Thursday, May 30, 2013

Water & Storm Country (Country Saga #3) by David Estes

Water & Storm Country  (Country Saga #3) by David Estes
 
This is a young adult dystopian novel (Rated PG-13)
  
♥♥♥♥♥ 
(Five Stormy Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
Huck Jones, the son of the admiral of the Soaker fleet, has a legacy to live up to. Haunted by the distorted memories of his mother's untimely death, he must face his demons and the man who raised him as he strives to take the courageous step forward into manhood. When he's transferred to the worst-performing ship in the fleet, everything he believes is called into question when he meets a lowly brown-skinned bilge rat girl. Huck walks a deadly rope...

Meanwhile, Sadie, destined to be a Rider in the Stormer army, seeks to avenge her brother's death at the hands of the Soakers. Trained hard by her mother, an experienced Rider, Sadie knows strength and determination more than most. Her father, a Man of Wisdom, has shown his cowardice more times than she can count. As her world and family fall apart, she must cast aside her anger and focus on the wisdom she's always brushed off as foolishness.

Amidst everything, a Plague ravages all, discriminating against no one.

When four worlds collide, lines will be drawn, sides will be chosen, victory will be sought. Death will be wrought. The mysteries of the Cure for the deadly Plague will be uncovered. Who will survive? And what will those who do learn about themselves and the ones they love?
 
 
My Review
 
David delivers as usual. This story is engaging, tugging at our most vulnerable heart strings. Who doesn’t seek the approval of a parent or guardian? His brilliance is wrapping a story around it that’s not only interesting but unique. I love to fall into the pages of a David Estes book.

In this one with get two POVs from main characters whose lives are separate. Huck in water country and Sadie in Storm country. For me these characters have sides to them I don’t like. But I don’t have to like the MC (main character) in order to enjoy the story. It proves true in this installment.

This story is fast pace and it keeps moving. The twist aren't easily predictable nor do they make me cringe. I love how David eventually ties everything so far together. This story is going to burst at the seams with the next book. The Dwellers meet the Country folk. Should be interesting indeed.

If you haven’t picked up either the Dwellers or the Country series, they are a must read for all young adult lovers as well as those who love a good dystopian.

My book boyfriend is Huck.

 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Bite Club (The Morganville Vampires #10) by Rachel Caine

Bite Club  (The Morganville Vampires #10) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
  ♥♥♥♥
(Four Fighting Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine is "a first-class storyteller" (#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris).

After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare—knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other—or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire—accompanied by her friends and frenemies—to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...
 
 
My Review
 
This series keeps getting better. This installment was just as engaging as the last. I’m happy I continued on.  One thing is for sure Rachel Caine’s imagination seems to know no bounds.
What we have here is Shane going back in time it seems. His old fears plague him and cause him to do rash and stupid things. The only problem is Claire pays the price.
Add to that the band of friends come together to save Shane's life and protect him from himself. This book has a dark side to it. Shane’s inner demon isn’t nice and I wonder how much of himself is he hiding when left to himself.
Even though the story resolves, we are left to wonder what could possibly happen next.
My book boyfriend is Michael.


 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Ghost Town (The Morganville Vampires #9) by Rachel Caine


Ghost Town (The Morganville Vampires #9) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a young adult paranormal romance novel (Rated PG-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Forgetful Hearts)

 
Book Summary

Get ready for "non-stop vampire action" (Darque Reviews) in the latest Morganville Vampire novel from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine.

While developing a new system to maintain Morganville's defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she's able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders.

But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville...


My Review
I must say, I rather enjoyed this book a lot. So much so, I moved onto the next book in the series right away. Well, maybe it has to do with that cliffy.
However, at this point my faith is restored in this series. I doubted for a while this series would find legs after Bishop, but that’s not the case. Still, where this book isn’t my favorite young adult series, ones like Vampire Academy, Soul Screamers, Shade and a few others top this one in my book perhaps, still, this one that keeps on giving. (meaning we on book 10) so that let’s you have more time with your favorite characters.
So I’m recommending this one to you guys. There is still a lot to give in this storyline. I look forward to what the next book brings.
Audio Review
Cynthia Holloway continues to do a good job with this series.
My book boyfriend, Shane.

