover, what about the other sword, but there was only a cursory mention of it in Turn Coat. I guess Harry had his hands full enough with Morgan and the Council, but I was hoping for a little bit more about this in Turn Coat.

Nath: Oh, about Michael, well the reason he wasn't mentioned in this book is because there was a novella, Warrior, in the anthology Mean Streets. In that novella, you see how Michael is doing and to what extent he has recovered. Basically, he's okay :) and still quite strong... but yeah, wasn't an easy recovery :(

Back to character development and well, relationships :P I'm actually glad about the turn in relationship between Luccio and Harry. I have to say, I never really liked Luccio. I was happy that Harry was getting some romance and action, but I never thought Luccio was the right person. I mean, she is still a very hard woman, despite being put in a younger body and as a result, I side with Molly. Luccio had to know how Morgan treated Harry during all those years. Anyway, let just say I found the chemistry so-so. I think in a sense, the age difference plays a big role… It doesn’t really matter that wizards live a long life, but Luccio and Harry are from two different eras – literally. They were raised differently, the way of thinking is different, the world is different. I think that Murphy and Harry connected much better; just too bad that she won't take a chance - although I do understand her reason.

Renee: I liked that he had the relationship with Luccio (I mean, poor guy, he hardly ever gets any!). However, it never seemed like she was the one for him. It was more circumstances and loneliness that brought them together.

Yes, Murphy . . . I'm so happy they were so open with each other in this book! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that in the next one, a little something more might develop!

Nath: Well now we know that there was something more than made Luccio reach for Harry :P However, you’re right. I think that Harry was lonely – also crushed that Murphy wouldn’t take a chance… and when a woman came along who was willing, he jumped in ^_^; Like you say, he hardly ever gets any, poor guy! LOL.

The other relationship that’s taken a turn in this book is Harry and Thomas. I love, love, love Thomas. I think he's a great character and he adds a lot to Harry emotionally. My opinion though is that the author thought that Thomas’ development was stagnant. The guy found a way to satisfy his need without sleeping with a bunch of women, then his relationship with Harry was going on too smoothly. The two brothers had each other's back, helped each other, was there for each other... and Mr Butcher didn't know what else to do, so he took it back to square one where Thomas needs to find himself again. Grrrr. Personally, I think this really sucks.

Renee: Thomas is one of my favorite vampires! Yes, something had to give with Thomas. I just wish it wasn't what happened to him in this book. In a lot of ways he reminds me of Ivy from the Hollows series: fighting against his nature, looking for a different way to live with his demon. It just seems like there's got to be a middle way between rejecting what he is, and being a killer. I hope that it's more of a post-traumatic stress issue that has Thomas the way he is now, and time will help him deal with what he experienced at the hands of the skinwalker.

Also, in regards to his relationship with Harry, I LOVE that brotherly bond they have. Harry is so passionate about Thomas, and how he'll do anything to save him. In Turn Coat he just really laid it on the line for Thomas, and their relationship can't remain a secret for much longer.

Nath: I'm so glad that Thomas is so important to Harry. He really needed this kind of relationship. I wonder if he can confide to McCoy in the future. Perhaps that McCoy will be able to help. Sigh.

Do you think that Harry will accept to apprentice under Listens to Wind?

Renee: I like McCoy, but the prospect of Harry apprenticing with Listens to Wind is what excites me. The battle scene between him and Shagnasty was great! Can you imagine Harry having some of Listens to Wind's skills?

Nath: LOL, Harry is going to get in more troubles! Oh my God, it was kind of funny when Harry reflected on all his accomplishments and then he realized that the other wizards and wardens really had reasons to fear him! LOL :)

My other favorite parts in this book were getting more information on Harry’s mother and the final battle with the council scene at the end. Is it me or she doesn't sound as bad as in the previous books. Reading the previous books, I thought she'd be a warlock or something... someone's that used magic to evil ends... but then, it just seems she was avant-guard and an idealist... which is a very big difference. LOL, now I know who Harry gets it from LOL!

As for the whole battle scene on the island and the council meeting, they were just so exciting!! The ending was also unexpected in my opinion. Seriously, I never thought the book would end as it did ^_^; However, I'm so glad that McCoy and Harry will work more together in the future. I really like McCoy and I'm glad their relationship is back on track… and LOL, the Grey Council… Go guys, go!

Renee: I'm glad we're getting more about the mom. Actually, my favorite book in the series is Blood Rites, where we learn about Thomas and their mother. Again (not to sound like a broken record!) I'm hoping the next book in the series will give us a little more on her.

The island scene was great, but you know, while Jim Butcher does such great climax scenes, I think the thing he is best at is the lead up to to the climax: bringing together all the elements and characters, ratcheting up the suspense, setting the stage for the battle. Some of the passages that takes place on the island before the battle are so awesome. Consummate writing. You know, over the course of the series, you can really read Jim Butcher's skills as a storyteller develop, and I think with Turn Coat, he's totally at the top of his game!

OK, can I say, I love how Harry called the skinwalker "Shagnasty"? He's so irreverent. And, even with regards to the magic. He respects the magic, but does things like using silly string to work an eavesdropping spell, and the dry erase marker to make a casting circle. Totally cracks me up!

Nath: LOL, that’s one of the most endearing trait in Harry – his irreverence and how he can easily make fun of a situation, but still keeping his cool.

