Monday, April 30, 2012

Sweet Blood of Mine by John Corwin Blog Tour + An Interview & GIVEAWAY!



Sweet Blood of Mine ~ John Corwin

A young adult paranomal urban fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)

5 out of 5 stars


Book Summary

From Mega Nerd to Super Stud.

Justin Case and women do not mix. Man boobs, a love of Kings and Castles, and being tight with the "nerd" crowd certainly don't win him any points either. After rescuing Katie, his crush, it turns out she might not be the girl he thought she was, while Elyssa, the school's Goth Girl, turns out to be more. Can high school get any more confusing?

Determined to improve himself, he joins a gym and meets a sexy girl that just oozes a "come hither, Justin" vibe. Until she attacks him in the parking lot, and Justin realizes she's no ordinary girl but a being with supernatural speed and strength. After a narrow escape and an excruciating migraine headache, he wakes up with supernatural abilities all his own: speed, strength, and the ability to seduce every woman he sees.

While that might sound like the perfect combo for any hormonal teen, Justin is a hopeless romantic who wants his first time to be special. Is that too much to ask for? But he doesn't know what he is or how to stop his carnal urges. One thing is clear: If he doesn't find answers there are other more sinister supernaturals who would like nothing better than to make him their eternal plaything and do far worse than kill him.


My Review

I received an advance copy from the author for the purposes of review.

I’ve read several good books from indie authors and I’m always surprised by the talent that is untapped by traditional publishers.  But there are a select few that I consider great.  This book is one of those.  I was pleasantly surprised by just how good this book really was.

There is wit, with some grit.  There is sass with a sprinkle of sexy.  This is another book I’ve read about a supernatural creature not seen much in young adult paranormal fiction.  I can’t tell you what my darling Justin is as it is a surprise that should be revealed in the reading.

Needless to say, the author does an amazing job at writing and developing his characters.  It’s not often I read male characters written by male authors, although I do have several in my favorite author list.  But often times, I read female writers.  So this book was certainly a treat.  Justin is a true “guy” in the authentic way I think only a “guy” writer can achieve.  Yet, this book pulls on the heart strings the way many women writers know how.    Add to that a heavy dose of sarcasm, and you have the makings for a best seller.

So do I recommend, heck yes.  Full heartedly.  This will be one of the books I run around and recommend to all my book lover friends.  DON'T stop with my likeness with Justin.  Following it is a character interview with Justin.

My book boyfriend is Justin.  And for my followers who look forward to my choices, I chose guys that fit the profile of the character based on the story.  This guys is cute and maybe not as hot as some of my other choices.  But read the book and I think you will agree with my selection.
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INTERVIEW with JUSTIN conducted by Miley Morgan

The Justin Case Interview

[This is Miley Morgan, chief editor and reporter extraordinaire for the Edenfield High Illuminator newspaper.  I've been investigating Justin Case for the past few weeks, trying to figure out how in the world such a nerdy loser has become one of the studliestguys in the school.  You wouldn't believe the bizarre things that I've seen just from camping outside his house every night with a pair of night-vision binoculars, not to mention the very strange company he keeps.  I see him coming out of his house now.  Time for some answers.  I charge from the bushes, notepad in hand.]

Justin:  [Leaps about a foot in the air (obviously nervous to be confronted by a real reporter).] Good lord, girl, you just scared the crap out of me.  [Looks around furtively]  Ugh!  I just realized it's you I smell, not my garbage can.

Me:  Why are you so nervous?  Is it because you're facing the Truthinator?

Justin:  The what?  [Rolls his eyes.]  Oh, I dunno, maybe because a female who looks filthy enough to have been raised by wild chipmunks just burst out of the hedges?

Me:  I've been watching you, Justin.  Did you know you've gone from mega nerd to super stud quite literally in only a few weeks?

Justin:  No, but that sounds like a cool blurb for a book—

Me:  Get serious!  I'm the chief editor and lead reporter for the school newspaper and I won't hesitate to expose you.

Justin:  We have a school newspaper?  [Scratches his head.]

Me:  You've had some strange visitors to your house lately.

Justin:  Uh, so you've seen the cute blonde who's been terrorizing me?  Likes pink and purrs?

Me:  As a matter of fact, I saw her here the other day watching your house.

