Review: The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters by Sierra Dean

Title: The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters
Series: Secret McQueen, #0.5
Genres/Themes: urban fantasy, one-wild-night, short story, werewolf/vampire hybrid protagonist
Author: Sierra Dean
Excerpt: available at publisher website

Quick Take:
This quick read was a lot of breezy fun. The protagonist, Secret McQueen, is the major draw here, with her wry sense of humor and complex identity issues. It's the perfect lead-in to the series--or a great way to sample the tone of the series before diving into book one.

Book Description (via Goodreads):
     They say it's impossible to find a man in New York City. Secret McQueen needs to find two in one night. Of course, it’ll mean pulling off the impossible—find and kill a displaced rogue vampire without disrupting the first promising date she’s had in ages. As a werewolf hybrid used to walking a fine line of survival in the vampire world, though, Secret eats impossible for breakfast.
     Somewhere between hello and the first round of drinks, Secret makes her move. Her target, Hollywood’s biggest star, shouldn’t be hard to spot. Just look for swarms of fans. Except every time her vampire liaison, Holden, helps keep her mission on track, her date runs further off the rails.
     Either Holden has a hidden agenda, or he knows more than he’s letting on about her quarry. One way or another, Secret is determined to get her man, and meet Mr. Right. Or die trying.


Review:

What a freakin' surprise this little story was! The premise to this story seemed pretty no-nonsense, nice and straightforward. While that's exactly what it ended up being, I was charmed by the characters and quirky style of the protagonist, Secret McQueen.

The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters didn't have a whole lot in the way of exposition and world building, but I think that's the whole point. I hear that it was written (and certainly published) after the first full-length book in the series was released. So more than anything else, this story is something to whet the appetite, to fill in some of the tiny but promising tidbits alluded to in Something Secret this Way Comes. I'd personally recommend reading this before Something Secret, both because the events of Secret Guide chronologically come first, and because the read does not require great commitment and investment to be enjoyed.

As such, the plot moves fast here, but since there's not a whole lot of world building and complex character interactions, it reads like something of a quick procedural. It takes what would've been a straightforward event--Secret's date with a nice, "normal" guy--and throws everything in the path of preventing it occurring in a normal way. 

I really liked Secret's narrative voice, perhaps more than any other aspect of the story. She's witty, sexy, and she's got a bit of a chip on her shoulder. I really liked the element of her being part vampire, part wolf; yes, I know we've heard of that trope before, but it works well here, allowing this feisty, judgemental protagonist to wrestle with not only real baddy monsters, but also the "monsters" within herself. But Secret's everyday observations were amusing, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. Whether she was high or low, she was always magnetic.

I must admit that I had some trouble envisioning some of the action scenes based on the descriptions. Granted, such scenes (along with "action" scenes, if you get my drift ^_^) can be be tricky to stage, especially if the choreography is complicated and the pace is really fast. There was one crucial scene in a subway that felt almost too frenetic to grasp.  It was definitely a lot to untangle and figure out, at least for me.

But overall, this story was a lot of fun. It sets up a very promising world with a highly likable heroine. After finishing this one, I'd immediately followed up with Something Secret This Way Comes. I really think this will be a series for the urban fantasy masses.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

"I really liked it."

Reading Challenges 2012

So, last year was the first time I'd participated in blog-based challenges (having done a few small challenges on GoodReads before that), and I had an absolutely wonderful time. This year, I'd like to participate in some challenges that either get me to either further explore genres I love, or help me discover genres and themes that I'm not quite familiar with. So without further ado, here are the challenges that I've decided to participate in throughout the year (my progress can be tracked on my Challenges page):

Steampunk Reading Challenge

hosted by the ladies at Dark Faerie Tales

Of all the subgenres out there, I think I'm most fascinated by that of steampunk. There's something about the mix of historical settings and futuristic tropes that intrigues me every time. This year, I'm making sure that steampunk doesn't get relegated to the bottom of my TBR pile.

This challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Pretty straightforward, this one. You simply need to read books from the steampunk sub-genre. One need not have a blog in order to particpate; you just leave a comment with your book selection. There's a nice list of books already provided, so that you don't have to go scouring the earth to get started. There are four different "levels" of possible participation:

• Gaslight – Choose 6 books to read
• Gears – Choose 12 books to read
• Gadgets – Choose 18 books to read
• Greased – Choose 24 books to read
• Steamed – Choose 30+ books to read 

No need to select books in advance; just list 'em as you go. If you're interested in doing this challenge yourself, more information can be found HERE (you can join anytime before December 31, 2011).

