Melting Point, by Kate Meader

Melting Point, by Kate Meader

Melting Point is a short e-novella in the Hot in Chicago series by Kate Meader. This story is one that I was surprised to find myself looking forward to. I don't generally read a lot of books dealing with same sex relationships, but this one got my attention.

Gage Simpson is one of the Dempsey foster kids. These kids grew up together in the home of Sean & Mary Dempsey and found a family. The foster Dad was a firefighter and all of the children followed in his footsteps. Together, the kids work at the same firehouse.

We first met Gage in the first book of the series, Flirting with Fire. He is the most happy-go-lucky guy I have ever met in a book. He was also a bit of a man-whore. With a great physique and an over abundance of charm, he has no trouble finding another guy to hook up with. That is, until he meets Brady Smith.

Brady Smith is a chef and owner of the Smith & Jones restaurant. He is a brooding, former Marine, with a complete dislike of being touched. When Gage is taken back to the kitchen to meet Brady, the sparks flew instantly.

Brady is a wounded soul. Having been captured and tortured while serving in the Middle East as a Marine, he has scars both inside and out. He avoids people as a much as he can. What he didn't count on was the persistence that Gage has as he pursues Brady.

Their relationship isn't easy. Each has past issues that they are dealing with. The biggest obstacle however is the effects that Brady's time as a captive has on his perceptions of self worth. Gage is patient and understanding of what Brady is dealing with up until an event challenges that steadfast support.

There is a lot of sex involved in the story. For the amount of it though, it didn't seem too over the top. I found that overall their story was one that felt so natural. Unlike some stories that make same sex relationships look like two people in constant heat, this story really had a strong emphasis on the relationship over the physical side of things.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was good to see these two have a happy ending.

Advance review copy provided by Simon & Schuster publishing for review.

Book Review: The Last True Vampire, by Kate Baxter

The Last True Vampire, Kate Baxter

Release Date: June 2, 2015

In some ways, I am conflicted as I write this review. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. I can honestly say that I did. This is also where the conflicted feelings come in. Almost immediately, actually within the first chapter, there was something familiar in the story. Soon, I realized what was bothering me. The basics of the story is extremely similar to the Dark Prince book written by Christine Feehan. The more I read The Last True Vampire, the more similarities I was finding. Let me explain in the following breakdown.

The Last True Vampire by Kate Baxter

The vampires in this story are born but are considered “dhampir” until they are transformed by a true vampire. At the time of transformation, the vampire loses their soul. They must find their mate, who carries their soul, to have their soul restored to them.

Vampire leader/king is named Mikhail

His mate is a human female, Claire

Fear that if he transforms her into a vampire that she will become deranged and die/be killed

Upon meeting Claire, his soul is restored

Blood bond is necessary between Mikhail and Claire to strengthen the bond between them for her safety

Mikhail's right hand is named Ronan

Nemesis of the story is a secret society bent on the total genocide of the vampire society

Key Nemesis is named “Gregor the Black”

Claire is nearly killed by a secret society member who uses a knife to assault her

Mikhail is forced to risk transforming Claire into a vampire to save her life

Dark Prince (Dark Series) by Christine Feehan   Released Date Aug. 1,  1999

Carpathians are immortals, similar to vampires but are not evil nor kill their prey. Once a Carpathian male kills his prey, he loses his soul and becomes vampire. A Carpathian male, as he becomes an adult, loses his ability to feel emotion and see colors. He must find his lifemate, she is the light to his darkness, to become whole again.

Prince/Leader of the Carpathians is named Mikhail

His mate is a human female, Raven

There is fear that converting her to become Carpathian will cause her to be deranged and have to be killed

Upon meeting Raven, Mikhail's emotions/soul is restored

Blood bond is needed to help keep Raven safe

Mikhail's father's, Prince Vlad's, second in command was named Roman

Nemesis of the Carpathian series is a secret society bent on complete genocide of the Carpathian race

Mikhail's second in command is named Gregory, also known as the Dark One

Raven nearly dies after being attacked with a knife by a secret society member

Mikhail is forced to risk converting Raven into a Carpathian to save her life.

As I read the story, The Last True Vampire, I simply could not separate it from Christine Feehan's book. Though the specifics or details of the story were different, the theme and flow of the book was eerily familiar. So much so that when I talked about The Last True Vampire to my husband, he thought I was talking about Ms. Feehan's book. Which leads to my conflicted feelings. Did I like this book on it's own merits? Or did I like it because it resonated so strongly with the Dark (Carpathian) series which I have been a fan of since its beginning? I honestly cannot say. What I do know is that I truly wish that the book was more original in it's content. It would make reviewing a lot easier. Bottom line is that the book is good, but I wish it had something that set it apart from another author's work. 

Review of the Anthology book, Way of the Warrior

I have been having fun the past couple of weeks.  There are so many great books coming out that it is hard to choose which to read first.  One book that I absolutely had to read is an anthology called, Way of the Warrior.  Due out on May 5, 2015, this book is one that you are going to want to buy.