Justin:  [visibly gulps]

Me:  I've also seen her running incredibly fast for a human.  I might even call it paranormal.  But that doesn't compare to what you did to that poor woman at the grocery store, or when you molested that waitress at the Chinese restaurant—

Justin:  [Waves his hands innocently (yeah right).]  But—but, I really didn't mean—

Me:  There's no sense hiding the truth from me, Justin.  Two weeks ago you were chubby and out of shape, not to mention a complete loser with girls.  Now you suddenly have sexual super powers?

Justin:  [Hangs his head and sighs. (I have him!)] Yeah, I'd almost be willing to have my man boobs back instead of being stalked by crazy vampire chicks—

Me:  Did you just say vampires?

Justin:  You said you wanted the truth, right?  [Grabs my shirt and gets a crazy look in his eyes.]  I thought it'd be a great idea to work out, you know, graduate from that B-cup manzier and XL pants to something slimmer.  Then this super-hot blonde girl comes on to me at the gym and freaking attacks me in the parking lot!  Her eyes were all like [He widens his eyes and rolls them around. (I'm certain he's losing his mind.)]  And then she slams me up against a car and grabbed my—

Me:  Most guys wouldn't complain about that!

Justin:  I knew I should've stuck with Kings and Castles.  Life was so much simpler as a level twelve Woodland Elf, running around and beating the crap out of nerds with foam swords.  [He sighs.]  And I guess you know about the sexual super powers.

Me:  I've seen how women react around you.  What are you using on these poor girls?  Spanish flies?  Chinese herbs?Godiva chocolate syrup?

Justin:  [Shakes his head.]  I don't know what it is.  You already know about the woman in the meat department and the waitress, but my female gym trainer almost deflowered me!  [He sits on his front steps with a sad puppy-dog face (obviously a ploy to elicit sympathy).]  But none of that matters.

Me:  Wait a minute.  You're a dude, a virgin no less, with sexual super powers and you're not taking advantage of them?

Justin:  There's only one girl I want.  And she hates me.

Me:  Are you talking about that Goth girl?  Gross!  She's got enough piercings to construct a life-sized version of the Eifel Tower.

Justin:  No, that's not the real her.  You wouldn't understand.  Beneath all that makeup hides a beautiful woman.

Me:  [At this point I can tell he's in la-la land just thinking about her.  How pathetic.]  Just use your powers on her.

Justin:  But it wouldn't be real.  It wouldn't be true love.

Me:  If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were a Princess Bride fan.

Justin:  [Nods.]

Me:  You're obviously a hopeless romantic and a wimp, so I have to ask:  Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Justin:  [His forehead scrunches up like he's thinking too hard.]  Did you really just ask me about Twilight?  [Shrugs.]  Team Harry Potter all the way.

Me:  Answer avoidance.  I see how it is.  The correct answer would have been Team Hunger Games.

Justin:  [Face-palms.  (Obviously upset that he failed my litmus test.)]

[As I walk away from this sad young man, I can't help wonder if his troubles are only just beginning.  On the other hand, I realize it's time to investigate some of the other strange people in his life, starting with that Goth girl.  Stay tuned, folks!  I'll break this story and rock the school with a bigger scandal than the time they almost suspended a football player for trying to kiss Katie Johnson.]
AND NOW for the GIVEAWAY!  Do you want to read this great book!  Enter below.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Effortless (Thoughtless #2) by S.C. Stephens



Effortless ~ S.C. Stephens

An adult romance novel. (Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

5 out of 5 Stars


Book Summary
A continuation of the novel, Thoughtless...

A lot can happen in a year. You grow, you change, you learn from your mistakes. And Kiera had made a lot of mistakes to learn from. But she had learned, and she was determined to never cause a man pain again, especially the amazing man who currently held her heart. But life offers new challenges for every relationship, and when Kiera’s love is put to the ultimate test, will it come out the other side unscathed?

Love is easy…trust is hard
My Review
My heart stopped a few times while reading this book.  Because of the first one, I was holding my breath the entire time.  Thus the need for medical attention, lol. However, I was wrong a few times.  What I thought was going to happen turned out to be different.
It’s hard to even give a little about this book without giving away a lot.  But this author does a good job of painting a reality that is believable.  We all have insecurities no matter where we are in life.  The struggle continues in this installment to learn from past mistakes and move on in the future.

