PNR Bookworm

Awesome Giveaway Alert

2012-01-20T14:10:00.003-05:00

There is currently an AWESOME giveaway going on over at Sparkling Reviews:

http://www.sparklingreviews.com/2012/01/13in-macbook-air-and-apple-tv-giveaway.html

Go check it out!

Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2012-01-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

The Dark Hunter Novels by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

20. Retribution
21. The Guardian (2011)
22. Time Untime (2012)

Back of the Book:

Harm no human.

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he'd spend eternity protecting the humans he'd once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief - Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meeting the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster.

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who's assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he's not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they've sworn to protect.

My Thoughts:

Definitely not my favorite Dark Hunter novel. It seems very 3-4 book-ish style writing. Everything was very cut off from the Dark Hunter world that we know. There are cameos from characters we know and love, but I didn't feel a real connection between Jess and Abigail. I think I just really want some Nick novels, but eh, that's me. I don't like open endings. Hopefully, The Guardian will be a bit better about grabbing the reader and dragging them along for a wild ride.

A Bad Day for Scandal by Sophie Littlefield

2012-01-04T17:00:00.001-05:00

Crime Novels by Sophie Littlefield:

1. A Bad Day for Sorry
2. A Bad Day for Pretty
3. A Bad Day for Scandal
4. A Bad Day for Mercy

Summary:

When Prosper homegirl turned big-city businesswoman Priss Porter returns to town with a body in her trunk, she calls Stella Hardesty to dispose of it. Her uppity ways don't convince Stella to take the job, and Priss attempts to blackmail her with a snapshot of Stella doing what she does best: curing woman-beaters by the use of force.

Stella refuses to cooperate and goes home, only to hear later that Priss and her brother, Liman, have gone missing after calling in a disturbance. Stella is implicated when Sheriff 'Goat' Jones discovers the scarf she left behind at the house. He warns her to stay local but Stella and her partner, Chrissy Shaw, go looking for Priss in Kansas City, where they discover that she runs an unusual business. When Priss herself - along with two other bodies - turns up in a pond belonging to one of Stella's ex-clients, Stella must investigate a host of suspects, including a crooked but libidinous female judge, a coterie of jealous male escorts, and a Marxist ex-professor.

A Bad Day for Scandal is the third in Sophie Littlefield's award-winning, critically acclaimed series. Written with passion, humor, and guts, this is a mystery to be savored.

My Thoughts:

I really love Ms. Littlefield's stories and characters, but I was really disappointed in this read. Maybe it was my perspective going in or maybe it's just that this plot (both character development and mystery) were not all-that this time around. I will still read the next one. This one is definitely not "bad" per-say but it didn't grab me and pull me along for the wild ride I was expecting. And there is so much there to play with too! I mean who does not love a gigolo running pimp getting her due and new love triangle development (... that came out of the blue... cough... cough). Honestly, it felt like she was speed writing this so that she could either move on to another book or to advance the plot enough to set up "A Bad Day for Mercy" better? Who knows but her, and we'll see.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2012-01-01T11:08:00.001-05:00

The Hunger Games Trilogy:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Summary:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

My Thoughts:

One of the best stories that I've read in a while. Katniss is endearing and exciting to watch. I do have to say I called one of the twists in the middle BS and was not disappointed, but all in all, this book kept me glued to its pages. And I really like were it's going. Good thing I have the next two queued up on my night stand. The world Ms. Collins has built here is utterly creative and a breathe of fresh air after all the urban fantasy that I've been reading.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/suzanne-collins/hunger-games.htm

The Walking Dead, Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us

2011-12-12T16:06:00.002-05:00

The Walking Dead
Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us

Synopsis:
"An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months, society has crumbled: There is no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living. This volume follows our band of survivors on their tragic journey in search of shelter. Characters live and die as they brave a treacherous landscape littered with packs of the walking dead."

My Thoughts:
Another great addition to the series. This one follows along with Season 2 of the tv show so far. More revelations are revealed in this one, and Rick is stepping into the leadership role nicely. There are tons of emotional outbursts going on, so it will be interesting to see how this group sticks together now that there has been some shuffling of the main group members.

Buy Online:
http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Dead-Miles-Behind-Us/dp/1582407754/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye

2011-12-12T15:57:00.003-05:00

The Walking Dead
Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye

Synopsis:
"An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months, society has crumbled: There is no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. Rick Grimes finds himself one of the few survivors in this terrifying future. A couple months ago he was a small town cop who had never fired a shot and only ever saw one dead body. Separated from his family, he must now sort through all the death and confusion to try and find his wife and son. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living."

My Thoughts:
I love the new Walking Dead tv show, and when I learned that it was based around a comic book series, I had to get my hands on it. Plus it's nice quick reading in between reading for my master's degree. :) This comic series is AWESOME! And way better than the tv series in my opinion. You can be more edging and broach more controversial topics in the comic that you can't necessarily do in a tv show on AMC. So watchers of the tv show beware: this ain't no zombie picnic. People die, people you like die. There are some characters in the comic that don't exist in the tv show and there are characters in the tv show that are a mash-up of multiple comic book characters. Some of the plot line is similar, some elements are just thrown out there raw and gritty without all the build-up that the tv show gives them. So my words to you, enjoy! But just like with Sookie and True Blood, there are lots of ch-ch-changes...

Buy Online:
http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Dead-Vol-Days-Gone/dp/1582406723/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323722983&sr=1-3

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

2011-07-21T16:24:00.000-04:00

Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson:

1 - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
2 - The Girl Who Played With Fire
3 - The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

Back of the Book:

"Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared off the secluded island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger family. There was no corpse, no witnesses, no evidence. But her uncle, Henrik, is convinced that she was murdered by someone in her own family - the deeply dysfunctional Vanger clan. Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomqvist is hired to investigate, but when he links Harriet's disappearance to a string of gruesome murders from forty years ago, he needs a competent assistant - and he gets one: computer hacker Lisbeth Salander - a tattoed, truculent, angry girl who rides a motorbike like a Hell's Angel and handles makeshift weapons with the skill born of remorseless rage. This unlikely pair form a fragile bond as they delve into the sinister past of this island-bound, tightly-knit family. But the Vangers are a secretive lot, and Mikael and Lisbeth are about to find out just how far they're prepared to go to protect themselves - and each other."

My Thoughts:

So this is a divergence for me since this is not paranormal. Although you could probably argue that what some humans are capable of in terms of horrendous acts towards others should be... This was a wonderful mystery that kept me guessing all the way until the end. I did find myself skimming towards the end since the action started being fast paced, and there are a lot of details. It was kind of hard to get through the beginning section but not as bad as other reviews would have you think. It jumps around narrators a good bit and that helps. I devoured this book pretty fast. I've bought the second one so it should be interesting to see where they go from here. They seemed to wrap up most of the loose ends, unless I missed something, which could be completely possible. I also watched the Swedish movie after finishing the book, and it does it justice. There are some things that are obviously left out or jumped over, but it's a movie. You can't fit it all in, and some of the horrendous acts towards women were pretty bad in the book and the movie tiptoed around those as well. Books always give you a more perfect picture, for better or for worse.

Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris

2011-06-28T11:02:00.000-04:00

The Lily Bard Mystery Series by Charlaine Harris:

1 - Shakespeare's Landlord
2 - Shakespeare's Champion
3 - Shakespeare's Christmas
4 - Shakespeare's Trollop
5 - Shakespeare's Counselor

Back of Book:

Lily Bard is a loner. Fiercely protective of her independence, she concentrates on her karate skills and her work as the proprietor of a cleaning and errand-running service, and pays little attention to the town around her. When her landlord is murdered, though, she looks like the prime suspect. Uncovering the real killer may be the only way to prove her innocence, and Lily realizes that she must focus on the other residents of tiny Shakespeare. Her job gives her easy access to people's private lives, and she begins to snoop, finding plenty of skeleton-filled closets, and exposing herself to the unwanted attentions of a murderer.

My Thoughts:

So I'm glad that I at least read this book for the fact that I can say that I read it, but man was it boring and full of unrealistic plot elements. The mystery part was okay but kind of mediocre. The heroine while extremely kick-ass makes horrible choices. There is a whole scene in here where she (a person who has been on the run from her horrible past where she was raped and brutalized) lets her gym instructor (whom she really does know that well) have sex with her in the gym on a gym bench? Say huh? Weird.... So yeah, definitely not picking up the rest of these....

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton

2011-06-12T21:06:00.000-04:00

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

1. Guilty Pleasures
2. The Laughing Corpse
3. The Circus of The Damned
4. The Lunatic Cafe
5. Bloody Bones
6. The Killing Dance
7. Burnt Offerings
8. Blue Moon
9. Obsidian Butterfly
10. Narcissus in Chains
11. Cerulean Sins
12. Incubus Dreams
13. Micah
14. Danse Macabre
15. The Harliquin
16. Blood Noir
17. Skin Trade
18. Flirt
19. Bullet
20. Hit List

Back of the Book:

A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect "monsters" are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, US Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.

But some monsters are very real. The Harlequin have been the bogeymen of the vampire world for more than a thousand years; they are a secret so dark that even to speak their name can earn you a death sentence. Now they are here in America, hunting weretigers, and human police.

The Harlequin serve the Mother of All Darkness, the first vampire. She was supposed to be dead, but only her body was destroyed. Now she needs a new one, and she's decided that Anita Blake's is the body she wants. Edward thinks the serial killings are a trap to lure Anita closer to the most dangerous vampire they've ever hunted. The vampires call Edward "Death," and Anita the "Executioner," but Mommy Darkest is coming to kill one, and possess the other, and she doesn't care how many others have to die along the way.

My Thoughts:

So I'm afraid after 20 books, it's hard to come up with original material. Some of the descriptive sections sounded like they came out of the last 10 or so books. The plot was original and very well laid out. But there was not much mystery going on. Ms. Hamilton definitely set up the next book perfectly though, tying up lose ends and creating new ones. Finally, we get some closer with Mommy Noir. I'm looking forward to the next one, but I really hope it's not riddled with redundant descriptions of why Anita carries her weapons the way she does or mini introductions to all her many men.

Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2011-05-31T16:32:00.000-04:00

League Novels:

1. Born of Night
2. Born of Fire
3. Born of Ice
4. Fire and Ice
5. Born of Shadows

Back of the Book:

In the universe where the League is law, most live in fear. We fight back. Welcome to a world where corrupt assassination politics dominate everyone. It's kill or be killed.

Caillen's destiny was to become the next generation of Dagan smugglers. Until fate intervenes. Suddenly, his life is not his own and his loyalties are split in a way he could have never imagined.

In a world where everything's earned and nothing is given, Desideria has battled to have a place of honor in her mother's Royal Guard. But when she uncovers the plot to kill her mother and overthrow her government, she knows she has to move quickly to prove it.

Unfortunately, her only hope is a man whose past is as jaded as his present. Now they must find common ground to work together or more than just their lives will be forfeit. Their worlds and families will be enslaved.

My Thoughts:

Love! Love! Love! A great mystery/romance hybrid. There is definitely a reason Mrs. Kenyon is on the top of the charts all the time. She just has a fantastic writing style. She could write about purple aliens for the land of crazy, and I'd probably read it. More please!

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

2011-05-31T16:25:00.000-04:00

Casa Dracula Series:

1. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula
2. Midnight Brunch
3. Bride of Casa Dracula
4. Haunted Honeymoon

Back of the Book:

Latina Ivy League grad Milagro de Los Santos can't find her place in the world or a man to go with it. Then one night, at a book party for her pretentious ex-boyfriend, she meets an oddly attractive man. After she is bitten while kissing him, she falls ill and is squirreled away to his family's estate to recover. Vampires don't exist in this day and age -- or do they? As Milagro falls for a fabulously inappropriate man, she finds herself caught between a family who has accepted her as one of their own and a shady organization that refuses to let the undead live and love in peace.

My Thoughts:

A very cute, light read. I loved the diction throughout. Definitely had some GRE words in there! The plot was kind of slow but the characters are a laugh riot!

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

2011-05-25T16:25:00.000-04:00

The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare:

1. City of Bones
2. City of Ashes
3. City of Glass
4. City of Fallen Angels

Back of the Book:

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. And when Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

My Thoughts:

Wonderful! We get more Simon and less Clary whining. (Although there is some.) She finally steps up which is awesome! Although hate, hate, hate the ending, but I understand it had to be.... but really? Can no one every just be happy?

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

2011-05-16T08:54:00.000-04:00

Sookie Stackhouse Novels:

1. Dead Until Dark
2. Living Dead in Dallas
3. Club Dead
4. Dead to the World
5. Dead as a Doornail
6. Definitely Dead
7. All Together Dead
8. From Dead to Worse
9. Dead and Gone
10. Dead in the Family
11. Dead Reckoning
12. TBA

Back of the Book:

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...

My Thoughts:

So I've decided every Sookie book follows the same pattern. At the beginning of the book, she lets the men in her life make all her decisions because she's in love and of course they are looking out for her best interest and would never make a selfish decision, and then by the end, she's fed up and becomes resolved never to fall into that pattern again (but alas she does). Hopefully, the next and last book will have her staying true to her self. It'd be great if she could have a boyfriend who saw her as a partner and not as someone to protect (even from themselves). So far none of the men in her life fit that bill except maybe Quinn but he's off being dedicated to his Mom. And I'm going to be really mad if he shows up in the next book and sweeps her off her feet...

Lots happens in this book. We see some old characters (ala Miss Pelt and the Bards). We see more from the faeries that have been left behind and more about Sookie's origins (finally!). We see pretty much everyone who has ever carried a torch for Sookie. All in all, a good story. No real "mystery" per say. It's pretty obvious who the bad guy is throughout. Mrs. Harris has a lot to think about and plan before writing the next book. Good luck!

