November, 2013 | Official Website for Author TJ Shaw

Review — Dreamfever (Fever #4) by Karen Marie Moning

November 29, 2013 by TJ Shaw

DREAMFEVER is one of those books where the ending would’ve caused me A LOT of heartache if I had to wait for SHADOWFEVER, the next in the series. I do not like cliffhangers and Ms. Moning is a master at leaving me in emotional chaos with her endings. Luckily, however, I didn’t have to wait for SHADOWFEVER.

Even with the cliffy ending, DREAMFEVER, the fourth in the FEVER series doesn’t disappoint. Mac has become one helluva heroine. I have truly enjoyed her transformation from the young, naïve girl into the woman she’s become. But her journey hasn’t been easy, far from it. She’s had to endure and learn to see the best in horrible situations. As for Barrons, well, what can I say? I still don’t know what he is and he can be downright mean at times, but he’s always been there to save Mac. Always. I love the moments when Mac makes him laugh or he shows some true emotion. Barrons can protect my back any day!

DREAMFEVER is a great book, but make sure to have SHADOWFEVER on hand before you finish this one…trust me, you’ll want it.

Focused. Strong. True.

(Click on the image to visit Karen)

Review — Dark Guardian by Christine Feehan

November 29, 2013 by TJ Shaw

Ahhhh, this was such a great read! Lucian is a fantastic hero and virtually unstoppable. He’s an ancient protector of his race who sacrificed the latter part of his existence to save his brother, Gabriel. I also read, DARK LEGEND, the previous book in the Carpathian series, which is mainly about Gabriel. But Ms. Feehan devoted so much attention to Lucian that by the time I finished it, I couldn’t wait to read Lucian’s story in DARK GUARDIAN. Lucian is probably one of my favorite Carpathians, although I really liked Mikhail in DARK PRINCE. Jax, our heroine, is one tough nut! You don’t mess with her and don’t call her small! Initially, she has a hard time accepting Lucian and who he is (and who wouldn’t), but she comes around in the end.

Through Ms. Feehan’s flowing and descriptive style, she eloquently illustrates that there’s a lifemate out there for everyone, some just might have to wait a bit longer than others.

I really enjoyed this one.

Focused. Strong. True.

(Click on the image to visit Christine)

Review — Faefever (Fever #3) by Karen Marie Moning

November 27, 2013 by TJ Shaw

What just happened? Really? What. Just. Happened? Nothing is easy in this series. Nothing is as it seems. Mac, our heroine, has undergone so much, so much pain, so much heartache, so much inner struggle. Ms. Moning doesn’t make excuses and doesn’t sugarcoat scenes. I, like Mac, don’t know who to trust and that is disheartening. I wish Ms. Moning made it easier, yet I don’t. I wish Barrons was the hero he can be and hope he will become. One thing is certain, the complexity of the incredible world Ms. Moning has created will keep me reading incessantly until the very last page of the series.

Focused. Strong. True.

(Click on the image to visit Karen)

Review — Bloodfever (Fever #2) by Karen Marie Moning

November 25, 2013 by TJ Shaw

Although this book drove me crazy with unanswered questions, this series just gets better and better! The world Ms. Moning has created is unique and incredibly detailed. I love Mac. She’s really changing into a true, admirable heroine. And Barrons? Well, he’s an enigma. Barrons is—sexy, mysterious, powerful—all hero, dark and dangerous. I want to know where he comes from and exactly what he is! I have so many questions and don’t know who to trust. I guess about the only thing I do know is that these characters and Ms. Moning’s world have wormed their way into my mind and I can’t stop thinking about them and wondering what will happen next.

What a fantastic series!

Focused. Strong. True.

(Click on image to vist Karen)

Review — Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

November 23, 2013 by TJ Shaw

This book—tempted and teased me, tested my patience, drove me crazy—in short, consumed my attention for two days. I love the world Ms. Moning created within the confines of modern urban society, the hidden world that normal people don’t see with hideous and stunningly beautiful Fae creatures walking among us clueless humans. Her story is complex, well written, and executed beautifully.

While Mac is not the heroine I initially envisioned, she grew on me instantly with her constant inner banter. She’s one funny gal! Jericho Barrons is dark, mysterious, not human (I don’t think anyway, I’m not sure what he is), and sexy as hell. I have a selfish reason for not giving DARKFEVER five stars—romance. I’m a romance addict. And while there is sexual tension between Mac and Barrons (achingly so), I wanted more. This isn’t a romance novel and doesn’t even claim to be so I shouldn’t even take that into consideration with my review, but Ms. Moning does such an excellent job of teasing my romantic proclivities with glimpses of what could be, and what may be in the future that she’s guaranteed my continued reading of the series.

If you start this book, I only hope you have nothing else planned for the next two days because you won’t get anything else accomplished.

Focused. Strong. True.

