*Book Review* Steampunk - Dawn's Early Light by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris

Series: Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences # 3
Publisher: Ace Penguin
Released: March 25, 2014
Source: Amazon
Format: E-Book, 384 pages
Genre: Science Fiction / Steampunk

Working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, one sees innumerable technological wonders. But even veteran agents Braun and Books are unprepared for what the electrifying future holds…

After being ignominiously shipped out of England following their participation in the Janus affair, Braun and Books are ready to prove their worth as agents. But what starts as a simple mission in the States—intended to keep them out of trouble—suddenly turns into a scandalous and convoluted case that has connections reaching as far as Her Majesty the Queen.

Even with the help of two American agents from the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical, Braun and Books have their work cut out for them as their chief suspect in a rash of nautical and aerial disasters is none other than Thomas Edison. Between the fantastic electric machines of Edison, the eccentricities of MoPO consultant Nikola Tesla, and the mysterious machinations of a new threat known only as the Maestro, they may find themselves in far worse danger than they ever have been in before…

Dawn's Early Light is the third installment in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris. The story begins where The Janus Affair left off. Doctor Basil Sound, director of MPO, sends reinstated agent Eliza Braun, along with newly promoted agent Wellington Books, to America where they are supposed to help the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical find out why ocean and air ships are disappearing off the coast of the Outer Banks. But, if you know anything about these characters, and writers, you know that nothing is that simple.

Right from the start, Eliza chases a would be thief on their transportation to America, while underneath it all, she has some issues with Welly's nonchalance about the kiss that took place in The Janus Affair. Sadly, this issue takes up a rather large portion of the story, when it could have been dealt with in a matter of moments. Eliza and Welly team up with Head Librarian Felicity Lovelace, and Wild Bill Wheatley, who Eliza has a grudge against from a previous mission.

As they scramble to stop the House of Usher, and inventor Thomas Edison from unleashing a deadly weapon on unsuspecting citizens, they leave behind a destructive path that takes them from North Carolina, to Detroit, to Arizona, and ending up in San Francisco. Along the way, they not only meet Thomas Edison and uncover his plans, but also Henry Ford, and Nikola Tesla who have their own issues with Edison.

Dawn's Early Light is such a wild, wild ride especially with Welly's new steam powered vehicle, the newest weapons that are on display, Eliza's spunk, determination, and sass, and Welly's new found status as an agent. I also found myself actually liking the possibility of Eliza and Wild Bill for a minute or two, but quickly tossed it out the window when my senses came back to me. I do believe that things are becoming much clearer now as to the House of Usher's intentions, the mystery behind who the Maestro is, and why the House of Usher is so focused on Wellington Thornhill Books, Esquire.

Felicity and Wild Bill are surprisingly characters and definitely a nice, albeit brief addition to the series. There are several other characters worthy of mention. The first is Van Sommerset, a bounty hunter/female priest sent to collect Welly. The second should be familiar to fans of this series. Sophia del Morte who has her very own storyline involving a member of the royal family, and the fact that she still works for the Maestro.

Dawn's Early Light isn't shy on the action, surprising twists, revelations, dangers, romance, or the shocking ending that leads into the fourth installment. Luckily, I don't have to hang around long to read The Diamond Conspiracy (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #4) because I am set to do a review/blog tour stop on April 1, 2015!

Other Books in Series:

  

*Stacking the Shelves* Welcome to Spring!

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course eBooks!

The Week in Reviews:

Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs (UF)

Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker (New Adult)

Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop (UF)

The Wicked City by Megan Morgan (PNR)

A Wild Thing by Rhiannon Thomas (YA Fantasy)

Of Silk and Steam by Bec McMaster (Steampunk)

Red by Alyxandra Harvey (YA Paranormal)

The Week in Books:

Received via Penguin Group Ace Hardcover

Received via NetGalley or Edelweiss

Bloomsbury USA Children's

Penguin Group Ace Hardcover

Simon & Schuster

AMAZON Deals:

     

*Book Review* Dead Heat by Patrica Briggs (UF)

Series* Alpha & Omega # 4
Publisher: Penguin/Ace
Released: March 3, 2015
Source: NetGalley/Publisher
Format: E-Book, 336 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy

THE NEW CHARLES AND ANNA NOVEL

Praised as “the perfect blend of action, romance, suspense and paranormal,"* the Alpha and Omega novels transport readers into the realm of the werewolf, where Charles Cornick and Anna Latham embody opposite sides of the shifter personality. Now, a pleasure trip drops the couple into the middle of some bad supernatural business…

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal--or at least it starts out that way...  Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire. 

