The Book Diva

Review: Perfect Strangers by Rebecca Sinclair

2012-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Title: Perfect Strangers
Author: Rebecca Sinclair
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook, 286 pages
Published: June 9th 2011 by ePublishing Works
Source: Received for review
Buy It: Amazon

From Goodreads:
Gabrielle Carelton is one of Queen Elizabeth's most devoted ladies-in-waiting. But her loyalty is put to the test when Her Majesty commands her to marry Scotsman Collin Douglas. When Gabrielle is kidnapped by Collin's twin brother, not even Good Queen Bess can save her. Dubbed the Black Douglas, devilishly handsome Connor is known throughout the land for his magnificent feats of strength and cunning. But now he is in need of an heir. An English bride will bring peace to the warring nations and give him the son he craves. What he doesn't expect is a woman as passionate as she is proud and a desire that knows no boundaries. Set against the pageantry and savage splendor of 16th-century England and Scotland, here is the story of a man and a woman who begin as enemies and strangers and find a love that will triumph against all odds.

Queen Elizabeth of England has asked Gabrielle to marry the Scotsman, Colin Douglas, in order to help end an on going feud. Once Gabrielle has accepted her fate, she decides to just be glad she is not marring Colin's twin brother, Conner Douglas, aka the Black Douglas.

On the other side of things, Conner has decided to steal his brother's bride. Mostly to get back at Colin for the past, but also in effort to make peace with the warring Maxwell clan and benefit with an heir in the process.

This book had adventure, kidnapping, love and love scenes. Gabrielle had low self-esteem and did not view herself very highly, mostly due to the Queen's put downs. I liked how Connor builds her up and once he gets to know her, he becomes attracted to her for her kindness and passion. Ella is the stubborn, determined cousin and I wish the book would have had more about how her life continues in the closing but maybe we will see a book about her. I also felt the second love scene dragged on and I found myself skimming parts of it. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I plan to read more books by Rebecca Sinclair. I give this book 4 of 5 stars!

You can find out more about Rebecca Sinclair and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.rebeccasinclair.com

My Favorite Reads of 2011

2011-12-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

I saw some other blogs listing their favorite reads of the year and I thought it was a good idea so I'm going to do the same. Unfortunately, I can not remember all the books I read this year so I will list the few that stood out to me (not all the books on my list were published in 2011).

For the year 2012, my goal is to keep a list of every book I read throughout the year and write a review for each one.

Adult Books:

Young Adult Books

Gift Card Giveaway Hop: Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

2011-12-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Gift Card Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Attack of the Book.

The Gift Card Giveaway Hop is just in time to help with with last minute holiday shopping! This hop runs from Friday, December 9th to Tuesday, December 13th!

Over 100 Blogs are each hosting a giveaway for a gift card.

MY GIVEAWAY!
$10 Amazon.com Gift Card!
One lucky winner will be emailed a $10 gift card from Amazon.com. Open to anyone who can use a gift card sent from Amazon.com.

To Enter:

I am going to make this easy! You only have to follow via GFC - Google Friends Connect! Please leave a post below with your e-mail so I can contact you if you win and that is your entry. A winner will be chosen by random.org. That is all you have to do to win, Good Luck!

Now check out all the other great book blogs offering gift cards!

What is your favorite book blogger meme?

2011-11-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm looking to see what fun memes there are out there that book bloggers have going on. I've found a few, but what have you found and which ones are your favorites?

Breaking Dawn Countdown Giveaway Hop: Week 4

2011-11-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to week 4 of the Breaking Dawn Countdown Giveaway Hop!

This giveaway hop is hosted by Grave Tells and The Twilight Girl

In honor of the Breaking Dawn part 1 movie coming out on Nov. 18, yes I already have my tickets, I am giving away your choice of a 2012 Breaking Dawn Calender that has pictures of all your favorite stars.

you can choose the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 1 soundtrack CD

In order to win you MUST be a GFC follower of The Book Diva

To enter, leave a comment with your email (so I contact you if you win), name the prize you choose (calender or CD), and an answer to this question:

Do you like the Twilight Saga books or movies better, why or why not?

This giveaway is for the US only!