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

2011-04-26T08:31:00.000-04:00

Night Huntress Novels:

1. Halfway to the Grave
2. One Foot in the Grave
3. At Grave's End
4. Destined for an Early Grave
5. This Side of the Grave
6. One Grave at a Time (2011)

Back of the Book:

Danger waits on both sides of the grave. . .

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance.

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous ''ally''--the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war--to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

My Thoughts:

We are back on track with team Cat-Bones. I really enjoyed this plot. Lots of growth and twisty turns. Some romance but not to the point where you start wondering if this is a romance or an urban fantasy. Can't wait for the next one and our next adversary!

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward

2011-04-14T13:38:00.000-04:00

The Black Dagger Brotherhood:

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed

Back of the Book:

#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward's thrilling new novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can-but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?

My Thoughts:

So this book was freaking wonderful! Another great addition to the series. The book is supposed to be mainly about Payne and Manuel, but Vishous and Qhiunn take over the spotlight on multiple occasions. We finally see some relationship troubles, making these books at little more easier to swallow. Yes, not every relationship is hunky dory and couples have to work through their issues together, which was nice to see. I can not wait for the next book. If it's not Qhiunn's book, I'll be a smidge disappointed.

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2011-04-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

1. Infinity
2. Invincible

Back of the Book:

Nick Gautier's day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.

His new principal thinks he's even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can't even mention and the girl he's not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.

But more than that, he's being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn't learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this second book more than the first. It wasn't as jam packed with action and people, but just really action and plot. We get to see more of the over-arching plot of these novels and understand where they fit in the Dark Hunter universe. I can't wait for more. Although, I really would like a little more character development. Just me.

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

2011-03-20T18:11:00.000-04:00

Mercy Thompson Novels -

1 - Moon Called
2 - Blood Bound
3 - Iron Kissed
4 - Bone Crossed
5 - Silver Borne
6 - River Marked

Back of the Book -

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

My Thoughts -

Another great Mercy novel from Ms. Briggs. Adam and Mercy are on their own in this one. We do see a few of the people in their lives, but for the majority we are meeting new people left and right. This novel also shed some light on Mercy's background, which hasn't ever been discussed outside her werewolf raising. River Marked is another wonderful addition to the series, and I can't wait for more.

Banished by Sophie Littlefield

2011-03-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

Banished Series by Sophie Littlefield:

1 - Banished
2 - Unforsaken - Oct 2011

Back of the Book:

There isn't much worth living for in Gypsum, Missouri - or Trashtown, as the rich kids call the run-down neighborhood where sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell lives. Hailey figures she'll never belong - not with the popular kids at school, not with the rejects, not even with her cruel, sickly grandmother, who deals drugs out of their basement. Hailey never knew her dead mother, and she has no idea who her father was, but at least she has her four-year-old foster brother, Chub. Once she turns eighteen, Hailey plans to take Chub far from Gypsum and start a new life where no one can find them.

But when a classmate is injured in gym class, Hailey discovers a gift for healing that she never knew she possessed - and that she cannot ignore. Not only can she heal, she can bring the dying back to life. Confused by her powers, Hailey searches for answers but finds only more questions, until a mysterious visitor shows up at Gram's house, claiming to be Hailey's aunt Prairie.

There are people who will stop at nothing to keep Hailey in Trashtown, living out a legacy of despair and suffering. But when Prairie saves both Hailey and Chub from armed attackers who invade Gram's house in the middle of the night, Hailey must decide where to place her trust. Will Prairie's past, and the long-buried secret that caused her to leave Gypsum years earlier, ruin them all? Because as Hailey will soon find out, their power to heal is just the beginning.

This gripping novel from thriller writer Sophie Littlefield blazes a trail from small-town Missouri to the big city as Hailey battles an evil greater than she ever imagined, while discovering strengths she never knew she had.

My Thoughts:

I love Sophie's Bad Day series so I picked up this series next. It has all her great writing and plot lines but with supernatural fun! It's a great YA paranormal mystery. It can get a little gruesome in parts but overall it has a great plot, a great world, and wonderful characters. I can't wait for the next one.

Pale Demon by Kim Harrision

2011-03-05T18:04:00.000-05:00

The Rachel Morgan Series by Kim Harrison:

1 - Dead Witch Walking
2 - The Good, the Bad, the Undead
3 - Every Which Way But Dead
4 - A Fist Full of Charms
5 - For A Few Demons More
6 - The Outlaw Demon Wails
7 - White Witch, Black Curse
8 - Black Magic Sanction
9 - Pale Demon

Back of the Book:

Condemned and shunned for black magic, Rachel Morgan has three days to get to the annual witches' conference and clear her name, or be trapped in the demonic ever-after . . . forever after.

But a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car going across the country? Talk about a recipe for certain disaster, even without being the targets for assassination.

For after centuries of torment, a fearsome demon walks in the sunlight - freed at last to slay the innocent and devour their souls. But his ultimate goal is Rachel Morgan, and in the fight for survival that follows, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.

My Thoughts:

I LOVED IT! A very original Rachel Morgan. I absolutely can not wait until the next one. The world is her oyster now. It should be interesting to see what she does with it now.

Demon Princess Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

2011-02-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

Demon Princess:

1 - Reign or Shine
2 - Reign Check

Back of the Book:

For Nikki Donovan, being a teenager can be hell. Literally.

As if trying to fit in at a new school and navigating the social scene isn’t enough stress for her, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands — the world that separates and protects ours from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious (and surprisingly cute) messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and that he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her growing feelings for Michael are forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew — what’s a teenage demon princess to do?

My Thoughts:

This is a very cute YA novel. The storyline isn't anything noteworthy, but the characters and their development throughout was great. Lots of cute parts. Pretty quick read. I'd recommend this as a fun summer read. I'll definitely be picking up the next one to see where our characters go next.

Undead and Unfinished

2011-02-15T14:07:00.002-05:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to post. I've been dragging myself through Undead and Unfinished by MaryJanice Davidson. I loved the other books but I just can't get halfway through this one. So I must sadly say I'm putting it down. There are some great new releases coming up and I have a backlog to read through. ;)

Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

2011-01-10T13:25:00.000-05:00

The Friday Night Knitting Club:
1 - The Friday Night Knitting Club
2 - Knit Two
3 - Knit the Season

Back of the Book:

"Casting on! It starts almost by accident: the women who buy their knitting needles and wool from Georgia's store linger for advice, for a coffee, for a chat and before they know it, every Friday night is knitting night. Finding a pattern! And as the needles clack, and the garments grow, the conversation moves on from patterns and yarn to life, love and everything. These women are of different ages, from different backgrounds and facing different problems, but they are drawn together by threads of affection that prove as durable as the sweaters they knit. The Friday Night Knitting Club - don't you want to join?"

My Thoughts:

So I needed to find a book to listen to during my holiday travels, and I found where my library is part of OverDrive, which is an online company that loans out mp3, and it had all the Knitting Club novels. So I started the first one, and really enjoyed it. It's a story about a group of women who get together to knit and their lives once they leave the safe haven of the yarn shop. It doesn't really have a plot but is a story about life and it's many twists and turns. And it was a great break from the normal, and I loved all the knitting instructions since I've started knitting... which is another reason this blog hasn't been updated recently... sorry :)

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-01-10T13:11:00.000-05:00

The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series
1 - Shiver
2 - Linger
3 - Forever - July 2011

Back of the Book:

"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever."

My Thoughts:

So I've been really jonesing for a good werewolf novel and this definitely scratched that itch. It's definitely a new and different spin. It's YA (I think) but there's a non-descript sex scene so be warn for pre-teens. It's also a little slow going. It works more on building a relationship and not a plot. Most of the plot advances in the last 10 chapters (and there are lots of chapter, fyi). The last chapter though is beautiful and well written. You can really tell lots of thought and effort was put into making it just right. And don't skim to the last sentence (like I did) or you'll ruin it for yourself. I did have one unanswered question. Spoiler Alert: Beck claims to have been selfish and bit Sam so that he could raise him, but how did he get over his wolf's nature to go into a suburb and make it bite a human? Especially since so much effort was put into how much effort it was for Sam just to step out of the woods to let Grace pet him?

Counterfeit Magic by Kelley Armstrong

2011-01-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

Novella in the Otherworld Series, dated before the actions of Waking the Witch.

Back of the Book:

"The first rule of a supernatural fight club? Don’t kill your opponent.
When the fighters come with lethal spells, werewolf strength and half-demon powers, that can be a lot tougher than it sounds. It’s hard to attract talent if they know they might not leave the ring alive. So when fighters at a California club start dying, it’s bad for business.
Witch detectives Paige Winterbourne and Savannah Levine take the case. Going undercover in the power-heavy arena of the fight club is a welcome change of pace for Paige, relegated to the role of The Wife as her husband struggles to find his place in his family’s Cabal — the corporate Mafia of the supernatural world.
As Paige is drawn deeper into new and dangerous corners of her world, she quickly discovers the greatest threat isn’t the killer in her sights. It’s something much, much closer to home. And this is one fight she can’t afford to lose."

My Thoughts:

So I think I'm a little perturbed with these novellas that keep coming out. You pretty much have to pre-order to get one or you have to buy the ebook. You'd think Subterranean Press would supply since there is demand. I like to have the hardbacks for authors I really enjoy but I still can't get my hands on "Angellic". So I pre-ordered this one. It's a great novella length story (at a full length's price) with the entire Cortez-Winterbourne gang. We get to see a little bit of everybody but the story narrator is Paige so we see everything from her view point unlike Armstrong's other books. The story is great and twisty and we get some character development from Paige and Lucas, both we haven't seen in a while. Can't wait to see what happens next with Savannah.

Blameless by Gail Carriger

2011-01-10T12:54:00.000-05:00

The Parasol Protectorate Series:
1 - Soulless
2 - Changeless
3 - Blameless
4 - Heartless - June 28, 2011

Back of the Book:

"Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.

Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto."

My Thoughts:

I very much enjoyed this book. It picks up right where the next one left off. We go on a fantastical trip to Italy while being hunted b everyone. Should be interesting to see what happens next! And there's still the question of what the "baby inconvenience" will be.

Changeless by Gail Carriger

2011-01-10T12:47:00.000-05:00

The Parasol Protectorate Series:
1 - Soulless
2 - Changeless
3 - Blameless
4 - Heartless - June 28, 2011

Back of the Book:

"Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it."

My Thoughts:

I thought this one was a little slower paced than the previous book. It does have lots of fun twists and turns though and will keep you thoroughly entertained. I must warn you though. Do not read this book without the next one in hand or you will thoroughly be throwing a hissy fit. I was so pissed at the end I wanted to throw the book across the room, but it was on my iPhone so refrained. :)

Wait for Dusk by Jocelynn Drake

2011-01-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

The Dark Days Series
1 - Nightwalker
2 - Dayhunter
3 - Dawnbreaker
4 - Pray for Dawn
5 - Wait for Dusk
6 - Burn the Night - July 2011

Back of the Book:

"There is no sanctuary in the night . . .

Feared even by her own kind for her mastery of fire, the nightwalker Mira is summoned by the coven to take her rightful place as Elder. But with this honor comes grave responsibility - a commitment to the annihilation of the unleashed naturi. For now the foul creatures walk the earth - and neither vampire nor human will survive their horrific onslaught.

A tide of blood is sweeping relentlessly across the European continent, as Mira is dispatched to Budapest for the most devastating test yet of her astonishing powers - and falls into a well-laid trap. With the dark secrets that haunt her growing darker by the hour, she must confront the terrible truth of her past and protect her fragile sanity in the face of unanticipated treachery - a betrayal by her trusted ally, her beloved enemy, the vampire slayer Danaus."

My Thoughts:

The best yet in Mira and Danaus' story. We kind of step outside the regular and take a vacation in a new city with new enemies. Although we do bring old ones with us. And there's the introduction of a new big bad, even bigger than Jabari, if that's possible. Mira also learns she has a new kickass power that she's trying to learn to control. And some yummy steps forward in Mira and Danaus' relationship even though it's put to the ultimate test. Can't wait for the next one. These books are like crack.

The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter

2011-01-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

The Lords of the Underworld Series
1 - The Darkest Night

2 - The Darkest Kiss

3 - The Darkest Pleasure

4 - The Darkest Whisper

5 - The Darkest Passion

6 - The Darkest Lie

7 - The Darkest Secret - April 1, 2011

8 - The Darkest Surrender - October 2011

Back of the Book:

"In this riveting new installment of "The Lords of the Underworld Series", Gideon, keeper of the Demon of Lies, fights to uncover the truth. Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie - until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn't remember the beautiful female, much less wedding - or bedding - her. But he wants to...almost as much as he wants her. But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free. A future with her might mean ultimate ruin. Especially as Gideon's enemies draw closer - and the truth threatens to destroy all he's come to love."

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book. It was a bit confusing with all the lies. But I loved Scarlet and Gideon. They have a big love-hate relationship. It was also really neat to see their past and to play where the Gods live. It was also a great mystery to determine what of their past really existed and what didn't.

The Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter

2011-01-10T12:10:00.000-05:00

The Lords of the Underworld Series
1 - The Darkest Night
2 - The Darkest Kiss
3 - The Darkest Pleasure
4 - The Darkest Whisper
5 - The Darkest Passion
6 - The Darkest Lie
7 - The Darkest Secret - April 1, 2011
8 - The Darkest Surrender - October 2011

Back of the Book:

"This is an another sizzling installment of the "Lords of the Underworld" series as Aeron, keeper of the Demon of Wrath, finally meets his match...For weeks, the immortal warrior Aeron has sensed an invisible female presence. An angel - demon-assassin - has been sent to kill him. Or has she? Olivia claims she fell from the heavens, giving up immortality because she couldn't bear to harm him. But trusting - and falling for - Olivia will endanger them all. So how has this 'mortal' with the huge blue eyes already unleashed Aeron's darkest passion? Now, with an enemy hot on his trail and his faithful demon companion determined to remove Olivia from his life, Aeron is trapped between duty and consuming desire. Worse still, a new executioner has been sent to do the job Olivia wouldn't..."