The gritty truth in this book is no less heart wrenching than the last.  Heck, this book affected my mood which means that the story was powerful for me.  Maybe Kiera reminded me of myself.  Whatever it was, I was moved.
Do I recommend, heck yes.  What are you waiting for, oh, I know.  But after you see who I picked, be sure to pick this book up to read.
My book boyfriend is Kellan. I hope  you like.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1) by Kelley Armstrong



The Gathering ~ Kelly Armstong

A young adult urban fantasy novel (Rated PG)

4.5 out of 5 stars


 Book Summary
Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.



My Review

I absolutely love Kelly Armstrong, enough that I had to try her YA book.  Her writing is one of the best in paranormal world I’ve found.  I love her adult book Bitten.
But I digress.  So here we have The Gathering.  Looking back over the title, I’m not sure I total get it.  I can make a guess but it doesn’t scream at me.  Doesn’t matter, let’s talk details.

Whenever I read a Kelly Armstrong book, I feel like I fell right into the story of the pages.  I see, hear, smell everything around me.  I get so immersed in the story, right now I can’t tell you if this book was written in first or third person and that’s a good thing.  That’s the point of reading write.  You want to escape the world around you and I do.  Heck, while listening I missed my exit off the highway, lol.
There were only a few minor problems why I couldn’t give this book a well deserved 5 star rating.  First the story is really predictable.  That normally bugs me but everything else is so good, I could overlook that.  Then Maya didn’t ask very many questions at all.  But I had to step back and see from a sixteen year old perspective.  And I could understand everything except one major plot hole.

*****SPOILERS*****
Maya and Daniel went to look through the things of the reporter.  Maya had a run in with Sam.  Daniel suggested that Sam took a paper that may have held answers about Maya’s background.  Yet when she saw Sam the next day, neither asked her about it.  Nor did Maya’s inner musing mention it as to why she may not have mentioned it.  Big flaw.  I just don’t think something that important would go unspoken externally or internally.

One other thing, I thought the story ended rather abruptly.  Since I was listening, I had no idea I was coming close to the ending when it just ended.
*****END SPOILERS*****

Overall, I don’t regret reading and will recommend to others knowing that the plot twist won’t keep you guessing but that the story is good enough to keep you reading.




Audio Review
Jennifer Ikeda did a wonderful job with this story.  She didn’t throw her voice completely with each character, but the inflections she did was so superb that I had no trouble following all the characters.  It was so good, I look forward to listen to her again.

My book boyfriedn is Daniel of course.  I'm totally rooting for him.   You'll have to read to find out why.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Sin Undone (Demonica #5) by Larissa Ione


Sin Undone by Larissa Ione

This is an adult paranomal romace novel (NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence. HIS HUNGER

CAN'T BE DENIED Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

My Review

This book takes us a lot of places, physically and emotionally. Several things are happening, which is typical in her books. However, I think more so in this one.

We learn more about Larrisa Ione’s world of creatures. Her mythology just works for this series. And wait until you read about the village. I won’t say more but darn it, it gets super hot. But what do you expect with a series that has a succubus in it.

My only wish is that we would have gotten more about Luke. More about the brothers, especially my favorite Eidelon. He’s in there, but I have high hopes for his future and wouldn’t have minded getting more about him. Got to love Shade and Wraith too. I won’t forget Lore, but he was just in the last book.

So, I am looking forward to the spin off with the Lord of Deliverance series.  War, one of the four horseman, sounds super hot!

Audio Review
Okay, I wasn’t a fan of Ava Camille Edwards narration. She isn’t a terrible narrator, but the guys didn’t sound much like guys to me. And such a sexy book needed a touch of “guyness” in it. It was okay. Larissa’s writing compensated. I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t the best either.  
     
My book boyfriend is Conall *swoon* ( I hope I do him justice)

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Over the last couple of weeks, you’ve heard us talking about the upcoming #daemoninvasion and we’re so excited to finally share with you what is going on.

Really excited.

