Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories

Book Info
Kindle Edition, 464 pages
Published September 19th 2013 by Scholastic Fiction (first published September 5th 2013)
original title The Dream Thieves
ISBN 139781407139135
edition language English
series The Raven Cycle #2
characters Blue Sargent, Richard "Dick" Campbell Gansey, Adam Parrish, Ronan Lynch
setting Virginia (United States)
literary awards Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2015), TIME Magazine Season's Most Anticipated Reads
other editions (25)
Source:Kindle version borrowed from Public Library

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

The second installment in the all-new series from the masterful, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after…

My Thoughts

Having this second book spotlighting Ronan, his family, his nightmares, his power that is both frightening as well as enticing I find myself struggling a bit here and there unlike when read book 1. The addition of the Gray Man as a character is both creepy and intriguing to see as the element of danger that he brings into the mix intensified the urgency of their quest for the boys and Blue.

To be quite frank this second story took the long way around to build momentum, a very long way around that leaves one almost wishing for it to get to the point and when it does it gets there quickly.

I may be slower on the uptake than other readers but for me the last 20 to 25% of the book was the best part, the rest was basically a build up that could have fallen flat except for the fact that it came together beautifully instead.

My only regret is the dratted cliff hanger ending, really hope my library lets me borrow book three soon!

[Kindle version borrowed from Public Library]

All I can really say is that I loved going back to the swamp and had a wonderful time as Wyatt formed a relationship with Pepper that was as complicated as it was over the top hot!

What can one say when 11 books in there is still much more to explore and so many stories still aching to be told for members of the Ghostwalkers.

Adam's ex moving in is one of those "of it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger" trials in life that I thought Mercy managed beautifully, I understand why Christy pretty much getting away with things she should have never been allowed to ticked off many readers but I just smiled knowing Adam and Mercy had a bond no amount of skillful manipulation could shatter. Being on the outside looking in my opinion is that not only did Christy actually strengthen the standing within the pack that Mercy had already earned she also pretty much finally opened the eyes of even her strongest supporters as to how much more Mercy was the better choice for taking care of Pack members as well as their Alpha Adam.

The spectacularly grueling fight scenes, the gruesome crime scenes, the unending mutual adoration and respect for each other that Mercy and Adam share and last but not least that meddling Coyote all rounded this 8th book out into another enjoyable adventure featuring our favorite mechanic.

After reading the end my smile was one of relief at how things are working out as well as pleasure from a good reading experience!

Book Info
ebook, 468 pages
Published September 2nd 2014 by Bloomsbury
original title Heir of Fire
ISBN 1619630664 (ISBN13: 9781619630666)
edition language English
URL
series Throne of Glass #3
characters Celaena Sardothien, Chaol Westfall, Prince Dorian, Manon Blackbeak, Rowan Whitethorn
setting Rifthold, Adarlan Wendlyn
other editions (10)
Source:Kindle version borrowed from Public Library

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.

My Thoughts

In the world Celaena lives in survival sometimes comes down to craftiness and wit rather than brute strength, in this third book she finds that even with these tools it may not be enough if she cannot get past the trauma that she faced as a child.

The setting has changed, some of the players have changed, the focus of conflict has changed and all in all we almost feel like at times this is the beginning rather than a winding up of loose ends as well as some personal issues that plague our heroine.

After getting back in the groove with the world and characters this story was incredibly moving in its complexity. Enjoyed the fact that we shifted focus to resolve the past as well as create an outstanding bridge into the future, even though this was an ending the real story is really just beginning and am anticipatory of how it plays out.

Magnificently done all except the fact remains that now we wait again for more!

[Kindle version borrowed from Public Library]

Book Info
ebook
Expected publication: December 5th 2014 by Smashwords Edition
ISBN 139781927901564
other editions None found
Source:Digital copy from author in exchange for honest review]

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

Enduring, undying love.
A woman caught between two worlds...
The man she can never have...
The Kine and the Alfar, enemies since before Odin sat upon the throne of Asgard...
When Charlee Montgomery discovers Asher Strand’s true nature and the feelings he has for her, she also learns Asher's love puts her in mortal danger.
Prophesied long ago, the ancient bridges connecting Earth to the other eight worlds are opened. The Alfar descend upon Earth and the Kine must emerge from their hidden life to take up their role as Man’s protectors.
Without Asher, the Kine will fall and Man with them.
To defeat the Alfar, Asher must give up any hope of a human life with Charlee.
Love. Duty. An impossible choice that must be made.
Man’s survival depends on it.
____
Tracy Cooper-Posey is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author. She writes romantic suspense, paranormal and urban fantasy romances. She has published over 70 novels since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.