 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Spice Up Your Summer: Eighty Days of Pleasure

Eighty Days of Pleasure Summer Erotica Sale
 
 
Pleasure. It comes in so many forms. Cool drinks on hot days, lazy afternoons reading in the sun, settling into a new book series that promises a healthy supply of sizzling storytelling.

With summer just around the corner, we at Open Road wanted to help you get a head start on enjoying the pleasures of summertime (well, the reading-a-great-series-in-the-sunshine part, at least—you're on your own for the cold, frosty drinks). So we have a suggestion for your summer series pick, and an amazing deal to go along with it.

Starting May 18, read along in the popular Eighty Days erotic romance series by Vina Jackson with our special “Eighty Days of Pleasure” offer, an ongoing sale on each of the first three ebooks as well as the ebook bundle, The Eighty Days Series: Volumes 1–3.

Schedule for the “Eighty Days of Pleasure” Sale:


Need more convincing? Here's what fans of Eighty Days have to say about the series on Goodreads:

"Completely original and not like anything I have read before . . . EVER!"

"The story is told slowly, almost like a silent movie waiting to drag you in. There is no sudden shock that has the reader quickly turning the page yet I found myself turning and turning wanting to know what would come next."

"I’ve really enjoyed these books—I love the language, the richness of the prose, the realism and the starkness of their story. It’s compelling, intensely sensuous and emotionally draining."

"I hope one day to find an as interesting and testing a series but I wonder deep down if it is even possible."

For more information on the sale, you can check out our blog post: http://www.openroadmedia.com/blog/2013-05-10/Spice-Up-Your-Summer-Eighty-Days-of-Pleasure

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Art of Control (The Art of D/s #3) by Ella Dominguez

The Art of Control  (The Art of D/s #3) by Ella Dominguez
 
This is an adult erotica novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥♥ 
(Five Sensual Hearts)

 
Book Summary
 
Warning: Contains moderate BDSM themes, graphic sexual encounters, profanity, Dom/me in action, oral and anal sex. Intended for adult readers 18+. Not for the faint of heart or closed-minded individuals.

Having moved on from the terrible events of two months earlier, Dylan and Isa try to move on with their lives. Things seem to be going well as they grow into the roles of their unconventional D/s relationship, each learning the give and take of power and pain, accepting and giving love unconditionally, and respecting each other's wants, desires and need for control.

But Isa has been fighting with the demons of her past. Recurring nightmares have begun to plague her and fear of the future overwhelms her on a daily basis. Her desire for control and independence prevent her from sharing her deepest fears with the man she loves, threatening to drive a wedge between the couple.

With gentle yet stern prodding from her cherished Dom, Isa confides in Dylan and their bond grows deeper. But their kinky fairy tale existence is all too good to be true when Isabel's father sets forth a chain of events that will test their love and loyalty for each other, and Isa is forced to decide which is more important - Dylan's life or her happily ever after.
 
 
My Review 

I read this book it feels like long ago, but shortly after reading I ended up with unexpected spinal surgery. So here I am a month later writing this review.

This book was fantastic. Can I say that I couldn’t put it down. I was all in. It was all there. Everything I needed emotionally to tie me to the screen to read until the end. This book had passion, heart wrenching pain and amazing balls sex. Yes folks, BSDM that makes no shame what it. I love it. Can I have a Dylan please?

Can I also say that I was completely torn asunder at some point in the book? I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Let’s just say, you get a curve ball. And resolution isn’t swift. Still, I walked away feeling complete but still wanting because you never really want a good book to end.

If you haven’t read this series it’s a must. If you’ve heard negative things about book one even from me, they have been completely resolved. So don’t hold back any longer.