(Click on the image to visit Karen)

Review — Dark Legend by Christine Feehan

November 18, 2013 by TJ Shaw

I’ve read some of Ms. Feehan’s earlier books in this Dark Carpathian series. I enjoyed them then and DARK LEGEND proved no different. DARK LEGEND is a great continuation in the Carpathian novels. Ms. Feehan’s writing style is sweeping and lyrical, and left no doubt in my mind about the characters’ feelings toward each other. Francesca is a strong, independent woman who has forged her own way in life. I admired her achievements and her compassion. Gabriel is the strong, egotistical Carpathian male who, ironically, seemed a bit more in touch with his emotional self than I remember from the previous books. Although both characters were well written and I enjoyed them a lot, what truly excited me was, Lucian, the “evil” twin brother. Parts of the book even seemed more like a build-up for the next book, DARK PROTECTOR, which is about Lucian. Of course, DARK PROTECTOR is now on my to-be-read list.

DARK LEGEND is another exciting read by an author who provides a reliable satiation to my reading addiction.

Focused. Strong. True.

(Click on image to visit Christine)

Review of Caller of Light by The Violet Hour

November 4, 2013 by TJ Shaw

Summary Via Goodreads: Carina McKay is an outsider. With one parent of royal blood, she’s not nobility, yet not a servant either. The only comfort in her mundane existence is her love of Critons, the large fire-breathing creatures that protect the border of her homeland. But her destiny changes forever the day she catches the eye of King Marek Duncan.Marek’s heart is closed to love. After an arranged marriage withers to a bitter end, he dedicates his energy to protecting his kingdom. Yet he’s searching for something more–the Caller of Light, the one who summons Critons.Carina’s beauty and willfulness intrigue Marek, and he’s determined to have her. When his enemies try to come between them, he discovers just how much he will endure to protect her. Together, they can unlock a love that binds their souls, but only if they find the strength to follow their hearts.My Review (4.5 out of 5 stars):EEEE!!! This is like AHHHH one of the best fantasies I’ve read in awhile! yay!!! (though I do have to drop it just a half a star for a very personal reason i will get to and I promise its not bad so 4.5)First warning: Kay so I was totally honored by being asked by the lovely T.J. Shaw to read this for a review – exchange stuff. And honesty is the best policy, so that’s that, and lets start this review shhhhhaaalll we?Song Choice: “Always” by Panic! At The Disco, “That’s All” by Michael Buble (Fantasies are a little hard)First thoughts: This. WAS. AWESOME. I am stupid for taking so long to finish this, I did actually read a majority of this in one day but by the time i got about to 75% through the book I was spent, and quite frankly I got super busy 🙁 I had manage to pick up it up here and there and get to read like a page, but I FINALLY, FINALLY got to finish it and it was amazing! I loved this book. It’s a high fantasy – while if you aren’t familiar with fantasy style…maybe this isn’t the best introduction book – I only say that because maybe its just me but i felt that because i am familiar with fantasy i just got things, but i didn’t also feel like i was sitting there reading it going, okay yeah i know all these things… anyways point is OMG AWESOME, there was adventure, kickass characters, suspense, dragon-like creatures, and rooommmmance. :)Thoughts on Plot: This was awesome! There was this really great pace about the book like i mentioned before i pretty much read this book in a day – unfortunately i was also tired that day and just didn’t manage to finish it then. There is always something happening, or something about to happen there isn’t a lot of predictable moments in this book, and really the characters have to something to do with that and thank god for them – but i will get to that in a moment. There are these “dragon” like creatures called Critons, and they are super neat creatures. While they play a big part in the plot there is more going on than that. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of moments were you are like welllll duh! but most times i felt I was going, oh…OH WOW! I haven’t read as much fantasy as i should but this was definitely original, entertaining is and overall awesome. I really did love this. Like i mentioned there is a lot that happens but it doesn’t feel like anything got rushed through, in fact near the end i was wondering when something was going to happen – finally did yay! Okay so now for that pesky half star…I am sorry but the label of mistress really got under my skin, it made my blood boil and made me sort of want to take on the hulking Marek. It’s a personal thing, really sorry. seriously though that would really have to be my only complaint.Characters:Carina: Oh my god I loved her. While with her father and half-sister she was very submissive and sort of acted like she didn’t matter when she was with Marek, and with others she was this lively little thing that was beyond feisty and totally kickass. She didn’t give up, nor did she back down. She was one tough cookie and I loved her. She eventually became so much more too even around her father and half-sister. She was vulnerable when I think it called for it but she was very revolutionary which ‑ahhh sooo much love! It was interesting seeing her break from her shell and being this totally amazing character. A woman of true honor right here.Marek: Holy hulky hot man. Seriously – okay i guess i have one last tiny, itty bitty complaint, in the summary it makes Marek sound like this totally uncaring guy – i don’t think he is, I just think with the pressure of an entire kingdom on his shoulders, and a marriage in the crapper just made him a little elusive. I really, REALLY liked him with Carina he was a totally different guy, he was happier, and just like sort of playful, but still protective, schmexy warrior. He was really awesome i liked him, i liked him a lot.The ending….ohhh my that ending. I thought… well i can’t say… but totes could be another book and i would be totally up for that! But do i feel like it was a super cliffie or anything like that nah. But seriously T.J. give me another book.

via Caller of Light by T.J. Shaw.