My Thoughts

Spanning over 3 decades as well as at over 700 pages long this is a story of such scope and breadth that it thoroughly encompasses every fantasy that comes to mind when one thinks of the Norse gods whose mythology is the basis of it’s origin.

One cannot help but be awed at the detailed world, characters and conflicts that are created to thrill and the star-crossed romance that develops amongst the action packed suspense compels one to hope against hope that all works out for the best even when it seems there is no way in which it can.

As someone who enjoys a good science fiction tale this one fits the bill, it also falls under the categories of paranormal romance, epic fantasy, action adventure and suspense thriller so it covers quite a bit of reading ground within it’s pages.

As we enjoy the journey that starts with Charlee meeting Asher when she was merely 10, and that continues for many years, following a relationship that develops despite it being all but forbidden we find out fascinating facts that enhance not only how we perceive these main characters but the rest of the cast as well.

One can never anticipate what surprises are in store next but can say with full confidence that there is no boredom as the pages unfold and the story plays out, for such a prolonged journey when it ends you feel like a veil has been lifted from your eyes as the real world intrudes once more.

I enjoyed the intricate weaving of multiple story lines that all converge together at the end to create a cohesive whole, it was an undertaking that was a joy to read even while it meant taking breaks to fully digest what was taking place.

Digital copy from author in exchange for honest review]

This is another of my "free from Amazon Kindle" e-books that have had for awhile yet not read.

When feeling bogged down in another book decided to find a short "prequel" story to cleanse my palate and the story of how William and Cally began made them a perfect pair for that.

This is a short if not bittersweet than at least poignant look at first love for two people who were torn apart by time and distance among other things.

Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 224 pages
Expected publication: February 3rd 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492601152 (ISBN13: 9781492601159)
edition language English
URL
series Hot Cowboy Nights #2
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

Two wary hearts …
Janice Combes has two loves, bucking bulls and Dirk Knowlton. But Dirk only has eyes for a dazzling rodeo queen. How can Janice ever compete while mired ankle-deep in manure? Exchanging playful banter with Dirk is all Janice can expect-until the stormy night he knocks on her door dripping wet and needing a place to crash.

Different Dreams…
Dirk Knowlton is living the cowboy dream. Life should be good-roping, branding, backing broncs, riding bulls, but there's a void he can't seem to fill. After getting hung up by a bull, he wonders if this is really the life he wants. Restless and rebellious, he bolts...but there's a certain cowgirl he can't forget.

When a battle-scarred Dirk returns to his Montana ranch he's determined to hang on at any cost. Janice has come back home to lick her own wounds. When old dreams turn to dust, can two wary hearts take another chance on love?

My Thoughts

At 22 Dirk Knowlton is not ready to settle down, nor is he ready to "settle" for being what his wealthy girlfriend thinks he should. That includes dressing to suit her and her family as well as giving up his pursuit of following the rodeo circuit as a bronc or bull rider. Things come to a head with he and his longtime sweetheart Rachel and he spends one stormy night with Janice, a night that neither one expected but both came away from with their perspectives of one another forever changed.

Since she was 16 Janice Combes has been in love with Dirk, never really expecting them of actually having a chance she keeps silent on her feelings for years. Now at 21 Janice is keeping her family afloat by following the rodeo circuit and providing riding bulls from their ranch. It is a totally non glamorous occupation, one however which allows her contact now and again with Dirk as well as his best friend and fellow cowboy Grady Garrison.

After things come to an end with Dirk and Rachel, after the night of bliss that Dirk and Janice share life changes for them both when a fellow bull riding cowboy dies and Dirk finds this to be his wakeup call which prompts him to quit rodeoing and join the Marine Corp.

Janice learns shortly after that her father has cancer where upon she makes the mistake of turning to Grady for help, soon the two marry which is her second mistake. Now long years later, a widow and single mother Janice is back in Montana and also finds herself still drawn to a battle scarred and traumatized ex-Marine Dirk. They have come full circle but will the second chance they both wish for happen or will it be taken away from them by distrust caused by past mistakes, as one who believes that where there is a will there is a way finding the answer is harder than either thought it would be but worth the effort it takes to make happen!

Spanning a ten year period of time we cover a lot of territory for Dirk and Janice, not least of which is a few heartaches along the way that leave them both with a few issues.

