Taste of Kiwi: Blog of Author Shelley Munro

Body of secrets…

As a member of the CIA’s elite, Black Opals, Natalya Trubachev must live a lie, working undercover as the lover of Dmitri, a Russian mob boss. His business is trafficking vulnerable Las Vegas strippers overseas for twisted sex games. Natalya’s business is to blow the ring wide open and bring down Dmitri and his American contacts. But the stakes are raised when she learns that the next target is her own sister Kate, a dancer in the famed club Fantasia. Only now does Natalya realize how personal her mission has become, and how far she’s willing to go to complete it.

Body of lies…

The manager of Fantasia is Brandon Moretti, an undercover detective who keeps a close eye on his girls, and an even closer one on his sinfully sensual hire. For Natalya, working the club could be the break she’s been waiting for. But for Moretti, Natalya is a possible link to a killer. Only he never counted on her being so lethally seductive or so dangerous to get close to. As every forbidden pleasure between them is stripped away, his own secrets threaten their security, but it’s Natalya’s that could destroy them both.

Review:

Black Opal operative Natalya Trubachev goes undercover at a Las Vegas club called Fantasia. She walks a delicate line as she juggles the needs of her crime boss Dmitri, her own safety and her growing fascination with Brandon Moretti. Brandon is actually an undercover detective, but Natalya doesn’t know this and she suspects him of being the contact she needs to neutralize.

I suspect that this is one of these books that readers will either like or dislike intensely because of the subject matter and the heroine’s occupation/past history. While deep undercover Natalya has killed and also lead innocent women into a life of drug addiction and prostitution. She feels deep remorse for the acts she has committed and this both shapes her and snaps at her heels, putting her under deep mental pressure. If she fails in this mission, more women will suffer the same fate, and this time her twin sister is the chosen victim.

While I could understand the heroine’s motivations, I didn’t like or enjoy the plot. That said, STRIPPED packs a real punch. Ms. St. Claire writes fresh, vibrant prose that the writer in me aspires to, and the sexual tension between Natalya and Brandon crackles each time they meet. I swear smoke poured from my iPad each time I opened this book! If you prefer a sweet romance then this isn’t the book for you. Stripped has numerous explicit love scenes, which showcase the hero and heroine’s growing relationship.

Characterization, check! Both main and secondary characters are rounded and real with clear motivations and conflict. One small problem I had was the familial relationship between Brandon and Sergei. While I could buy that Natalya and Kate were sisters it seemed a little too convenient that Brandon and Sergei were long-lost brothers too. I had to stretch my imagination to accept this coincidence.

While the plot didn’t do it for me, this is an interesting story where the characters are racing to beat a ticking clock. It’s full of danger and passion and characters with much at stake. The author’s voice grabbed me, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from Ms. St. Clare. Luckily for me there’s a sequel due out later in the year. Fans of romantic suspense—give this one a try.

Purchase Stripped

Blurb: Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.

In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

Review: I first discovered this book via the web, or more correctly, I came across Ms. Rubin’s website The Happiness Project

I thought – what a great idea. A person can never have enough happiness. It’s taken me longer to read the book.

In the book Ms. Rubin starts by explaining how her happiness project came about and the research she did before she started. After her research she came up with twelve commandments:

1. Be Gretchen
2. Let it go.
3. Act the way I want to feel.
4. Do it now.
5. Be polite and be fair.
6. Enjoy the process.
7. Spend out.
8. Identify the problem.
9. Lighten up.
10. Do what ought to be done.
11. No calculation.
12. There is only love.

These commandments were used to help her keep to her new resolutions.

On 1 January, she started her happiness project, tackling different sections of her life. For example January was all about vitality and energy. Her goals were to a) sleep earlier, b) exercise better, c) toss, restore and organize, d) tackle a nagging task and e) act more energetic. Each month she tackled something different, always referring back to her twelve commandments.

This book is very readable, and I found myself nodding along with some of the things the author said or did during her months of seeking happiness. It’s a self-help book, and like all self-help books the reader takes what works for them and ignores the rest.

When I read some of the reviews, they said the author came across as self-indulgent. I didn’t find that. For me the personal experience added to the reading experience. If you’re searching for happiness, definitely spend a little time flicking through The Happiness Project. I think you’ll find it worthwhile.

Purchase The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

The beginning of a new year is traditionally the time to start afresh. Some people make New Year resolutions such as wanting to get fit, lose weight or give up smoking. They’re common ones. I’ve never been one for making resolutions, since I’m of the opinion that if I want to make a life change, I can do it at any time. I don’t need a new year to kick me into gear.

