Book Review: Heart of Iron

Heart of Iron (London Steampunk #2)

Bec McMaster

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Book Description:

In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…

Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…

Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.

With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:

Last year I picked up Kiss of Steel, a debut novel by an Australian writer – Bec McMaster. Needless to say that I’ve devoured the novel and the follow up novella – Tarnished Knight, and was eagerly awaiting release of the second book in the series – Heart of Iron. With its dark and seductive, gas-lit world, set in alternate Victorian England, filled with ruthless blue bloods, swoon-worthy heroes, and feisty heroines – London Steampunk novels are an exciting mixture of romance and adventure.

Title Reveal: Mad About the Boy

Did you guys hear? There is now an official title for the third book in the Bridget Jones series? And *drum roll please* it shall be called Mad About the Boy! I don’t know about you, but I love Bridget. Cause how can you not love her? I will also admit that I’ve been a Bridget Jones movie fan first and only recently read Helen Fielding’s novels, which were quite entertaining. So, I am sure I will be picking this one up as well. Speaking of movies, Working Title Films confirmed that a third film is in development – I sure hope we see most of the roles reprised by the wonderful cast. 

Are you a Bridget fan?

On the road (BEA and other happenings)…

Road trips, blogging and BEA:
It’s been a lovely Memorial Day weekend. My dear husband and I took to the road, all the way to Western New York, dogs in tow. Our list of festivities included plenty of barbequing, nights spent by the bonfire, and quality time with family and some close friends. Indeed, a very relaxing trip, aside the long drive. Gratefully, the husband allowed me the pleasure of burying my nose in my Kindle on our way back. So, some reading done, I shall have a few new reviews coming soon - I promise! 

Book Review: Blood and Sand

Blood and Sand (Elemental World #2)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Book Description:
Dead women are showing up in the desert east of San Diego, and no one understands why. When the story comes to the attention of reporter Natalie Ellis, she can’t help but make comparisons to tragic deaths she’d investigated years ago. Are these women the victims of a serial killer, or something even more insidious?

Bodies may be piling up in his sire’s territory, but water vampire and feared enforcer Baojia is stuck entertaining the rich and clueless at a club in San Diego. He’s taken his exile with all the grace he could muster, but his patience is starting to thin.

Sparks fly when mortal and immortal are thrown together, and Natalie comes face to face with a reality that was lurking in the corners of her life. Pursuing the truth could cost Baojia everything, including the mortal woman who has earned his grudging respect.

Blood and Sand is the second novel in the expanded Elemental World series.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
ARC received courtesy of the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

Aah! We are back in the Elemental World of vampires, mysteries and whirlwind romances. And I think this might be my new favorite. No, really! Don’t get me wrong, I am usually pretty tough when rating and reviewing, even when I like the novels, but this one has made me happy. Perhaps it has to do with the characters or the writer’s style but in general this spinoff series and original Elemental Mysteries have a well-deserved spot on my favorites list.

Where’s Waldo... (aka Where to Find Me Today)

Hi guys! I have something exciting to share – I am guest posting at Nocturnal Book Reviews today. 

Have you heard of Karina’s amazing blog? I’ve stumbled upon it a little while back, and have been following it ever since. And if you haven’t checked it out before, you simply must – Karina’s blog is truly a wealth of great reviews of paranormal, urban fantasy, YA, dystopian, and fantasy books. So, you can imagine my excitement when I got a request from Karina to do a guest post while she is away on vacation. Without further ado, head on over to Nocturnal Book Reviews and check out my review of The Kaiser Affair by Joseph Robert Lewis and much more… 

I am sure you can find a good suggestion or two to add to your personal TBR pile.

Victoria, xoxo

Recipe: Roasted Chicken Breast

I know, I know. It’s been awhile since my last recipe post but I’ve had an excuse. Since my parents are in the middle of their move, and have temporarily settled in my house, I have gingerly relegated my cooking duties to my mom. Even though I love to cook it is always nice to come home to an already prepared meal, especially one prepared by your mom. So, thanks Mom!