Krazy Kleypas Reading Challenge

hosted by the ladies at Under the Covers

So, last year I did the Historical Romance Challenge by Romance Book Junkies, and it went well! I started to read HR, and I have no plan to look back. This time, I think I'd like to focus the challenge a little bit by trying to read books by Lisa Kleypas in particular, whom I'd discovered as part of the HR Challenge. Yep, that'd be the author that many consider to be the current queen of HR--or of romantic fiction in general, depending on whom you ask. I've read only one Kleypas so far, and I'm looking forward to exploring this celebrated author's other works!

There are six levels of participation in this one:

• Category One: 1-3 Books
• Category Two: 4-8 Books
• Category Three: 8-12 Books
• Category Four: 12-16 Books
• Category Five: 16-20 Books
• Category Six: Read Every Lisa Kleypas ever published.

A blog is not necessary for this one; instead, you can just note the read on the challenge linky or post to your Goodreads/Shelfari/LibraryThing account (you have one). Re-reads are A-Okay, and all of Kleypas's books are valid for inclusion in the challenge. If this sounds like an interesting one to you, go HERE for information and sign-ups.

New Author Challenge

hosted by the fine folks at Literary Escapism

This particular challenge has been around for four years now, and I've seen so many other book buds find great new favorites through it. So I'm all in for 2012! It basically involves finding authors that are new to you--in any genre. Obviously, re-reads don't count (because they aren't new to you), so this challenge is meant to do just that: challenge you to branch out a bit.

The levels of committment are pretty straighforward: you can choose to read 15, 25 or 50 new authors. Non-bloggers are welcome, though reviews are encouraged. The LE gals note that, if you read your goal, keep on going! The idea is to explore as much as possible. For sign-ups and challenge details, click HERE.

Horror and Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge

hosted by the gals at Book Chick City

Though I love all types of themes under the umbrella of genre fiction, I'm a big fan of urban fantasy. I'd like to read more "dark urban fantasy" and horror, so I'm looking forward to participating in this challenge. My interest is particularly in the horror aspect; I've recently discovered that, while I am a scaredy cat, it can be quite exhilarating to read a book that's meant to spook or unnerve you a bit.

• Read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2012
• Read FORTY EIGHT (48) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2012

Pretty straightforward, right? Crossover with other challenges is fine, but audiobooks and nonfiction are not. Non-bloggers are encouraged to participate, as well. Click HERE for more information.

Authors After Dark 2012 Reading Challenge

hosted by Midnyte Reader

So, as of right now, I'm registered to attend the 2012 Authors After Dark summer camp in New Orleans, LA. While I'm familiar with several of the participating authors, I would love to familiarize myself with more of them, so that I can give props where they're due in August! ^_^ As Midnyte so astutely puts it: "Sometimes I go to conferences that feature authors who I am unfamiliar with. Then, when I read their books later I want to kick myself for not reading their work sooner, so I could have talked to them about their stories, gotten a book signed or just gushed properly." I could not agree with her more.   

This challenge has no "levels"; you simply provide a list of books from any authors participating in AAD 2012. Such a list is definitely not set in stone; it's more of a loose plan of attack.

Now, the fact that this particular challenge is connected to a convention does not preclude non-attendees' participation; everyone's welcome. Likewise, even though the event occurs in August, the challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Find more information and sign up HERE.

50 States Challenge

hosted by Tasha at Book Obsessed

I started this challenge last year, and I'm gonna treat it as a continuous one (even though it's a yearly on Book Obsessed). I've read my way through many of the states, but some are just elusive (and I don't want to read a book I know I might not like, just because it's in the state of choice). The goal of this challenge is to read books that are set in each of the fifty states. Books can be of any genre and any format (ie. paperback, ebook, audiobook, etc.). But no short stories. Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine. One can list their books in advance or list them as they are read. If this challenge interests you, feel free to find more info and sign up for 2012 HERE.

Interview with Author Jerri Drennen

Greetings, funky fresh guys and gals! I'm very pleased to welcome author Jerri Drennan to MNtR today! We'll be chatting for a bit about the fun and wild super-agent world of Her Man Flint, Drennan's latest book release, as well as about some of her upcoming projects (here's a hint--romantic suspense with all the trimmings of excitement!). Many thanks to Ms. Drennan for visiting today, and a very hearty welcome! So without further ado...

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MNtR: Can you tell us a bit about Her Man Flint---Twitterstyle (140 characters or less)? ^_^

Jerri: The stories about two ex-lovers forced to work together to exonerate the other of murder and in the process learn to trust again.

MNtR: The cover of this book reflects perfectly the fun, frenetic, saucy tone of the story and its cast. How did the theme and tone of this tale come about, given its relative difference to some of the more serious romantic suspense you've written in the past?

Jerri: Actually, Her Man Flint was my very first romantic suspense. The last few stories I've written have a more serious tone.