BDSM in this book spells ballsy, demanding, sensual and man candy all the ingredients for a fantastic love story with a D/s relationship in the most fantastic twisted of ways. Simply put delicious.

My man candy, I mean book boyfriend is Dylan.

  
 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Kiss of Death (The Morganville Vampires #8) by Rachel Caine

Kiss of Death (The Morganville Vampires #8) by Rachel Caine
 
This is a paranormal fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)
 
♥♥♥♥
(Four Okay Hearts) 
 
Book Summary
 
A new chapter in the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires saga.

Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell...
 
My Review
 
Well, I can’t say I’m in love with this series. It has frustrated me at times. However, this installment restored my faith. It wasn't a slam dunk but it was enough to get me reading this series again.
The cast of characters in this series is great. I love them all and even love to hate others. In this installment, our base crew gets a pass out of town with a babysitter. As you can imagine they find trouble.
Some of the things that happened irked me but I had to remember that these are new adults that haven’t had the experience I've had and some had never been out of Morganville. So it was easier to swallow some of the things they did. I like that at times it wasn’t predictable.
But I had to hand it to one guy. Oliver. I just can’t figure him out. He’s multifaceted.
Audio Review
Cynthia Holloway does a good job with this series. I actual have paired her voices with these characters. So when she reads another book by another author, I’m always brought back to Morganville. It’s not a bad thing.
Anyway, my book boyfriend is Oliver.
 
 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Die for Me (Die for Me #1) by Amy Plum

Die for Me (Die for Me #1) by Amy Plum
 
This is a paranormal romance novel (Rated PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥
(Three Disappointed Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
 
 
My Review
 
Let me first give credit where credit is due. This author has create a unique world that could have been a 5 star read. Additionally, her writing is beautiful. Her words create a picture in my head. But then there are too many problems with plot that I can not give her a higher rating.
SORRY, this WILL NOT be a SPOIL FREE review.
The first of which is insta love. I’m sorry. It’s a bit creepy that Vincent who is about 80 something in real years falls madly in love with a 16 year old girl in seconds. It’s creepy with vampires and it’s creepy with what Vincent is. The author does a decent job of trying to explain away this 80 yrs to him resembling a teenager in mind, but he’s seen too much. I could go on about that, but moving on.
Kate in the beginning of the story annoyed me. She is like in her head saying 'he’s too beautiful for me'. Then when he pursues her, she plays hard to get. And I’m like Really! On top of that she’s 16 and she talks about before coming to Paris she’d go clubbing with her sister back in NY. 14-15 year old goes clubbing, really!!! Party maybe. But clubbing at least how she described, I think not. Do they have teenage clubs, yes. But that is not what she describes.
And no one seems to have a problem with a 19 year old boy dating a 16 year old girl. Yes, it’s 3 years. But let’s be honest. At that age it’s more like 10 figment years. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s not even mentioned. Which on average it would be.
Then back to Vincent, he never explains why he fell in love with her like seconds. And that's like before he met her. He admits he was obsessed before they actually met. Then, they like had two dates and one kiss. She breaks ups with him after because she can’t handle what he is. She knew what he was??? There was no real revelation, yet she breaks up with him. Okay. Whatever. They break up. Then they are both miserable over the loss of someone they just met. Really. He can’t eat or drink. She obsessed over him. (I swear the author better reveal that she’s the reincarnate of his first love to explain this away. That in the next book because she doesn't in this one.)
I’ve already rolled my eyes far too much in this story. I know I'm not the target audience. But I'd like to think the author doesn't think the average teenage is stupid and wouldn't see the obvious here.
And add to that the predictability of the story. And you have a big fat UGH!
Questions/Plot Holes
Jean Baptist asked Kate pointedly where she saw Charles and if he was speaking to anyone. And she blatantly lies and says NO, she says 'he seemed to be by himself at this club' she was at. Really. She says him standing face to face with Lucien. But of course later she admits he was talking to Lucien. Of course, the author didn’t want to reveal this info early but it’s a serious hole. Why not have him not asked her if he was talking to anyone and leave it at where she saw him??? Have their conversation interrupted. But honestly, a lie. And No one even calls her out as to why she lied the first time or “changed her story”???
How did Georgia know where Vincent lived? She never went there, and Kate didn’t tell her?
I won' get into how convenient the sister dating Lucien turned out to be and how she ignored Kate’s warning. That was like too obvious.
Well, one good thing. Vincent acted his age in the end. Only a man of 80 would know how to woo a woman. Key word, woman. But Kate a girl was impressed.