The beautiful and uber cool models, Pepe Toth and Sztella Tziotziosz, who grace the Lux covers, will be joining us in the United States! You heard right. They are flying here, from Hungary to spend a few days as Daemon and Katy! While they are here, they will be working with Vania, from VLC Productions (the team behind Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, Melissa de La Cruz, Kimberly Derting, Moira Young, Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl, Hillary Duff, Lauren Destefano, and many, many more authors’ book trailers), to film book trailers for the Lux Series.

During the filming in Atlanta, they will be accompanying us on tour! What does that mean? You get to meet them. In the flesh. They will be participating in the signings and events. At those signings, we’ll be giving away signed posters, photos, and other swag. There will also be meet and greet events you can join in on.

At each signing, there will be advanced copies of Onyx given away!

And to top things off (as if this isn’t enough, but we don’t do anything small), there’s something very, very exciting in the works! It involves advanced copies of Opal, water, and a little destination known as the Bahamas.

I am not kidding.

This will be epic.

Are you excited? I am! This tour is going to be so, so much fun, and I’m so thrilled that Pepe and Sztella are a part of it. We owe them a huge thank you and a giant welcome making the 16 hour flight to meet the readers of the Lux Series. You!

Daemon Invasion Signing and Event Schedule

June 8th
FoxTale Book Shoppe
Woodstock, GA
3:00pm

June 10th
Barnes and Noble
St Johns Town Center
Jacksonville, FL
3:00pm

June 13th
Barnes and Noble
Waterford Lakes Town Center
Orlando, FL
3:00pm

June 14th
Barnes and Noble
The Palladium at City Place
West Palm Beach, FL
4:00pm

There are several #daemoninvasion street teamers out there and if you want to join a team to win exclusive prizes, search down the #daemoninvasion hashtag to join one of the teams!

Don’t forget to visit Jennifer L. Armentrout’s blog to win a signed set of Half-Blood and Pure  http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.co... in celebration of her adult romance release, Tempting the Best Man, under pen name J. Lynn. It can be purchased here http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tempt...

Monday, April 23, 2012

THOUGHTLESS by S.C. Stephens

This is an adult romace novel (Rated NC-17)
5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source – a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.

My Review

Sorry, there are spoilers in this review. There isn’t a way around it. Look at my last paragraph for my overall thoughts if you haven’t read this one.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first starting reading this book. After hearing so much about Kellan but the book starts with Denny, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like this book at all. I don’t agree with cheating and hurting other people. So of course I kept reading to see how Kiera would possibly get me to understand how she possibly ends up messing around with Kellan.

Well, let me just say that the author does an amazing job and making me make excuses for Kiera and having a debate with my husband over it. He now questions my morals, lol.

Still, who wouldn’t love both men. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. And I didn’t blame Kiera for what happened. Denny, in my opinion, messed up by moving in with the guy and then well if you read it, I don’t blame her.

However, I still think after the first mistake it was all on Kiera and Denny was blameless. He didn’t deserve it. At the same time, I could see her conflict clearly. Two hot guys who love you, honestly who wouldn’t be confused.

Any who, OVERALL, I loved this book for its well-written soap opera drama. I was riveted to the book after I got into it. It’s a must read especially for adults who enjoyed Beautiful Disaster. This book took that to another level with the love triangle. I had been loaned this book and upon completion, I bought the book.  And I'm not a re-reader.  I just wanted to have it.  I also purchased Effortless, to continue the saga.

Don’t be surprised. My book boyfriend is Denny. I couldn’t in good conscience choose anyone else.

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day


Bared to You ~ Sylvia Day
4.5 out of 5 STARS
(Rated NC-17)
Book Summary

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

My Review

I listened to the hype and went for this story. And yes, it definitely has a Fifty feel. And for me, it reminds me too much of Fifty like a remake with a slightly different storyline. For a while at least through the first half, it was sort of a turn off.

So let’s get started. The writing style of the author is very engaging. I was never bored while reading. But at least for the first half, I didn’t have any trouble putting the book down. The second half took off like a lightning storm. One I was sucked right into.

Characters. Here is where most of my problems stem from. Where I can appreciate this author taking us right into the good stuff and not waiting until the proffered half mark of the story, I think we lost a little something here. I never truly felt connected to either character. And unless I missed something which is quite possible, we didn’t even learn the age of our leading lady until ninety percent into the book. Although the storyline was good, I didn’t really care much about the fate of the characters until almost the end of the book. Even debonair Gideon, what was to him? He was hot and had issues. Don’t they all, lol.

