Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Mistletoe & Margaritas by Shannon Stacey


Mistletoe & Margaritas ~ Shannon Stacey

This is an adult contemporary romance novella (Rated NC-17)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Claire Rutledge still believes in love, despite losing her husband. So, after two years, she's not surprised by the steamy dreams telling her it might be time to start moving on. But she didn't expect her friend Justin to have the starring role.

Justin McCormick has loved Claire since the moment he first saw her, but his best friend got there first. Now that Claire is ready to move on with her life, Justin is finding it harder than ever to hide his true feelings. And when they both get caught up in the holiday spirits at a party, their simmering mutual attraction boils over into a night neither of them can forget...

My Review

Normally the subject matter might bother me a bit. But in this case, time heals old wounds and you must move on. I’m okay with what happened and felt the author handled the subject matter appropriately.

I really liked the tension between the two and guess what? The author didn’t need misunderstanding to build tension. YAY!

Overall, a cute quick story and worth a read.

Audio Review
MacLeod Andrews did a great job on both the male and female leads. Some of the females characters came off a little quirky, but they weren’t in the dialogue long enough to get on my nerves.

My book boyfriend Justin.



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture.  I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation.  If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) and you want me to remove it, let me know and I will.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie


Crossed (Matched 32) ~ Ally Condie

This is an young adult dystopian novel (Rated PG-13)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Rules Are Different Outside The Society

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by the Society to his sure death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of a rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices every thing to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.
 
Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's point of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever.

My Review

This book could have gone in a 101 different directions. But it surprised me with some of the twist. It still felt like a couple of other big name dystopian novels with the approach she took with the love triangle.

We learned a little more and had some heart wrenching moments. The first half of the book was kind of slow because of what was going on. But once things got moving, it became a little more interesting.

Ally does have a way with her characters and I must say development there wasn’t lacking. The plotline is a set up for things to come, and I went searching for book three once this book ended. And it was a no go. The third book has yet to release.

Overall, it was an okay book but one I will follow through until the end.

My book boyfriend is Ky. (Since we already had a pic of him, meet Xander.)

Xander



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture.  I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation.  If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) and you want me to remove it, let me know and I will.

Friday, July 27, 2012

GIVEAWAY! Determinant (The Guardians of Vesturon #3) By A. M. Hargrove BLOG TOUR


Determinant (The Guardians of Vesturon #3) By A. M. Hargrove

This is a young adult (college age) paranormal romance novel (Rated PG-13)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

January St. Davis, on her own since the age of sixteen and struggling to stay in college, thinks she’s scored in a major way when she lands a paid summer internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. One evening, after working an especially long shift, a chance encounter with a group of mysterious men alters the course of her life.

Rykerian Yarrister, a Guardian of Vesturon with unearthly powers and impossibly gorgeous looks, finds himself at odds over the human female he recently saved from certain death. When it seems he is on the verge of winning her over, she is ripped from his hands by a strange and powerful being, threatening to destroy her if his demands are not met.

Do Rykerian and the Guardians have the ability to meet this fierce barbarian’s ultimatums, or will January suffer a horrid demise?

My Review

If you’ve read the other two books in the series, then you know January. And not it’s her turn to take the spotlight. And well she did. Her and two hunky guys Rykerian and Jurek. I must say I was torn between the two but I can’t say why without giving too much away.

This author grows with each book and I can’t wait for more. In this one, things are more than dire for not only January. The guardians will do what they are here to do and only time will tell if they will be successful.

I love this series. Everyone must know I’m the biggest sci-fi fan. So aliens are right up my alley. I won’t say too much more because this is a blog tout and I have much goodies to add.

There is a giveaway below that you will not want to miss out on.

Overall, check this one out.

My book boyfriend will be at the end of this post.

INTERVIEW

1.   What was your inspiration for this story?

My ideas/inspiration usually hit me while I’m writing my current project.  For instance, while I was writing Resurrection (Book 2), the idea for Determinant began to form and before I was even finished, I found myself wanting to begin my next project.  For me, one project stimuates ideas for the next.  The same thing happened to me while I was writing Determinant, except this time, I formed the idea for the next Guardians book and another completely different project.

