Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater
 
This is a somewhat of a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥
 (Three and that's being generous Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.
Mothers can disappear.
Visions can mislead.
Certainties can unravel.



My Review


SUCH A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
I’m a Maggie Stiefvater fan. I’ll admit, I was disappointed in her series ending of Shiver, Linger, Forever and haven’t read Sinner. And I’ll admit because of that series ender, I’m concerned at how this series will end. But Maggie’s writing is so stunning that I find myself drawn to her construction of a sentence which for to me is like a paint stroke on an amazing canvas. In fact, I loved Scorpio Races.
Alas, I thought this series had outdone those. I should admit I haven’t read her Fey series. Anyway, the first two books in the Raven Cycle were HOME RUNS. This one was soooo not.
So much to say… Where to begin….

I'll first say that where I normally love her writing, this time the prose, metaphors all felt forced. They didn't have the quality I've found in the other two books in the series. And I'm no writer, so you'll have to forgive my glaring grammar errors and how I have the gall to berate an author when I'm not one.
I guess I’ll say with all that happened in the last book, I assumed there would be more. I know this book isn’t about romance the way Shiver was. But, the revelations were startling, although for me not unexpected. And this book, there was silence all around. Okay, so I don’t need romance in a story. But I need a plot. And there was NONE…
The characters in this book went and did mundane things in their lives and took us on that boring journey. We had a brief moments were truths could have been spoken between characters and they remained mute. We had a little action but not really much. I could have done without the page or so of explanation while a yard was cleaned up, while a protest happened. Nothing much of consequence happens in the book. When things did occur like a law suit, it was sadly without much in the way of satisfying fact finding or gratification in the outcome. These interesting things were cut short.
We learned precious little until the end. And I must say I was disappointed as a somewhat of a triangle was formed with Blue’s mom and we got NOTHING on how that was resolved or what two men might have said to each other.
It was flat out boring. And if not for the expectation that something would occur in this book, I would have DNF’d it. Only to get barely anything for the time wasted on reading. I will finish the series. I just hope we aren’t left with the glaring OPENING of a series ending we got in the Mercy Falls Wolves series or whatever Shiver, Linger, Forever was.
My book boyfriend Gansey.



View all my reviews

*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, November 10, 2014

River's Revenge (The Sanctuary Series 3) by Charlotte Abel

River's Revenge (The Sanctuary Series 3) by Charlotte Abel
 
This is a new adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Jonathan Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Jonathan and River are reunited but must hide the true nature of their relationship until all the carefully woven lies supporting the revolution start to unravel. Nothing but the truth can save them. Not only must they convince the citizens of New Eden that the prophecy is real, they must also prove Jonathan is the true son of Ephraim or face certain execution.
 
 
My Review

 
This series is just so well developed and unique. I love the Native American aspects woven into the tale in a believable way. I love that the world building of “shape shifters” was made new and fresh. I just loved this story from beginning to end.
If you love paranormal romance, you must pick this one up. New Adult is hot and I love that we get the juicers bits of a story that you can’t get in YA.
What’s most. I loved all the character. Okay, I hated a few. But I loved that I could “feel” so much by all the characters to care enough about what they did or didn’t do.
The forbidden aspects (which aren’t taboo) ratchet up the angst and smexy time. And the plot continues to thicken before it finally resolves. I hate to say goodbye to this series because I loved it so. And I can’t wait to read more by this author.
If you love paranormal romance and/or urban fantasy, I think you’ll surely enjoy this series.
My book boyfriend is Jonathan.
 
View all my reviews

*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.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

His Frozen Heart by Nancy Straight ~ GIVEAWY ~ TOUR

Brought by


His Frozen Heart by Nancy Straight
This is a new adult romantic suspense novel (Rated R)
Goodreads
iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/pvmeg3b

 ♥♥♥♥1/2
 (Four and a half Dave Hearts)
Book Summary
For best friends, Candy and Libby, money is tight with hardly enough to cover their living expenses. When they are desperate for grocery money, the girls bet on their pool playing skills to add to their income.

A simple wager on a quiet winter evening has devastating results, with a stalker determined to kill them both. With Libby in the hospital after a vicious attack, and Candy being pursued by the same stalker, she vows to find Libby's attacker.