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to the series. I couldn't really get into the love story as much as the other's. It was good, but I kept wanting to smack Aeron for being such a boy about relationships, both his with Olivia and his with Legion. I really enjoyed once Legion got introduced to her new body, that was quite humorous. And I was all prepared to be disappointed in the ending but Gena pulled it through. Should be interesting to see what develops with the rest of the Lords now that they know what happens to them once they "die".

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

2010-11-15T16:42:00.002-05:00

Night Huntress World Novels by Jeaniene Frost:

1 - First Drop of Crimson
2 - Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Back of the Book:

An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness…and now one woman has stumbled into the shadows. Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she’s only imagined in her worst nightmares. At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master Vampire who thought he’d seen it all. Then Kira appears—this fearless, beautiful…human who braved death to rescue him. Though he burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life, yet sending her away is unthinkable. But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose between the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.

My Thoughts:
Oh, I loved getting in Mencheres' mind. This book was wonderful! We even get to see Cat and Bones as well. The plot also could not have been a better fit for Mencheres' story. I was also very happy with Kira as the heroine. She's strong on the outside, but when you get to hear her internal dialogue, she's just like what you would think a normal person would be like in that situation. Can't wait for more! One thing though, not digging the cover so much.

Crave by J.R. Ward

2010-11-15T16:36:00.000-05:00

The Fallen Angels Series by J.R. Ward:

1 - Covet
2 - Crave
3 - Envy (2011)

Back of the Book:

The battle between good and evil has left the future of humanity in the hands of a reluctant savior and his band of fallen angels. Seven deadly sins that must be righted. Seven souls that must be saved.

While his first task was success, Jim Heron is battling a demon that can take any form for the soul of someone he must identify on his own. If that weren't enough, his old boss Matthias wants Jim to assassinate an AWOL member of The Firm - Isaac, the man Jim is pretty sure he is supposed to save. Jim knows first hand that once you're in The Firm, there's no getting out. But when Jim finds Isaac to warn him, he has been picked up by the police for illegal street fighting, and it is clear that Isaac is falling for his gorgeous public defender. Is their love the redemption that will save Isaac's soul? Or has the demon Devina set an elaborate trap?

My Thoughts:

This book was a wonderful following to Covet. We get to follow Jim around some more and see what kind of trouble Devina can get him in. In this one, I think, the parallel plot line with Issac took center stage a little more, but that's okay. Issac is a very memorable narrator. ;-) I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of this series. Although, it's not nearly as addictive as the Brotherhood.

Made to Be Broken by Kelley Armstrong

2010-11-15T16:29:00.000-05:00

The Nadia Stafford Series by Kelley Armstrong:

1 - Exit Strategy
2 - Made to Be Broken

Back of the Book:

Nadia Stafford isn't your typical nature lodge owner. An ex-cop with a legal code all her own, she's known only as 'Dee' to her current employers: a New York crime family who pays her handsomely to bump off traitors. But when Nadia discovers that a troubled teenage employee and her baby have vanished in the Canadian woods, the memory of a past loss comes back with a vengeance, and her old instincts go into overdrive.

With her enigmatic mentor, Jack, covering her back, Nadia unearths sinister clues that point to an increasingly darker and deadlier mystery. Now, with her obsession over the case deepening, the only way Nadia can right the wrongs of the present is to face her own painful ghosts - and either bury them for good, or die trying. Because in her book, everyone deserves a chance. And everyone deserves justice.

My Thoughts:

Another great story by Ms. Armstrong. Nadia continues to be strong in the face of adversity (even from people who are suppose to be her compatriots). A great plot that sucks you in and keeps you guessing until the end. I was kind of disappointed by the lack of progress in the romance arena, but that's me (I love me some romance). I really hope she continues this series, or at least makes it a trilogy to wrap up the personal story lines that are still dangling.

Torment by Lauren Kate

2010-11-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

The Fallen Novels by Lauren Kate:

1 - Fallen
2 - Torment
3 - Passion (June 14, 2011)

Back of the Book:

Lucinda is sure that she and Daniel are meant to be together forever. Now they are forced apart in a desperate bid to save Luce from the Outcasts–immortals who want her dead. As she discovers more about her past lives, Luce starts to suspect that Daniel is hiding something. What if he has lied to her about their shared past? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?

My Thoughts:

OMG.... So I loved Fallen. So I jumped on this one with the knowledge that I'm reading a good book. And I think it may have been a little too good. Aka I was in a funk the whole time Luce was in a funk (which is most of this book). I'm sure my parents thought they had a moody teenager again. So just a warning, if you catch yourself snapping at family members for no real good reason, hurry up and finish the book and start right into something else, or it ain't going away. And you'll be glad that you did. Luce had to go through the actions of this book to grow and now hopefully in Passion we will see more of that growth in a positive light. Torment is an excellent title for this book. :) Muhwahaha!

Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong

2010-11-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

The Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong:

Have fun!
http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/books/

Back of the Book:

The orphaned daughter of a sorcerer and a half-demon, Savannah is a terrifyingly powerful young witch who has never been able to resist the chance to throw her magical weight around. But at 21 she knows she needs to grow up and prove to her guardians, Paige and Lucas, that she can be a responsible member of their supernatural detective agency. So she jumps at the chance to fly solo, investigating the mysterious deaths of three young women in a nearby factory town as a favour to one of the agency’s associates. At first glance, the murders look garden-variety human, but on closer inspection signs point to otherworldly stakes.
Soon Savannah is in over her head. She’s run off the road and nearly killed, haunted by a mystery stalker, and freaked out when the brother of one of the dead women is murdered when he tries to investigate the crime. To complicate things, something weird is happening to her powers. Pitted against shamans, demons, a voodoo-inflected cult and garden-variety goons, Savannah has to fight to ensure her first case isn’t her last. And she also has to ask for help, perhaps the hardest lesson she’s ever had to learn.

My Thoughts:

Yeah! I love Savannah! She is so kick butt, take charge, but smart too, which usually doesn't go with the stereotyped 20-something. But she's awesome. So therefore, this book is awesome. It has all of Armstrong's great writing and plot elements, you definitely will not be disappointed. You can definitely pick this up as a standalone, but I must warn you it as a plot twist at the end that'll have you begging for more (coming next year, unfortunately). No sex or anything of that nature. Some good natured flirting and coming of age type romance elements but nothing that would be inappropriate for a YA age range too. Some dark elements though.

No Mercy by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2010-11-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

The Dark Hunter Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

I'm just going to link you here for her Bibliography :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherrilyn_Kenyon

Coming Up:
Invincible: Chronicles of Nick (2/2011)
Redemption (8/2011)

Back of the Book:

Live fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there's a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she's ever faced before.

Shapeshifter Dev Peltier has stood guard at the front of Sanctuary for almost two hundred years and in that time, he's seen it all. Or so he thought. Now their enemies have discovered a new source of power- one that makes a mockery of anything faced to date.

The war is on and Dev and Sam are guarding ground zero. But in order to win, they will have to break the most cardinal of all rules and pray it doesn't unravel the universe as we know it.

My Thoughts:

This book really felt like we were getting back to the true Dark Hunter theme of these books. Sure, there was some tangents, but not nearly as many as had been going on. I'd really feel for someone who tried to pick up this book and tried to keep all the characters straight. That's the one bad thing about Sherrilyn's work is that it's hard to pick up in the middle. But they are all so great so why NOT start at the beginning (hint, hint). I really enjoyed Dev. We've seen him off and on for what seems like ages now, but I guess we had to build up to the awesomeness that is Sam. She is so kick butt in this book and carries the plot a lot on her own. We get to meet some new people too, which is always cool, but it definitely means I'm adding that Dark-Hunter Companion Guide to my Christmas List. Enjoy!

Soulless by Gail Carriger

2010-10-23T17:54:00.000-04:00

The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger:

1 - Soulless
2 - Changeless
3 - Blameless
4 - Heartless

Back of the Book:

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

My Thoughts:

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It has a great plot and is different than what is main stream now. The characters, especially Alexia, are a hoot! And the change of place and time and the world that Carriger has built is a lot of fun to play with. Carriger is a fantastic writer. I would highly suggest this book to fans of urban-fantasy, steampunk, romance, paranormal, or regency period books. Can't wait to read more!

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

2010-10-23T17:48:00.000-04:00

The Charlie Madigan Series by Kelly Gay:

1. The Better Part of Darkness
2. The Darkest Edge of Dawn

Back of the Book:

Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some bring good works and miracles. And some bring unimaginable evil...

Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a kick-ass cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She's recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by ruthless nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.'s Integration Task Force even harder. Since the Revelation, the criminal element in Underground Atlanta has grown, leaving Charlie and her partner Hank to keep the chaos to a dull roar. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim -- but can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It has good characters, a good, fast-paced plot, and the world that Gay has built is very interesting, especially since I've lived in Atlanta. I wasn't ever completely emerged in this book; it was very easy to pick up and put down. But I would definitely recommend this book to Urban Fantasy fans especially if they don't like romance or sex in their books.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-10-01T11:57:00.000-04:00

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Back of the Book:

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.
Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.
In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women--mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends--view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

http://www.kathrynstockett.com/stockett-synopsis.htm

My Thoughts:

This was a wonderful book. Beautifully written and fast paced. The only thing I did not like about the book was the ending. It just kind of ends. I'm all about the happily wrapped up package endings, and I know this is suppose to be a gritty, realistic book and life is hardly ever pretty wrapped. But there is that. Otherwise, it is a wonderful book that I would suggest to anyone from a high schooler to a beach reader to a house mom or dad looking for some adult-escapism. This book is going to be talked about for years to come.

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2010-10-01T11:52:00.000-04:00

The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare:

1. Clockwork Angel
2. Clockwork Prince (September 2011)
3. Clockwork Princess (Christmas 2012)

(She also has other fabulous books and series too, go check them out:
http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/works)

Back of the Book:

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Thoughts:

So this was the first book ever that I've read on my iPhone, and I gotta say it take away from the awesomeness of this book at all. Much like her previous series, this book rocked. It's a great YA novel. And the plot line was fantastic and had me intrigued from the beginning. I would recommend this book to anyone from a new reader to an experienced reader needing something new to refresh the genre for them. And all the steam punk aspects were wonderful too, not over detailed but just enough to get the point across.

The Devil's Panties (Vol. 1) by Jennie Breeden

2010-10-01T11:45:00.000-04:00

The Devil's Panties by Jennie Breeden:

- Volume 1
- Volume 2
- Volume 3
- Volume 4

My Thoughts:

So I got to meet Jennie Breeden at DragonCon this year so I bought her first Volume while there too since I've only seen the occasional Devil's Panties web comic. And I got to say I was very pleased with it. She has some great religious and social commentary going on through out that at times made me smile but at others had me busting out laughing (much to the chagrin of the people around me hehe). Definitely will be picking up the other volumes as well in the future.

Go check out her website! She also has cute merchandise too!

http://thedevilspanties.com/

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

2010-10-01T11:37:00.000-04:00

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

Also:
Skinny Bitch for Couples
Skinny Bitch in the Kitch
Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven
Skinny Bitchin'
Skinny Bastard

Back of the Book:

If you can't take one more day of self-loathing, you're ready to hear the truth: You cannot keep shoveling the same crap into your mouth every day and expect to lose weight.

Authors Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin are your new smart-mouthed girlfriends who won't mince words and will finally tell you the truth about what you're feeding yourself. And they'll guide you on making intelligent and educated decisions about food. They may be bitches, but they are skinny bitches. And you'll be one too-after you get with the program and start eating right.

My Thoughts:

If you've ever wondered why you should live the vegan life style, this book will explain it to you. It's written with a lot of sash, hence the name, so be prepared. But also you should read this book with an open mind. They say a lot of great things in this book and they cite all their sources which I love. I'm really interested in the "Skinny Bitch in the Kitch" book. It'll be interesting to see if they have easy to do recipes.

Would-Be Witch by Kimberly Frost

2010-08-23T14:28:00.000-04:00

The Southern Witch Series by Kimberly Frost:

1. The Would-Be Witch
2. Barely Bewitched
3. Halfway Hexed

Back of the Book:

"The promising debut of a hot new voice in paranormal romance - and the first of the Southern Witch novels.

The family magic seems to have skipped over Tammy Jo Trask. All she gets are a few untimely visits from long-dead, smart-mouthed family ghost Edie. But when her locket - an heirloom that happens to hold Edie's soul - is stolen in the midst of a town-wide crime spree, it's time for Tammy to find her inner witch.

After a few experiences with her dysfunctional magic, Tammy turns to the only person in small-town Duval, Texas, who can help: the very rich and highly magical Bryn Lyons. He might have all the answers - and a 007 savoir faire to boot - but the locket isn't the only heirloom passed down in Tammy's family. She also inherited a warning: stay away from Lyons."

My Thoughts:

So I wasn't too impressed with this one. Of course I've just gotten off a stretch of really super awesome books so that might be why I'm a little skewed too. I definitely wanted to yell at the heroine throughout this book. She makes horrible decisions and has the worst priorities. Her heart is in the right place though most of the time. However, in my opinion she needs to be a little less of a hussy too. I probably won't pick anymore of these up unless someone says that they do get better.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

2010-08-23T14:22:00.000-04:00

The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare:

1. City of Bones
2. City of Ashes
3. City of Glass
4. City of Fallen Angels
5. City of Lost Souls
6. City of Heavenly Fire

Back of the Book:

"To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments."

