Review of IN ENEMY HANDS

IN ENEMY HANDS
K. S. Augustin
Carina Press, June 7, 2010

Dr. Moon Thadin has been through a lot since her former research partner, Kad Minslok, escaped from the Republic and is,now, hunted as a rebel and a terrorist.  Now under suspicion, Moon must watch her every move, and all her illusions about the Republic have been shattered, especially after meeting Sirin, her new research partner.  To keep Sirin, who is a math genius, under control, the republic has erased his short term memory every two days for almost twenty years.

IN ENEMY HANDS is a hybrid of science fiction and romance with well-written, borderline erotic scenes.  Ms. Augustin does a great job of straddling the fence between pure science fiction and romance, without allowing either genre aspect to suffer.  It is evident, that IN ENEMY HANDS is well researched, the science is believable, and the world and characters are complex and multi-faceted.  Moon and Sirin are caught up in an almost impossible situation, but somehow find each other, even through all the turmoil and Sirin's memory loss.  The Republic's despicable policies are highlighted by their treatment of Moon, Sirin, and, even, the Captain of their ship.  I found myself rooting for them from almost the beginning, and by the end, I was on the edge of my seat hoping for them to triumph and be together.  The only problem, that I have is that the ending came a little too abruptly for my tastes-- I wanted more story.  Hopefully, there will be a sequel and maybe a book that tells the Captain's story.

With great world-building and complex characters, IN ENEMY HANDS does a great job in dual roles, as a science fiction and romance read.  I highly recommend it.

Note:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.  

Check out this great giveaway.

Sara's Blog of Fun has a giveaway for Stronger than Sin.   Go check it out here.

http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com/2010/11/stronger-then-sin-book-review-and.html

Review of Call of the Wilds

CALL OF THE WILDS
Gale Stanley
Siren Publishing, Inc. (August 12, 2010)
978-1606018019


Veterinarian, Karin Stone, moved to the Wilds of Pennsylvania to be a wildlife manager and care for a wolf pack.  A big city girl, Karin, decides to leave the city after a traumatic attack and start a new chapter in her life.  Unfortunately, a hiker is found dead from a suspected wolf attack and the locals are gunning for the wolf, and Karin is trying to protect her.  When things get out of hand during a confrontation with some locals, Malcolm Connor steps in and aids Karin.  Karin and Malcolm are attracted to each other, but Malcolm has a secret, which could tear them apart.

CALL OF THE WILDS is an entertaining shapeshifter romance with a yummy alpha hero.  Shapeshifter romances are my favorite genre, and Ms. Stanley doesn't disappoint with this exciting tale.   Karin is trying to be strong and overcome her fears after a violent attack.  There is only one small quibble, that I have with Karin's character-- she seemed to be a little too trusting at times.  Other than this, Karin is a great heroine, who finds the strength to conquer her fears and overcome the many dangers surrounding her.  Malcolm is a wonderful hero, who is very protective, but somewhat tortured.  After the murder of his family by humans, Malcolm goes a little wild, but soon realizes, that he must allow both aspects of his being freedom.  Even so, he is still a bit of a loner.  Because of Malcolm's secret and lies told by others, Malcolm and Karin's relationship has some rocky moments, which makes the finale all the more satisfying.

NOTE: I was sent this book in return for an impartial review.

Mini Review of "The Screaming" by J. A. Konrath

"The Screaming" story within the anthology THE MANY FACES OF VAN HELSING
J. A. Konrath
Ace, April 6, 2004
ISBN:  978-0-441-01647-1

Two junkies desperate for a fix, go to an abandoned mansion, hoping to steal something of value.  Unfortunately, they get a lot more, than they bargained for. 

I, really wish, that I had found this book before Halloween.  "The Screaming" is the first story in this anthology, and it is a very good short story.  It has the requisite creepiness but isn't too scary.  I really loved the ending, which isn't quite a HEA, but is satisfying all the same.