What she finds is Dave, an old friend with a secret past filled with misfortune. Will Dave’s past provide the answer to all of Candy’s problems or will it become Candy’s worst nightmare realized?
My Review

Nancy just writes romance like no other. If she had more smexy time, I would call her the next Nora Roberts. Alas, let’s get into this book.
This book sets the stage with two girls somewhat down on their luck. And from there things get crazy. And the story moves fast never letting go. And hold on to the rails, because you’ll be wondering who done it, will love burst through and with all that angst can they just do it already, lol. JK.
Anyway, I read straight through which means a real winner for me. In fact, I’m hoping there will be a spin off book with one of the characters.
A little birdy told me there will be…

This New Adult romance is more than just will he love me or will she love him. It’s a complicated story about retribution and family ties. It also has heart stopping moments that hurt the heart.

So don’t wait, pick this puppy up. It’s an excellent read.
My book boyfriend Dave.


Author/Publisher sponsored
$100 Amazon gift card, 10 signed paperbacks, 10 audiobooks, and 20 ebooks
Author BIO



 
I LOVE Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). I have a lead foot so I set cruise control when I drive, even in 25 MPH zones. I almost never win when I play Angry Birds, but have my 9 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for me. I grew up on a farm and am opposed to eating fresh chicken (not opposed to meat - just opposed to any meat that was alive a few hours before lunch). I am a huge fan of the show, Big Bang Theory, on CBS. I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore.

Twitter: @NancyStraight



 
 
*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.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Freeing Him (Hart Brothers #2) by A.M. Hargrove

Freeing Him (Hart Brothers #2) by A.M. Hargrove
 
This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
 (Five Superb Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
*This novel contains mature content and is not intended for younger readers.

Kolson Hart and Gabriella Martinelli…destined to be together, fated to be torn apart.

After avoiding his father for years, Kolson knew asking his father, Langston Hart, for a favor would be like selling his soul to the devil. Only the devil wants more ... more than Kolson is willing to pay. But some promises can’t be broken, not without losing what’s most important. For Kolson, that’s Gabriella Martinelli.

Left with two choices–pay up or risk everything–Kolson’s only way out is to do something drastic, something so monumental not even Langston will be able to interfere. The question is: Will it be enough to guarantee Gabriella's safety from his father?

Kolson freed Gabriella from her past, and now he’s risking everything for her again. Will she be able to save him from the demon that hunts him? Or is fate too strong for them to fight?

As the suds rinse, I stare at and memorize everything about her. A deep clenching pain rips through my gut, and then I know it’s not true what they say about your heart breaking. It doesn’t even come close. Your heart doesn’t break. A gash splits your gut wide open and then it expands straight on up to your sternum until your heart explodes out of your chest. The f***ing thing isn’t broken. It’s goddamn annihilated. And there isn’t enough superglue in the entire world to piece it back together again. And then parts of you start to fall off, one by one. And you know it’s not possible to ever be put back together again. You’re f***ing Humpty Dumpty.
 
 
My Review
 

I have to tell you I’m partial to crime/mystery/police procedural type of books. But those books are full of just that and really light on romance, which I don’t need to necessarily enjoy a book. But when I can get a little crime/mystery into a romance story, it feels all heaven like.
Kolson’s past isn’t sweet and oh how I love my broken men. Something about them that brings out the super protective side of me. I just want to fix them and hug them and all that. But Kolsen’s not totally broken. For all his shit, he has it together and knows what he wants. Got to respect a man for that.
But above all, this story is about giving up what you want to protect life above all else. And then there is the struggle against that because sometimes love is worth fighting for above all else.
This story is about love and survival, overcoming ones fears and trusting, it’s about moving on to the future and forgetting the past. It’s all these things and more. I won’t give the plot away other than to say…
This story will keep you turning the pages and won’t read like every other contemporary story out there. YAY! So pick this one up if you like a little mystery with your spice.
My book boyfriend Kolson.



View all my reviews

*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.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Is This What I Want? by Patricia Mann

 
Is This What I Want? by Patricia Mann
 
This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
 (Four and a half Wonderful Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Four difficult months have passed since Beth’s husband Rick discovered her affair with a former student. The couple has worked hard in therapy to salvage their marriage and understand their roles in everything that happened. Things are looking up until Dave reappears, awakening Beth’s fantasies of what could have been had she taken their affair to the next level. Now that she is faced with another opportunity, Beth battles an even more impossible dilemma than the first time she was caught in Dave’s web.

Amidst the trouble in her marriage and pressure to shield her children from the discord, Beth is also called upon to help her two best friends, both with serious problems of their own. The stress sparks temptation to seek comfort in her favorite vices. But she knows she can’t hide if she wants to save what matters most. The question is, what does she want?
 