My Thoughts:

Lots gets wrapped up in this book, but it does start asking more questions too. We get our real first look at Alicante, the City of Glass, and we meet a lot more people while bringing pretty much everyone with us from NYC. :) Lots of actions, lots of big reveals, some sadness, some *connections* are made (hehe). All in all, this is a wonderful book. And I am so glad she will be writing more in this series. But I also want to check out her new Infernal Devices series which is suppose to be a prequel to the Mortal Instruments. First book in that series is coming out next week!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2010-08-23T14:17:00.000-04:00

The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare:

1. City of Bones
2. City of Ashes
3. City of Glass
4. City of Fallen Angels
5. City of Lost Souls
6. City of Heavenly Fire

Back of the Book:

"Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation."

My Thoughts:

This was a great second novel in the series. The plot thickens as more is reveled about Clary and Jace's past and as Valentine starts to stir the waters again. We also get our first real look at Shadowhunter politics and the major players there. This book is just as fast past as the first. You won't be disappointed!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2010-08-23T14:14:00.000-04:00

The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare:

1. City of Bones
2. City of Ashes
3. City of Glass
4. City of Fallen Angels
5. City of Lost Souls
6. City of Heavenly Fire

Back of the Book:

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end."

My Thoughts:

So I guess I need to preface this by saying I've read the first three books as fast as I could get them from the library. :) So if my reviews run into each other, I apologize. I'll try not to give spoilers.

So this series freaking rocks. It is one of the best YA series I have every read. I love the world Cassandra has built and there is tons of details throughout too that shows a lot of thought was put into this work. Clary is great; she's not some heroine that you want to slap all the time for being stupid, but she's gutsy and isn't afraid to stand up for things she believes are right. All of the secondary characters are well thought out and have great depth. I love how you are never really sure what Jace is thinking, and Simon always adds great comedic relief. Also Ms. Clare isn't afraid to approach taboo topics of gay relationships at a young age or the awkwardness of sexual tension at age 16. This book is going to be a permanent fixture on my bookshelf as soon as I have money. :)

A Bad Day for Pretty by Sophie Littlefield

2010-08-23T14:03:00.000-04:00

Crime Novels by Sophie Littlefield:

1. A Bad Day for Sorry
2. A Bad Day for Pretty

Back of the Book:

"When a tornado unearths the mummified remains of a young woman at the Sawyer County Fairground, Stella Hardesty's old friend Nebuchadnezzar Donovan is accused of the murder. Stella sets out to prove his innocence—a task that would be a lot easier if he could remember whether or not he did it. Meanwhile, she might be more willing to help Sheriff Goat Jones' trashy ex-wife escape her abusive boyfriend, if only the woman wasn't trying so hard to steal Goat back."

My Thoughts:

This book is a great addition to the first one. Stella is back and she's got sass (and some competition) in this novel. If you enjoyed the first book, you won't be able to put down this one. It's very action packed with just the right amount of Stella craziness.

A Bad Day for Sorry by Sophie Littlefield

2010-08-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

Crime Novels by Sophie Littlefield:

1. A Bad Day for Sorry
2. A Bad Day for Pretty

Back of the Book:

"Stella Hardesty dispatched her abusive husband with a wrench shortly before her fiftieth birthday. Now she's juggling her sewing machine shop and a series of clients seeking help with their own problem husbands while fighting a powerful attraction to the local Sheriff."

My Thoughts:

I don't know what it was about this book, but I absolutely loved it. Stella is a hoot, and everyone is sure to know a "Stella" type character in there own lives. It's great also to see her squirm whenever the law gets involved too; of course it helps that the law is a sexy, available man about Stella's age. Stella's wit and sense of duty are two great aspects to recommend this book. If you love mysteries or just need a light summer reading, this book is for you!

The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance

2010-07-29T16:12:00.000-04:00

The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance

My Thoughts:

It took me a while to get through just because I'm super busy and you switch writing styles with each new author. Nothing really to write home about in this one, no new must-reads from my favorite authors. But all in all, it was a good compilation. It's good if you just want to pick up a variety of paranormal.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

2010-07-07T19:47:00.000-04:00

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Back of the Book:

Twelve-year-old CeeCee is in trouble. For years she’s been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille— the crown-wearing, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town. Though it’s 1967 and they live in Ohio, Camille believes it’s 1951 and she’s just been crowned the Vidalia Onion Queen of Georgia.

The day CeeCee discovers Camille in the front yard wearing a tattered prom dress and tiara as she blows kisses to passing motorists, she knows her mother has completely flipped. When tragedy strikes, Tootie Caldwell, a previously unknown great-aunt comes to CeeCee’s rescue and whisks her away to Savannah. Within hours of her arrival, CeeCee is catapulted into a perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricities—a world that appears to be run entirely by women.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It's not my normal fair, but my Aunt loaned it to me and said it was a great beach read. And indeed it was. It's a great story, and although it's about a little girl growing up, it's far from being a youth novel. All the characters have great depth and realistic personalities.

Daemon's Mark by Caitlin Kittredge

2010-07-07T19:42:00.000-04:00

Nocturne City Novels by Caitlin Kittredge:

1 - Night Life
2 - Pure Blood
3 - Second Skin
4 - Witch Craft
5 - Daemon's Mark

Back of the Book:

When the Dubois investigation turns up an unexpected connection to the Russian mob, Luna finds herself heading down a terrifying path of no return. Soon she is held captive by the very evil she hunts—one that reaches far across the borders of Nocturne City to the seedy brothels of Europe and beyond. Now, with street smarts, seduction, and a sixth-sense for danger as her only weapons, Luna will enlist the help of her former lover Dmitri—who has his own reasons for bringing down this crime ring—and risk it all in the ultimate showdown.

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to the Nocturne City novels. I find these books much easier to read than her Black London novels. I finished this book in one night because I could not put it down. From about the middle of the book straight to the end is non-stop action and intrigue. I hope there will be more!! I can't wait to see how her and Will pan out. :)

Lucinda, Darkly by Sunny

2010-07-07T19:32:00.000-04:00

The Demon Princess Chronicles by Sunny:

1 - Lucinda, Darkly
2 - Lucinda, Dangerously

Back of the Book:

For centuries, Lucinda has endured her agonizing reality. As daughter of the High Lord of Hell,she rules over nothing, retrieving the occasional wayward demon and feeding off of the savage Monére—of whom she was a member before she died.

Then she encounters the Monére warrior Stefan, who offers himself to her. She is moved beyond measure by her desire for him—and soon finds herself drawn back into the heady eroticism of the Monére. There, she must carve out a home between the jealousy of the dead and the violence of the living, if she is to keep her newfound love—and life…

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this new look at the world Sunny has built. I wasn't too sure how I would like a book from Lucinda's perspective, but I did really enjoy this book. It reminded me a lot of early Mona Lisa. I also loved the men in her life. They don't fit easy labels which I enjoy, and she loves to sabotage her relationships, which is interesting. I thought the plot was a little lacking; it was a lot more about character development instead of plot-intrigue. It shall be interesting to see how the next book pans out and if it will be the last one.

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

2010-07-07T19:23:00.000-04:00

Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews:

1 - Magic Bites
2 - Magic Burns
3 - Magic Strikes
4 - "Magic Mourns" in hte Must Love Hellhounds anthology
5 - Magic Bleeds

Back of the Book:

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic…
One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.
In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when
Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy…

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. If the rest are as wonderful as this one is, I think I've found a new must-read series. I loved all the Atlanta ties in having lived in Atlanta for 5 years. I loved Kate; she is very no-nonsense with just enough fragility and character flaws. I also greatly enjoyed the side characters and the plot line. I soooo did not even see it coming. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in the series!

Bullet by Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-06-12T18:38:00.000-04:00

http://www.laurellkhamilton.org/bullet.htmlAnita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

1. Guilty Pleasures
2. The Laughing Corpse
3. The Circus of The Damned
4. The Lunatic Cafe
5. Bloody Bones
6. The Killing Dance
7. Burnt Offerings
8. Blue Moon
9. Obsidian Butterfly
10. Narcissus in Chains
11. Cerulean Sins
12. Incubus Dreams
13. Micah
14. Danse Macabre
15. The Harliquin
16. Blood Noir
17. Skin Trade
18. Flirt
19. Bullet

Back of the Book:

The triumvirate created by master vampire Jean-Claude, necromancer Anita Blake, and werewolf Richard Zeeman has made Jean-Claude one of the most powerful vampires in the U.S. He's consolidating power in himself and those loyal to him, doing in America what Belle Morte did in Europe when she was at her height of power. She almost owned Europe, and there was those who are determined that Jean-Claude won't do the same in America. Jean-Claude's motives may be kinder, but as any lawyer will tell you: motives matter, but you're just as dead.

Assassins are coming to St. Louis to kill them all. Anita knows they're coming, but even being forewarned doesn't mean you can win.

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to the Anita books. This one, I thought was a little more sedate on the Anita killing action. Lots of Anita-ardeur-Master of the Cats crazies. Lots happens in this book so it's a must for any Anita Blake followers. We get some good face time with Richard and Asher in this book so that's a great treat. There is also a great "oh my god that did not just happen" moment. And people die in this book so come prepared.

Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison

2010-06-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

The Madison Avery Series by Kim Harrision:

1 - Prom Nights from Hell anthology "Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper"
2 - Once Dead, Twice Shy
3 - Early to Death, Early to Rise

Back of the Book:

Seventeen, dead, and in charge of heaven's dark angels - all itching to kill someone.

Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It's amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn't think she's totally nuts.

Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of the heavens.

But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead - unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to the Madison Avery saga. I was a little disappointed about the length and depth of the novel. To make a media comparison, it was more like watching an an hour long episodic tv show instead of sequel to the original movie. There was one big plot arch, and while it was definitely needed, I felt there should have been more. Especially if you are going to sell it as a hardback. I've read paperbacks with more intrigue. :/ But I still love the characters, the writing, and the plot lines. So I will keep on keeping on.

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2010-06-01T15:42:00.000-04:00

The Chronicles of Nick:

1 - Infinity
2 - Invincible

Back of the Book:

At 14, Nick Gautier is an average kid who runs with the wrong crowd. But on the night he decides to go straight and refuses to mug an innocent tourist, his crew turns on him and just as he thinks his life is over... a new one begins.

Kyrian of Thrace isn't just a vampire slayer, he's a Dark-Hunter and he introduces Nick to a world that he never imagined.

With new enemies who make his old ones look like wimps, Nick must either measure up or get sized for a body bag. It's kill or be killed and this kid who was born on the wrong side finds a strength inside him that he never knew existed.

Now if he can only find someone to help battle the demons that don't reside inside him.

My Thoughts:

So Sherrilyn said all would be reveled but darned, if I'm not still stumped. The whole premise of this book throws me. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, even though it was YA. And yeah! For seeing all our favorite peeps and for meeting new ones. I can't wait to see where this is all going. And you can definitely pick this one up as a stand alone and not be too lost, imho.

Say Goodbye to Delilah

2010-06-01T15:11:00.002-04:00

I'm afraid to say I am putting down the Delilah Street books. This is the third one that I've tried to read. I forced myself through the first two because I really do like the characters, but 3 chapters into this latest one, and I was bored to tears trying to drag myself through the prose to the plot. But it just wasn't happening, and my TBR pile is too high to dedicate that kind of time. So I say goodbye to you, Delilah!

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

2010-06-01T15:07:00.000-04:00

Jane True Series by Nicole Peeler:

1 - Tempest Rising
2 - Tracking the Tempest - 7/1/2010
3 - Tempest's Legacy - 1/1/2011

Back of the Book:

In the tiny village of Rockabill, Maine, Jane True—26-year-old bookstore clerk and secret night swimmer—has no idea that her absent mother’s legacy is entry into a world populated by the origins of human myths and legends. It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: vampires are not quite what we think; dogs sometimes surprise us; and whatever you do, never—ever—rub the genie’s lamp. For Jane, everything kicks off when she comes across a murder victim during her nightly clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean. This grisly discovery leads to the revelation of why she has such freakish abilities in the water: her mother was a Selkie and Jane is only half human. With this knowledge, Jane soon finds herself mingling with supernatural creatures alternately terrifying, beautiful, and deadly—all adjectives that quite handily describe her new friend Ryu. When Ryu is sent to Rockabill to investigate the murder, he and Jane fall hard for each other even as they plummet into a world of intrigue threatening to engulf both supernatural and human societies. For someone is killing half-humans like Jane. The question is, are the murders the work of one rogue individual or part of a greater plot to purge the world of Halflings?

My Thoughts:

If you liked Sookie Stackhouse, you are going to like Jane True. Different person, different plot, story, world, but still it has that same feel. It's sex level is on par with Sookie too (not very detailed but there). I really enjoyed the different world that Ms. Peeler has created. And we get completely different creatures than the main stream (but those are there too of course). It has great spunky humor and great self-realization aka she's not stupid but she's very human too. Is definitely on my must-continue-to-keep-up-with list. :)

Crossroads by Moira Rogers

2010-05-27T11:49:00.000-04:00

The Southern Arcana Series by Moira Rogers:

1 - Crux
2 - Crossroads
3 - Deadlock (eVersion - Jan 2011; Print Version - Nov 2011)

Back of the e-Book:

Derek Gabriel was born human in family of psychics, aware of the supernatural world but never a part of it...until a rogue shapeshifter took humanity from him in a vicious attack. He's spent two years struggling to adjust, not just to a change that's driven many insane, but also to the prejudices of a culture where transformed wolves are considered inferior. A serious struggle, indeed, when the woman who attracts the man and the wolf inside him is the daughter of the most powerful wolf in the country.