The giveaway ends 11/17/11 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted within a few days, you will have 72 hours to respond to my e-mail or a new winner will be chosen. Once I have a confirmed winner an announcement will be made.

Click here to see the other blogs that are participating this week

Thank you and good luck!

Dirty Little Secret (2)

2011-11-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!

To participate in the meme all you need to do is:

1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question we propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link, click here.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!

We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

"What supernatural power would you NOT want to have?"

Lets see...Two come right to mind, Hearing the thoughts of others and the Touch of Death. But between the two, I would have to say the touch of death being the worst. I could not imagine not being able to touch anyone skin to skin without killing them. :(

And the winner is.....

2011-10-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

The winner of Jeaniene Frost's One Grave At A Time is Tasha!

Congraulations!
I hope you enjoy this great series! I have already sent you an e-mail, you have through Nov. 1 to respond or I will choose a new winner.

Thank you all who entered and for following The Book Diva. Have a great weekend everyone!

Dirty Little Secret (1)

2011-10-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

"If you could shape shift into anything, what would it be?"

Oh I have always had a thing for white tigers!

But a dragon would be cool too.

What book do you what?

2011-10-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am trying to decide what books to giveaway in Nov. and Dec. I thought I would ask my followers to tell me what they want! So now is your chance! Leave a comment letting me know!

Review: The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood

2011-10-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Title: The Ideal Man
Author: Julie Garwood
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Hardcover, 322 pages
Published: August 9th 2011 by Dutton Adult
Source: Library
Buy It: Amazon

From Goodreads: Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter's face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation. Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he's definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she's attracted to him in a way she can't explain. Ellie heads home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, to attend her sister's wedding. Shortly after she arrives, though, she receives a surprise visitor: Max Daniels. The Landrys have been captured, and she'll be called to testify. But they've been captured before, and each time the witnesses are scared into silence-or disappear before they can take the stand. Max vows to be Ellie's shadow until the trial, and it isn't long before sparks fly.

I am a big Julie Garwood fan. I love her books and even though her historical's are my favorite, I still enjoy her contemporary novels. When I first found her books I could not stop until I had read them all. Since I have not picked up one of her books in a while I was excited when I saw this was coming out and put myself on the waiting list at the library.

Ellie Sullivan is a very intelligent women and the best at her job. Ellie has lived a hard life being separated by her family due to a violent stalker in grade school so her parents sent her to live with another family for her protection. She has always lived looking over her shoulder and now she has become a witness in a dangerous investigation when she sees a FBI agent shot. She unwilling returns home at attend her sister's wedding who just happens to be marring Ellie's ex-fiance. When she arrives things go from bad to worse when Ellie discovers that her stalker has been released and no one knows his location.

Max Daniels is the noncommittal type, but when he meets Ellie he starts to notice more than just her good looks. Max is a caring and understanding guy and I loved how close he is to his own family. It does not take long for the sparks fly. When he starts to see how much danger she could be in he becomes protective and joins her for the family wedding. With a hired killer and violent stalker after Ellie, there is no slack on the action.

The romance between Max and Ellie is sweet and I enjoyed seeing them fall in love. Ellie reactions to everything that goes on is very believable and she is written as a strong woman. I was very annoyed with her family. Ellie's sister, Ava is a snob and so selfish, I just wanted to put my hands through the pages to slap and ring her neck. The worst part is Ava never sees the light and sees no wrong with her attitude toward Ellie and the rest of the family puts up with it never saying anything. Ava is constantly telling Ellie how everything is her fault and she's trying ruin the wedding. The mother just kind of goes with flow trying not to step on anyone's toes. Most of the time Ellie and her other sister Anne just laugh and joke about it. I was a little sad that Ellie felt she was inconveniencing her family by being there when danger could come knocking at the door.

Overall I enjoyed the book, although I will say this not one of Julie Garwood's best. I enjoyed the little secondary story with Ellie's sister Anne. I was glad to see things resolved but it felt a little rushed at the end. I give this book 3.5 stars, I liked it and it was worth the read.

Giveaway at Unabridged Andra

2011-10-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Andra at Unabridged Andra is having a big giveaway. In celebration of reaching 500 followers, she is giving away a mystery box of books. How great is that?! The Giveaway ends Oct. 28 so hurray over to enter!

How long after you read a book do you write the review?

