Mind Games...Review

From Amazon.com:



JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.



Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem. Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.


Just a quick little love for this book.



I picked it up at the bookstore the day it came out after finding the author on twitter. Unfortunately for me and the book, I tend to gather faster than I can read 'em. A blessing and a curse (I never run out). And if I'm really honest with myself (sheepish head hang inserted here), I'm not sure I would've picked it up if not for the whole social network interaction shindig.



Then one night, I picked it up. After, reading review upon dazzling review, I had to do it. And once I started, literally, I found myself on a roller coaster I had no desire to get off of.



Heart wrenching, real, intense, and witty...I was hooked. Finished in one night. Disarming.


I'm not a hypochondriac, but I could easily relate to that debilitating feeling that washes over you from time to time. And it made Justine relatable on a level I haven't experienced in a long time. From her need to feel normal, to fit in, find that easy secure place...it was tangible and right there waiting for me.


And Packard and his disillusionists? Finding out that family isn't always related by blood or easy to deal with is a lesson we all have learned. Each one of her teammates has a specialty....something that the normal everyday person would consider a hindrance. But, hey when you get lemons...sometimes you get some kick booty lemonade. You just have to know how to make it.

You see, each disillusionist has something that, in most people perception, is a kind of curse. But, now, they get to use their talents to rehabilitate people who have done bad things. Each assignment is paid for a by a wrong party, either a victim or family member. Talents intermingle in a multi-layered system meant to tear down. And in the end, they should become a better person for it. Good deeds, and all...right?

But, are things what they really seem? Are these things, these projects, really about just doing good...rehabilitating these people? Hmmm...



Packard...sigh...yep. Any man who tries to tell you what you know deep down is the truth but can't accept it in some way will get under your skin. Which can feel good...sometimes.



But, I have to say, I was surprised were the tale led me...in a good way.

I kept reviewing this post...because I felt it was to short. But, my love for this book makes me not want to give away too much. Discovery can rock your socks...


So, if you have a free night...I have a little something for ya. Oh, and pick up some Mongolian barbecue. And stop by to let me know what you thought.

Avalon Revisited....Steampunk Continued.

From Amazon.com:

Arthur has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over three hundred years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery. Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur's shriveled heart. Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders. Cultures clash and pressures rise in this sexy Steampunk Romance.

As many of you know, I just finished a guest post on Steampunk over at Not Really Southern Vamp Chick's Birthday Bash Countdown (I just love typing that because it sounds like a party in and of itself!!) in which I made mention of a few steampunk titles, one of which is the above pictured Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey.

My first kindle edition...and to be honest, I was a tad worried. Not so much about the content, but about me.

You see, change, in its early conceptions, freaks me out. How was I going to read a book that's...not actually a book in my hot little hands? Where would the satisfaction of keeping track of my progress via my sometimes tacky yet lovingly placed bookmarks? Ack!

But there it was....Avalon Revisited, only on Kindle. But, I don't have a Kindle. And I lamented this fact on my twitter. Enter the lovely artist who did the cover art, Catherine Somerlot (she tweeted me, told me about the app for my itouch) and the rest , as they say, is history.

I won't linger too much on the whole steampunk genre (but, if you haven't clicked on the link above, you really should. If for no other reason than to join the celebration) which, I have to say is as varied and colorful as your imagination will let it be.

And Avalon Revisited is no exception. A combination of steampunk and paranormal romance which keeps its identity all through without having to remind you why at every twist and turn.

I tend to speed read, and sometimes that's a good thing, others, not so much. For the first time in a while, however, I took my time, allowing myself to fully enjoy the nuances and pacing O.M. Grey afforded. Cleverly intertwining history, Arthur, we learn, is a Tudor. Yep, you read it right. Given the recent popularity of this time in history, it was refreshing to have this angle. I loved it. Not only did it give him the identity that completely matched his personality traits, it added to his heartbreak.

To which we then meet Avalon...a spinster of sorts, who Arthur falls in love with, practically at first intriguing sight. On a dirigible. If there is one scene that really gives you the feel of the whole nature of steampunk, in my eyes, this is the one. Descriptive and layered, the main characters blend to give the reader a true sense of this world. Avalon is no shrinking violet, and is so intoxicated with the technology and the world around her she barely notices our...vampire.

Ahh, but its not just dirigibles and gears here, ladies and gentlemen. There's a killer afoot. A vampire...who, in fact, is not our narrator...but seems to follow in his footsteps. Is the killer perhaps a little more than your run of the mill vamp? Perhaps. And his victims are rising from the dead, just like their creator.

Which leads Arthur to team up with the lovely (who, in fact reminds him at first of Catherine..yep, that one) Avalon and her partner in um...vampire hunting, Victor. Who have no idea they are actually working with said creature they are supposed to be...hunting.

No spoilers here, though...but I will say there was a sprinkling of steampunk technology and subtle steaminess and at times, not so subtle ;).

If you've never dipped your toes in the genre, you won't be disappointed. And if you have, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Even on my Kindle app. Change can be a good thing.

(Side note, Avalon Revisited is available in Kindle and the good old fashion kind as well over on Amazon...)

And the winner is....

Just a little quick post...

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in some way, shape, or form of my first lil ol' contest...from suggestions and encouragement!

And, the winner is, decided by the cute boy I married...

Beth!!

Here's the new button....

Yay!!!

So, Beth, your gift card is on its way....Thanks, lady! I lurve it!!

And, to thank all of you...I will be posting a new giveaway in a few days, so you all will get an extra entry!

P.S. Please don't forget to stop in at Not Really Southern Vamp Chick's Birthday Bash everday because she has some fabulous fun going on!! I had a fantastic time on my guest post...