For Nicole Peyton, nothing is more important than escaping the stifling confines of elite shapeshifter society, an old-fashioned world where women are valued only for their bloodlines and bank accounts. In New Orleans, she has a bar she loves, friends she cares for, and a smoldering, unspoken tension with an unsuitable but incredibly attractive man.

Neither could predict how quickly forbidden longing would erupt into burning need, but Nick and Derek have more than themselves to think about when Nick's sister arrives in the city with a shapeshifter strike team hard on her heels. The only way Nick can save her sister may be to play by the Conclave's rules--but it will mean giving up the man she's falling in love with, unless he's willing to risk everything in a challenge that will shake the foundations of their world.

My Thoughts:

So I enjoyed the first book in this series so much I had to go out and purchase the next book, Crossroads, which currently is only available in eBook format, and anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not an e-book person yet. I don't have a reader so it doesn't make sense unless I'm sitting in front of a computer for hours. But I was drawn and had to purchase it. :) I was NOT disappointed. This book continues the great story of our New Orleans crew. It's a little darker. Some really bad things happen (aka these girls aren't afraid to kill people off). Overall, this is a great read. It has romance and eroticism, it has trials and troubles in our way to happiness, and best of all it has real life situations and emotions (well as close to real life as a bunch of shifters and magical beings can get :) ). You get sucked in, which is what I love the most. The best writing is always the one that can take you out of your life for a while and put you in someone else's. Bravo ladies! Can't wait to get my hands on Alec's story.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

2010-05-26T13:20:00.000-04:00

The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead:

1 - The Vampire Academy
2 - Frostbite
3 - Shadow Kiss
4 - Blood Promise
5 - Spirit Bound
6 - Last Sacrifice

Back of the Book:

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her... forever

My Thoughts:

So I think the description is kind of misleading. That was only the first third of this book. :) This book was slap full of fun goodies: prison breaks, kidnappings, "Las Vegas, baby!", intrigue, and sadly some deaths. Ms. Mead does not disappoint. I absolutely loved how this book ended too. I'm not going to ruin it for you. But I turned the last page and was like "shit...." It's great when books can inspire that kind of reaction. :) On a side note though, we are no longer at the Vampire Academy, think she'll rename the series?

Crux by Moira Rogers

2010-05-20T12:50:00.000-04:00

The Southern Arcana Series by Moira Rogers:

1 - Crux
2 - Crossroads

Back of the Book:

To find her destiny, she must trust him with her life…and her heart.

Southern Arcana, Book 1

Jackson Holt makes a decent living as a private investigator in New Orleans, home of one of the largest underground supernatural populations in the United States. He and his partners have never met a case they couldn’t crack…until a local bar owner asks him to do a little digging on her newest hire.

New Orleans is the fourth destination in as many months for Mackenzie Brooks, a woman on the run from a deranged stalker. After all, any man who shows up on her doorstep claiming to be her destined lover has more than a few screws loose. But crazy doesn’t explain why he always finds her no matter how far she runs.

When her well-meaning boss puts a PI on her case, Mackenzie comes face to face with the incredible truth: magic is real, and whatever spell has kept her hidden and separate from the paranormal world is rapidly deteriorating.

With time running out, she has no choice but to trust Jackson as he struggles to uncover the truth of her past—and her destiny.

My Thoughts:

First off, thank you very much to Bree, half of the author known as Moira Rogers, for posting the Twitter contest that enabled me to read this wonderful story. :) This is a fantastic story that I wasn't able to put down. It has all the plot points of a wonderful PNR - Urban Fantasy written extremely well. I honestly could not tell when/if the authors switched, which kept the cohesion going for the entire book. The only criticism I can give it is that I thought the ending was kind of rushed. There was this great build up but then it all fell apart and they had to rebuild, but then the second build up wasn't nearly as flashy, I guess for lack of a better term. I am, though, totally in love with these characters. I can't wait for Nick and Derek's story next!!

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

2010-05-18T20:16:00.001-04:00

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:

1 - Dark Lover
2 - Lover Eternal
3 - Lover Awakened
4 - Lover Revealed
5 - Lover Unbound
6 - Lover Enshrined
7 - Lover Avenged
8 - Lover Mine

Back of the Book:

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. Long divided as a terrifying battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

My Thoughts:

OMG I loved this book! I have been wanting this book for ages! Ages, I say! And it was wonderful! John Matthew and Xhex's story line was done wonderfully and did their personalities justice. I absolutely loved the sub-plot between Blay and Qhuinn; I can't wait to see where THAT goes. Payne was a great addition, as was Tohr's side plot. And Darius' flashbacks! Gosh there was a lot in this book, but the plot kept moving and I kept going. :)

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

2010-05-18T20:02:00.001-04:00

The Sookie Stackhouse Series:

1 - Dead Until Dark
2 - Living Dead in Dallas
3 - Club Dead
4 - Dead To The World
5 - Dead As A Doornail
6 - Definitely Dead
7 - All Together Dead
8 - From Dead to Worse
9 - Dead and Gone
10 - Dead in the Family

Back of the Book:

After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

My Thoughts:

Sookie's definitely back on track. I very much enjoyed the many different versions of family throughout. And that Eric and Sookie's relationship is finding it's feet. Nothing huge goes down in this book, but it does have it's on mini-plots that turn into a big plot and there are lots of new characters. Should be interesting to see where it goes next. Hopefully some more about the Vampire King. :)

Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

2010-05-11T11:52:00.000-04:00

Rachel Morgan Series by Kim Harrison:

1 - Dead Witch Walking
2 - The Good, the Bad, the Undead
3 - Every Which Way But Dead
4 - A Fist Full of Charms
5 - For A Few Demons More
6 - The Outlaw Demon Wails
7 - White Witch, Black Curse
8 - Black Magic Sanction

Back of the Book:

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter -- and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment -- at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.

My Thoughts:

This book was a fabulous roller coaster! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was Rachel at her best, being who she is, and not who everyone else thinks she should be. This book had a lot of personal growth and magical growth for Rachel. Just a slight warning: You will want a tissue about halfway through. I'm sure my family thought I was going crazy trying not to cry while reading on the way to church. :) I absolutely loved how it ended as well. Only Ms. Morgan can get away with such high jinx. Definitely one of the best Rachel Morgan books, in my opinion. I can't wait for the next one. :)

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

2010-05-04T14:19:00.000-04:00

Mercy Thompson Novels:

1 - Moon Called
2 - Blood Bound
3 - Iron Kissed
4 - Bone Crossed
5 - Silver Borne

Back of the Book:

Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe, and now the leader of the werewolf pack - who's maybe-more-than-just-a-friend - has asked for her help. A book of fae secrets has come to light and they're all about to find out how implacable - and dangerous - the fae can be. OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But she sure could use a holiday ...

My Thoughts:

Another fantastic book by Ms. Briggs. Stayed up until the wee hours reading this one and then crammed the last little bit in at lunch the next day. :) You know it's a good book when you sacrifice sleep and food for a book. This is a great stand alone story from Mercy. We get to play with the Fae again, which is always a nice reprieve from werewolves and vampires. Although, those are there too. Mercy's relationship with Adam is still developing, still progressing. There's lots of great action in this book. Sometimes, we can get too much in Mercy's head and motivations, but this one is a lot of action, which I love. Can't wait for the next one!

Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong

2010-05-04T09:16:00.001-04:00

Nadia Stafford Series:

1 - Exit Strategy
2 - Made to be Broken

Back of the Book:

From the author of the acclaimed Women of the Otherworld series comes an exciting new heroine whose most secret identity is both lucrative…and lethal.

Regulars at Nadia's nature lodge don't ask what she does in the off-season. And that's a good thing. If she told them, she'd have to kill them. She's a hit woman for a Mafia family. Tough and self-sufficient, Nadia doesn't owe anyone any explanations. But that doesn't mean she always works alone. One of her contacts has recruited her in the hunt for a ruthlessly efficient serial killer cutting a swath of terror across the country. The assassin is far too skilled to be an amateur—and the precision of the killings is bringing the Feds much too close to the hit man community for comfort.

To put an end to the murders, Nadia will have to turn herself from predator to prey as she employs every trick she knows to find the killer. Before the killer finds her…

My Thoughts:

Another great "new" (to me) series by the lovely Ms. Armstrong. This is a different genre than the Otherworld novels. There are no paranormal elements to this book, just great dialogue and action sequences, with the occasional sexual tension thrown in. This is a story about Nadia Stafford, an ex-cop turned 'moral hit woman' whose been solicited by her mysterious mentor to help track down a killer. There are some awesome characters in this book, and Nadia, herself, could probably carry the book herself without all the others, but they just push it from good to great. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope more to follow. Ms. Armstrong has said that she is only contracted for two books but hoping that more get signed. This is definitely a new foray for me as I'm a diehard paranormal/fantasy girl, but the writing and the characters are truly great in this first book in the Nadia Stafford series.

Underground by Kat Richardson

2010-04-28T13:04:00.000-04:00

Greywalker Novels by Kat Richardson:
1 - Greywalker
2 - Poltergeist
3 - Underground
4 - Vanished
5 - Labyrinth - August 2010

Anthologies:
1 - Wolfsbane and Mistletoe
2 - Mean Streets

Back of the Book:

Pioneer Square’s homeless are turning up dead and mutilated, and zombies have been seen roaming the underground–the city buried beneath modern Seattle. When Harper’s friend Quinton believes he may be implicated in the deaths, he persuades her to investigate. But the killer is no mere murderer–it is a creature of ancient legend. And Harper must deal with both the living and the dead to stop the monster and its master…unless they stop her first.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed the plot turns in this installment of Harper's adventures. I've loved Quinton and been intrigued by him since the beginning so I was very glad he got a lot of the spotlight in this one. I'm concerned though with Harper going off to London where her Ex lives in the next book... The monster in this one was interesting to say the least. I kept trying to get a mental picture of this guy, and I could not wrap my brain around it. Must go Google 'Sisiutl'... The writing was very detailed again, which slowed my writing pace down a good bit, but the plot and the action kept things moving at a fairly good pace. I always enjoy Ms. Richardson's use of diction; she uses words that are at a higher level, and I enjoy that as a fresh writing style than most.

Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

2010-04-25T17:59:00.001-04:00

The Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong:

1. Bitten
2. Stolen
3. Dime Store Magic
4. Industrial Magic
5. Haunted
6. Broken
7. No Humans Involved
8. Personal Demon
8a. Men of the Otherworld
9. Living with the Dead
10. Frostbitten
10a. Tales of the Otherworld
11. Waking the Witch

Back of the Book:

More of New York Times best-selling author Kelley Armstrong's most popular Otherworld characters get a chance to shine in this second short fiction collection, showcasing critical moments from many different lives.
Kelley Armstrong's readers have proven themselves a dedicated fan-base: her previous hardcover collection of short stories, Men of the Otherworld, appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and Canadian lists too - despite three of the stories having been available, unedited and for free, for years on Armstrong's website. With a similar format - a handful of reedited stories and one wholly original novella - Tales of the Otherworld explores the lives of some of Armstrong's most popular characters, giving readers glimpses into how Clay and Elena met, how Eve and Kristof first hooked up (a brand new novella), and how Lucas and Paige got married. Kelley is a superstar of the genre, and Tales of the Otherworld is a great way to begin 2010.

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful addition. We get to see a little of everybody!

Revision: I promise I'm not a slacker. I just needed a place holder. This book definitely gets some more detail!

Most of the shorts we've seen before, but there is a new addition from Eve and Kristof showing us how they met and how their relationship was built. I think it really humanized both of them, which I love. Everyone loves characters they can relate too. I'd really love to re-read Stolen where Eve first pops up now that I know more about her. And too reread the book where all the Nast chaos goes down. We also get a short that splits narrators, one being Sean Nast, "The Case of El Chupacabra" with vampires galore! We get to see the build up to Paige and Lucas' Wedding and how Elena and Clay met up. I think the only person we don't get too see is Hope!

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

2010-04-12T09:33:00.001-04:00

The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelley Armstrong:

1 - The Summoning
2 - The Awakening
3 - The Reckoning

Back of the Book:

The nail-biting climax to Kelley Armstrong's bestselling YA series. Chloe Saunders is fifteen and would love to be normal. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. First of all, she happens to be a genetically engineered necromancer who can raise the dead without even trying. She and her equally gifted (or should that be 'cursed'?) friends are on the run from the evil corporation who created them. To top it all, Chloe is struggling with her feelings for Simon, a sweet-tempered sorcerer, and his brother Derek, a not so sweet-tempered werewolf. And she has a horrible feeling she's leaning towards the werewolf. Definitely not normal...

My Thoughts:

First off I loved this book, So much so I read it in one sitting, staying up until 1am to finish it, because really once you hit those last 50 pages, this book will not be denied. :) Secondly, this can not be the last book. :( I love these characters show much. I really want to know what happens with them next. And no, it's not a cliffhanger. It does get wrapped up in a nice neat bow. I just want more. Thirdly, I think this is the best of the three. Lots comes to head in this book. Relationships get tested, some develop, some diminish. It never drags, very bam, bam, bam. It would've been very hard to find a stopping place in this book. I truly some of these characters show back in Ms. Armstrong's Otherworld series. Also there was a teaser for a new series in the back of this book. Sounds interesting, but I didn't get enough to know if it's going to be as good as the Darkest Power, but we shall see. :)

From Ms. Armstrong's Journal:

"While this is the last book in the trilogy, it's not the end of the series. Book 4, The Gathering, comes out next spring. You won't find a page for it here because of the site overhaul, though. The Gathering adds new characters to the series while the current ones take a well-deserved break!"

Squee!