The resulting HEA was one a long time in the making but well worth waiting for, not only for the couple but for the reader as well.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

Book Info
Kindle Edition, 468 pages
Published September 18th 2012 by Scholastic Press
original title The Raven Boys
ASIN B0096T5P7O
edition language English
series The Raven Cycle #1
characters Blue Sargent, Richard "Dick" Campbell Gansey, Adam Parrish, Ronan Lynch
setting Henrietta, Virginia (United States)
literary awards Bram Stoker Award Nominee for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel (2012), YALSA Teens' Top Ten (2013), Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2014), Carnegie Medal in Literature Nominee (2014), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2015) ...more
other editions (35)
Source:Kindle version borrowed from Public Library

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.

My Thoughts

Prior to reading this had a few preconceived notions of what it would be like from the book synopsis but once got involved it became apparent to me that there was so much more going on than what was hinted at.

Filled with the mystical that have come to expect when reading something penned by the author the use of word play, magical phenomena, mystery, suspense and forbidden romance keeps one engaged well past when the lights should go out to go to sleep!

In turn this is fascinating, spooky, weird, intense and also filled with a wonderful sense of adventure that draws one into the story and allows one to feel a part of the action right along with the "Raven boys" and Blue.

Different than what I expected, very gratifyingly so as happy to have finally started this series.

[Kindle version borrowed from Public Library]

Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: February 3rd 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492601934 (ISBN13: 9781492601937)
edition language English
series Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands #1
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

It's tough being a woman in a man's profession, especially for Abby Kerr, the unexpected chieftess of Clan Kerr. Loathe to marry but in need of a strong arm, Abby wishes for a Scots warrior and gets . . . Duncan, the historical reenactment hobbyist.

Wall Street Impresario Duncan MacHarg isn't bad with a fencing foil, but he's no Highlander. When a misdirected spell plucks him from the 21st century, he lands in 1705 Scotland at the feet of the fiercest woman he's ever laid eyes on...

My Thoughts

The Scottish time travel twist is one of my favorites, what is not to like about reliving a bit of history with a fiery leading lady and a sexy leading man!

Unlike so many of the other books that have availed themselves of this particular venue am happy to say that this time around the time traveller was a man who actually went back 300 years in time rather than a scantily clad female who was than forced to accept the help of the clan chief in whose arms she landed.

I enjoyed watching Duncan find his way amongst the members of clan Kerr, he may not have been exactly what Abby thought she needed in a man but she found out that he was exactly what she wanted and he found out that she was the one he longed to spend forever with if only that were possible.

There was no one thing in this story that really stood out as different from what have enjoyed before but with a twist here and a twist there it added up to an enjoyable foray into one of my preferred settings of time and place in historical romances, the back and forth banter that the characters indulged in also added to the story as did the bickering that led to Abby and Duncan indulging in sexual encounters of the utmost intensity.

The way in which things played out with the unexpected source of the method to travel back in time was poignant as well as romantic, the finale to this first installment in the series leads me to hope for Undines story soon.

A fish out of water, historical time travel romance which introduces the series and which happily promises the beginning of many hours of of pleasurable reading.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

A shift from normal vampire lore.

Book Info
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: February 3rd 2015 by Shiloh Walker, Inc.
ASIN B00LH6X45E
edition language English
series Colbana Files #4
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
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BOOK SYNOPSIS

In the year since her life was torn apart, Kit Colbana has slowly rebuilt herself. There’s a promise of hope in the relationship with the alpha of the local shapeshifters and she no longer comes screaming into wakefulness. Life’s not perfect but then again, when was it ever?

When her best friend Justin comes to her for help, there’s little question as to what her answer will be. Witches are disappearing and Justin won’t rest until he has answers. Soon, they learn that it’s not just witches who’ve gone missing, but vampires and shifters, too.

Unlikely alliances are forged as Kit and Justin found themselves drawn into a twisted web of lies and betrayal. As the clock counts down and the culprit behind recent disappearances is revealed, those Kit loves the most become the target of somebody who will kill to protect an ugly secret.

My Thoughts

Late June of 2012 my first encounter with Kit in Blade Song (Colbana Files #1) piqued my interest in learning more about her sassy character so when got the chance in 2013 to read book 2 Night Blade (Colbana Files #2) grabbed on to it and was stunned at how much it emotionally impacted me as it wound to a close.

Book 3, Broken Blade (Colbana Files #3) however changed the game even further as it is when Kit solidly won me over to her corner by showing the solid core of inner strength that I admire in a make believe character just as much as do in a real life person.

Book 4, Edged Blade (Colbana Files, #4) changed the game again as Kit slowly emerges from the darkness to shine almost as brightly as she did in the beginning. In some ways all the travails that she faced in her youth forged the steel in her spine and in her mind that somehow carried over helping her to begin to fully overcome the trauma that she suffered almost a year ago at the hands of someone she never expected to would brutalize her body and soul.