SPOILERS HERE****************

So I have to give spoilers in order to explain myself. I hate to give spoilers but sometimes it’s unavoidable.

Gideon is an uber hot guy with billions of cash and he takes the word of a woman he doesn’t know about whether she is on the pill. Really, I don’t think so. Even if she has some money, she doesn’t have his kind of money.

Gideon was a little too in to her for my taste. Mainly because I didn't understand why. Since this isn’t paranormal there is no explanation for his utter need to be with her almost to the point he can’t live without her and he hasn’t known her long at all. Really, what made her likeable? I can understand the strong sexual tension and connection with a person. Hell, it’s happened to me once in my life. But too love so soon on both their parts is unbelievable. Thank goodness the storyline was engaging enough to overcome these issues.

*****************END SPOILERS

Like I said, it’s still worth the read and I’m hoping for more character development in the next installment. Not to toot my own horn, I have selfish reasons to ask. But Sylvia Day, I’d love to beta read for you. Can’t hurt to ask, lol.

Should you read it, YES. Will you love it, MAYBE.

My book boyfriend Gideon. He’s a hard match. Here is the closest I could find.


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No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark #3) by Kresley Cole


No Rest for the Wicked ~ Kresley Cole
4 out of 5 Stars
(Rated NC-17)

 
Book Summary

In this next installment in the Immortals After Dark Series, USA Today Bestselling author Kresley Cole delivers a scorching tale about a forbidding vampire who lives in the shadows and the beautiful assassin who hunts him there.

A soldier weary of life . . .
Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire – a nightmare in his mind – against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

A Valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him . . .
When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow – accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings – particularly lust – emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.

Become competitors in a legendary hunt.
The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity – as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world – to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

My Review

This book was hoping from the beginning although we didn’t get total satisfaction until further in the book.
This story opens to the world to Mist husband family, particularly is brother Sebastian.  This guy has had a rough go at life despite is sexiness.  I have to scratch my head at some of his troubles since he’s so hot.  But I guess in his time, all the men where he lived must have been smoking.

We get to see the world through Kaderin as a contestant on a Supernatural “Survivor” type game.  It’s intriguing and captures your attention.
We can’t forgot Nix, who is still one of the more interesting characters in this series.

The storyline is one of a kind in this one.  I didn’t think of any other books while reading.  That’s always good.  It also kept me off balance because I couldn’t always guess what was going to happen next.  Again another plus.  All in all, a solid story.
I wasn’t blown away but I thoroughly enjoy it and would recommend.

My book boyfriend, Sebastian.



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SHIFT (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready



The Sequel to Shade ~ SHIFT by Jeri Smith-Ready
 5 out of 5 STARS

Book Summary
Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.



My Review (Terri~)

First let me say that this is one of my favorite young adult series ever. Also, let me say that my jaw was on the ground for half the book.

This author really knows how to get things started. This book opens up with something I hadn’t expected. Of course, Aura can’t keep her mouth shut at the right time and well, I just can’t blame the guy for his actions. In fact, I looked at the book wondering if I was reading things right. The reality of real life drama is here in spades. People react they the they would in real life.

When we get to one part of the book with Aura on the phone listening in like a fly on the wall, I couldn’t believe my ears. Drama like no other, this book has it without being skanky. Love it.

Add to that more action and a twist at the end I couldn’t believe, I was wondering how I was going to wait a whole year until the next book came out.

Jeri Smith-Ready storyline and character development is off the chart. She knows how to write a story and make you yearn for more.

I can’t wait until SHINE! Out next month. If you like your YA with romance, drama and hot guys, this series is for you. You won’t be disappointed.

My book boyfriend is Zach but I've already posted a likeness of him with my Shade review. So here is my Logan!

Logan ~



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The Walls Have Ears (College Fun and Gays, #3) by Erica Pike



My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a m/m romance/erotica novella.

Book Summary

Short and scrawny college student Harley Santos has a strange relationship with the guy on the other side of his bedroom wall. For weeks, the two have been masturbating to each other’s voices, but they have never met in person.