2011-10-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Let's see I usually try to write the review right after I read the book so everything is fresh in my mind. Sometimes I will end up starting another book because I just can not wait! Unfortunately, with one book it was weeks later that I started the review...not good. This week I am working on getting my reviews ahead and ready to be posted each Monday!

What about you and your reviews?

On My Wishlist (#4)

2011-10-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too. If you want to know more click here.

Merciless (Long, Tall Texans)
Diana Palmer
Publication Date: July 26th 2011 by HQN Books
Genre: Romance

Tall dark and eligible? That’s all that matters to the women of Jacobsville when it comes to handsome and aloof FBI agent Jon Blackhawk. But if it were up to him, he would never settle down. Luckily, Jon has the best gatekeeper: his efficient and reliable assistant, Joceline Perry. Without her help, he’d be at the mercy of husband hunters — but the more he comes to rely on her, the more he notices how invaluable she really is.... While Joceline can’t deny that her boss is attractive, as a single mother with responsibilities she’s determined to be professional. But when Jon is accosted by a criminal seeking revenge, she comes to his aid — fueling the spark that is growing between them. As the attempts on Jon’s life increase, Joceline stands by his side. But when the smoke clears, will the man who avoided love realize that all he ever needed was right there all along?- Summary taken from author's site

Book Blogger Hop #3

2011-10-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

Check out Crazy for Books to find out more about the Book Blogger Hop and link up your own answers.

This week's question is:

“What is your favorite type of candy?”

Oh! I love this question! My favorite is a Milky Way. chocolate and caramel...yum. I really like the new simply caramel Milky Ways.

When I'm having a bad day and need a pick me up, I just sit down with a milky way & a Dr. Pepper. When I sit down with a book too, I love to have these along, they are my comfort food for sure. ;)

Review: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

2011-10-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels #4)

Author: Ilona Andrews (click for author's website)

Format: paperback, 349 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: June 2010 by Ace Books

Source: Library

Buy It: Amazon

Taken from back of book:

Kate Daniels works for the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle—especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community.

When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar midway between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years—and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father.

This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family…

Kate is called by the order to investigate a fight at a bar called, Steel Horse. She arrives to find a shapshifter hung to a post by a crowbar with a live magic disease. After containing it and questioning witnesses, Kate concludes that a mysterious guy in a cloak comes in and starts the fight, others join in but they are not sure why just that they suddenly became angry. The other shapeshifters who were at the bar left when the fight broke out. The mysterious guy can spread and induce disease. Kate ends up walking away from the scene on high alert due to the disease spreading Mary on the loose that could reek havoc on city and unanswered questions. She ends up with a killer poodle as evidence that may end up as her pet. As Kate continues to investigate more of the mystery starts to unfold. She once again has to work with the People, Shapshifters and Samian. Curran and Kate are at it again, but things will be resolved just not easily. We finally get to see if they will be mated (you will need that to hold onto after you read the prologue). ;) More is revealed about Kate and the magic she possess as she comes to her biggest battle yet.....family.

This is definitely the best in the series so far, you will not be disappointed. Each book in this series keeps getting better and better. You could start with this book, the author does a good job of reviewing but not over doing it. But you will lose the build up of Kate and Curran's relationship, happenings with other characters and progression in revealing Kate's magic. It took me a while to sort out this new world on Magic vs Tech and book one and two were good for that, so I could really enjoy the others. Here are the other books in this series (click to see my review): Magic Bites, Magic Burns and Magic Strikes. I give this book 5 stars!

This book contains adult language and sexual content.

On My Wishlist (#3)

2011-10-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Never Been Bit (Regency Vampyre Trilogy #3)
Lydia Dare
Publication Date: September 1, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Lydia Dare's paranormal historical romances feature the hottest theme in paranormal combined with the most popular time period in historical romance. This is the third in a trilogy of vampire Regency romances, where the glittering world of English high society is a playground for the rich, titled, and undead.
Vampire Alec McQuarrie's heart was broken long before it stopped beating. Now Alec's after-life is an endless search for pleasure. Young witch Sorcha Ferguson has come to London in search of a man, beast-or even a blood sucker-of her very own... (Goodreads)

While Reading a Book, have you ever looked ahead?