 
My Review
 

Let me be honest. I hate cheating books with a passion. But there are some exceptions, Thoughtless (well at least beginning with the 2nd book in the series) and this one. But otherwise, I’ll take a pass.
I’m even going to say that I was rooting for the other guy in book one. Like rooting hard. IDK. Call me fickle sometimes, but the way the story was told and unfolded, I felt for the semi stay at home mom. And the guy in that one, Dave, was all kinds of yummy.
But in this story we get to meet Rick and fickle me quickly changes sides. Although I admit the start of the story was a bit slow for me, it quickly picks up. And Rick became my knight in shiny armor. I loved him soooo much. Even more than Dave. But I still loved Dave and felt bad for a particular moment in the story. You must read to find out what happens. Still…
My emotions were all over the place. The author made my heart stutter stop several times. It was a wonderful read and I enjoyed every second once the story got going. And I was too invested in the story to stop reading even well past the witching hour and into the early dark of a new day.
If you haven’t read the first or enjoy cheating books, check this one out. I recommend highly.
My book boyfriend Rick. 

 
 
View all my reviews

*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, November 5, 2014

Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson #7) by Darynda Jones

Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson #7) by Darynda Jones
 
This is a paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Fabulous Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.

A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.
My Review
This series is one of the best paranormal romances out there. It has mystery, intrigue, hotness, sexiness, funny as can be, and realism that is needed when a paranormal book is mired in the real world. I could totally see the events happening in a city not far away.
This installment rocked like no other. It brought me back to what originally got me fascinated with this series in the first place. Not that previous installments were bad, because by my reviews and ratings you will see they weren’t. But there was the prefect mix of mystery and Reyes, questions and answers, and clamoring for more in this story. Just so damn good. I want to crawl in Darynda’s brain and live there. Creepy much. Okay yes, so that was really just a metaphor for how damn good this book was.
And I really can’t tell you more lest I give you spoilers. And sometimes a story is all that much better when you go in completely cold because this puppy will heat you up. Damn Reyes, lol
If you love adult PNR and UF, you must read this series.  Like now, like yesterday. Get with it people.
Audio Review
Lorelei King rocks my world as a narrator. She makes this book a movie in my head, one that I don’t want to end.
My book boyfriend Osh (Opps, he almost, but) Reyes.
 

 
View all my reviews

*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, November 4, 2014

Dirty Rowdy Thing (Wild Seasons #2) by by Christina Lauren

Dirty Rowdy Thing (Wild Seasons #2) by by Christina Lauren
 
This is an adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Wonderful Hearts)


Book Summary

Despite their rowdy hookups, Harlow and Finn don’t even like each other...which would explain why their marriage lasted only twelve hours. He needs to be in charge and takes whatever he wants. She lives by the Want-something-done? Do-it-yourself mantra. Maybe she’s too similar to the rugged fisherman—or just what he needs.


Review

Let me tell you, it has been a long while since I actually felt a book in my hand while reading. I know that sounds strange but over the last few years I’ve read (listened) to more books audibly and electronically than old school reading. Although I’ve been listening to books for years, being able to download them quickly has made that my “choice” for how to consume fiction these days.
Alas, to open the pages of a book and smell that book smell, there is something romantic about that. And maybe that romance colored my view of the story or maybe that I haven’t read a straight contemporary romance in a while did it. Or it could just be that this book was good. I started on a cold Saturday afternoon and finished before I went to bed.
And I was left with a sad smile, not so much the story but the acknowledgment page in the back of the book that brought me to tears. But enough about that, let’s get to the story.
So, I can’t say there is anything overwhelmingly unique about this tale of romance, but for some reason I can’t express in words the complete freshness of it. The story was believable from the first page. And captivated me until the end. And listen up readers…. I also didn’t have to wait until the predictable 50% mark to get to all the sexiness of the story. *fans self*
I really enjoyed the characters and that they weren’t cookie cutter cut outs. We have an alpha male who isn’t a billionaire or built from childhood horror stories. I won’t say more so that I don’t spoil the unveiling that is Finn. But I had a strong desire to smooth his rough edges with a kind word or a hot touch.
I also enjoyed Harrow, soft hearted rich girl who is more than the surface she appears on. What’s more, I really enjoyed the group of friends. And I hate to admit this, but I’ve read so much, I couldn’t quite remember the total unfolding tale of Mia and Ansel (book 1) but I enjoyed meeting them again in this story.
What’s more? This story is a standalone. While I think you should read the first story, it’s not necessary in order to enjoy this one for those that may skip out not wanting to take the time to read the first one... well first.
I highly recommend this book as I really thoroughly enjoyed this story reading it in one setting unable to put it down. This author duo has created a fresh appeal to contemporary story full of overcoming lust and discovering love. It's the kind of book that you can read just as easily by a fire as sitting by the ocean. Each will leave you breathless for more.
My only regret that I can’t re-read for the first time. I would if I could.
Only one thing… (not truly a spoiler so no worries) I think I missed where Harrow mentions Toby to Finn so that he asked her a question that comes up twice. I re-read the first pages (chapters) a few times and couldn’t it. Leaves me saying hmmmm.
This book releases November 4th. (2014)
My book boyfriend Finn.