When Harley’s roommate (Ryan) is asked out on a date by one of his neighbors, Harley is devastated that his wall-mate mistook not-hot Harley for super-hot Ryan. Helping Harley through his heartache is Tasha Novokov, the other neighbor, who is tall, dark, and impossibly handsome.

When Harley’s affections shift to Tasha, his heartache hits an all time high because with all the girls hanging around, Tasha has to be straight.

My Review

Okay, so this story is about a sweet guy named Harley. He’s so damn sweet, I don’t think I need candy. You have to love him and how he wears his feelings on his sleeve. He’s desperate for love and misses it when it’s right in his face. But let me not say more or I’ll risk spoiling it for you.

I love this series by Erica Pike. They are nibbles of goodness that ooze situations for gay men that most likely happen to a certain extent in real life.

Of course this is fiction so there are bits that seem a little out there yet not impossible, like the living situation. But it makes for a good story, so you forgive that.

If you like m/m romance novels, you should check out this author. It’s like watching reality tv but reading it instead, lol.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and recommend.

My book boyfriend, Tasha. Why him. You’ll have to read to find out why. (Erica, pls forgive me. The hair is not total right. But damn I think he’s hot)





Tuesday, April 17, 2012

SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shade by Jeri Smith-Reay. This is a young adult dystopian novel.
5 out of 5 stars~
Book Summary

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. "Almost."

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

My Review (Terri )

This book starts off with the heart-wrenching death of Aura’s boyfriend Logan after we’ve just met him and fallen in love. He’s a bad-boy rocker and Aura and he had great plans that fail miserably. As Aura’s is picking up the pieces of her crumbling heart in walks Zach, the handsome transfer from Scotland. If his accent doesn’t make you swoon, then the rest of him will.

This story is a dystopian story because there is an event that changes the world forever. This event allows Aura to still see and sort of be with Logan when she should be trying to get over him. This event also connects Aura and Zach oddly enough.

The realism is this book makes it stand out above the rest. Yes, the paranormal ghost factor is in there. But the situations and storyline follow what real teens have to face in a non-smutty way.

Okay, so there maybe be a bit of a love triangle. Well, sort of. I mean one of the guys is death and a ghost. Not much competition if you ask me. Nonetheless, you'll have to read to find out. And for those that don't like love triangles, the lines are blurred on this one for the reasons I've already mentioned. So still give this one a try.

Jeri Smith-Ready crafts a story that touches on emotions and events teens may face. The reactions are true to life with twist you don’t normally see in young adult fiction. I feel for Aura and the choices she has to make understanding they can’t be easy. The train ride this story will take you on will be bumpy and fast, but still you will enjoy the ride.

Overall, I give this book..... FIVE SHINEY STARS!


My book boyfriend is Zach.

Zach ~



Sunday, April 8, 2012

Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout



Pure by Jennifer Armentrout 

Young Adult Urban Fantasy Novel

4.5 out of 5 stars


Book Summary

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

My Review

Anticipation, excitement, sadness, frustration, unhappiness, and a pleasant surprise were just a few of the emotions, this author managed to make me feel while reading.

Alex had so much to deal with in this book and I love how she’s a fighter that doesn’t back down and does what she thinks is right even though things don’t always turn out the way she wants. I love that she trust and gives of herself.

I love Aiden. I hate what position they are put into. But I can’t give up on him.

Seth is growing on me. But this situation is the only thing that I hate about love triangles. That is when there is no clear answer.

What more can I say as I think I may have said to much. If you haven’t read this series and enjoy Vampire Academy, read this one. See my review on the first book so you can be prepared. But really, be prepared to really enjoy this series.

My boyfriend Aiden. Since I gave you my Aiden in my Half Blood review, I'll give you SETH instead.

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #2) by Kresley Cole


A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

An adult paranormal romance novel.  Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all.

4 out of 5 stars


Book Summary


Acclaimed author Kresley Cole introduces a sizzling new series with this tale of a fierce werewolf and a bewitching vampire -- unlikely soul mates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her . . .

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy . . .

Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents -- until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae -- and their notorious dark desires -- ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all-consuming desire . . .