My hopes for Kit and Damon were realized, my hope for Kit to recover her sense of self is slowly throughout this book brought to realization and the direction that we are headed with the setup for book 5 is one that I heartily am on board with.

All in all the series has more than fulfilled my expectations with each new book and with each step of Kit's journey she earns her place once again as one of my favorite female leads in Urban Fantasy genre!

The bonus Novella Hunt Me published in 2011 and included after this book was a nice sexy short read that was a welcome surprise, Drew and Dakota were very well matched physically as well as mentally.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

Read [b:Fanning the Flames|21966886|Fanning the Flames (Jackson Girls' Night Out, #0.5)|Victoria Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398158033s/21966886.jpg|41277508] bonus novella after finishing Netgalley digital review copy of [b:Flirting with Disaster|22571911|Flirting with Disaster (Jackson Girl's Night Out, #2)|Victoria Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415005847s/22571911.jpg|42038342] and wish Jake and Lauren would have had a chance for their story to be read before Tom and Isabelle's but regardless am happy to read both as this little novella was a fun introduction into the series and truly helped put Jake and Lauren's relationship into perspective.

Book Info
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: January 27th 2015 by HQN Books
ISBN 0373779119 (ISBN13: 9780373779116)
series Jackson: Girls' Night Out #2
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
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BOOK SYNOPSIS

There's no hiding from sizzling chemistry…

Artist Isabelle West has good reasons for preferring a solitary life. Tucked away in a cabin in the woods, she has everything she needs . . . except a red-hot love life. That is, until a hard-bodied U.S. marshal threatens to unearth secrets she's spent years protecting. But giving in to the sparks flying between them can only lead to one thing…disaster.

Tom Duncan lives by the letter of the law. But no one has tempted him—or confused him—more than free-spirited Isabelle, who arouses his suspicion and his desire. As their connection grows, and their nights get hotter, they find their wild attraction might shake everything he stands for—and expose everything she has to hide.

My Thoughts

Isabelle West is a woman on the run who has finally settled down in a cabin outside the town of Jackson Wyoming. She feels safe, has made friends and makes a good living as a medical illustration artist. Her world changes with the arrival of US Marshal Tom Duncan, he has come to Jackson as leader of the protection detail assigned to the judge living near Isabelle. Tom stops by to introduce himself and her evasiveness causes alarm bells to ring which in turn leads him to start investigating the beautiful woman who intrigues him on a personal level as well as a professional one.

Tom Duncan is not the typical alpha male one would expect as a US Marshal, however his instincts have been well honed for ferreting out truths that others miss and when he feels like something does not gell with what he has been told than those instincts lead him on a path that could cost him Isabelle as well as his badge.

This was a combination of mystery, romantic suspense and steamy scenes that all balance out well with the strong characters who inhabit the story. Even the stray side stories that involves several supporting characters were well blended into the main event.

I enjoyed how the relationship developed with Isabelle and Tom, enjoyed the fact that the conflicts they faced were within the scope of believability and am happy to have had the chance to enjoy an author new to me.

Missed out on reading Looking For Trouble-Jackson Girls’ Night Out #1 but never feel the lack as this worked well as a stand alone tale that showed occasional glimpses into previous installments in the series.

Read [b:Fanning the Flames|21966886|Fanning the Flames (Jackson Girls' Night Out, #0.5)|Victoria Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398158033s/21966886.jpg|41277508] bonus novella after finishing Netgalley digital review copy of [b:Flirting with Disaster|22571911|Flirting with Disaster (Jackson Girl's Night Out, #2)|Victoria Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415005847s/22571911.jpg|42038342] and wish Jake and Lauren would have had a chance for their story to be read before Tom and Isabelle's but regardless am happy to read both as the little novella was a fun introduction into the series and truly helped put Jake and Lauren's relationship into perspective.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

Book Info
ebook, original, 304 pages
Published September 25th 2012 by Harlequin
original title Alice in Zombieland
ISBN 1459241274 (ISBN13: 9781459241275)
edition language English
URL
series White Rabbit Chronicles #1
characters Alice Bell, Cole Holland, Emma Lily
other editions (30)
Source:Kindle version borrowed from Public Library

Book Buy Links
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BOOK SYNOPSIS

She won't rest until she's sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

My Thoughts

Am heartily wishing had read this sooner, it was a very unique twist on not only Zombies but the ones who fight them as well.

Having lost her parents and younger sister Alice/Ali thought that the world had stopped until she found herself drawn into a group of teens like herself who could see the monsters that took her family from her.

Finding a new lease on life with a purpose also means finding herself feeling the full emotional impact of being afraid for her new friends, her grandparents and most of all the boy who she finds herself drawn to like a moth to a flame.