I’m going to give Turn Coat a B++. While Mr Butcher did explore some plot lines, there are still so many that are untouched – the swords, the demons, it’s kind of crazy! In addition, the set back with Thomas prevents me from giving it an A ^_^;

Renee: Ooh, I'm not too good with grades, but I guess I'd say strong B to B+. I really liked it, but there are books in the series I thought were better, especially my favorite, Blood Rites. And, the pacing in the beginning was a little uneven. But, that's a small complaint. I really think Jim Butcher has put out another excellent installment! :-)

Nath: Agree with you. Seriously, I heard that the author is planning 20-something books in the series. I say he better start writing two books per year! LOL :)

Nauti Intentions by Lora Leigh

Ames and I read the book previous to this one and reviewed it for Breezing Through. We didn't like it-- we both gave it a D.

Lora Leigh is an old favourite for both of us so it wasn't difficult to continue on with the series.

Since Kris also enjoys LL, we asked her to read it with us, she agreed.

As always, this review is full of spoilers.

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Since he saw Janey Mackay taking a dip in her bikini, Major Alex Jansen has had to quell the fire she ignites in him. Even touching her would mean death at the hands of the Mackay men. Until now, the girl of his dreams—and fantasies—has lived in a vacuum of affection, shying away from the danger she thinks men represent. Alex sets out to prove her wrong, with his torturously slow caresses.Everyone thinks Janey’s safe now, with her abusers dead. But when someone starts leaving spine chilling notes, Alex won’t rest until she’s completely safe. And completely his—body and soul…

Chantal: Hi Girls, I'm all done :).
My favourite part was when Alex drug those drunks out of the restaurant and beat them up. Hehe. And shocking, the sex scenes didn't feel like they could have been in any LL book. She actually did some new stuff this time. I've been bitching about the sex being same ole same ole for several books now, so this was a nice change.

Kris: That whole scene was great, even before that particular part, I love how Tim and Jane adopted one another. I agree about your other comment as well.

Ames: Chantal - I agree with you - there was something different to the sex scenes. However, the main plot was similar to what she's done in the past and that really annoyed me at the beginning. When I saw that Janey was different from her other heroines, though (she had some definite emotional scars but that didn't stop her from being with Alex) I got over my annoyance and got into the story.

But then Janey tried having a backbone and no one took her seriously. That pissed me off. She had an extreme alpha male lover and then she had to deal with her brother too? It felt like too much.

Chantal: Absolutely. You know, Lora Leigh has this thing--Same story line and same sex scene in every book, but it's a system that work for her, people are eating it up. I'm glad that she finally changed up the sex a bit, though. Maybe her next book will have a different plot. *Fingers crossed.* More and more of her books have been DNF's for me for those reasons, so I hope this change is going to be an on going thing.

Another difference for me with this book is that I usually don't like LL's Heroines, but I liked Janey. I like that she stood up for herself and did what she wanted, no matter what anyone said. She didn't put herself in danger, either!

Kris: It annoyed me, like ames, how Janey would try to be assertive and everyone ignored her. But I liked how she still stood her ground and also I loved watching her with Rogue. Another great character there.

Ames: And hello, Alex has been stalking her since she was 17. Yeah he was "watching out" for her. But to me, that's stalking.

Chantal: I never thought of Alex watching her as stalking. It was indeed creepy and odd that he all of a sudden got the hots for her just because she waved at and blew him a kiss, but I don't think he was a stalker. A stalker has bad intentions and they want to hurt the victim. Or the stalker is obsessive and mentally ill, living in a dream world. I don't think Alex fits into either of those categories He was just a dirty old man lusting over a kid. Until the kid grew up that is.

Amy: Yeah, stalker might be a bit harsh. But it was definitely creepy.

I have to say though, I loved that he was older than her.

Kris: I liked this story a lot. I connected with the characters a lot more than her previous books. Janey appealed to me. She had such a rough background that gave her more character and depth. I was okay with the age difference between the two, Alex was attracted to her as an older teen but did nothing to act on that. Many other men would not have had that restraint. Now she is older but her brother has a hard time seeing that, in his eyes she is still a kid.

Chantal: Why did Janey's brother keep going on about the age difference? It's not like she was still a teenager.

Kris: Many older brothers have a hard time realizing their little sister has grown up and actually has a sex life.

Amy: Her brother was just looking for an excuse to keep Alex away from Janey. He knows how Alex rolls and he just wanted to protect his little sister. LOL

Chantal: Ah, over protectiveness.
Where you surprised about who the bad guy turned out to be? I thought for sure if was going to be her friend Rogue, the biker chick.

Amy: Oh yeah, I thought for sure it was going to be her friend too.

Kris: I was totally not expecting that particular villain. Threw me for a loop. So I liked it that much more for that.

I think one of the biggest differences in this story from most of her others was the heroine. Alex, I think was pretty typical for her heros (not that I dislike that). But Janey was just a lot more real to me than most of her other heroines.

Chantal: Nauti Intentions was better than the last few LL's, so I'll go with a low B-, which is pretty generous considering it's pretty much the same as every other book in this series she has written save for the spiced up sex. How about the two of you?

Ames: I give it a C which is average.

Kris: I give it an A-

Thanks for inviting me to review with you.