2011-10-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

I have to throw this question out there, because I wonder what other people do. When I read a book I enter it's world and become an unnamed character or fly on the wall watching to events take place. I have two toddlers and I am unable to read a book in one sitting and I'm often interrupted. When I reach an intense part or results are not unfolding fast enough, I get emotional because I have to know. I find myself grumpy and anxious, maybe this is not normal. ;) So I find myself looking ahead just enough to hold me over until I can pick up the book again. Sometimes it's the next chapter, but times I have looked at the end.

Now, once I finish the book do I regret looking? Most of the time no, but I have experienced let down because I already knew what was going to happen and on one occasion lack of desire to finish the book. I found I did not give the "sigh" at the end.

So tell me, what about you?

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

2011-10-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Expected publication: February 2nd 2012

From Goodreads:

Charley Davidson—grim reaper extraordinaire, private investigator . . . meh—is practicing her profession under the influence, caffeine and copious amounts of it, due to an extreme desire to induce insomnia. Every time she closes her eyes, Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan, is there. Only thing is, he’s a tad peeved. She did bind for all eternity, so it’s hard blame him. But 13 days without a wink is bound to bring out the crazy in a girl. So, when a man hires her to find his wife, Charley accepts the job with one goal in mind: Put the man behind bars, and not the wet kind. She can sense the guilt waft off him and vows to find the woman’s body and prove he’s a murderer.
In the meantime, Reyes is back in prison and none too happy about it . . . so Charley thinks, until she is carjacked by the dark-haired rake, who swears the very man he went to prison for killing is not only alive, but close by. And he wants Charley to find him.

While a visit to her old friend Rocket sheds no light on Reyes’s situation, Charley finds out the man’s wife is still alive and time is running out. Finding her before she dies would be a miracle, but she has to try. Together with the help of a fashion-impaired receptionist named Cookie, Charley sets out to bring the bad guys to justice. She just hopes Reyes is not one of them. And that she’s not hallucinating from her self-induced bout with insomnia.

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Review: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

2011-10-11T03:30:00.000-07:00

Title: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1)

Author: Darynda Jones

Format: paperback, 310 pages

Genre: Paranormal Suspense

Published: June 7th 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin

Source: Personal Shelf

Buy It: Amazon

From Book: Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can't she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?

I first saw this book on another blog I follow. When I read it was about a grim reaper I was a little skeptical, but JR Ward labeled it as a must read so I knew I had to give it a try. I pictured a grim reaper as a black-cloaked, scythe-wielding personification of death, but it turns out Charley Davidson is not the typical grim reaper.

Charley has been able to see dead people since the day she was born. She does not wear a black cloak or carry a scythe, but there is someone in the book who does. ;) Instead she wears a Scorpions hockey jersey and boxers to sleep in and uses a Bugs Bunny comforter. Charley works with her Uncle Bob, who is a detective for the police department, to help solve cases. She thinks it's easy when all you have to do is ask the dead person who killed them.

The book starts out with Charley waking up from a sexual dream, to a phone call from Uncle Bob aka Ubie, with a dead guy in her bedroom and none of this is unusual. She gets to the crime scene, with dead guy and learns that there are three murder victims. They are all lawyers at the same firm. Not only will Charley have to solve the lawyer's murders, but she wants to find out who is in her dreams and what exactly is "The Big Bad" that shows up in her time of need but scares her half to death. Charley has the help of Cookie, who is her neighbor-slash-best-friend-slash-receptionist. Angel is also a "dead" employee who helps solve her cases involving the already departed. The demon child is one Charley tries to avoid. Through out the book we learn more and more of what Charley is and what she does for the dead, as more of them show up to pass through her to the other side.

One of the things I love about this book are the funny sayings found at the beginning of each chapter that come from Charley herself, a t-shirt, bumper sticker or somewhere else. I love the humor, it did give me a few laughs. First Grave on the Right is full of action, humor, romance and mystery, what more could one ask for in a book? Once I finished the book, I started really looking forward to book 2, Second Grave on the Left (published Aug. 16,2011). Book 3, Third Grave Dead Ahead publish date is Feb. 12, 2012.