Filled with lots of action as well as moments of thoughtful introspection this is a read that will appeal to more than just fans of Zombie slayers and teen romance, it has the power to cross lines of interest in the spiritual as well as the scientific too.

Grabbing book 2 [b:Through the Zombie Glass|15755296|Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles, #2)|Gena Showalter|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362417606s/15755296.jpg|21452066] from the library soon!

[Kindle version borrowed from Public Library]

Book Info
Kindle Edition, 480 pages
Published September 24th 2013 by Harlequin Teen (first published 2013)
original title Through the Zombie Glass
ASIN B00CN0N8MC
series White Rabbit Chronicles #2
characters Alice Bell, Cole Holland
other editions (21)
Source:Kindle version borrowed from Public Library

Book Buy Links
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BOOK SYNOPSIS

Zombies stalk the night.

Forget blood and brains. These monsters hunger for human souls.

Sadly, they've got mine…

Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong.

After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her. Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do very wicked things.

She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her…from everyone. Now, with her best friend, Kat, at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness.

But the clock is ticking…and if she fails at a single task, they're all doomed.

My Thoughts

Drat the fact had to read on my desktop because only available in EPub format, did not faze me though as tore through this second book faster than the first and am glad to have had the chance to do so.

Following in the aftermath of Ali being bitten by a fellow slayer who had been bitten by one of the zombies her life has become even more fraught with danger than previously, this time however she is the danger that must be conquered.

I found myself amazed, bewildered and in agony for Ali and Cole time after time as it just seemed for every step forward they took they were forced 5 steps back.

The action again is nonstop at times, we also have moments of complete peace where everyone can just be for a bit even though those moments do not last long.

The richness of the follow up tale is as much of a treat as book 1 [b:Alice in Zombieland|11300302|Alice in Zombieland (The White Rabbit Chronicles, #1)|Gena Showalter|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333628241s/11300302.jpg|16227953] was, it delighted the senses as well as fed the need to know what would befall Ali and her friends next.

At some point am hoping that the library will make book 3 [b:The Queen of Zombie Hearts|20579287|The Queen of Zombie Hearts (White Rabbit Chronicles, #3)|Gena Showalter|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392304633s/20579287.jpg|25993322] available to read as well.

[Kindle version borrowed from Public Library]

Book Info
Paperback, 416 pages
Expected publication: January 27th 2015 by HQN Books
original title Ace's Wild
ISBN 0373778309 (ISBN13: 9780373778300)
edition language English
series Hell's Eight #7
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
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BOOK SYNOPSIS

When you gamble with desire, be prepared to risk everything……

Unlike the rest of the Hell's Eight brotherhood, Ace Parker's home isn't on the range. This restless cowboy craves the hustle of Simple, Texas, a lawless town where he can sate his darker appetites without guilt. At least he did, until Petunia Wayfield arrived. The prickly new teacher is insisting that Ace help her rid the town of drunkenness and card playing. For that kind of miracle, Ace demands a reward the spinster schoolmarm will surely never give.

But Petunia isn't backing down. Not when the intense passion Ace offers shatters her to the core. As soon as she can afford a ticket home back east, she'll leave Simple behind for good. Until then, she'll match his sensual challenge with her own, daring him to give up his fiercely guarded self-control. And then real danger claims Petunia, forcing Ace to reveal the man he really is—even if it drives her away forever….

My Thoughts

Petunia Wayfield thought her time in Simple Texas was just a forced stop on the way to fulfilling her dream of creating a boarding school in the east where those less fortunate students could find a place where they were safe as well as could be educated. Much to her dismay that dream keeps being put on hold as she finds herself unable to resist helping those around her that are in need, using up her savings that would have allowed her to leave and continue her journey.

The people in the town may insist that women know their place, however this particular woman knows that her place is to provide a helping hand to those who are ignored by others and in doing so she finds that for the first time in her life she feels valued.

Set in a time and place where women were expected to behave a certain way
makes Petunia's character one to raise eyebrows at as well as be proud of.

Ace Parker grew up rough, his childhood was abruptly shattered when his parents were murdered and he was orphaned. Having been found by a kind widow, who also took in the rest of the group that grew up to become Hell’s Eight, his life was changed for the better even while his need for control grew.

To say that Petunia manages to test his control is an understatement, she continuously shatters it with ease causing them both no untold amount of discomfort.

Ace is not a typical "Gambler", as we get to know him better it becomes apparent to everyone but Petunia that he is fact an example of manhood more of the townsmen should aspire to.

This is without a doubt well matched pair, despite their thoughts to the contrary.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]