Oh, and why do they call themselves ZOMBIES. Did this book want to be all the rage with the zombie books that year. Honestly, as a sci fi buff, they aren't zombies. Zombies are mindless re-animated human bodies that crave flesh. No part of that definition is in this world building. Really???
And guess what NO CLIFFY. Too bad, I like cliffies. And in this case, I needed a cliffy to entice me to move onto the next book. Will I read the next book? If audible has an extreme sale and I have nothing else to read. Who knows? Never say never.
Audio Review
Julia Whelan did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
 Overall, I am deeply disappointed. This book had a lot of potential to be great.
My book boyfriend Vincent. (This guys eyes are blue, you just can't tell in this pic)

Just so you will believe me on eye color here is a pic of same model.

 
 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Grave Secret (Harper Connelly #4) by Charlaine Harris

Grave Secret (Harper Connelly #4) by Charlaine Harris
 
This is a paranormal mystery novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Secret Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
New in the series from New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. Lightning-struck sleuth Harper Connelly and her stepbrother Tolliver take a break from looking for the dead to visit the two little girls they both think of as sisters. But, as always happens when they travel to Texas, memories of their horrible childhood resurface.

To make matters worse, Tolliver learns from his older brother that their father is out of jail and trying to reestablish contact with other family members. Tolliver wants no part of the man- but he may not have a choice in the matter.

Soon, family secrets ensnare them both, as Harper finally discovers what happened to her missing sister, Cameron, so many years before.

And what she finds out will change her world forever.
 
My Review
 
I thought the author did a great good of wrapping up the series with a mystery to boot. I can honestly say, I didn’t see the conclusion coming. I just didn’t. It through me for a loop. Great job there.  At the same time, she also did a good job in making it very plausible so it doesn’t seem like she just pulled it out of her hat to give us a surprise.
We get here a mystery inside a mystery. And it was fast pace and interesting and kept me listening until the very end non-stop. If you haven’t read this series and enjoy mysteries, pick this one up.
I will miss these characters. I will miss Manfred. I too could see at least one more book. I feel like my HEA was totally rushed. Still, it was a solid series ender. I think it was the best out of the four books.
Audio Review
Alyssa Bresnahan did a really good job with this series. She really brought this series to life for me.
My Book Boyfriend is Tolliver.
  
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Blog Tour for Day After by Emi Gayle ( Excerpt, Interview + GIVEAWAY)


Day After
The 19th Year, Book #2
Release Date: May 6, 2013
Target Reader: Young Adult

Word Count : ~83,000











Description
Demon crypts. Vampire lairs. Glowing angels. Sexy sirens. The stuff of fiction. 

Or so Winn Thomas always thought. 

Since being accepted into the fold of the supernatural, he knows better. None of what he imagined is true, but everything he feared is, and binding himself to his Changeling girlfriend until her nineteenth birthday will give him an education far beyond what he’d get at his human high school. 

Luckily, Winn’s not giving up, he won’t back down, and he definitely isn’t going to run away with his tail between his legs. After all, only werewolves have tails. Right? 

In this, the second of the 19th Year trilogy, Winn’s facing the challenge of one lifetime. If he doesn’t learn the truth about mythological creatures, his girlfriend Mac Thorne won’t either. That means, in six months, when she chooses her final form, she won’t know what to pick. 

Winn, though, has his own ideas about Mac’s final selection—plans she knows nothing of. 

He intends to have her pick human. 

Whether she can or not.




