Review: SLADE by Sarah McCarty

The Shadow Wranglers #4
Paranormal (Vampire/Weres)
Berkley Sensation

As the tech guru of the Renegades, Slade Johnson is the genius behind most of their weapons against the Sanctuary. But with all his knowledge there is one thing that escapes him, how to cure his nephew's illness and save his life.

Scientist Jane Frederickson has made a remarkable breakthrough in her genetic studies. But what she discovers could be used to cure world hunger, or destroy humanity.

Can Slade and Jane keep her research out of the Sanctuary's hands? Is she the answer to Slade and his family's prayers?

*****

This was one of those stories that I enjoyed most of, but there were some aspects that just drove me nuts. I like the Johnson brothers, and their fight against the Sanctuary. I like the kick-ass storyline. I'm a fan of alpha heroes, but I really hate the over-alphaness of some of Sarah McCarty's lead male characters. I also hate how her strong, capable heroines all of a sudden become mealy little wimps, with bursts of stubbornness. I can handle weak characters, but I'm better with it when they start out being weak. Or if they are strong, it's okay to have a weak needy moment, but not to fall under the “oh save me because I just can't save myself” mode.


Jane kind of flip-flopped for me. I understood that she spent most of her life in a lab, so physical strength wasn't her strong point. In the beginning part of the book she tried to be strong, but when they finally made it to the ranch, and when Slade figured out she was his mate, he crossed the line of suddenly not thinking she was capable to make her own decisions. Jane bucked at some of it, but she seemed to cave to most of it. I understand the concept of compromise, but that didn't seem to be the case between Jane and Slade. It became a “what he says goes” kind of relationship...that's I'm not good with. Mostly because she seemed to have a good head on her shoulders, and I felt she should have had more say in the choices that were made for her.

I will read more of Sarah McCarty's books, especially her here historicals...I don't mind the over-alphaness is a time period where women were expected to be strong but meeker (note: there is a difference between being more submissive and being stupid or weak), more followers than leaders. That is one setting that I get annoyed with too modern heroines.

Rating: 3

Review: JACE by Sarah McCarty

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The Shadow Wranglers #3

Paranormal (Vampire/Werewolves)

Berkley Sensation

377 Pages

Their love was forbidden, vampires and werewolves just don't mix. But when Miri disappeared from Jace Johnson's life, nothing could keep him from finding her.

Rescuing her from a year of imprisonment in the hell of a Sanctuary stronghold, he discovers that the woman he loves has suffered unspeakable pain, not only the physical and mental pain of torture, but also the pain of having her child ripped from her arms, a child Jace didn't know he fathered. Nothing will stop them from finding their daughter.

Can they find their baby girl and start anew? Can Miri overcome her pain and learn to trust Jace again?

*****

Okay, deep breath here, as I try to put my thoughts of this book into perspective. There was so much going on that I kept finding myself being distracted by the book itself. I know that probably doesn't make much sense, but with each new development in the story I would catch myself trying to put everything in order and attempt to bring it together. I think that was my biggest problem with this book, there was just too much going on, and by the end there were a few things that were left unresolved that had me completely dissatisfied. I could see it was leading to set up the next book, but that didn't make me feel any better.



I liked Jace, even though his over-protectiveness and major Alpha attitude was a bit overdone at times, but he wasn't a complete ass about it, I could feel his tenderness and caring coming through. Miri had me a bit more on a yo-yo string as she would waiver from feelings back and forth. Her refusal to listen to reason was very irritating. I can understand that she wanted to be part of the action in saving her daughter, but sometimes her actions were just plain stupid. I know that she lived through hell, and needed time to heal, but when she put herself and others in danger, I just got mad at her.



Something else that also irked me was that I felt there was too much time spent reintegrating Miri into life, first at the Johnson ranch and then into the pack, were the emphasis changed onto Jace being accepted as the pack leader, and not enough time was spent searching for Faith, or let me rephrase that, it SEEMED not enough time was spent searching for her, though apparently it was being done in the background. I wish that the story had been turned around, with the hot and heavy action of Jace, Miri, his brothers and friends striving to find Faith, and once that was accomplished to THEN focus the story on Miri and Jace's emotional reconnection and their family connections. I think that would have made the story work better for me. Though I can understand where Ms. McCarty was going when she wrote her book the way she did, there were some added characters and dimensions that kept the book going as it was, but I still feel that if the structure had been altered with Faith getting more attention it would have been a much greater reading experience (for me).