MNtR: Main characters Adriana and Flint make for the perfect international agents--effective and deadly. Do you have any favorite secret agents or spies from pop culture?

Jerri: James Bond of course and on a more fun note, Austin Powers.

MNtR: Along with Flint, some of your other heroes are strong, intense agents of justice. And like Adriana, your heroines can more than keep up! Can you tell us what draws you to the these powerhouse, lawful characters?

Jerri: I'm like men and women of justice on television so I guess it's not a stretch to want to write about these types of characters. Though, I have to say, I love my cops and agents to be flawed, as you can tell by Flint.

MNtR: Your writing slogan is, "Heroes packing more than just handguns." A very accurate descriptor of your previous works. ^_^ Can you tell us about some of the heroes you have in mind for your future books?

Jerri: Right now I'm working on my Z series. Ex-Navy Seals who work for a private security group. Think Blackwater. More on the realm of your typical romantic suspense with blackmail, murder plots and revenge.

MNtR: Are there any other genres or tropes that you've not yet written stories for, but would like to try your hand at?

Jerri: I have to say I found my passion in writing romantic suspense and I'm going to stick with it.

MNtR: Thank you so much for stopping by today to answer my questions!

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Author Bio

Jerri Drennen was raised on a farm in a tiny town in Minnesota where the winters were long and being stuck inside awarded her the opportunity to read and tell stories. Years later, after moving away from family, marrying her husband of twenty-five years and having their four children, she started writing when her youngest was three. Eleven years and many manuscripts later, she has one contemporary romance and three romantic suspense novellas with Samhain Publishing, a category romantic suspense at The Wild Rose Press and two action-adventure romances at Liquid Silver Books. Now, she's trying her hand at self-publishing.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Her Man Flint

By Jerri Drennen

If James Bond and Cleopatra Jones had a daughter, Adriana Kent would kick her ass.

Everything Adriana knows about being a top-notch, undercover agent she's learned from her partner, Flint Morgan, in and out of the sheets. That is, until he's caught between those same bed linens with another woman. Heartbroken, Adriana refuses to forgive him. But when 'the other woman' is found dead in Flint's apartment, she steps up to prove his innocence--he might be a womanizer, but he's no killer.

As Adriana closes in on a suspect, she's kidnapped and sent overseas to a sadistic prince who collects women like priceless pieces of art. Now this tough as nails agent finds herself playing the helpless courtesan to a man hell-bent on breaking her spirit. Flint arrives in the nick of time, dressed as a harem girl, fighting off randy guards and surly camels to rescue Adriana so they can fly back to the states to find a way to exonerate him for murder. 

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords

Hi hi! This is but one stop on the wild ride organized by Bewitching Book Tours. Click here to check out guest posts, interviews, reviews, and more!

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In Anticipation: Horizon by Sophie Littlefield

And so all good things must come to an end.

In this case, I'm pretty sure that even the end is going to be good (and by "good" I mean "mega badass"). I'm talking about the third and final book in the Aftertime series by Sophie Littlefield. (Click to see my reviews for Aftertime and Rebirth.) Thus far, the trilogy's overarching story—which centers on Cass Dollar's struggle to survive and keep her little daughter safe in the midst of civilization's collapse—has been thrilling, (sometimes) scary, and (always) profoundly affecting. Check out the description (edited from the publisher's version to remove possible spoilers):

Cass Dollar is a survivor. She's overcome the meltdown of civilization, humans turned mindless cannibals, and the many evils of man.
     But from beneath the devastated California landscape emerges a tendril of hope. A mysterious traveler arrives at New Eden with knowledge of a passageway North—a final escape from the increasingly cunning Beaters. Clutching this dream, Cass and many others decamp and follow him into the unknown.
     Journeying down valleys and over barren hills, Cass must confront the worst of what's inside her—dark memories from when she was a Beater herself. But she, and all of the other survivors, will fight to the death for the promise of a new horizon…

From the looks of the blurb, this series seems to follow the structure of a classic three-act play: the first "act" does most of the setup and introduction of a dilemma, the second finds circumstances the most dire, and the third resolves or implies hope for resolution. (Think Star Wars, Episodes 4-6. ^_^)

The cover art for this book is, like the other two, fantastic. One can gather so much about the tone and direction of the plot by simply looking at the art, even without benefit of the book description. I'm still curious as to who made the call for the bird to be on all of the covers. There was a reference made to a bird in book one (I believe), evoking the thought that its very survival is a symbol of hope amidst such dire circumstances. Same thing with the choice of an overall color wash—a tentative shade of blue that hints at renewal. And then there's the hazy cloud formation, which on the Aftertime cover was a barage of smoke, and on Horizon appeared to resemble a disorienting fog. Here, it's thick healthy clouds just barely obscuring the sun's light. Hope! Life! We'll see if that comes together for the cast (fingers crossed).