Charles Cornick, the son and enforcer of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, and his mate Omega werewolf Anna Latham, return in the FOURTH installment of the Alpha & Omega series. It has been a few years since Fair Game was released (2012), but what hasn't changed is my adoration for this couple. At this point, I have put Anna and Charles above Mercy and Adam as one of my favorite couples. I'll admit that I like the fact that Charles is a badass enforcer and assassin, while Anna has taken a huge step into being a fantastic heroine all her own.

Dead Heat takes our couple from Montana, to Arizona. It is almost Anna's 26th birthday, and Charles wants to give her a unique gift. Since Anna has picked up riding horses, what's a better present than having a horse all her own? Add in the fact that the fae didn't all go quietly away, but have allowed the worst of the worst to escape and wreck havoc on humanities innocent children, and you have the ground work for yet another fantastic novel.

"The day I met you was the first day I ever felt joy."

There are several things that stand out for me in Dead Heat. First, we know that Charles has been around for a fairly long time. You know that he's had relationships and friendships with humans. Briggs introduces readers to one of Charles very best friends, Joseph Sani, his wife Maggie, and his family whose children are targeted by a fae called the Doll Collector. Briggs goes back in time to when Joseph, and Charles first met. We also get a look into Joseph's choice of remaining a human, and not choosing to become a wolf. I definitely respect his choice.

Second, I loved that Charles doesn't necessarily have protect Anna from others, but does so because Brother Wolf is in love with her and doesn't want to see her hurt. Anna has her own powers, and I dare say that they make Mercy look like a newbie. She doesn't have to do what other Alpha's tell her, has a calming influence on any wolf around her, and can push back just as hard as she gets. She doesn't have to constantly worry about whether Charles pack mates like her or want to kill her. Her experiences as a forcibly changed wolf also go a long way of helping a newbie wolf survive the transformation.

I'm not into horses all that much, but I do appreciate the obvious research and time that Briggs has put into differentiating between them. Probably took a bit of my enjoyment away from the story, but birthing a new werewolf, facing off against a villainous fae, and Charles's reminiscing about the past with Joseph made up for it.

Briggs starts and ends Dead Heat with an interesting plot line. Anna has now reached the point in her relationship with Charles where she wants a baby; Charles baby. But, can she have her own, or will she have to adopt them? You can probably imagine how many people truly hate Charles and would love nothing better to bring him down? Especially after Anna, Charles and FBI Special Agent Leslie Fisher, who returns in Dead Head, stopped the Fae in Fair Game. Apparently Briggs isn't done with the Fae plot line, so I won't be surprised if they return in the Fifth installment currently Untitled. How long until the FIFTH installment comes out? Please don't be another 3 years!

**I received this book for free from (Penguin/Ace) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

Other Books in this Series:

  

*New Adult Book Review* Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker

Series: Burying Water # 2
Publisher: Atria Books
Released: March 3, 2015
Source: NetGalley/Publisher
Format: E-Book, 384 pages
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set—one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game—at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to. 

Becoming Rain is the second installment in K.A. Tucker's Burying Water series. Tucker writes dual first person narratives from 26-year old Clara Bertelli and 24-year old Luka (Luke) Boone. I would label Becoming Rain as a new adult romantic suspense novel without all the sexual encounters that we normally see from NA novels. No worries, this wouldn't be a Tucker novel without SOME lustful scenes to entertain readers.

I’ve broken one of the most basic rules of undercover work: don’t get emotionally attached to your targets.

Clara really goes through a transformation of sorts over the course of this story. She's been a cop for 4 years, 2 undercover as part of the Major Crimes Unit in DC but really has no life. She has an outstanding record of closing cases, but wants something more out of life than coming home to an empty house. When given the chance to work a case with the FBI in bringing down a multimillion dollar west coast car theft ring, Clara jumps in feet first becoming Rain Martines. If only she was ready for her heart to open itself to the person she is supposed to be helping bring down.