EXCERPT
 

Demon crypts. Vampire lairs. Glowing angels. Sexy sirens. The stuff of fiction.

Or so Winn Thomas always thought.

Since being accepted into the fold of the supernatural, he knows better. None of what he imagined is true, but everything he feared is, and binding himself to his Changeling girlfriend until her nineteenth birthday will give him an education far beyond what he’d get at his human high school.

Luckily, Winn’s not giving up, he won’t back down, and he definitely isn’t going to run away with his tail between his legs. After all, only werewolves have tails. Right?

In this, the second of the 19th Year trilogy, Winn’s facing the challenge of one lifetime. If he doesn’t learn the truth about mythological creatures, his girlfriend Mac Thorne won’t either. That means, in six months, when she chooses her final form, she won’t know what to pick.

Winn, though, has his own ideas about Mac’s final selection—plans she knows nothing of.

He intends to have her pick human.

Whether she can or not.

Sitting in front of the twelve most powerful non-humans on the earth would have shaken a lesser guy. In my case, I’d almost thrown up. Twice.

‘Don’t worry,’ Mackenzie Thorne, my girlfriend, had said. ’'It’s just a formality.

She hadn’t known I’d have to go alone.

Only the intake and exhalation of air in the room made any sound. Eerie light flickered from the tips of candles mounted along dark, oak-paneled walls.

I refused to look anywhere but ahead of me. To the long, wooden, medieval-length table.

Waiting.

Watching.

Holding my own breath.

For a moment, it seemed the walls began to close in on me.

At almost midnight on the first day of the year, I prepared to accept a fate no other human had ever taken on, been given or even offered. In response, sweat pooled under my armpits as alternating cold and hot ran through me.

The scratch of wood against wood had heads turning. Mine included.

Nahir, the oldest of the twelve, rose from his chair. “Winford Richmond Thomas, please rise.” His voice had a gravelly, hoarse sound.

I did as requested, my knees pressing against each other.

Nahir moved closer to me, his grandfatherly, human form disappearing under protruding scales of deep green. His arms lengthened into dinosaur-like paws and hit the rock floor, making the room around us shake. Thick wings extended from his body, and a tail lashed out against the wall behind him, rattling the candles.

A dragon, in the color of tropical ocean water, stood before me, huffing air from horse-sized nostrils.
Oh. God. I’m going to die.

Not going to die. It’s part of the test. Remember, you have to see them all. Mac’s words flowed through my mind.

Keep breathing.

“Master Thomas.” Josie, a siren and one of the most beautiful women I’d ever met, rose, her long flowing gown matching the color of her reddish-gold hair. I couldn’t help but stare at her. “You’ve been asked by our current changeling, Miss Maya Mackenzie Thorne, to be her teacher. Have you willingly agreed to take on this duty?” As Josie talked, she stalked forward, shimmering, shifting, the already-pretty woman becoming deadly man-hunting female—according to the legends I’d read.

Vibes ebbed from her like the rocking tide. If she sang, throwing up would be the least of my worries. I’d be dead by sexual self-implosion.

With a rough cough, I gathered my wits. “Yes. I have accepted. Willingly.” Every nerve ending in my body urged me to go to Josie, to let her take me and do with me whatever she wanted. A groan built in my throat, tension straining my limbs, most particularly, my crotch. Not now! The need to shift what grew sent heat to my cheeks even as Mac’s words played through again. Force yourself not to react to any of them. They’ll think you’re stronger than you are since you’re only human.

Only human. Problem number one.

[...]


Book Trailer:

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This series sounds so exciting I simply can't wait to read. I do have a special surprise. And interview with the author.

INTERVIEW
 
Emi Gayle
Emi Gayle just wants to be young again. She lives vicariously through her youthful characters, while simultaneously acting as chief-Mom to her teenaged son and searching for a way to keep her two daughters from ever reaching the dreaded teen years.

Ironically, those years were some of Emi's favorite times. She met the man of her dreams at 14, was engaged to him at 19, married him at 20 and she's still in love with him to this day. She'll never forget what it was like to fall in love at such a young age — emotions she wants everyone to feel.