This year was a little different. I decided to pursue happiness. So what prompted this change?

Two family friends died during 2011. One was slightly younger than me (author Sandra Hyatt) and one was a little older. Both passed away before their time, and this brought home to me how precious each day is. Life is way too short to waste in anything but happiness.

What is happiness?

To me happiness is finding joy in the little things. It’s taking care of everything that I can control and letting everything else take care of itself. Happiness is letting go of the things that cause stress and enjoying friends, family and puppies. It’s trying new experiences and keeping my days clutter free. Happiness is experiencing life and embracing change instead of just drifting aimlessly along. Happiness is love.

How do you define happiness?

BLURB:

Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks

Dear Diary,

Once I took down Haverty, the Primo of the city, I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I’m thinking not so much. Haverty’s pack needs a new leader and I’ve just about run out of reasons why I’m not right for the job. Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever’s out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every Wanderer except me.

So now I just need to figure out how to mentor new shifters, run a pack, keep my “real” job, and have some sort of personal life. I guess it’s all in a day’s work for this writer-by-day / panther-by-night.

REVIEW:

Claws and Effect is the second book in the Diaries of an Urban Panther series, featuring Violet Jordan. It’s written in first person, from Violet’s point of view. At the start of the story Violet is still struggling to come to terms with the power she received from Harvety. She constantly fights the magic that swirls in her and resists entreaties from other shapeshifters who want her to run the pack.

Sometimes it’s possible to read series out of order, but with this one you definitely need to read book one before you read this one. I think you’d struggle if you started with book two.

It’s the characters that really make this series for me. Violet shows definite growth as she learns to wield her power, starts to interact with some of the dog shapeshifters and struggles to stay ahead of the baddies. Violet has a boyfriend, but he is absent for a lot of the time, and she worries that he’s not interested in her any longer. Violet is like the girl next door, and sometimes a bit of a screw up, but as she starts to embrace her powers she becomes more kick-ass.

The secondary characters of Jessa, a fairy princess and the keyholder, add to the book, but it’s the dog shifters that I had a real soft spot for. They were interesting characters that also show distinctive character arcs throughout the story.

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book—the plot, the characters, the pace and the setting work together beautifully to create a seamless read and an excellent addition to what is fast becoming one of my favorite series.

Note: this book was provided for review by the author.

Purchase Claws and Effect: A Diaries of an Urban Panther Novel

Happy New Year!

Here’s wishing you all a happy and safe 2012, filled with writing and good books.

Today I’m blogging over at Not Your Usual Suspects about the book I read as a child that sent me on the path of adventure, crime and suspense. Strictly fictional, of course!

Book Blurb:

And on the One-Thousand-and-Second night, Scheherazade told this story…

By day, Taqla uses her forbidden sorcery to move freely about the city of Damascus in the guise of an old sage. Her true identity known only by her faithful servant woman, Taqla is content with the comfortable, if restrictive, life that keeps her safe from the control of any man. Until she lays eyes on a handsome merchant-traveler. Suddenly her magical disguise doesn’t rest so easily on her shoulders.

When long-time widower, Rafiq, hears that the Amir’s beautiful daughter has been kidnapped by a scheming djinni—and that she will be given in marriage to her rescuer—he seeks the help of “Umar the Wise” to ensure he will be that man. Yet as he and the disguised Taqla set off, he senses that his prickly male companion is hiding something.

In a moment of dire peril, all of Taqla’s secrets are stripped bare—her fears, her sorcery and, worst of all, her love for Rafiq. Yet the princess’s life hangs in the balance, and there is no running away or turning back. Even though passion may yet betray them all…

Warning: Scary monsters and creepy ruins in the desert—check. Pagan gods that demand blood-sacrifices—double check. A handsome hero who looks good in a robe and even better out of it—oh yeah. Check, check and check. That’s worth a heroine dropping a veil or two.

Purchase Heart of Flame

Heart of Flame is a fantasy with romantic elements. Set in the mystical world of 9th Century Arabia, this story is a fast-paced quest that held me spellbound and kept me turning the pages.

Taqla bint-Yusef is a sorceress who lives in seclusion, hiding her true nature from everyone except her trusted servants. Sometimes, she leaves her home in the guise of a man called Zahir, weaving a spell to make her appear as a plain young male. At other times, she weaves spells to appear as Umar, an elderly wise man, all to keep her identity secret and keep herself safe from persecution.