Poltergeist by Kat Richardson

2010-04-12T09:21:00.000-04:00

Greywalker Series by Kat Richardson:
1 - Greywalker
2 - Poltergeist
3 - Underground
4 - Vanished
5 - Labyrinth (Coming August 2010)

Back of the Book:

Harper Blaine was your average small-time PI until she died-for two minutes. Now she's a Greywalker-walking the thin line between the living world and the paranormal realm. And she's discovering that her new abilities are landing her all sorts of "strange" cases.

In the days leading up to Halloween, Harper's been hired by a university research group that is attempting to create an artificial poltergeist. The head researcher suspects someone is faking the phenomena, but Harper's investigation reveals something else entirely-they've succeeded.

And when one of the group's members is killed in a brutal and inexplicable fashion, Harper must determine whether the killer is the ghost itself, or someone all too human.

My Thoughts:

So I'm very torn with my thoughts on this book. I enjoyed the plot, and the writing was very good as well. But it seems like something is missing. Most books I devour in 2-3 days. It's taken me 2-3 weeks to finish this book. I pick it up, read a few pages, get tired, and put it back down. Maybe the writing is so good that the strain that the heroine is enduring is coming through loud and clear? I don't know. The plot does drag a bit in places, but most books do. I really did enjoy the plot though. The idea of a thought-entity is very intriguing, and Ms. Richardson describes it and its behavior very well. I love all the characters too, each bringing something different to the story. I would definitely recommend this book to others but probably warn them about the potential drag quotient.

Contest Over on The Bookologist

2010-03-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

From The Bookologist website:

Mega International and Fantastic YA Box Contest!

I almost have 700 followers, it's almost spring break, I ACED my exams, my sister has been having some super awesome contests, which makes me want to beat her, I haven't been having super awesome contest lately.. All these reasons... How can I NOT celebrate it with a mega huge contest? I'm going to do the exact same thing as what I did for my Mega 2010 Box Co ntest back in 09.

There are (3) boxes, each box contains (4) ARCs, there will be (1) winner who gets to pick one box. I wish I can give all these books away, but if I do, I'm afraid I'm the one who won't have anymore books!

Box 1:

Pegasus by Robin McKinley (ARC)
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (ARC)
Sea by Heidi R. Kling (ARC)
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway (ARC)

Box 2:

My Invisible Boyfriend by Susie Day (ARC)
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (ARC)
Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala (ARC)
Winter Longing by Tricia Mills (ARC)

Box 3:

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (ARC)
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (ARC)
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti (ARC)
Everlasting by Angie Frazer (ARC)

GO TO THE BOOKOLOGIST TO WIN!!!!
http://the-bookologist.blogspot.com/2010/03/mega-international-and-fantastic-ya-box.html

Undead Much by Stacey Jay

2010-03-23T10:18:00.000-04:00

Undead Series:

1 - You're So Undead to Me
2 - Undead Much

Back of the Book:

Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...
A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.
Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…
Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie apocolypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.
I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted.

My Thoughts:

It was a little slow going at the beginning, had to remember who everyone was and their relationships, but once I got about a third through, it picked up and was a fairly quick and highly entertaining read. I can't wait to see where this goes next. Some parts had me busting out laughing, it was so funny.

Demon Bound by Caitlin Kittredge

2010-03-15T13:28:00.000-04:00

The Black London Series:
1 - Street Magic
2 - Demon Bound

Back of the Book:

Jack Winter's deadly past has come back to haunt him...and his only hope lies in the shadows of Black London, the supernatural underworld teeming with dark magic and fey glamour.

Thirteen years ago, Jack Winter lay dying in a graveyard. Jack called upon a demon and traded his soul for his life. and now the demon is back to collect its due. But Jack has finally found something to live for. Her name is Pete Caldecott, and because of her, Jack's not going to Hell without a fight.

Pete doesn't know about Jack's bargain, but she does know that something bigger and far more dangerous than Jack's demon is growing in the Black. Old gods are stirring and spirits are rising--and Jack doesn't stand a chance of stopping them without Pete's help.

My Thoughts:

The plot was wonderful. I love Jack and Pete. I kept getting the names confused though as Jack and Pete are apparently both uni-sex names. This book though is FULL of detail which makes it a long read even though it's not a lot of pages. Some parts are a little slower than others but I definitely think it's worth the read. Can't wait to see where we go next! To Hell? Loved the Epilogue. :)

I won an Award!

2010-03-15T13:23:00.000-04:00

I received this award from Reading with Tequila. Thank you!

Wolf Tales II by Kate Douglas

2010-03-09T18:52:00.000-05:00

Wolf Tales Series I-XII: Book II

Back of the Book:

The fantasy filled world of shape shifters, magical creatures and erotic adventures return for a second instalment of scintillating and tantalizing characters and journey into the world of sex and sensuality. Tia Mason is an alluring - and very experienced - young woman. But she is naive of her heritage as Chanku, an ancient, highly sensual race of shapeshifters. It will be up to Luc Stone to introduce her to her feral birthright - and its thrilling rituals. For Luc is also Chanku, and a special agent in heir cadre, the Pack. And Tia is everything he wants in a mate...The attraction is instant, their thirst unquenchable. As Luc moves Tia inexorably towards her destiny, he prepares to introduce her to the Pack - where her favours will belong to the others as well. By the time her test is through, Tia will have proven just how willing, adventurous, and truly Chanku she is...but one ultimate explosive experience still remains.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one more than the first I believe. This one has a plot that is a little bit more fun and dangerous, a little more "believeable", or at least a little more in my range. Lots of FM pairings, one MM pairing. But mostly it's a love story between Tia and Luc. I tend to pick these books up and read a chapter at a time because they are quite hot, but once you get to the halfway point the plot drags you in and you have to know what happens next! Gotta love that.

Mona Lisa Darkening by Sunny

2010-02-24T11:49:00.002-05:00

The Monere Series:
1 - Mona Lisa Awakening
2 - "Mona Lisa Three" in Over the Moon anthology
3 - Mona Lisa Blossoming
4 - "Mona Lisa Betwining" in On the Prowl anthology
5 - Mona Lisa Craving
6 - Mona Lisa Darkening
7 - Mona Lisa Eclipsing - late 2010, early 2011

Back of the Book:

From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different. As a Mixed-Blood daughter of the Monère, she rules her own domain in the Louisiana Bayou. But her life of power is about to be lost, and Mona Lisa must survive a realm in which she is divided from within…

On the vernal equinox, when night equals day and the barriers between worlds become gossamer thin, Mona Lisa gathers her people beneath the full moon. Instead of drawing down the replenishing white light of the moon, a terrifying darkness descends upon her and takes her into NetherHell—the cursed realm of the damned. In this place, the evil queen whose essence shares Mona Lisa’s body is strong enough to fight her host for control—and she does.

But in NetherHell, Mona Lisa’s internal struggle is only the beginning. Captured by a Gargoyle warlord who wants her for his own, Mona Lisa is torn from both within and without by desire, love, and ecstasy. And when her first love crosses the boundaries of the world to rescue her, she must choose her own destiny—before others choose it for her…

My Thoughts:

So I'm still very torn between loving and hating this series. I think I want to fit Mona Lisa into what I want her to be and not actually the individual Sunny is writing her to be. I was very pleased with how her relationship with Dontaine progressed, but I could have done without 5 pages of hair and makeup. I also was very happy with Gryphon and Halcolyn's progression together, but I wish she wouldn't blame them for the pain the caused on her behalf. That annoyed me to no end. Also there was another scene were she let a man control her sexually, a big pet peeve of mine. I enjoyed though her banter with Mona Louisa. I would like to read more. It definitely seems like there can be more. So I shall wait and see. I probably will pick up the Lucinda books. She is probably more like the heroine that I want Mona Lisa to be.

From interview with A Book-lovers' Review:
"MONA LISA ECLIPSING should be out by the end of the year or early 2011, and will feature Dante’s return. We’ll also see more of Amber and Halcyon."
"In MONA LISA ECLISPING, the new novel I’m writing, Mona Lisa travels down to Mexico after learning that Dante has been sighted there, intending to bring him home. A head injury, however, causes her to lose all memory of her new Monère life."

On further review, I may not be reading the next book. I'll wait and see how others review it.

First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

2010-02-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

Back of the Book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a breathtaking new journey to the dark side of desire.

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows - her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield - and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness - and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human - even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together . . .

Because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost.

My Thoughts:

This was a great debut spin-off for this series. We get a side story for two wonderful characters. I can't wait for Mencheres story next, and hipefully, Ian too? I really really enjoyed this novel. But it could just be that Frost rocks. :)

Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton

2010-02-22T10:12:00.000-05:00

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

1. Guilty Pleasures
2. The Laughing Corpse
3. The Circus of The Damned
4. The Lunatic Cafe
5. Bloody Bones
6. The Killing Dance
7. Burnt Offerings
8. Blue Moon
9. Obsidian Butterfly
10. Narcissus in Chains
11. Cerulean Sins
12. Incubus Dreams
13. Micah
14. Danse Macabre
15. The Harliquin
16. Blood Noir
17. Skin Trade
18. Flirt
19. Bullet - June 1, 2010

Back of the Book:

When Anita Blake meets with prospective client Tony Bennington, who is desperate to have her reanimate his recently deceased wife, she is full of sympathy for his loss. Anita knows something about love, and she knows everything there is to know about loss. But what she also knows, though Tony Bennington seems unwilling to be convinced, is that the thing she can do as a necromancer isn't the miracle he thinks he needs. The creature that Anita could coerce to step out of the late Mrs. Bennington's grave would not be the lovely Mrs. Bennington. Not really. And not for long.

My Thoughts:

Another great Anita book. Very much written similar to "Micah". Anita doing her zombie raising! Get to meet some new characters. Should be interesting to see the Cookie Monsters reaction to this plot twist. :) Can't wait for June. I really need some Jean-Claude time.

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

2010-02-18T10:10:00.000-05:00

The Fever Series:
1 - Dark Fever
2 - Blood Fever
3 - Fae Fever
4 - Dream Fever
5 - Shadow Fever (12/28/2010) - Last Book

Back of the Book:

MacKayla Lane lies naked on the cold stone floor of a church, at the mercy of the erotic Fae master she once swore to kill. Far from home, unable to control her sexual hungers, MacKayla is now fully under the Lord Master's spell. In the New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning's stunning new novel, the walls between human and Fae worlds have come crashing down. And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin's battle-scarred streets, she will embark on the darkest-and most erotically charged-adventure of her life.

He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister's murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac's every thought-and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V'lane vie for her body and soul, as she rallies the sidhe-seers to fight an impossible battle, and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac's greatest enemy delivers a final challenge...

It's an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth-about herself, and about the world she thought she knew.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one a lot more than the first 3. I could really root for this Mac. The other Mac's were pushovers compared to this one. I definitely think this will be a series where when you read the last book, you'll want to go back and re-read them all to find the little detail clues throughout. At least that's my hope. I have a bad habit of skimming these books. There's too much fluff and not enough action. It has been fun to postualte who she killed at the end. Be warning to readers who want to pick up these books: KMM loves cliff hangers... She promises triumphs and closure with the last book, but we shall see. As for me, I think she killed Christian. That the black magic took him over so much that it turned him into that beast and that's why he couldn't hang on to her when they were skipping worlds. Also it's too easy to say that it was Barrons she killed. Plus there's a lot more closure that needs to happen with Barrons. And I think Ryndon is a bad guy and that's why he lied about it being a killing machine and tried to kill it, and that IYD really didn't do anything, and if it did, it just called the nearest beast to protect and that happened to be Christian and not the one Barrons keeps in his basement. Should be interesting though... I wonder where Vlane is at the end? I think she should have investigated that more before they went running off in search of the book. I'm still unsure though who the fourth rapist was. I don't think it was Vlane or LM. And if it was Barrons, it was because he knew he had to be a part to be able to bring her back. But I also think the big secret Barrons is keeping is that he was the one who killed her sister because he saw her as a threat. So yeah. I'll be waiting for Dec 28th. :) Lots to think about and ponder.

Bone Magic by Yasmine Galenorn

2010-02-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

Otherworld Novels:
1 - Witchling
2 - Changeling
3 - Darkling
4 - Dragon Wytch
5 - Night Huntress
6 - Demon Mistress
7 - Bone Magic

Back of the Book:

We're the D'Artigo sisters: savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah is a two-faced Were who turns into a golden tabby when she's stressed. And Menolly's a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead. As for me? I'm Camille D'Artigo, a wicked-good witch who's learning death magic with my youkai-kitsune husband. Until now, the Moon Mother's pretty much ignored me, but she's about to take me on the Hunt of my life...

Another equinox is here, and life's getting more dangerous for all of us. The past is catching up to our friends, Iris and Chase. Smoky--the dragon of my dreams--is forced to choose between his family and me. To top it off, there's a new demon general in town and we can't locate her. And when the Moon Mother and the Black Beast summon me to Otherworld. I think I'm just going to reunite with my long lost soulmate. But once there, I'm forced to undergo a drastic ritual that will forever change my life, and the lives of those around me.

My Thoughts:

I definitely enjoyed this book. It was a little slow going there in the beginning but the action definitely picked back up. There was one part that absolutely had me sidetracked for a good couple of pages. First Camille doesn't get the Star Trek reference of Klingons, but then in her monologue she uses "beam me up Scotty".... sigh.... Only a trekkie would get stuck on that one. Can't wait to see what happens with Delilah in the next book!

Coming Soon: Broken by Shiloh Walker

2010-02-15T13:37:00.000-05:00

Shattered

Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.

Desperate

Sara Davis is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.