The book summary on Amazon reads as follows:

EIGHT PASSIONATE LOVE STORIES ABOUT AMAZING MILITARY HEROES BY BESTSELLING AUTHORS:
Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker, Catherine Mann, Tina Wainscott, Anne Elizabeth, M.L. Buchman, Kate SeRine, Lea Griffith

To honor and empower those who've served, all author and publisher proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 and provides a wide range of programs and services to veterans and service members who have survived physical or mental injury during their brave service to our nation. Get involved or register for programs and benefits for yourself and your family online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

"It is a proud privilege to be a soldier." ―George S. Patton Jr.
"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us." ―Winston Churchill

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book.  Though the stories are short, they each are complete and do not leave you hanging.  The writing is engaging and in each and every story, I felt drawn to the characters.

The stories each featured a warrior as a main character.  Each one had challenges to deal with that were the results of their experiences in military service overseas.  Each is a reluctant hero.  Humble in their service and willing to sacrifice all for their battle buddies.

I loved that the book included a female hero in one story.  She both broke my heart and had me cheering.  It was wonderful to see a story where the character who served and sacrificed in the military was a woman.  With so many women serving in the armed forces today, it was a welcome change to see a woman take the hero role.

One thing that I have always loved about anthologies is that I read stories written by some favorite authors while also being introduced to new to me authors.  Actually, that is one of the joys of reviewing books.  I am able to share what I read and often will stretch my own comfort zone.  There are times when an anthology is a hit and miss.  Some stories connect with me while others fail to hold my interest.  Not so with Way of the Warrior!  Each story was a pleasure to read.

An added incentive for me was the fact that all proceeds from the sales for this book will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.  This organization has done great things to help our veterans to transition after serving in combat and being wounded.  The help these warriors receive is a critical part of their recovery as well as improving their quality of life.

Though I already have this book on my Kindle, I plan to purchase the paperback as well to support both the authors and the Wounded Warrior Project.   I applaud the authors for their generosity of sharing their talent to benefit such a worthy cause.  It says much about the character of each of the authors that they are willing to give up their income from the book sales to benefit our warriors who sacrificed so much for us all.  Buying the book is just one other way that we can all honor them and give back.  

I highly recommend this book both for its stories and for the fund raising that it is doing for the Wounded Warrior Project.  

New Facebook Page & Update

Hello!

It has been a crazy week here.  We live in a rural area and as you may know from my blog title, we live off of the grid, which means not using any electricity from a power company.  With spring finally here, we are scrambling to get homestead tasks going in between rain storms.

I am reading as much as possible to keep up with the demand and will have many more book reviews coming soon.  Currently, I have about 9 books on the shelf ready to be read & reviewed.  I am choosing to do them in order of which one is going to be published first.

I have started a Facebook page to help connect readers with this blog as well as announcements of  upcoming books and events that I read about on author websites.  If you would like to check out my page on Facebook, you can find it at Off-Grid-Momma's Bookshelf.

Book Review: Until You, by Jeannie Moon

Until You, by Jeannie Moon

Book Summary:

When newly divorced Kate Adams is approached on the sunny deck of a California hotel by hockey star David Burke, and he invites her to dinner, she almost says no. He’s obviously younger than her. And charming. And drop dead gorgeous. But there’s also something sweet about David, so Kate—who hasn’t done anything spontaneous in a very long time—accepts his invitation.

It is, after all, her fortieth birthday.

However, a real romance with thirty-year-old David, whose picture is in the gossip pages as often as it’s in the sports pages, is out of the question. No matter how much she wants him, it’s just too risky.

But meeting Kate has been David’s lightning strike. She’s the one for him, and he has no intention of giving up on her.

So while Kate guards her fragile heart, David sets out to win her over with the same determination that drives him on the ice.

And he’ll break every rule in the book if he has to.

My Thoughts:

This story was pure entertainment to read.  I felt for Kate as she struggled with a divorce after 20 years of marriage.  It wasn't an easy divorce and she definitely has some baggage to work through. She meets David while on a conference trip and the chemistry between them is quick to ignite.  

Without giving too much of the story away, I wanted to mention a few things that stood out.  First, the story has several things going on at the same time.  Kate's ex is an abusive jerk that thrives on tormenting her.  Kate's teenage daughter, Laura, plays heavily in that situation.  Second, Laura has her own personal issues to work through when she has her first significant crush.  Third, we have David, who has a reputation of being a player with women, having to face the consequences of his past behavior, and lastly, Kate has to face her insecurities caused by her past marriage & divorce as well as the age difference between her and David.

I absolutely got a snarky pleasure from some of the interactions between Kate and her ex.  My heart broke for her at first, but as she gained her inner strength, I cheered her on.  I loved the protective side of David and his devotion towards Kate when a tragedy happened.  His supportive and true caring towards Laura was also heart-melting. 