2.   This book is number #3 in the series.  Do you suggest that the readers read the first two books before this one?

That would be totally up to the reader.  Determinant is a stand alone novel.  If someone was new to the Guardians and didn’t want to go through the process of reading the whole series, then they would have the choice of only reading Determinant.  A reader would, obviously, get a more in-depth knowledge of all the family members if they read Survival, Resurrection and even Beginnings, but it’s a choice, not a necessity.

3.   What's is your next project?

As I mentioned earlier, while I was writing Determinant, a whole new project came to life.  In book 3, I introduced a new character, Jurek, and I am going to write an adult series based on that character.  I had to move to the adult genre with him for a number of reasons.  First off, he’s too old for YA.  Second, he doesn’t play be anyone’s rules but his own, he can be crass, and he’s sexy and hell!

4.   Will you have any more releases this year?

Yes, I’m planning on releasing the first book in the Praestani series this year.  But if you want to get some background on Jurek, you might want to read Determinant! *wink*

5. What is one thing you want people to know about you?

I’m extremely shy and demure.  Just kidding! I’ve been asked many times about which female character I identify the most with in my books and the answer is none of them.  I’m Rayn all the way.  I’m sort of a “kick ass and take names later” kind of person.  If there’s ever an emergency, I’m great to have around because I don’t have any problem taking charge and telling people what to do--just ask my husband!  He’ll tell you I’m the bossiest person he knows...


Excerpt of Determinant

I was lost in the events of the day and the amount of work I had and I was still nursing my wounded ego as I headed out of the lab.  As I made my way down the corridor, I noticed six men advancing toward me. 

It wasn’t their actions I noticed so much or even the way they walked.  And though it was an oddity for them to even be here at all, it was their attire that captured my attention.  They were dressed identically, in an extreme fashion, much like members of a gang or secret society.  Large and muscular, they wore black vests and their bare arms were almost completely tattooed with tribal symbols of a sort.  Metal bands criss-crossed their chests and their legs were tightly encased in leather.  Knee high boots and black gloves finished off their ensembles. 

As I neared them I felt my flesh tingle and the hairs on the back of my neck come to attention.  Gooseflesh erupted and alarms started clanging in my head.  I sucked in my breath and as I did, my eyes connected with the apparent leader.  I say this because he was in the front of the formation as they plodded along.

Time stood still as our eyes connected.  His were an uncanny shade, lavender with hints of indigo and specks of silver.  It was a hue I was unfamiliar with but they were intriguing and fascinating.  The alarms were still ringing in my ears and the air felt electrically charged around us. 

“Halt!”

I turned into stone.  I couldn’t move a muscle.  He cocked his head as his eyes bore into mine. 

“Breathe!”

I distinctly heard his command in my mind and I was helpless to disobey him.  I felt myself take a deep cleansing breath.  I questioned him with my eyes.  He flicked his head toward his men and they stepped back several feet.

“Who are you? Why are you here?”

I was confused by the demanding questions swirling in my brain but felt compelled to answer him.  I had never used mind reading to communicate, but I was sure he would hear my answer.

“I’m January St. Davis.  I’m here working on an internship for college credit.”

“You are human?” he asked with incredulity.

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that.  Why would he want to know if I was human?  What a ridiculous question!

A little about me



One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

A.M.’s Boss:  Hello.
A.M:  Hey Boss, I'm calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbuc ks near the interstate.
A.M.’s Boss:  Why ever would I want to do that?
A.M.:  Because I quit!

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

A.M.:  Hey hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?
A.M.’s Hubs:  Sure...having some car trouble?
A.M.:  Not at all.  I don't have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.
A.M.’s Hubs:  WHAT?!
A.M.:  It's time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.

So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love.  Survival and Resurrection are her first and second full length novels, and Beginnings is her prequel novella to the series.  Determinant, her third in the series will be released 6/30/12.
(It didn’t really happen like that, but you get the idea!)