Driven to desire…

But Quinn must get closer to Sara when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…

EXCERPT

He opened the door—
And stopped dead in his tracks as somebody all but fell into his arms. Somebody…a woman. And not Theresa.
He caught her just above her elbows, automatically steadying her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and low.
Then she lifted her face and Quinn found himself gazing into the biggest, brownest eyes he’d ever seen in his life. Feeling a little dazed, he studied her face while she stammered out another apology.
Quinn barely heard it.
He was too busy staring at her mouth. A very pretty mouth, a cupid’s bow mouth slicked with deep, vibrant red. Under his hands, he could feel silken smooth skin and unable to resist, he stroked a thumb along her inner arm.
Her skin was soft, soft and warm. He was also pretty sure she had the creamiest, most flawless skin imaginable. Her shoulder-length hair was a shade caught between blonde and brown, nondescript, but for some reason, he found himself thinking about tangling his fingers in that hair and holding her head still while he kissed that red-slicked mouth.
Well, hello…

read more…

New Cover for Vicki Pettersson

2010-02-13T12:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks "All Things Urban Fantasy"!

I can't wait for this book to come out and this cover rocks!

Giveaway on Sidhe Vicious Reviews This Month

2010-02-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

EOS/Harpercollins has generously offered up 6 books to celebrate the upcoming release of Kim Harrison’s Black Magic Sanction, (Feb 23rd), the recently released Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter by A.E. Moorat, (Jan 26th), and Robin Hobb’s Dragon Keeper, (Jan 26th), and she has 2 copies of each to giveaway.

Go check it out:
http://sidhevicious.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/eos-book-giveaway/

Fallen by Lauren Kate

2010-02-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

Back of the Book:

Some Angels are Destined to Fall

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

My Thoughts:

I really, really enjoyed this book. It was very Kelly Armstrong's Awakening series meets Alyson Noel's Evermore series with it's own Angel and Demon spin. Very twisty and turny with a heroine who can stand on her own two feet and isn't whiny and go-with-the-flow. Luce is a YA lead female I can get behind. I also really enjoyed the plot-romance intermix, very good balance. I can't wait to see where this crazy group goes next.

Thank you Book Chick City for hosting the contest that I won this book through.

Mona Lisa Craving by Sunny

2010-01-29T08:27:00.001-05:00

The Monere Series:
1 - Mona Lisa Awakening
2 - "Mona Lisa Three" in Over the Moon anthology
3 - Mona Lisa Blossoming
4 - "Mona Lisa Betwining" in On the Prowl anthology
5 - Mona Lisa Craving
6 - Mona Lisa Darkening

Back of the Book:

From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different. As daughter of the Mixed-Blood of the Monère, she has arrived to rule a new domain in the Louisiana Bayou. Now, under the full moon, she’s feeling a new and uncontrollable surge—and an instinctive new craving…
Dante, the warrior son of a healer, was cursed by the high priestess to endure a never-ending cycle of life and death, born and reborn into an ever-diminishing bloodline. Someone shares one of his past lives. Her name was Mona Lyria. Back then, on the moon in another world, she was his victim. Today, she is Mona Lisa. This time, she is his savior. Dante’s wish is to die by her hands to end his cursed existence. But she feels fate has given them both a second chance. For even stronger than her craving for blood is her craving for what every Monère female desires, and needs…to bear life. Now she has found her mate. But with this blessing could come a new curse under the shadow of a new moon.

My Thoughts:

OMG! I hated this book. Where in the world did this pushover named Mona Lisa come from. Dear Sunny, I would like the Mona Lisa who was independent and could stand on her own two feet from the beginning of this series back please. This Mona Lisa who thinks it's ok to have a man dictate to her what she can and can't do with her body, who thinks coerced rape is acceptable and forgivable, who is irrationally fearful from events that happened in a past life, this Mona Lisa is not my Mona Lisa. And I want her back. Of course, you have to really love a series to be this passionately angry at at. But sigh... Mona Lisa Darkening better not be more of this crap, or this reader is walking...

The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands

2010-01-27T12:09:00.000-05:00

The Rogue Hunter Series:
1 - The Rogue Hunter
2 - The Immortal Hunter
3 - The Renegade Hunter

Back of the Book:

The Argeneau family has a secret…one of their own is a rogue vampire!

Nicholas Argeneau was once a successful hunter who went after rogue vampires who break the immortal law. Except no one has mentioned his name in the last fifty years, not since he turned into a rogue himself. But once a hunter, always a hunter. When Nicholas sees a bloodthirsty sucker terrifying a woman, it’s second nature for him to come to her rescue. He had no idea he would also want to kiss her senseless…

One minute Josephine Willan is taking in a breath of fresh air, and the next sharp fangs are heading straight for her neck! Luckily a gorgeous stranger saves her life . . . and gets locked up for his troubles. Can a man who kisses so lovingly and passionately really have committed the crime he’s accused of? Jo isn’t so sure…and she’s determined to prove that this renegade hunter is worth fighting for.

My Thoughts:

Great addition to this collection. Very light reading, great romance, if not a little unbelievable. Wrapped up the romance, but handed the plot a shiny bow and said "make your your conclusions"... not too impressed there, maybe there will be a wrap up in the next book? Who knows?

Death's Mistress by Karen Chance

2010-01-21T16:08:00.003-05:00

Dorina Basarab, Dhampir Series
1. Midnight's Daughter
2. Death's Mistress

Back of the Book:

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane uncle Dracula, Dory’s hoping her life is about to calm down. But then she gets some visitors. A friend wants Dory’s help in finding a magical Fey relic, and the gorgeous vampire, Louis-Cesare, is desperate to find his former mistress Christine.

Dory and Louis-Cesare quickly discover that the same master vampire Christine is bound to is also rumored to be in possession of the relic. But when the master vampire turns up dead, they realize that there’s more at stake than a missing mistress. Someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if Dory and Louis-Cesare can’t stop the murderer, they may be next…

My Thoughts:

Great addition to this new spin-off! I love Dory and Lous-Cesare's team dynamic. I guessed the bad guy though after the second murder, but I loved where they found the rune! No way I would've guessed that! Can't wait for more! But it looks like I might have to...

Mona Lisa Blossoming by Sunny

2010-01-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

The Monere Series:
1 - Mona Lisa Awakening
2 - "Mona Lisa Three" in Over the Moon anthology
3 - Mona Lisa Blossoming
4 - "Mona Lisa Betwining" in On the Prowl anthology
5 - Mona Lisa Craving
6 - Mona Lisa Darkening

Back of the Book:

Mona Lisa has finally accepted what she really is-a Mixed-Blood of the Monere, the children of the moon. Stronger, faster, and more beautiful than any human, they are the origins of Earth's darkest legends-and Mona Lisa is their newest Queen.

Accompanied by her loyal cadre of warriors and kin, Mona Lisa is entering her territory of Louisiana for the first time. She slowly learns the erotic and savage customs of the Monere elite-though some of her new subjects are uneasy at being ruled by a half-human. Her reign is threatened by enemies old and new, and she is ensnared in the thrall of dark forces she cannot deny. In a hidden world of animal passions and unrelenting lust, Mona Lisa soon grasps the tremendous power she must command if she is to hold her realm together-and if she is ever to come into her own.

My Thoughts:

So I also went back and re-read the short stories before and after this one, and they are so much better now in context. You know who these people are now and have an emotional connection to them. "Mona Lisa Three" I wasn't too crazy about. A lot happened in it. More of Mona Lisa's mother, more sex, more healing. The biggie though I think is that Lucinda gets introduced. Mona Lisa Blossoming though was absolutely wonderful though. Sunny did something in this book that even LKH has not been able to accomplish. I know, shocking right. Sorry but it is extremely easy to make comparison's between the two. One woman, in-charge of a large group of men, all devoted to a fault, she has qualms, but she's a fighter, she has many "internal beasts": a vampire, a wild cat, and an amore essentially, she also has a power that makes her unique amongst the masses. So I'm thinking imitation is the best form of flattery. Ms. Hamilton consider yourself flattered. I do truly like these books though. The plots are different, the world is different, and the characters are different too. I should be interesting to see where this new turn of events will lead us and if we will in fact be seeing certain people soon, or again at all. I imagine so. "Mona Lisa Betwining" was so-so as well. This could be considered Dontaine's spotlight but really it's all about Mona. I was she would have explained a little more about his reactions to events, but I guess we will see where that will take us as well.

As for me, Mona Lisa Craving should be gracing my doorstep in the immediate future. Thank you Paperbackswap. :)

Hunting Julian by Jacquelyn Frank

2010-01-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

The Gatherers Series:
1 - Hunting Julian
2 - Stealing Kathryn - April 27, 2010

Back of the Book:

As a guardian for his colony, Julian Sawyer travels to Earth to bring back the Chosen - women who possess energy potent enough to help revitalize his people. The stunning, silver-clad beauty who strides into his club one night radiates a sensual magnetism unlike any he's encountered, and Julian realizes that Asia Callahan is not just Chosen, she is his kindra: his one true mate. For months, Asia has tracked the beautiful and mysterious Julian across the country, convinced that he's behind the disappearance of her sister and a dozen other women. She's prepared to believe he's a ruthless killer, but when she presents herself as bait, she discovers that the truth is far more shocking. Taken to a strange, hazardous realm she never knew existed, Asia will face the ultimate choice - between abandoning the life she's always known, and forsaking a passion as dangerous as it is powerful.

My Thoughts:

So the beginning of this book just made me laugh out loud. I mean, read it, you'll get what I mean. Some of the plot elements are way, WAY, out there, more so than her other books. But once you get about halfway through the book, it returns to the normal Jacquelyn Frank we all love. Should be interesting to see how the next book goes. Lots of almost rape/forced intimate contact scenes so if that's not your cup of tea, I would skip this one. And you will want to commit Harry Carey on Asia, that girl is so stubborn it's ridiculous!

The Battle Sylph by LJ McDonald

2010-01-09T09:17:00.001-05:00

The Sylph Series:
1 - The Battle Sylph - Feb 23, 2010
2 - The Shattered Sylph - April 2010
3 - Queen of Sylphs - TBD

Back of the Book:

In a world where Elemental Sylphs are used for slave labour, Solie thought her biggest problem in life was avoiding an arranged marriage with an older man. That is, until she finds herself kidnapped for use as a human sacrifice in the luring and binding of a Battler, the most dangerous kind of Sylph there is. Terrified but determined not to die, Solie fights back and finds herself suddenly the master of an immensely powerful, shape-changing creature who can take on any form she wishes.

Heyou, however, isn't the only Battle Sylph around, and the two of them are forced to run, pursued by men determined to destroy them both. With no other options left to her, Solie flees with her newfound allies to the only source of sanctuary left to them, but death is tracking them down and Heyou is filling her with desires that threaten to change the world.

My Thoughts:

I freaking loved this book. I got this book from a Twitter posting from Dorchester Publishing (more on that later), and you never really know what you're getting yourself into with authors you've never heard of before. But this book, this world that McDonald has created, and the writing style is nothing short of phenomenal! I would (and will) recommend this series to everyone. Okay, so the shock factor is over. Here's what I think of the book.

Solie is a great character: young, with that sense of I-can-face-anything, in a world where women and especially girls have no rights. But McDonald doesn't limit herself to Solie, yes this could be considered Solie and Heyou's book, but McDonald shows their love and adventure story from many angles through many characters, most of whom you can't help but fall in love with too. There are good guys, there are bad guys, and there are even some grey guys. There's a love story, many stories of self-development and self-growth, stories of friendships, new and old, and tons of action. One thing this book does not do is draaaaaggggg. This book is bam! bam! bam! I literally could not put it down once I reached the halfway point because I was so engrossed. And I absolutely can't wait for the next. Not because this was a cliffhanger, because it's not she does a great job of wrapping up and prepping for book two, but because it was just that good and I'm completely in love with the characters.

So who would I recommend this book to? Pretty much everyone who is old enough to read a sex scene. There are two scenes that might be deemed inappropriate for younger children (you could actually fib your way through those too if you wanted to read it to your kids). They aren't raunchy porn scenes but there are two sex scenes. So I'll leave it at that. But this is definitely a story men and women will enjoy. It's not just a love story. It has plenty to recommend it to a male audience. People who enjoy Jacqueline Carey and Christopher Paolini will enjoy this book. It's not quite so large an undertaking as those and the prose is very easy to read. So don't be discouraged. LJ McDonald is her own new voice in a Fantasy genre that can be hard to wade through, but she's an excellent addition to all books shelves. I can only imagine she can go up from here!

Notification: I won this book off a Twitter contest put on by @DorchesterPub (http://twitter.com/DorchesterPub). There was no requirement that a review be made, but I love me my books so here it is. Here is Dorchester Publishing's main address if you'd like to check them out: http://www.dorchesterpub.com/ Happy Reading!

Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge

2010-01-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

The Black London Series:
1 - Street Magic
2 - "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" in the Huntress anthology
3 - Demon Bound

Back of the Book:

Her name is Pete Caldecott. She was just sixteen when she met Jack Winter, a gorgeous, larger-than-life mage who thrilled her with his witchcraft. Then a spirit Jack summoned killed him before Pete's eyes - or so she thought. Now a detective , Pete is investigating the case of a young girl kidnapped from the streets of London. A tipster's chilling prediction has led police directly to the child.but when Pete meets the informant, she's shocked to learn he is none other than Jack. Strung out on heroin, Jack a shadow of his former self. But he's able to tell Pete exactly where Bridget's kidnappers are hiding: in the supernatural shadow-world of the fey. Even though she's spent years disavowing the supernatural, Pete follows Jack into the invisible fey underworld, where she hopes to discover the truth about what happened to Bridget - and what happened to Jack on that dark day so long ago.

My Thoughts:

I really really enjoyed this book. Pete is a great character to follow around, and I absolutely love Jack and all his flaws. This book would remind you of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden but backwards. It's not the same writing or plot line or anything. It's definitely uniquely Caitlin's. But the whole so a cop and a mage walk into a bar part. lol. Great story overall. The only criticism I can give would be that it keeps going and going and wait and going. It's very long and detailed. Not a skimmer at all. I like the ending and can't wait to get my hands on the next one, which slipped past me in December, so must go get it.