Luke is Jesse's friend and former roommate from Burying Water. (Jesse, Alexandra, and his father do make a cameo appearance in Rain.) He's into cars, booze, money, and women. When his Uncle Rust finally gives him a chance at running his own car garage, it's like he's just won the lottery. That is until Rain Martines wanders into his life turning him inside out and all about. This is also when Luke gets first hand knowledge of Rust's illicit operations. As Rain gets closer to Luke, she realizes that he not only has a good heart, but he really isn't a bad person despite who his uncle is, or the associates that hang around him.

Tucker is a writer who knows how to write romance. With Clara and Luke, their relationship is not love at first sight. It is tentative, slow burning, and makes Clara do silly things she would never do while luring in a criminal. In a case that could make her entire career, Clara finds herself on the precipice of losing it all just as quickly by falling in love with the person she isn't supposed to have feelings for.

I do appreciate the attempt that Tucker makes of putting readers into the shoes of a female undercover cop. You really could tell the struggles Clara faces as she becomes entangled in Luke's world. I don't think we've had enough opportunities of getting into female cops mindsets, and what makes them choose a career over family, and even friendships.

Favorite Quote:

“It’s not so much that I love rain. I just have a healthy respect for what it does. People hate it, but the world needs rain. It washes away dirt, dilutes the toxins in the air, feeds drought. It keeps everything around us alive.”

**I received this book for free from (Atria Books) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

Previous Installment

*Urban Fantasy Book Review* Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

Series: The Others # 3
Publisher: Penguin/ROC
Released: March 3, 2015
Source: Edelweiss/Publisher
Format: E-Book, 416 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy

The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…

For THREE books now, readers have followed along as 24-year old Meg Corbin, a cassandra sangue (blood prophet), escaped from the Controller and the Walking Names who exploited her for their own purposes, and found her way to the Lakeside Courtyard where Simon Wolfgard is the leader. Meg has become an important part of a rather unusual community that has a mix of humans and terra indigene aka Others. I dare say that Simon and the Others of Lakeside have become not only Meg's family, but necessary in keeping humanity alive. I also dare say that things are getting very interesting for Simon's pack of Others, Humans, and Cassandra's.

Meg is such an interesting character. She really is a believable character who tries to make the most out of being the Courtyards Human Liaison and finding a balance between her humans pack, and Simon's. Even though Meg has issues with wanting to cut herself too much, and makes silly mistakes because she tries too hard, it is HER prophecies that have saved numerous lives, and continues to do so in Vision. It is also her responsibility to be the Trailblazer for the other cassandras who were rescued by the Others.

Vision in Silver is a much, much different story than Written in Red  or Murder of Crows. First, we really get a sense of urgency when it comes down to Simon's determination as a leader to make changes that don't necessarily go over well with The Others. Simon's relationship with the Human police department (Monty & Burke) and his own human pack (Merri Lee, Ruthie, Theral, & Pete) has evolved. With their help, he has been able to keep Humans First and Last at bay, and the casualties of war low. His relationship with Meg has progressed. They are friends, and they really do care what happens to the other. Yet, Simon's relationship with Vlad, Henry, and Tess is what you shouldn't ignore.

Another group that gets the spotlight in Vision are the cassandra sangue who have been exploited so much, that they really are a sad lot when all is said and done. Even Meg has trouble with not cutting herself at inappropriate times. She's really a child in the sense that the world is so much bigger, and a dangerous place than she could ever imagine. There are some really awful and sad endings for groups of cassandra's and that we can blame on the fact that they've been brainwashed by The Walking Names into believing one thing, only to find themselves inadequately prepared to survive the outside world. There is also a heart warming moment when Bishop walks readers through the struggles of a young cassandra that Meg tries to help. Perhaps with Meg's further guidance, more will survive including her friend Jean.

Anne Bishop knows how to create unique worlds, and characters that truly stand out. One of the more interesting groups of characters introduced in Vision but not truly seen, are the native terra indigene who live in the wild lands and have absolutely no contact with humans. Now that HFL group has made their move and been exposed for their intentions, it will be interesting to see where Bishop goes from here. It will also be fun to watch Simon walk the tightrope of knowing that any time he makes a mistake, humanity could face extinction.