Rating: 3

August Reads

...not to shabby, a little short for me, but what I did read mostly pretty great quality!

(*) ARC copy for review

1.*PROMISES REVEAL (Promises #4)- Sarah McCarty ~Western/Historical -Rating A+
~ I absolutely LOVE Sarah McCarty's westerns, and with the much anticipated PROMISES REVEAL she has truly outdone herself, creating characters that really get into your heart, making you anxious to solve their conflicts and find the love they so richly deserve. And her smoking hot love scenes are so emotionally charged that you may just find your own body heating up, imaging just what the Rev can do for you. She hooks you into the story, drawing you into the lives of all the characters, eager to see how the Rev and Evie make their marriage work, excited to catch-up with past friends, and curious enough about other characters, that you are now fervently awaiting their books to come out!
Having “met” Brad, a/k/a the Rev in the previous Promise books, I couldn't wait to find out about his past, to see what created the man, and to learn what kind of woman would be right for him, I was not disappointed. Evie is the perfect woman for him, just what he needs, someone who he can enjoy a certain wildness with. I was annoyed with Evie's spoiled attitude, and her habit of jumping to conclusions early on in the book, but soon learned that it was a part of her that she was going to grow out of in her discovery of her love and trust in Brad. It was a great trip watching Brad and Evie find themselves, especially seeing Brad overcome his vulnerable side and learning that he really is worthy of love.
Though this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Having read the complete series, I was surprised how Sarah drew me into previous characters that I had no liking to prior to this, drawing new dimensions to their personalities that made it possible to hope for their own stories in the future. Nidia was someone I absolutely loathed, but now I can't wait to see what is in store for her, to see if maybe she and Elijah can heal each other. And Jackson, I'm glad his book is next, he is a very compelling man, I look forward to meeting the woman who will have him tied in knots!

2. GAME FOR ANYTHING – Bella Andre ~Contemporary -Rating A
~ Bella Andre successfully weaves an engrossing tale of passion, humor and drama. I feel that the past conflict between Ty and Julie blends into their mindset of the present smoothly, allowing me, as the reader, to empathize with them and more understand their attitudes toward one another. Both have their own predigests against the other to overcome, which allows them to grow and learn each other, making their relationship all the more heartwarming. And it doesn't hurt that the combustible passion and sexual tension between these two is enough to set the pages on fire, causing me to pause and fan myself. I also enjoy the sense of humor thrown into the story, keeping this from being to dramatic and over-the-top and giving the characters more dimension, making them realistic and extremely likable.

3. BLUE-EYED DEVIL – Lisa Kleypas ~Contemporary -Rating A
~ Hardy Cates, oh what a man, he is so dang yummy! We first met him in SUGAR DADDY, where Liberty Jones (now Travis), had a huge crush on him growing up. He was always such a gentleman, who even then knew what he wanted. We had a rather upsetting taste of the man he grew to become, but fortunately it was a shallow taste that didn't delve deeply into the reasons for his actions. Now we learn how he redeems himself. He's a man that knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. He is very confident, yet he faces his own fears, and strives to overcome the man his father was, to be the man that he is.
This story follows Haven Travis throughout her life, not just catching bits and peaces in flashbacks or conversations. I love following her through her struggles, knowing that what she will find is a new beginning, even if she takes the long way to get there.
Haven and Hardy's story is very emotional. It touches more than just two ordinary people meeting and falling in love, but two people who've faced unbelievable conflicts, and have battled their way to the top and to each other.
I love Lisa Kleypas' historical and contemporary works, and greatly look forward to visiting the Travis family again in the future.