 
1. What was your inspiration for this story?
 
The overall plot came to me all in one moment. That’s pretty normal for me, though. I just thought “What would happen if an 18 year old (well 19) had to pick what she’d do for the rest of her life and never got a chance to change it?” And of course since in real life, that’s not real, I made it paranormal.
 
2. What is your current project you are working on?
 
Right now I’m working on a dystopian New Adult series. Also finishing up the 19th year trilogy with the edits to Darkest Day - the final book..
 
3. Will you have any more releases this year?
 
Not this year, but January 2014, will be the last book in the trilogy.
 
4. What is your favorite thing about writing?
 
Just getting to know my characters and what they have come to mean to me. They are like real people and it’s awesome to get to know them.
 
5. What is the one thing you want people to know about you?
 
That I am TRULY thankful for being able to write, to share and to have fans! Thank you!

 
 
Hosted by Author/Publisher

Group Giveaway Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link to be able to gain an entry by commenting: http://www.emigayle.com/blog/?p=1705

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Tribulation (Rapture Trilogy #2) by Phillip W. Simpson

Tribulation (Rapture Trilogy #2) by Phillip W. Simpson
 
This is a paranormal fantsy novel (Rated PG-13)
  
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Warrior Hearts)

 
Book Summary
 
Halfway through the desolate Tribulation, half-demon Samael is still alone, with only his Samurai swords and memories of the dearly departed - especially his beloved Aimi - to sustain him. Fighting for the innocents who remain behind, Sam has thwarted the plans of the Antichrist once before. Now, having already conquered Europe, America remains a thorn in his brother’s side. At the head of a massive invasion fleet, an army of demons, and his sights firmly fixed on New York, he will not be denied again ...

Beset on all sides by adversaries, aided by friends old and new, Sam must stop his brother before America falls. And if that means killing him, then so be it. He failed once before; this time he will succeed - or die trying.
 
 
My Review
 
This book was a good as the first and I’m dying to read the third. I must say, it’s like breathing in fresh air when you read a good book that is grounded in its own imagination and not built on other books that have come before it.
I have to admit to a fascination with the bible. Yes, I am a Christian and I know that may be hard for some of you to believe with the types of things I read and say. But don’t judge or cast stones. We are all sinners in one fashion or another and I own mine.
Anyway, this story was action pack, with just enough romance that doesn’t distract from the story. It’s got angst and conflict and rooted in a future time prophesized by the good book itself to make the story that much more intriguing. Will this be a possibility? one might ask themselves.
Anyway, my heart goes out to Sam, whose fate is predestined by a parentage out of his control. It doesn’t seem fair or righteous. But what I love is that Sam doesn’t let his fate stop him from doing what’s right. He’s selfless and a hero. Someone we could all learn from.
This author continues to amaze and capture my attention with his words, his imagination and a story that is test the bounds of our understanding.
My book boyfriend is Sam.
 
 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris
 
This is a paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥1/2
(Two and a Half Heart Breaking Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart...

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough...
 