Book Links

The Guardians of Vesturon is available from the following retailers:

Amazon ebook:  http://amzn.to/I5RCcQ
Amazon UK:   http://amzn.to/Lg7mJm
Barnes and Noble:  http://bit.ly/JwH3yf
Smashwords:   https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=a+m+hargrove


Where You Can Find Me

Blog:  http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com
Website: htttp://www.amhargrove.com
Facebook:  http//:www.facebook.com/guardiansofvesturon
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A KINDLE TOUCH OR AN EBOOK HOSTED BY THE AUTHOR, ENTER BELOW or check out her website for more information

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Book Boyfriend

Rykerian


And Jurek (Sorry, I had to add him)


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Giving it Up by Amber Lin


Giving It Up ~ Amber Lin

This is an adult romance/erotica novel (Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

4.5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it's not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren't enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

My Review

The opening lines of this book had my mouth agape. I couldn’t be sure what was to come. Yes, I’d read the blurb to decide if this would interest me. But like a computer, I do a daily dump of information so when I read, I go in cold. Sometimes blurb like movie trailers give away far too much and you end of disappointed because there is no mystery.

So intrigued, I dived right in and finished reading in record time. The characters are certainly interesting. You wonder how you can empathize with them, but you do. I hate to give spoilers but it’s not often a book reminds me of a song. “Criminal” by Brittney Spears is that for me. Not all the lyrics mind you, but it does rings some bells.

The storyline has you wondering what’s right and wrong. And certainly it feels like insta love, but as the story goes on you will see how the author explains everything in a plausible and believable way. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, what would you do?

So, without saying much more, I really did enjoy this one.

My book boyfriend, Colin


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture.  I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation.  If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) and you want me to remove it, let me know and I will.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Fade Out (The Morganville Vampires #7) by Rachel Caine


Fade Out (The Morganville Vampires #7) ~ Rachel Caine

This is a young adult paranormal urban fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Sumamry

Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again…

Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve’s castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger—and way more dangerous—than anyone suspected.

My Review

Another installment that started off with some good drama but quickly fell in line with previous installments. Bummer. It was still good. I didn’t really like the Ada storyline. It was so farfetched even for paranormal. It wasn’t all that bad. I will continue to soldier on with this series.

Okay, I’m going to have to give away some spoilers. SPOILER ALERT.

The introduction of Kim who is in love with Shane brought new drama to this series. I was jumping out of my skin with this storyline. But alas, that drama high didn’t last long enough for me. Eve and Michael and there back in forth is becoming a bit old. I kind of like Michael and in some ways wish he and Claire would hook up. Hold the presses. I still love Shane and think he and Claire are good together. I wonder why Claire’s parents are still in town since they can leave. I mean how is her parents making money to buy food and stuff????

I really miss Sam. I was hoping that somehow….

END of SPOILER ALERT
Anyway, a good read. I will read on.

Audio Review

Cynthia Holloway continues with this series and I’m used to her. She does a good job of keeping the characters with different voices for the most part. I don’t like Myrnin’s voice. It makes him sound as if he looks like a grandpa. But it’s too late to change his voice. I hate when continuing narrators do that.

My book boyfriend Myrnin.


 

*Please note, I do not own any of the pictures I post for fun on my blog. I read and review book as a hobby and do not recieve any compensation for reading, reviewing or posting on my blog. If you are a copyright owner of any picture on my blog and want me to remove it, I will do so.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Oh pretty cover! Genesis by Christie L. Rich

OMG, this cover is so pretty.  They all are in this Elemental Enmity series.


Genesis (Elemental Emnity Book III) ~ Christie L. Rich

This is a young adult paranormal romance series (Rated PG-13)

I had the previlige to read this.  And let me tell you unlike some series, this one keeps getting better with every book.  This is by far my favorite in the series.  So if you have read Five and Dark Matter, what are you waiting for.

Book Blurb for Genesis.....