During an outing, Taqla hears of Rafiq the Traveller’s return to the city. She is interested in meeting him to learn of his travels. After their first eventful meeting, Rafiq visits the court of the Amir where he witnesses the disappearance of Ahleme, the daughter of the Amir of Dimashq when she vanishes without warning while gazing at a magical painting. The Amir is distraught and offers riches and marriage to the man who returns his daughter. Rafiq is determined to find her and seeks counsel with Umar, the wise man who is in reality Taqla.

Thus begins the quest to find Ahleme and win her hand in marriage. Rafiq sets out with Taqla in her Zahir disguise on an eventful journey.

Ms. Ashbless has done an awesome job with the setting. I’ve visited this part of the world, and I really felt as if I was dropped in the middle of Arabia. Her descriptions are excellent, painting wonderful word pictures that help make the characters shine.

Rafiq is well-travelled and confident. He intends to marry Ahleme once he finds her and become the next ruler of Dimashq. Taqla is more innocent to the ways of the world, but she holds the power of magic. A well-matched pair, one’s strength offsets the other’s weaknesses and vica versa. Taqla has a crush on Rafiq. She knows there is no future for them, yet she can’t help trying to aid Rafiq in his quest.

For those aspiring writers who want to learn about escalating tension, definitely check out this book. With each passing chapter, the situation seems to become more dire for our hero and heroine. Will they succeed or will they give up, accepting failure?

Heart of Flame is a story of bravery, of djinni, gods, ghosts and magic and the search for love. I enjoyed this book, and if you’re a fan of fantasy with a good dose of romance then I think you’ll like it too.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser today comes from This Doesn’t Happen in the Movies, a mystery by Renee Pawlish. Also see below for my review of this book.

“I want you to find my dead husband.”
“Excuse me?” That was my first reaction

page 1, This Doesn’t Happen in the Movies

Blurb:

A wannabe private eye with a love of film noir and detective fiction.
A rich, attractive femme fatale.
A missing husband.
A rollicking ride to a dark and daring ending.

Review:

The story starts off with a classic meeting – a beautiful woman enters Reed’s brand new detective agency, wanting him to find her missing husband. Reed’s instincts go on alert. Something is not quite right, but he succumbs to her feminine wiles and takes the case anyway. The deeper he digs the more complicated the case becomes. What follows is a fast paced plot with many twists and turns before reaching the surprising climax.

Reed, the main character is a fan of classic old detective films and wants to emulate his detective heroes. He’s likeable, if a little naive at times, and intuitive when it comes to his case. Despite suspecting/guessing who the culprit was, the twists in this story and the “why” kept me reading right to the end. The writing-style is smooth and readable, hooking me from the first page. My only quibble was that although the reader is thrust into the “noir” setting straightaway, I was a little confused about the era. It took me a while to realize the story is a contemporary set one. This is the first in the series, and I’ll be checking out the followup stories. Highly recommended, especially if you’re a fan of the noir movies of the past.

Book provided for review by the author.

Purchase This Doesn’t Happen in the Movies
Print
Kindle

His Darkest Salvation
By Juliana Stone
Dark paranormal romance
Avon, an imprint Harper Collins Publishers
Release Date: 26 July 2011

ARC provided by the publisher

Official blurb:

In a world on the brink of chaos, passion and vengeance collide …

After six months in hell, Julian Castille has returned to the world a changed man. No longer the calm, powerful CEO, but a shifter fully embraced by the blood of his clan. Julian has one goal: find the key to the portal that stands between the human realm and unprecedented darkness—and win back the pieces of his soul. The last thing he needs is a distraction like the beautiful, enigmatic Jaden DaCosta.

Three years ago, a forbidden night of passion left Jaden forever altered: mated to Julian Castille–bound to a man who despises her. But the temptation to trust this darker, more savage—and more captivating—Julian is overwhelming. And as they fight for their immortal souls, their insatiable desire for each other may prove their fatal undoing…

His Darkest Salvation is a dark paranormal romance and is the third in a series featuring jaguar warriors. Juliana Stone has written a wonderful book, full of emotion that leaps off the page. Her hero and heroine come from enemy families, yet during a meeting, years earlier, Jaden took Julian as her mate. He discovered her identity and rejected her, and when they come together again, their hatred and distrust of each other is clear. The constant push-pull between the characters is very well done. The reader experiences their hopes and the sheer hopelessness of the situation they find themselves in. At times the tortured Julian is plain horrible to the heroine, yet by the end of the story it’s clear why he behaves this way, and their relationship evolves to a deeper understanding.

Jaden is the perfect foil for Julian. She’s a warrior in her own right, is strong and capable and very sensual. The love scenes between the two are explosive and full of passion.