Vision in Silver is the third installment in The Others series but not the last. The Others is a series that is set in a fictional world known as Namid, the country of Thaisia, and a slice of territory known as the Lakeside Courtyard along with a few others places. I do believe that Vision in Silver is a bridge of sorts to the next story arc. The story ends in such a way that you could say that no more books are necessary, but never fear my friends! We are expecting two more books over the next 2 years!

**I received this book for free from (Penguin/ROC) via (Edelweiss) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

Other books in Series:

 

*Paranormal Book Review* The Wicked City by Megan Morgan

Series: Siren Song # 1
Publisher: Kensington
Released: March 3, 2015
Source: NetGalley/Publisher
Format: E-book, 309 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Whatever June Coffin says, goes—literally. And it’s not just because she’s a chain smoking rebel. As a Siren, June has the ability to force people to obey any command she voices. But in a world where those with supernatural powers quickly become lab rats for science, she’d rather look out for herself than fight on the front lines…until her similarly gifted twin brother, Jason, is captured by Chicago’s Institute of Supernatural Research.      To save Jason, June has no choice but to enter a hidden world of conspiracy, murder—and strange bedfellows—including a widowed paranormal advocate whose memory June accidentally erased, and a fiery paranormal separatist leader. Soon the lines between attraction and strategic alliance become blurred. But in a city exploding with paranormal crossfire, and her brother’s life at stake, June will have to face her inner demons and finally take a stand. 

The Wicked City is the first book in the Siren Song series by Megan Morgan, a new to me author who is known for writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and erotica. I am leaning towards this story being more in the Paranormal Romance genre than Urban Fantasy. The sex scenes alone are what we normally see in the Paranormal Romance genre, not UF.

The main character for The Wicked City is June Coffin, a Siren (aural captivator) who loves to chain smoke, drink whiskey and wine, and has tattooed nearly her entire body. Along with her twin brother Jason, they are brought to Chicago where the Institute for Supernatural Research is located after June unfortunately exposes them to the paparazzi.

While escaping without her brother, June uses her hypnotic voice against a researcher named Micha Bellevue, and ends up getting involved with not only Micha who lost his wife Rose and now has no memories, but Sam Haain (Shifter), Cindy & her cat Serendipity (Sex Witch), Muse Sagan (Telepath), and Aaron Jenkins (Human) in order to get Jason back safely.

June isn't what you call your ass-kicking take no prisoners sort of heroine. She's a bit crude, a bit on the immature side, apparently allergic to everything that she eats, and is covered in tattoos, and piercings. She is also highly addicted to sex, and it really doesn't matter who the person is. There are some eye rolling moments of woman on woman comparisons that just irked me. When are we ever going to get past the entire who has the biggest breasts, or is more beautiful than whom shenanigans? Can't we act a bit like adults?

I, unfortunately, did have other issues with this story not withstanding what I just wrote. I struggled with the thought of June and Micha being together so soon after his own wife was murdered. Didn't make for a pleasant experience for me, and yes I did skip over the entire chapter 8 because I'm not into erotic sexcapades, or the entire relationship and how it progresses. I had issues with Morgan not utilizing June's abilities until she had absolutely no choice but to use them to save lives.

Morgan also wraps up The Wicked City with little or no fanfare. There are a few left over storylines to traverse to the next installment which is to be called The Bloody City. The only way for this to work, is to tell readers that what happened in this book really wasn't the end, and that the dangerous June and Jason face are only the beginning of their journeys. Obviously, there is more to the Paranormal Alliance than meets the eye. Perhaps Morgan will it reveal more next time out.

**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

*Top Ten Tuesday* Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week there is a new topic and we all share our thoughts on that topic! I decided it was finally time to jump on board with this wicked fun meme!

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR List! (March 21 - June 20)

I've made it so that when you click on the cover, it takes you to Goodreads
where you can find out more about the book.

1. Dark Alchemy by Laura Bickle
*Part of the Blog Tour for the book*

2. Dark Heir by Faith Hunter
*Blog Tour coming to Gizmos April 10, 2015*

3. Skandal by Lindsay Smith

4. Garden of Dreams and Desires by Kristen Painter

5. Pirate's Alley by Suzanne Johnson

6. Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep
*Q&A with Jennifer on 04/21/2015 along with a giveaway!*

7. The Shadow Revolution by Clay & Susan Griffith

8. Lion Heart by A.G. Gaughen 

9. The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

10. Endgame by CJ Daugherty