 
 
View all my reviews

*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, November 3, 2014

Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
 
This is a young adult paranormal romance novel (Rated PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
 (Four and a half Zayne Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…
 
 
My Review
 
So I adore this author as a writer and a person. She is really cool and sweet and her imagination is boundless. And this story…
While this series like her other YA series reminds me of others (this one the Cambion series), I do really enjoy it. While the basic elements of forbidden kiss that could kill and two boys of light and darkness much like the world building in the Cambion series, there are other elements that are different. Okay, the whole save the world thing isn’t… but the use of gargoyles is.
And thus, I’m drawn into this series wondering how things will play out. Layla herself annoys me some. But she’s seventeen and clueless at times which is understandable. I get annoyed by her I can’t kiss Zayne therefore we cannot be. It’s like saying to a paralyzed person, never wish for love since you can’t be horizontal. Personally I think that’s the wrong message to send, but that’s me. There is so much more to love than kissing. Still, I’m sucked into this story like crazy. JLA has that effect on me.
And I must say I was rooted into TEAM Roth in book one. But I can say for sure I’m so TEAM Zayne after book two. I love a good triangle but at the same time I think I might hate them too. Both boys deserve love and I don’t want to see either of them hurt. UGH!
Yet, I kinda want the so called Good Boy to win for once. I mean, Zayne has been there for Layla from day one. The only thing that held them back is the kiss. And I mean really, can’t they overcome not lip locking. I will be annoyed if Roth ends up with the girl at the conclusion of this series. It’s too damn predictable and totally unfair. But then again, I was all about Roth in book one. Who knows what the next book will bring.
This story had action, drama, teenage angst and confessions of great importance. It was an attention grabber and holder. It totally rocked.
If you enjoy YA paranormal romances, you have to pick this one up. If you are already a fan, check out Beg for Mercy, quite similar to this story, and came out long before this one.
Audio Review
Saskia Maarleveld did an okay job. I found that her male and female voices were quite similar making it hard sometimes to know who was speaking without dialogue tags. But overall, it was a good listen.
My book boyfriend Zayne.

View all my reviews

*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.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

High Strung (Power Station #1) by T. Gephart

High Strung (Power Station #1) by T. Gephart
This is an adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)
 ♥♥♥♥♥
 (Five Knock 'em out the Park Hearts)
Book Summary
Ashlyn Murphy was not living the dream. Twenty-seven years old, college educated, up to her eyeballs in debt and yet she’d been relegated to pouring beers at a local bar. She desperately needed an out and was willing to do anything to get back into the corporate world. Well, almost anything. Dan Evans, Rock Star was NOT one of those things. In fact she despised him. Apparently he didn’t get the memo.

Dan Evans, bass player of international rock band Power Station had it all. He was rich, travelled the world, played to millions of adoring fans and had no shortage of beautiful women willing to share his bed. He didn’t need a moody redheaded knockout with a superiority complex complicating his life. Or did he?

When two people who couldn’t be more opposite cross paths, it’s bound to be explosive; sometimes all you can do is sit back and enjoy the show.
  
My Review
My first book by this author and I was highly impressed. It was recommended by a friend of mine who always recs books to me that knock them out of the park. Thanks Amy!
This was a great book without the needs of contrived plots to get the heart racing. This story was unpretentious and refreshing.  And guess what?  Laugh Out Loud funny! And I mean that. Because I didn’t find some other so called funny books, funny at all. I’ve read and seen too much to be easily brought to laughter by lines used by comics over the centuries. Not the case here. I was laughing my head off.
Let’s get to the characters. DAN, DAN, DAN. I love him. And guess what, his name is DAN, not some made up let’s try to be different kind of name. And that about sums it up. This book is good because it didn’t try to be anything but. Okay, back to Dan. Dan is a bad boy in a realistic, I don’t need therapy after reading kind of way. He was a bad boy who didn’t make bones about who he is or blame childhood drama on being a man. And he’s funny. His one liners are excellent.
And Ashlyn got points for not being dim witted, struck by hotness that she becomes a mess when he’s not who she wants him to be kind of girl. I like her strength.
And the story was a cold drink on a hot summer’s day and let me tell you. You will need that cold drink because this book gets hot. Anyway, READ already. So good. It’s worth it, promise.
My book boyfriend Dan.

View all my reviews

*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.