The story comes to an exciting climax with lots of drama and an ending that makes me hope there will be more books to come. I hadn’t read the earlier books in the series, and although I managed to follow most of the back story, there were a couple of places where I think I missed something that was imparted in previous stories i.e. the relationship between the characters. If you’re new to Ms. Stone’s series, I’d suggest you grab all three and have a dark paranormal blitz to get maximum satisfaction from the jaguar warrior world the author has created.

I recommend His Darkest Salvation to any reader who enjoys a dark paranormal story with lots of emotional intensity and drama. You won’t be disappointed.

Author website Juliana Stone

Purchase link His Darkest Salvation

Series:
Book one – His Darkest Hunger
Book two – His Darkest Embrace
Book three – His Darkest Salvation

Review: Second Chance at the Sugar Shack
By Candis Terry
Avon Impulse
Contemporary Romance
On sale 19 July 2011

Review ARC supplied by the publisher

I enjoy reading contemporary romances, and I’m always on the lookout for new-to-me authors. I especially adore contemporary stories set in small towns, so I snapped up Second Chance at the Sugar Shack when I had the opportunity to review the story.

Here’s the official blurb:

Kate Silver’s back in town, and her dead mother just won’t leave her alone.

Kate usually spends her days dressing Hollywood A-listers, but after her estranged mother dies she finds herself elbow-deep in flour in her parents’ bakery in Deer Lick, Montana. She thought she’d left small town life far, far behind, but it seems there are a few loose ends.

The boy she once loved, Deputy Matt Ryan, is single and sexy and still has a thing for her – and handcuffs.

Her mother, who won’t follow the white light, is determined to give maternal advice from beyond the grave.

And somehow Kate’s three-day stay has, well – extended. She never planned to fill her mother’s pie-baking shoes – she prefers her Choos, thank you very much. But with the help of a certain man in uniform, Kate quickly learns that sometimes second chances are all the more sweet.

Kate couldn’t wait to leave Deer Lick. She wanted to follow her dream of working as a fashion stylist. Her mother is outspoken in her disapproval of Kate’s plans, and when Kate leaves town, this leads to a rift between mother and daughter that is never mended. As the story starts, Kate learns her mother has died and she has to return home for the first time since her hurried departure many years ago. We also learn that she’s at the top of her game as a stylist, working for the Hollywood elite, yet she’s very aware how fickle her success is and how younger, newer stylists are snapping at her heels.

This is a story full of quirky characters and small-town living. There’s her mother’s ghost who starts popping into her life for regular visits. There’s her mother’s best friend who seems to hate Kate and is constantly uncomplimentary about her past behavior toward her mother. There’s her father who is mourning the loss of his soul mate, and then there’s Deputy Matt Ryan. The sparks fly between the two of them, yet Matt has changed. He’s older, more confident, and he doesn’t intend to repeat his relationship mistakes with Kate, despite their attraction.

This is a story that kept me turning the pages and has stayed with me since I read it a few weeks ago. I enjoyed the way the characters both grew and came to realize that what they initially wanted from life wasn’t necessarily the thing that would make them happy. As the title suggests this is a story of second chances and it’s full of humor. I finished the story with a smile on my face. It’s the sort of romance that made me go “ahhhh”, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author. Highly recommended.

Purchase link Second Chance at the Sugar Shack

Author website: Candis Terry

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser is from Second Chance at the Sugar Shack

“He‘s devastated.” Kelly flipped on the fan. Her abrupt action seemed less about recirculating the air and more about releasing a little distress. “How would you be if the love of your life died in your arms while you were tying on her apron?”

CONTEST! Candis Terry is visiting my blog today. Please take a moment to welcome her and check out her post above. Everyone who comments on her Cherry Pits & Toilet seats post above will go into a draw to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Check out the rest of her tour here to score additional chances to win.

Hubby and I have been trying to eat healthy during the last few months. We’re counting calories and have increased our daily exercise.

About two weeks ago I discovered an iTouch app called Fitness Pal. It’s free, and we’ve found it very good for counting calories and recording our exercise. For those who don’t have an iTouch or phone, you can use the web based Fitness Pal. There are also mobile applications.

Check it out. It’s working for us.

Twin Trouble received a wonderful review from Whipped Cream and is up for book of the week. You can vote for Twin Trouble or one of the other nominated books here.

I was thrilled to find a review for A Discreet Affair in my inbox. Maria at Night Owl Reviews gave my historical romance a Top Pick and said, ” I really enjoyed reading this story and hope that Ms. Munro writes more in this setting and time. I would enjoy re-visiting Pamela and Michael in the future.”

She also enjoyed the characters, both the hero and the heroine and the secondary characters.

Here’s the link to the full review of A Discreet Affair