4. KNOCK THREE TIMES – Amarinda Jones ~Contemporary-erotica -Rating C
~ While the passion between Montie and Tyne burned red hot, I felt that the depth of their emotion for each other, after they'd had sex a couple of times, without really speaking to each other, annoying. I liked Montie and Tyne, I just wish that Ms. Jones had not rushed to the discovery of “I love him/her” moment, because, for me, I need the characters to actually have some basic conversations or interactions outside of intimate relations before I'm ready to experience such significant feelings. I like to watch the relationship grow more between characters. I liked the code between them where Tyne would knock three times before entering, giving Montie a nice little thrill every time she heard it. I thought that the punishment given to the villain was well deserved, though I felt he should have suffered a bit longer for what he wanted to do to Montie.

5.*HIS LADY CAPTIVE – Anne Gracie ~Regency -Rating C
~ This was a really slow start for me, I had a hard time getting into the story, and Ms. Grace almost lost me completely at one point, but she was able to pull me back in, as I hoped for the best outcome for Harry and Nell. I was really rooting for them, they are both determined characters that have faced many hardships. I liked that they had both survived their struggles, as it strengthened their personalities and made them more likable. Also, I felt that they deserved to find a lifetime of happiness. I wasn't surprised by the turn of events and, unfortunately, was not completely satisfied with the villain's punishment, honestly, I felt that he should have suffered a life-time living with his disfigurements. For his crimes, I was all for a cruel justice, over a quick one on.

6.*THE MISSING – Shiloh Walker ~Romantic Suspense/Paranormal (visions) -Rating A+
~ This is a phenomenal tale, with a captivating plot, full of intense emotions and fascinating characters that absolutely blew my mind! Shiloh Walker immediately drew me into the riveting story of Taige and Cullen. I was so enthralled into their lives that by Chapter Three I was bawling my eyes out, it was not a sniffle-sniffle, little tear-up scene, I was absolutely sobbing. I can't remember the last book I read that made me cry so hard. Taige and Cullen were just so compelling that I was completely immersed in their lives and actions, their pain was so acute that I could feel it. Now don't get me wrong, this book wasn't a sobfest or anything like that, but it was very emotional read. There were moments of joy and happiness, anger, and crushing defeat, a mix feelings that were so well written and defined, that I could forget I was reading about fictional characters. I finished this book feeling extremely satisfied. I eagerly anticipate reading more of Shiloh Walkers books, as she has yet to disappoint me.

My July 2008 reads

1.DIE FOR ME-Karen Rose~Suspense -Rating A+
2. SCREAM FOR ME – Karen Rose~Suspense -Rating A+
3. DELICIOUS – Sherry Thomas ~Victorian -Rating B-
~I really liked her writing style, but found the story only mediocre-the last ½ of the book was great.
4. THE LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM – Julia Quinn~ Regency-Rating A
5. SECRETS OF THE KNIGHT – Julie Latham~Medieval -Rating C
~I had trouble connecting with the characters.
6. TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT(Marlowe #2)– Elizabeth Boyle~Victorian/Paranormal -Rating A+
7. MINE TIL MIDNIGHT (Hathaway #1)– Lisa Kleypas~Victorian -Rating A+
~Love Love Love Cam....
8. SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE (Hathaway #2)– Lisa Kleypas~Victorian -Rating A+
~Kev (Merripen) & Win's story...this book really focused on the whole Hathaway clan, esp. Cam, with the romance between Kev & Win taking place almost in the background (they are both quieter/privater people, while everyone else are all so boisterous and overpowering), but because I love the whole family, it didn't bother me a bit and was an excellent read
9. IF YOU DARE (McCarrick #1) – Kresley Cole~Victorian -Rating A
10. IF YOU DESIRE (McCarrick #2) – Kresley Cole~Victorian -Rating B-
11. IF YOU DECEIVE ((McCarrick #3) – Kresley Cole~Victorian -Rating A
12. DUCHESS AT NIGHT (Duchess #3) – Eloisa James ~Georgian -Rating A+
13. PROMISES LINGER(Promises #1) – Sarah McCarty~Western -Rating A+
14. PROMISES KEEP (Promises #2) – Sarah McCarty~Western -Rating A
15. PROMISES PREVAIL (Promises #3)– Sarah McCarty~Western -Rating A