Having just escaped the nefarious plans of the Order, Rayla Tate thinks all she has to do now is rescue her family and sort through her feelings, but bonding with five men might just be her undoing.  Not only does she have to deal with all of them reading her mind, Rayla must choose a bondmate before she will be allowed to venture into the mortal realm to save those she loves most.
She has three weeks to get to know each lord, but her journey turns into far more than a simple choice of the heart.  Rayla comes face to face with the underhanded dealings of the fae political system where good is a matter of taste and evil lurks under beautiful shells.  Long held judgments crumble when she discovers the heart beneath the men she has come to count on.  Rayla must overcome long held fears, discover the truth behind the creatures of the dark realms, and conquer her greatest weakness before she can take her place as the new queen of the fae.
However, her world crumbles when she discovers following her heart’s desire might just mean the destruction of the world.  Will Rayla have the courage to choose the man who has risked everything to win her, or will she succumb to the manipulations of the fae council and those who would use her power for evil?
One choice:  five men.  The stakes have never been higher, but which one will prevail?
Check out my reviews for the other books.  For a teaser, I throw in a yummy pic of one of the five men.

Taylor and him trying to win Rayla.....







Sunday, July 22, 2012

GIVEAWAY! Awakening the Nightmare by Lanie Malone Blog Tour


Awakening the Nightmare ~ Lanie Malone

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

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

In a world filled with preternatural beings, Corinne DeLacy stands alone. For centuries she has hidden her heritage and powers from the rest of the world. Then Nick is forced into her life, turning it upside down. Standing in her way at every turn, he watches her suspiciously. Circumstances landed them together and now they must fight to save all that they hold dear.

This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review

Ignore the cover. It looks like the beginning of a horror novel with lots of blood and gore, but really it’s a paranormal adventure. It has action but doesn’t hold back on the romance. It has an interesting twist all the same.

This book came with high praise from a friend of mine, Alana, so I had to check it out. We tend to like the same kind of books, so I was eager for the opportunity to read. Sucked in by the mystery of it all, I had lots of theories, but they all fell short of the actual outcome.

Is that good, yes. I liked the dynamics between Cory and her main guy. Things didn’t go as one would expect, but they went where they should go. My small complaint that in light of all the events that went on in the story it almost felt like ‘insta love’. But in actuality enough time passed.
I’m looking forward to the next in the series. You all should check this one out.

I have awesome opportunity to share an excerpt with you.

EXCERPT

Hoping that a bath might help soothe her, Cory started running her water and added an excessive amount of bubble bath, she hated running out of bubbles too soon. She stripped off her bloody clothes and threw them in the trash; there would be no saving those. After laying out a towel, she climbed in and bathed. When she was all clean she leaned her head back and relaxed, letting the hot water soothe her aching muscles and her unsettled thoughts.

She was sitting neck deep in heaven with her eyes closed when she heard someone approaching the bathroom door. She knew who it was long before he reached the door and slammed it open. The doorknob stuck in the sheetrock wall behind the door.

“Did you need something Nick or do you just get off on destroying my home?” She said it without bothering to move or even open her eyes. She could feel the anger rolling off of him but chose to ignore it. She was growing tired of being forever at war with him. It was a war she had come to realize neither of them would ever win.

“What do you think you were doing going over my head and speaking to my father about Elehna?” He stopped nearly frozen in the doorway when he saw her in the bathtub. Leaned back with her feet propped up on the side of the tub and her head back, she looked positively blissful and a thousand different erotic images leapt into his mind. Stifling a groan and desperately trying to focus on his anger he continued, “She is my responsibility, therefore all decisions regarding her well being are mine to make, not my father’s and certainly not yours.”

Cory rolled her eyes and sat up, crossing her arms on the side of the tub and resting her chin on them. “What would you have me do Nick? I was right. I just needed someone to back me up on it and you refused. She needs to be around people, people other than just you and your men. Keeping her locked in my apartment for all eternity is going to drive her insane.”