This was a great read and I literally could not put it down.  The story gripped my attention and I loved every moment of it.  I am hoping that there will be future stories about some of the other characters in the book.  Especially one somewhere down the road with Laura and her first love.   The way they are written, it would be easy for that story to be revisited later on.  

Book Review: Flirting With Fire, by Kate Meader

Flirting With Fire, by Kate Meader

Book Summary:

The first installment in Hot in Chicago, a brand-new, sizzling series from Kate Meader that follows a group of firefighting foster siblings and their blazing hot love interests!

Savvy PR guru Kinsey Taylor has always defined herself by her career, not her gender. That is, until she moved from San Francisco to Chicago to be with her fiancé who thought she wasn’t taking her “job” of supporting him in his high-powered career seriously enough—and promptly dumped her for a more supportive and “feminine” nurse. Now, as the new assistant press secretary to Chicago’s dynamic mayor, she’s determined to keep her eye on the prize: no time to feel inferior because she’s a strong, kick-ass woman, and certainly no time for men.

But that all changes when she meets Luke Almeida, a firefighter as searingly sexy as he is quick-tempered. He’s also the second oldest of the Firefightin’ Dempseys, a family of foster siblings who have committed their lives to the service—if Luke’s antics don’t get him fired first. When Luke goes one step too far and gets into a bar brawl with the Chicago Police Department, Kinsey marches into Luke’s firehouse and lays down the law on orders from the mayor. But at Engine Co. 6, Luke Almeida is the law. And he’s not about to let Kinsey make the rules.

My Review:

This book was hard to put down.  I love stories where the couple don't get along at first and have to work their way into a relationship.  For me, it just seems more believable if the story isn't all puppies and posies from the beginning.  

Luke Almeida is a walking, talking, in your face alpha-male.  Short tempered, he uses his fists more often than diplomacy in tough situations.  A bar room fight gets Luke in major trouble with the city mayor.  His job threatened, as well as the possibility that his foster siblings will be split up into other engine companies, Luke has to get with the program and follow the suggestions of Kinsey Taylor, a PR worker from the city offices.  Not an easy task since Kinsey has a way with pushing Luke's limits.

Kinsey Taylor at first comes off as an "I am woman, hear me roar" personality but we soon learn that she has her reasons.  Her take-charge attitude goes against the grain with Luke and sparks fly immediately.  The verbal sparring between these two keeps you entertained.  Typically, I will connect with one character over the other in the sparring situations.  In this book however, I found myself changing sides quite often.

From the beginning, Luke and Kinsey feel an attraction for each other but fight it. Because of past relationships, each of them has trust issues and must work through them.  Eventually, they do and then the real sparks start flying.

There is a secondary story started in this book.  Gage, who is one of Luke's foster siblings, begins to lay the foundations of a relationship with a chef.  I am looking forward to reading that story later in the series.

This is the second title by Kate Meader that I have read and before finishing, I had already purchased two more of her titles for my Kindle.  That doesn't happen often for me.  It is a rare thing for me to enjoy a book so much that I start loading up my Kindle with more of that author's work.  Ms. Meader's writing does it for me.  The character development is spot on and she doesn't fill in gaps in a storyline with sex just to get her daily word count.  The intimacy between Luke and Kinsey is something that seems to come in a natural timing for the story and isn't awkward. 

I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Playing With Fire, due out in late September, 2015.

*Complimentary copy received for honest review.

Falling for Jillian, by Kristen Proby - A Book Review

Falling for Jillian, by Kristen Proby

This title is book #3 in the Love Under the Big Sky series.  I haven't read the first two titles, so was thrilled that this book is a stand alone.  

The story is about Jillian Sullivan has returned to Cunningham Falls, Montana, after a bad divorce.  She is dealing with a personal humiliation stemming from her ex-husband's cheating during the marriage, along with other issues from the marriage.

Jillian faces another heartbreak in Cunningham Falls.  Her best friend is related to a man whom Jillian had a one night stand with, Zack King.  Zack, an Army veteran, is a divorced, single Dad with a preteen age son, Seth.  Zack and Seth are working through some issues of their own past when we meet them in the story.  Seeing Zack again has brought to the surface feelings which she has tried to keep hidden ever since their night together.  

The chemistry between Jillian and Zack leaps off the pages from the word go.  The interplay and verbal sparring in the beginning has you alternately cheering for them and wanting to knock their heads together.  I loved watching the progression as they face their own history and deal with the miscommunications that lead to their parting after their one night stand.

Once they are able to sort through their feelings and deal with their past, you see them helping each other to face their own private demons.  I loved how they also brought Seth into the picture by making him such an integral part of their relationship.  They made sure that Seth was okay about their relationship before letting it go too far.

I loved the "real" factor of this book.  I was able to connect to the characters and looked forward to reading more.  It was a hard book to put down, in spite of daily tasks that I needed to be doing.  After reading this, I sought out the previous two titles in the series.  As always, it is a complete joy to find a new series to read.  Especially when the series hits you right in the "feels" and makes a connection with you.