 
My Review
 
Where the Sookie series started off on a bang, it ended with a thud. I don’t follow this author as some people do. So I wasn’t aware that she specially said that Sookie wouldn’t end up with a vamp. I think if I knew that, I would have stop reading long ago.
This will not be a SPOIL FREE ZONE. I need to vent and in doing so, I need to talk about what actually happens in the book. So if you want spoil free, read my quick review on Goodreads.
Let me first say that this author making Eric out to be a monster really pissed me off. She basically tried to unravel all the feelings we built up for this guy in this one book. She tried to villainize him. And I’m sorry. I’m just not buying. Thankfully, she did make Sookie slightly wary of these thoughts. Still, I don’t think the Eric I’d come to know would act the way he did totally in the little time he got in this book. Yeah, little time. For such an important character, he was basically glossed over.
And yeah, it was like the parade of characters in this book. It was almost like all the characters ever written in this series made an appearance or were thought of. Almost. But still. Really.
The format of the story was much like the last. As much as I can remember. A day in the life of Sookie. Honestly, I didn’t need to know every time she woke up and went to bed. Especially when she did nothing in between beside eat. I like an author to “show” things. But this case, she really could have done a summary of certain days and given us more substance.
And Sam. As much as I like Sam, I personally didn’t see the Sam thing coming until I heard rumors. I guess the important thing about that statement is in the books, there was no build up to it. It like came out of left field. I think I could have handled it if she had given us that flicker that something like that was possible. I get in the early books that was the case. But this is book 13. And I think that was book one or two.
Anyway, total disappointment and I can’t recommend this series to anyone. Even though the first few books were really entertaining.
The one guy I’ve always love in this series is Jason. Too bad he was Sookie’s brother.
Audio Review
Johanna Parker did a superb job again. If not for her, I may not have continued this series.
My book boyfriend Jason. (why change perfection) memories.....







 
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians #3) by Dianne Duvall

Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians #3) by Dianne Duvall
 
This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Shadowed Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it's not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire . . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can't remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different — and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question — he can't put her in danger. But she isn't asking him . . .
 
 
My Review
 
Okay, it’s been a while since I read this series. So I spent the first several chapters trying to reacquaint myself with the series. Some authors give you so much, others not enough. And I guess it depends on if you are reading them back to back to decide which you like best. I’m leaning towards a little more background in this one.
Still from what I can gather two years have passed in book world not the real world. And these characters have been interacting.
I love the realism in this story. Characters dies, even ones we like. It makes you feel more edge when a battle happens if we know an author is capable of killing off one of the characters.
I also like that the other characters in the previous books haven’t fallen off the face of the earth and are included in this story for their special talents. I didn’t like that Bastian wasn’t as strong and was bested by someone. But that is also the realism. Not every character is the strongest and undefeatable.
I loved the first, and I’m still loving this one. Hoping the next book will be out soon.
Audio Review
Kristen Potter does an excellent job with narration. I enjoyed the series very much. She did a really good job with all the accents.
My book boyfriend Sebastian.
 
 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.

Monday, May 13, 2013

An Ice Cold Grave (Harper Connelly #3) by Charlaine Harris

An Ice Cold Grave  (Harper Connelly #3) by Charlaine Harris
 
This is a paranormal mystery novel (Rated NC-17)
  
♥♥♥♥
(Four Cold Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
Hired to find a boy gene missing in Doraville, North Carolina, Harper Connelly and her brother Tolliver head there, only to discover that the boy was the only one left of several who had disappeared over the previous five years. All of them teenagers. All unlikely runaways.

All calling for Harper.

Harper soon finds them—eight victims, buried in the half-frozen ground, all come to an unspeakable end. Afterward, what she most wants to do is collect her fee and get out of town ahead of the media storm that's soon to descend. But when she's attacked and prevented from leaving, she reluctantly becomes a part of the investigation as she learns more than she cares to about the dark mysteries and long-hidden secrets of Doraville—knowledge that makes her the next person likely to rest in an ice-cold grave.
 
My Review
 
First let me say that I felt like I’d been holding my breath through this series until now. I can breathe again. Certain things were resolved but I can’t say what.
Second, let me say that the mystery is really sad. When you are dealing with a serial killer of young people it can be hard to read whether fact or fiction. The author does a really good job at the realism. So sad but true.
I love how the characters are growing. They aren’t one dimensional. They aren’t perfect. Yet, they are interesting and have flaws and grow as people in each book.
I was really excited and sad to move from this book to the forth and final book. I’ve overall enjoyed this series far more than the Sookie Stakehouse series. Maybe that series just went on a bit longer than it should have. However, I think this series could have done a few more. *sigh*
Audio Review
Alyssa Bresnahan continues to do a really good job with this series. She really brings this series to life for me.
My book boyfriend Manfred (pic a lip ring in your head.)

 
 
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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) please let me know and I will remove it.