Nick opened his mouth to respond but Cory stood up in the tub and it felt like his jaw kept going all the way to the floor. She was just as breathtaking as he had imagined and he was instantly hard. “Good God woman, I’m not a eunuch. Don’t you have any shame at all?”

Cory laughed a little as she replied, “No actually, I don’t. And you know, it might not be such a bad life choice for you to get clipped. Then perhaps we could have a conversation every now and then, without all the blood rushing away from your brain.” At his shocked look she smiled and said, “Oh yes, I’ve noticed. You aren’t immune to me, no matter how much you dislike me. I think it’s because you know you can’t have me.”

She leaned down to retrieve her towel off the floor and when she stood up he was right in front of her, only inches away and seriously pissed off. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up into his eyes. He was angry yes, but there was also something a thousand times more powerful in his burning eyes; desire. Cory trembled at his nearness and that long unsatisfied hunger came rushing to the forefront of her mind once again.

Nick smiled when he felt her tremble. “I’m not the only one who wants something they can’t have.” He reached up a hand and gently rubbed the back of his knuckles across her cheek. She closed her eyes and before she could stop herself she leaned into the caress. His hand reached behind her head and tilted her face up towards his own. His other hand snaked around her and pulled her close. “But who says we can’t get what we want?”

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY BOOK BOYFRIEND is Nick. (Leave a comment if you like my choice) Yes, girls. Nick is just that hot!




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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Matched by Ally Condie


Matched ~ Ally Condie

A young adult dystopian novel (Rated PG)

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review

This book came with a lot of warnings from others that it wasn’t good at all. So being forewarned and having low expectations, I found I wasn’t disappointed. Meaning, I didn’t find it a horrible read. Have I read better? Yes. Have I read worse? Yes.

I’m going to find it hard to give a review without spoilers. So be forewarned.

Spoilers

Cassia is a selfish sixteen year old girl. One who had been given the opportunity at a decent life with a guy she loved. But a carrot was dangled in front of her and she took the bait. I can’t blame her. She’s sixteen. Even in our society today, if a new cute boy walked into school, girls would be swooning even if he wasn’t the hottest guy in school. This is human nature. Something new is always interesting. Always better than something you’ve had. So I don’t blame Cassia. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it either.

She makes a ton of mistakes in this book. Too many to count. Most are because she is young, sheltered and doesn’t know any better. I think if I hadn’t been warned about this book, I would have done a lot of eye rolling and may not have finished.

End of Spoilers

Overall, it was an okay read. Similar and Different to Delirium. There is a lot more choice and the threat of death and punishment not as strong. Still, sometimes it is the quiet that will scare you more.

Audio Review
Kate Simses is perfect for the meek Cassia that leads this story.  Her voice quiet and sweet is perfect for the character we read about.  Although she doesn’t have a wide range of voices she uses in this project, I don’t have trouble following who is reading.
My book boyfriend was almost Xander. And through no fault of his own, I have to choose Ky. It’s hard to explain why without giving something away.

Ky...


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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Carpe Corpus (The Morganville Vampires #6) by Rachel Caine


Carpe Corpus (The Morganville Vampires #6)

This is a young adult paranormal urban fantasy novel (Rated PG-17)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary



What can I say about this book, finally. And I’ll leave that at that. For those of you that have read, you know what I’m referring too. I’m glad that we are done with this plot line. I’m ready to move on to something new and fresh. Looking forward to see where the author goes with this one.

I won’t lie. I’m not in love with this series. It’s certainly creative and has great characters, but I don’t jump when a new book is released.

A lot of old storylines are wrapped up in this one and author is bold in some of the actions of her characters. We say goodbye to others and I’m not so sure I’m happy about that.

I’m not in love with the computer chick and parts of me say that took the storyline in places it shouldn’t have gone.

Overall, it’s a decent series that others love and you might too. So read it. It’s not bad at all. It’s entertaining.

My book boyfriend for purposes of this review is Shane. But honestly, I would have gone with Sam and Myrnin.