Still I don’t slack all that much in the kitchen. I just been on a more simple, comfort food approach lately, and did not feel that there was anything super exciting to share. But, I’ve decided that this super easy (if not obvious), roast chicken breast recipe is a winner and is worth a share, notwithstanding its simplicity. Sometimes the simplest things are the best things. Don’t you agree?

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I was never a fan of white-meat chicken myself, always finding it too dry and bland for my taste. But, this recipe delivers super juicy and delicious chicken, thanks to the spice rub and chicken being bone-in and skin-on. So, make sure you get yours bone-in and skin-on (you can always take it off later).

Roasted Chicken Breast
Servings 4 – 6

Book Review: Voyager

Voyager (Outlander #3)
Diana Gabaldon

Release Date: December 1, 1993

Book Review:
From the author of the breathtaking bestsellers Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber, the extraordinary saga continues.

Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.

Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her...the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite or forever doom her timeless love.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
Finally finished, and what a book it is!

Only a third installment in the Outlander series, but I feel it must have been at least ten books since I first started the series. I think Ms. Gabaldon certainly doesn’t take her writing lightly – if anything, her books are full of little details from everyday life occurrences to unexpected plot twists and more.

Cover Reveal: Allegiant

I don’t know about you, but I am super excited for the cover reveal of the highly anticipated third book in the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth. Have you guys caught the reveal on the TODAY Show? If not, check it out here! And let me tell you Ryan Seacrest gets to interview Veronica about Allegiant!

“One choice will define you” – and I think in Veronica’s case, a choice to write this trilogy has certainly not only defined her but will continue to help her along for years to come!

I love the cover and absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Allegiant will be on sale October 22, 2013.

Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Veronica Roth

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Book Description:
One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Divergent Series:

Book Review: A Hidden Fire

A Hidden Fire (Elemental Mysteries #1)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: October 18, 2011

Book Review:
"No secret stays hidden forever."

A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mystery he'd abandoned years before. He never expected a young librarian could hold the key to the search, nor could he have expected the danger she would attract. Now he and Beatrice De Novo will follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, through the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation they never could have predicted.

A Hidden Fire is a paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers. It is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries Series.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
From A HIDDEN FIRE...

"Tell the truth, Giovanni Vecchio." A mischievous look came to her eye. "You have a butler, a cool car, and I've only ever seen you at night..."

He froze, tension suddenly evident in the set of his shoulders. Beatrice leaned closer and whispered, "You're Batman, aren't you?"

His mouth dropped open in surprise before the grin overtook his face. She smiled back at him, chuckling until he joined in. Soon, they were both laughing.

"You looked so serious for a second! What did you think I was going to
say? A spy? Vampire? Hired killer?"

He shook his head in amusement. "You're confounding. No, I was just surprised you guessed. I am, in fact, Batman. I would appreciate your discretion."

She nodded with a smirk, and took another sip of the coffee he'd brought her. It had just a touch of cream, exactly the way she liked it. "Sure you are. I'm a skeptic until I see the rubber suit. You're not fooling me."

He looked at her, smiling mischievously. "You really want to see me in a rubber suit?"

Book Review: City of Dark Magic

City of Dark Magic
Magnus Flyte

Release Date: November 27, 2012

Book Description:

Cosmically fast-paced and wildly imaginative, this debut novel is a perfect potion of magic and suspense

Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as it’s whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethoven’s manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood.
     Soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? As Sarah parses his clues about Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved,” she manages to get arrested, to have tantric sex in a public fountain, and to discover a time-warping drug. She also catches the attention of a four-hundred-year-old dwarf, the handsome Prince Max, and a powerful U.S. senator with secrets she will do anything to hide.
     City of Dark Magic could be called a rom-com paranormal suspense novel—or it could simply be called one of the most entertaining novels of the year.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:

Sex, drugs, and… Beethoven?

Sarah Weston is a PhD student living in Boston, when she suddenly lands a summer job at a Prague Castle cataloging Beethoven’s manuscripts. It is a fantastic opportunity for Sarah that will possibly help open many doors for her; but there are many secrets and mysteries surrounding the castle and its inhabitants in Prague, so Sarah sets out to solve some along the way.