But anyway. Enough nerdy cover art examination. It's just that everything about this trilogy of books has seemed so thoughtful and multi-layered. I cannot wait to have this final installment of the series sitting on my bookshelf, and I will continue to shout about the trilogy's awesomeness to anyone crazy enough to listen to me. ^_^

Horizon is available NOW (release date: January 24, 2012) from Harlequin Luna.

Review: Dirty Beautiful by Jodie Becker

Title: Dirty Beautiful
Series: Book #1 of as-yet-untitled series
Genres/Themes: contemporary romance, 
Author: Jodie Becker

Quick Take:
The intriguing premise of Dirty Beautiful delivers quite well on its hints of the balance between love and lust. The male protagonist was the real draw for me--so much so that I would have loved to have seen more focus on his past struggles, which are referred to frequently in the book but not deeply explored. Overall, there's plenty of sexy and sweet, with a likable cast and promising plot threads for future books.

Book Description (via Goodreads): Disillusioned by love, Erica has tasted the bitter pill of betrayal and wonders if she’s enough for one man. When a hot guy moves in next door, Erica decides to settle for good old-fashioned lust. What starts out as a simple seduction quickly evolves, and Erica is fast finding out Dylan is dangerous not only to her libido, but her heart as well.
     Recently retired from the adult-film industry, Dylan hopes for a fresh start in Templeton where his porn persona, Drake Van Wulf, is unknown. His new neighbor is unlike the women he’s accustomed to, but she stirs his blood nonetheless. His rule not to get involved is quickly tested by Erica and her lush curves. Unable to withstand her allure, Dylan finds himself wanting more from Erica than just her body. He wants her heart also.
     With the secret of his past hanging in the shadows, Dylan’s about to find out if love truly conquers all.

Review (Originally posted at Book Lovers Inc):

How does a porn actor find love? Dirty Beautiful is a rather straightforward bit of romantica (erotic romance) from Jodie Becker, one that addresses that thought. I’m completely new to this author, but I must say that liked what I read. I dug her premise of an adult film actor trying to escape his past, finding love and acceptance instead.

The main character in this book, Dylan Marsden, is just a ball of sweetness. Okay sure, so he was a porn star. But he got into the industry due to financial hardships, and while he was good at it—damn good at it, thankyouverymuch—it never fulfilled him or gave him joy. As such, he escapes the “biz” and moves into a fixer-upper house in a sleepy Georgia town. His hope? Forget the past and live a quite life. Enter a sweet and affable local woman, Erica, who’s everything Dylan never knew he’d want, but who’s already been hurt by a previous lover’s infidelity. How ever shall the two see eye to eye? The main dilemma in this book basically involves a small bit of information that, if revealed, might ruin whatever romance and acceptance that Dylan and Erica were building. In this particular case, I understood and bought into Dylan’s reticence when it came to revealing his past life. I also understood some of Erica’s insecurities and emotional scars.

This book presents a convincing portrait of a sleepy Southern town (notice I didn’t say accurate—being a city girl, I have no clue what small Southern towns and must therefore leave that evaluation for small town folks). The cast of personalities that populate this town are charming (or, in the case of the antagonist-for-now characters, compelling), some of which would make for great recurring characters.

This story has plenty of steaminess; seeing as how one of the main characters is a former adult film actor, it almost goes without saying. ^_^ But again, there’s a layer of intimacy and sweetness that makes the material so much more compelling. In fact, I think the author does the first- and second-base descriptions best (which is to say, she’s great at steaminess even when not being explicit). ^_^ For a book whose premise is about sexuality, this book does sensuality quite well.

And yet, believe it or not, I wish that there was just a bit more focus of Dylan’s former life as an adult film actor. Granted, the book is supposed to focus on the various perceptions others have of him, but he spoke so much about the love-hate relationship with the industry that it would have been interesting to see more of the internal struggles he’d endured (or didn’t perhaps) while he was an active actor.

Also, I have to admit that the book wasn’t without some truly cheesy bits (“Her house would smell like Willy Wonka’s because she couldn’t get the willy she wanted.”) and some subplots that didn’t resonate with me.

When I initially finished Dirty Beautiful, I didn’t know it was part of a series, so I was scratching my head as to the unresolved plot lines of some of the cast. But lo’ and behold, this is only the first book in a series, which I imagine will be about some of Dylan’s actor friends. I see on Jodie Becker’s website that the next book will feature Max, one of Dylan’s former colleagues. Do I plan on picking that next book up? You bet!

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

"I liked it!"