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

My Review

Karen Marie Moning's (KMM) 1999 debut series Highlander in my opinion could be the inspiration for this story. This novel by  Kresley Cole (KC) was released in 2006. The similarities are too striking not to mention.
We start with a type of Scottish Highland warrior not all the way human born a time long long ago.  To that  you add a virginal damsel, fiery or not and you have the beginnings of a Highlander series not to mention this book.  KC adds a dash more traditional paranormal of vampires and werewolves to it with KMM’s fae additive and WaLa, you have all the elements to this story.
I don’t want to take away for KC.  So I will mention that although the backbone of the story reminds me very much of KMM’s books, I can’t say for sure KMM came up this mix of ideas herself.  But since the Highlander series is popular, it seems important to mention.
Furthermore, KC built a paranormal world like no other. Her Lykae are her werewolves, the Vampires have new rules I haven’t seen before, and the Valkyrie are her fae with a truly unique history behind them. All of which over shadows some of the other cheesy lines early in the book and take away from this whole over used virginal existence romance writers feel the need to fill their pages with.

So after a lot of eye rolling early in the book between the writing and getting used to the narrator of the audio books “female” voice, I did come to like this book quite a bit and mostly because of the author’s mythology. The romance plot line of the story was a tab bit predicable, but it was an interesting read to get us to the satisfying HEA (happily ever after).

Overall, a solid read and I would recommend it to those who love romance novels.

Audio Review

Robert Petkoff does a really good job with this book. At first when he did the female part, I didn’t like it. It sounded forced. But by the end, I enjoyed all his voices. He does an awesome job with the Scottish, Russian, and other various accents. Great job!
My book boyfriend, Lachlain.


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
a young adult urban fantasy novel (rate PG-13)
4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.


My Review

In the beginning, this book read so much like another book it almost felt like disguised plagiarism.  Yes, the characters aren’t named the same.  Yes, they are demi-gods and not vampires but the similarities are too much to ignore.  Don't get me wrong.  This book was a very enjoyable read.

However, the knowledge of the similarities didn't hinder my overwhelming need to continue to read.  Was it because I needed more of that other series and this was the closest I could get, maybe?  I have to say that she used the backbone of the other story well to build her own.  The more the story went on, the more it became its own story and not a copy of the other popular series.

The Strigoi, I mean Daimons were very predictable and read much like vampires even though they aren’t???  The whole story was kind of predictable, but that didn’t stop my curiosity to read straight through in one sitting.  That’s saying a lot especially when this is the second time for me with this same author that I’ve done this. (reading straight through, two for two) (not including Daimon short story). 

Thankfully, most say that the story pulls away from the other one in the next book.  So I’m excited to move on.  Rose, no Alex is a solid character.  And of course I love Dimitri, no I mean Aiden, lol.  (Deacon = Adrian) and I could go on.  But I’m not.

Overall, the author did a wonderful job in building Greek mythology onto a solid plotline.  I will be reading more and despite my teasing, I did enjoy the book a lot.

Please ignore my joking. I had fun with my review. But once again, I did like this book a lot and would recommend. Just know going in that there are strong similarities, but those will slowly fade away.

My book boyfriend is Aiden.

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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1) by Melissa Marr


Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1) by Melissa Marr
5 out of 5 stars


Book Summary

In a world unseen by mortals, the forces of Summer and Winter are at war. Two Faery Courts have been seeking the Summer Queen for more than nine centuries--one to restore the power of Summer and the other to banish it in this gritty modern Faery tale.

My Review


I haven’t read many fae stories.  But I’ve read enough to have heard some about the fae for me to understand Melissa Marr’s take on it.

Engaging isn’t quite the word for what this story was for me.  I was swept away and wondered how all of this would play out.  There was a tiny bit of perdicablibly but only because I of how I wanted things to play out.

I really liked Aislinn which is always a plus.  She didn’t always make the wisest decisions but she made them.  Keenan was the man on a mission.  But it was Seth who stole my heart.

Until the end, I wasn’t sure how things would turn out.  Maybe it was reading other books and expecting things to go in all sorts of ways.  But for me, I wasn’t sure until that moment what would happened and that was great.  I look forward to more from this author and more from this series.

Overall with such a good book, there isn’t much to say without giving away spoilers other than I totally recommend. 


Audio Review

Alyssa Bresnahan does a good job with this book.  She didn’t use a ton of different voices but I didn’t have trouble following what character was speaking.  So great job.


My book boyfriend, Seth.  I heart him.