Shane


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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) by J.R.Ward

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) ~ J.R.Ward

This is an adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel (Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

4.5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward’s “different, creative, dark, violent, and flat-out amazing”* Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a vampire warrior crosses the line between life and death…into a world of dark dreams and darker desires.

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from.

My Review

While the last book was entertaining but lacked originality, this book brings us back to greatness. Fast past, interesting and more original than the last, it reminded me why I loved this series. So good. AND can I say, I’m soooo waiting for Quinn’s HEA with Blay I tell you. Or else.

Back on track, I was once again pleasantly surprised that she continued with exploring relationships after a HEA. I mean nothing screams realism than to say things aren’t a bed of roses once a couple gets together. Therefore the characters show depth and true nature not to be lovey dovey all the time.

The plot, it’s interesting I haven’t decided whether or not I miss the lessors to the extent she used to explore them. But I can’t say I’m not hating where she is taking the plot or how she is a master at setting up future things by showing us hints of things to come.

Really, I can’t say much more without explaining things in details. All I can say, is if you are a fan of the brotherhood, I really enjoyed this one. So suffer through Phurry and a few others just to get here.

Audio Review
Jim Frangione does it again.  He's the master of the series.  I'm not sure how he does it since he doesn't vary his voice all that much, but it works.  I never have trouble knowing who is speaking.
My book boyfriend, Thor.

This is him going through crap.


This is him with his signature look in the book.  Thumb on forehead.
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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Eden-West (Eden #2) by Janelle Stalder


Eden-West (Eden #2) ~ Janelle Stalder

This is a young adult fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)

5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

New beginnings, new conflicts, and new adventures arise in the second installment of the Eden Series, Eden-West.

Months after his initial journey to Eden, Aiden is learning to cope with his own transformation. His social status has changed, his friendship with his best friend Ethan is in jeopardy because of it, and worst of all, he has heard absolutely nothing from his new friends in Eden. What has become of the world he fell in love with? Are his friends safe? Is the war over? With no answers, and no hope for contact, Aiden decides to focus on his life in his world.

Just as he makes this decision, he encounters a familiar bright light and thinks he knows exactly what it means. Except the light isn’t at all what he expects and neither is the person behind it. When Aiden returns to Eden, it is to a whole new part of that special world, and a whole new set of adventures.

Weeks after Aiden was returned to his own world, Elisa is sent to Nysa, the revered Southern city, to retrieve the one thing she’d rather avoid – Wolf. Captain Turk instructed her to get in and get out - but that is easier said than done. When she finds her missing friend, she also stumbles upon a great deal of trouble. This trouble goes by one name – Markus, the leader of the Sun People.

Follow all your favourite characters as they ready themselves for battle and fight for a world threatened to be destroyed.

My Review

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I’VE READ THIS YEAR!

A lot of times, unfortunately, the sequel to a blockbusting series falls short. NOT HERE. Let me tell you, after I re-orientated myself with the story because it had been too long since the last book, *hint, hint*, lol, I was out the gates like a race horse reading to take it all in.

This author is amazing at weaving a tale with multiple POVs. I had a hard time choosing who I cared to read more about. She’d change POVs and I would curse but at the same time I was happy to get back to the POV I was now reading. It takes a special kind of author to write magic like she does. And it was pure magic. I think I’m her biggest fan!!!!

So, if you haven’t read this series, it begins with Eden. You can say that Aiden is the central character but there are so many more. It’s hard not to love them all even the supposed evil ones. It’s a fantasy based story. It’s setting is current times and a fantastical place in another realm. Sounds confusing, it’s not. Janelle Standler makes it effortless. You won’t even be confused with any transition whether place or POV. Though most of the action does take place in the magical world known as Eden.

Not to give anymore away, I have to say READ this one. Especially if you like fantasy. Even if you don’t, you should give it a try. It’s one of those reads that will easily become an awesome exception for you if you normally don’t read this genre.

Overall, AWESOME.

My book boyfriend is Callum and Wolf. What can I say, I love them both.

Wolf


Callum (Those are Rose's hands on his head, btw)


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