Contest Over On Gena Showalter's Blog!!

2010-01-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

Taken from Gena Showalter's Blog:

Contest! Win a signed ARC of Into the Dark, with bonus Lords of the Underworld material

Contest time! If you'd like a change to win a signed advanced copy of Into the Dark, which has all kinds of Lords of the Underworld goodies -- interviews with the Lords, descriptions of them and their tattoos, a conversation with me and the amazing Kresley Cole, a roundtable discussion with the women of the underworld, Cronus's infamous scrolls, a sneak peek at Aeron's story, the Darkest Passion, and the missing 3 chapters from my first ever attempt to write about these men -- help spread the word about another book of mine, Heart of Darkness. Just blog about it, post a comment somewhere online, tell your friends, write up a review (good or bad), whatever, then come back here and let us know. It's that easy. You'll be entered in a random drawing!

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

2010-01-05T17:18:00.002-05:00

Evernight Series
1 - Evernight
2 - Stargazer
3 - Hourglass - March 9, 2010
4 - Afterlife - TBD

Back of the Book:

Stargazer returns to Bianca's story a few months later. Both she and Lucas will stop at nothing to see each other again—even if it means living a life of secrets and lies. But even as Bianca finds herself torn between two worlds, she soon discovers they aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Will powerful forces within Evernight Academy keep her from deciding her own fate, or claim her forever?

My Thoughts:

A great second novel in this great YA saga. The writing has gotten more fluid and is a very quick read aka get ready for a reading marathon. There are some great surprise twists in this book and also the question of Is this Love or Infatuation? I guess we must read on to find out. Sounds like time is ticking for them in Hourglass.

Wolf Tales by Kate Douglas

2010-01-04T18:50:00.001-05:00

Wolf Tales Series - Book 1

Back of the Book:

When Alexandria’s car goes off the road in a terrible blizzard, she has no idea night will bring a powerful rescuer and the start of an ecstatic sexual awakening. The moment Xandi wakes in Stefan’s muscular arms, feels the heat of his body pressing against hers, she feels no fear. Instead, she allows herself to be taken by one who is more than a man, whose primal nature is never far from him. As their connection grows, and as Xandi gradually loses her sensual inhibitions, experiencing pleasures she never dreamed possible, she is drawn deeper into Stefan’s mysterious world, meeting the alluring beauty, Keisha, as well as the dominant and sometimes ruthlessly commanding Anton, who can have any man or woman he wants…in any way he wishes…

My Thoughts:

No one can say that I don't read a variety lol! I initially got this book because someone suggested it if you liked werewolf novels. I guess I should have been more particular about which brand. Just fyi, this is a very erotic novel with lots of MF, FF, MM, MFM pairings. I was good, don't get me wrong there. But this was really more an emotional journey of trying to find home (and into someone's pants) than it is a plot driven book. Good for bedtime stories. ;)

Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny

2010-01-03T21:42:00.001-05:00

Monere, Children of the Moon Series
1 - Mona Lisa Awakening
2 - "Mona Lisa Three" in Over the Moon anthology
3 - Mona Lisa Blossoming
4 - "Mona Lisa Betwining" in the On the Prowl anthology
5 - Mona Lisa Craving
6 - Mona Lisa Darkening

Back of the Book:

From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different until a man of otherworldly beauty arrived during her night shift in the ER. Gryphon is hurting and hunted…and he attracts her as no man ever has before. He is a Monère, one of the children of the moon—and what’s more, so is she…
Long exiled from the moon, the men of the Monère serve—and mate—with imperious Queens, who can channel the rays of their far-off homeland. Gryphon believes that Mona Lisa is a Queen—perhaps the first of Mixed Blood ever known. But her introduction to the nighttime court of the Monère, simmering with intrigue, casual lust, and calculated cruelty, is far from smooth. The other Queens are infuriated by her potential powers, and they are all menaced by a group of rogue males who have broken away from the women’s sway. Even as she battles threats from within and without, Mona Lisa is determined to discover who she is, and to explore the limits of her growing power—and her secret desires…

My Thoughts:

I very much enjoyed this first novel in the Monere series. I've read the short stories in the two anthologies and have been wanting to read the whole series. Unfortunately Borders never had the first one in stock, and I was too lazy to actually goodness forbid order it! *gasp* But I did find it while perusing a different Borders most recently and gobbled it down in days. Must go find the next one or four... Those who liked early Anita writing style with later Anita sex-plot advancements will greatly enjoy this book!

Curl Up With a Book ... and a Nook Contest Sponsored by Anya Bast and Lauren Dane

2009-12-22T11:36:00.002-05:00

B.A.D Agency Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2009-12-22T09:45:00.000-05:00

BORN TO BE BAD

New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon has created a sensation with her sexy stories about the Bureau of American Defense. Now, three novellas about BAD agents are collected in one steamy volume!

In the all-new "One BAD Night" the bureau believes that agent Jason Banks has sold them out. Agent Samantha Winslow has never particularly cared for Jason, whom she reluctantly finds attractive, and she volunteers to bring him in. Under orders to infiltrate his rogue mission and kidnap him, she is also trying to pull off the ultimate double-cross. But who would have guessed that Jason would be so pleased to be her captive?

In "BAD to the Bone" Marianne wins the Hideaway Heroine Sweepstakes and a chance to pretend to be the heroine in her favorite romance novel. Whisked away to a remote island, Marianne's daydreams become real when BAD agent Kyle Foster kidnaps her and uncovers her every fantasy.

In "'Captivated' by You" BAD agent Rhea must go undercover as a dominatrix to capture a deadly terrorist. Fortunately, Agent "Ace" Krux, whom she has long desired, is her training partner. Immediately, the roles of master and slave are wonderfully blurred, and Rhea and Ace unleash a wealth of hidden desire.

BAD ATTITUDE
BAD agent Sydney Westbrook must find the perfect sniper for a risky counter-terrorism mission. J.D. Steele, a military sniper whose attitude problem landed him in prison, seems a good candidate. But as they're dragged into a secret world of freelance killers, Sydney begins to discover the man of honor and passion beneath Steele's arrogant façade. It's a man even Steele didn't know he could be -- and a man whose mission will risk the life of the only woman he's ever loved...

My Thoughts:

I definitely enjoyed these two books. They have Kenyon's quirky sense of humor and have great twisty plots. They aren't my typical paranormal; they aren't paranormal at all. Haha! But I'm still going to dig up the rest of this series. These two were good, entertaining, quick reads. I don't think I'll care to reread them, but they are great fluff reading.

Series:
1 - Born to be BAD
2 - BAD Attitude
3 - Phantom in the Night
4 - Whispered Lies
5 - Silent Truth - 2010

Born of Ice by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2009-12-16T15:32:00.001-05:00

The League Series:
1 - Born of Night
2 - Born of Fire
3 - Born of Ice
4 - "Fire And Ice" in In Other Worlds Anthology (Adron's Story - July 2010)
5 - Caillen's Story (April 2011)

Back of the Book:

In the Ichidian Universe, the League and its ruthless assassins continue to keep rule. But at what cost? Welcome back to the future.and a whole new world.

Devyn Kell spent his life in service to the League until he learned of the double dealing and backstabbing that was costing innocent people their lives. Refusing to play those politics, he became a Runner - someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine and supplies they need to survive. May the gods have mercy on any who get in his way, because he definitely won't.

Alix Garran is a woman on the run from a past she can't escape. Signing on to work for Devyn as a System's Engineer, she finds a cause she can fight for - and a man she can respect. But as Alix's past catches up to her, and Devyn's old enemies turn lethal, they have to fight together - or fall alone.

My Thoughts:

The general plot line was a lot like Born of Fire, but eh, it's Sherrilyn. I will forgive many things. It was a wonderful yet quick read. I can't wait for more though. :)

Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton

2009-12-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

The Meredith Gentry Novels:
1 - A Kiss of Shadows
2 - A Caress of Twilight
3 - Seduced by Moonlight
4 - A Stroke of Midnight
5 - Mistral's Kiss
6 - A Lick of Frost
7 - Swallowing Darkness
8 - Divine Misdemeanors

Back of the Book:

You may know me best as Meredith Nic Essus, princess of faerie. Or perhaps as Merry Gentry, Los Angeles private eye. In the fey and mortal realms alike, my life is the stuff of royal intrigue and celebrity drama. Among my own, I have confronted horrendous enemies, endured my noble kin's treachery and malevolence, and honored my duty to conceive a royal heir - all for the right to claim the throne. But I turned my back on court and crown, choosing exile in the human world - and in the arms of my beloved Frost and Darkness.

While I may have rejected the monarchy, I cannot abandon my people. Someone is killing the fey, which has left the LAPD baffled and my guardsmen and me deeply disturbed. My kind are not easily captured or killed. At least not by mortals. I must get to the bottom of these horrendous murders, even if that means going up against Gilda, the Fairy Godmother, my rival for fey loyalties in Los Angeles.

But even stranger things are happening. Mortals I once healed with magic are suddenly performing miracles, a shocking phenomenon wreaking havoc on human/faerie relations. Though I am innocent, dark suspicions of banned magical activities swirl around me.

I thought I'd left the blood and politics behind in my own turbulent realm. I had dreamed of an idyllic life in sunny L.A. with my beloved ones beside me. But it becomes time to wake up and realize that evil knows no borders, and that nobody lives forever - even if they're magical.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this book. I was a little disappointed that the crime plot line took a backseat to the magical awakening timeline. And no, it's not that the sex overwhelmed the book. I enjoyed those parts too. But it seemed like Merry normally feels a lot more or at least her feelings about her interactions with her men and with a crime scene are described more. It seemed like it was hurry-up with the crime scene so that we can take our time in the sex scenes but not actually describe what this joining might mean. Does that make any sense? I still love Merry and her band of men. I can't wait for the babies! I'm sure that's going to be really exciting!

Eternal Seduction by Jennifer Turner

2009-12-11T19:32:00.000-05:00

Darkness Within Series
1. Eternal Seduction
2. Eternal Hearts (Coming Soon)
3. Eternal Embrace (May 2010)
4. Eternal Desires (October 2010)

Book Description:

After living on the streets of New York City for over a decade, Logan Ellis admits her perceptions might be a little skewed. But twisted or not, there’s a satisfying irony in watching a well dressed vampire stand in the middle of a ghetto alley, windblown trash scraping small circles near his feet. What she finds even more intriguing, is waiting for him to decide whether or not he’s going to kill her.

Kerestyan Nelek hasn’t quite made up his mind. As the Lord of New York, he can’t allow a homeless drug addict, whose memories are packed with knowledge of vampiric existence, to run free in his city. It’s not the first time he’s been in this situation with a human, it’s just the first time in thousands of years he’s come face to face with one who doesn’t seem to care. And that’s what makes the decision so damn difficult.

What horrors would you have to witness before you went numb? How many years would it take for you to feel that way? What would it take to make you care again?

Logan’s answers are simple: the worst humanity has to offer, almost thirty…and something she never expected.

My Thoughts:

This is going to be a great new series. I am very excited. The world that Ms. Turner builds is nothing short of awesome, and she has all the details to back it up. She also writes amazingly real characters. Her sex scenes are also grade A. I also loved how down-to-earth Logan was and how Ms.Turner put us in her head. Also how she wasn't instantly smitten and pliable to Kerestyan's hand. I can't wait for more!!

Note: I was given this e-book by the author from a Twitter contest. There was no expectation of a review of any sort. Thanks.

Four Dukes and A Devil Anthology

2009-12-08T10:38:00.001-05:00

Back of the Book:

Fall in love with the unpredictable and irresistible dukes (and one dog named Duke) of Four Dukes and a Devil. Join New York Times bestselling authors Cathy Maxwell, Jeaniene Frost, and Tracy Anne Warren, along with USA Today bestselling author Elaine Fox and RITA^® Award winner Sophia Nash, for tales of noble danger and devilish desire.

Cathy Maxwell's "The Irish Duke": Delicate young ladies must be protected from him.

Elaine Fox's "The Duke Who Came to Dinner": First he steals her clothes, then he steals her heart.

Jeaniene Frost's "Devil to Pay": Most would be terrified of this powerful vampire—but not him.

Sophia Nash's "Catch of the Century": He's "the catch of the century". . . but she's the only one he can't have.

Tracy Anne Warren's "Charmed by Her Smile": A young miss demands a kiss. But he won't rest once she's touched her lips to his.

With four dukes and one devil, there's no limit on love.

My Thoughts:

Cathy Maxwell's "The Irish Duke" - Very cute! I don't usually read Regency Romances, but this story was humorous and romantic. I loved it!

Elaine Fox's "The Duke Who Came to Dinner" - This story was a little different than the other "Duke" stories as it was set in today's time period and was about the ghost of a Duke. Another very sweet love story, if not the slightest bit believable... but hey, it's escapism.

Jeaniene Frost's "Devil to Pay" - So I must admit I bought this book for Jeaniene... And I was not disappointed. It was a neat side story in Cat and Bones' world (and yes, they make a cameo). The love story was wonderful as was Mencheres. It was good to see him post ex-wife killing. :)

Sophia Nash's "Catch of the Century" - It was a little hard to get started and to keep all the characters clear in my mind, but I have a feeling that happens with most Regency era short stories that are extensions of full novels. It was though very cute. I love Miss Givan. :) Me and her could totally be friends. The things that come out of her mouth...

Tracy Anne Warren's "Charmed by Her Smile" - Another cute story. I wasn't too thrilled with the separation at the end, but I think it was more realistic. Reminded me a bit of the antics in Pride and Prejudice.