This book contains adult language and sexy scenes

Giveaway: One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost

2011-10-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am giving a way a signed copy of One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost. This is her latest release in the Night Huntress series (Cat and Bones, book #6). I am also including a bookmark she gave away at her book signing!

From back of book:
How do you send a killer to the grave when he's already dead?
Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit. Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But one wrong step and they'll be digging their own graves.

This giveaway is for USA and Canada residents only.
This giveaway ends Thursday, Oct 27, 2011 at 11:59PM ET.
I will use Random.org to choose a winner.

Winner will be announced Friday, Oct 28, 2011 on my blog and I will send out an e-mail, if you do not respond by Nov. 1, 2011, a new winner will be chosen.

You must be a at least 18 years or older to enter, this is an adult book.
You must also be a Book Diva follower (1 entry).
To enter, leave a comment below with your e-mail so I can contact you if you win.
You can earn extra entries by posting about this giveaway on your blog, just leave a comment and the link to your post.(+2 entries )
Follow me on Twitter (+2 entries)
Tweet about this giveaway (+1 for each tweet, only one per day)
Like me on Facebook (+1 entry)
Please leave a comment stating each of your entries

Thank you for following and good luck, this is one of my favorite series!

On My Wishlist (#2)

2011-10-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison

(Elder Races, book 3)

Recently, Vampire Queen Carling's power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee. Wyr sentinel Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help find a cure for the serpent's kiss-the vampyric disease that's killing her. With their desire for each other escalating they will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss... (Goodreads)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

(The Mortal Instruments, book 1)

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. (Goodreads)

Book Signing with Jeaniene Frost

2011-10-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Jeaniene Frost answering questions for her fans

On September 10, 2011, I went to the BOOKMARKS festival of books in Winston-Salem, NC. Jeaniene Frost was a guest author and held a book signing and a discussion time. She basically sat down with us and answered questions anyone had. At the time, I had only read to book four in the Night Huntress series so I did not want to ask any questions about Cat and Bones that may have been answered later in the books. :) Some questions asked were about Vlad's book, how she comes up with character names, how she determined what "gifts" her vampires would have and a few writing tips for beginners. She was fun and I really enjoyed hearing her talk about her Night Huntress world!

My personal note about the pictures: On my way to the BOOKMARKS festival I planned to stop in VA where my family lives to visit and pick up a sister or two so they could watch my kids for me while I was there. When I got to their house I realized I had forgotten my camera! I am a scrapbooker and photos mean a lot to me so I had set it out to be put in the van but some how it did not make it (I also forgot to pack underwear, but that is not the point). My sister #3 said I could use her camera, but we could not find the cord to charge it. So she went and got another one but it still would not work. Sister #5 ( yes, there are five girls and two boys in my family, same parents yada yada) said she had a disposable camera that I could have. So that is why the quality of these pictures suck! But I would rather have these than none at all!

Jeaniene Frost signing my books

While getting my books signed, I confirmed with Jeaniene that there are nine books planned for Cat and Bones. I also asked if she a;ready knew how she wants things to come to an end. She smiled and said yes, she has already shown the editors. :) I'm jealous! I told her she has to keep Cat and Bones together! I don't think I take much more of the together, apart, together again. I did let her know one of the things I like about the series was that Cat and Bones fall in love in book one. It is hard for me when a series waits til like book 4....he says do I like her, she says should I be with him? Example: the Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews and the Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill

Good News! When I got my books signed, I also got an extra copy of One Grave At A Time, book #6 her latest Cat and Bones release. I plan to have a giveaway for it on my blog so be sure to keep your eyes out! If you have not read any of the Night Huntress series, there is a special going on for EBOOK readers until Oct. 25, 2011. You can get Halfway to the Grave, book #1 for only $1.99 and it includes exclusive bonus material! These books are a must for any (adult) paranormal romance fan!

Jeaniene Frost and I! ;)

If you would like to know more about Jeaniene Frost and the Night Huntress series you can visit her website!

Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

2011-10-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Title: Waterfall

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Format: Ebook, 277 pages

Genre: YA

Published: 2011 by David C Cook

Source: Personal Shelf

Buy It: Amazon

From Goodreads: Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life.

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

Waterfall starts out with two sisters, Gabi and Lia who have recently lost their father. Once again they are are following their mother, who is an archeologist, to find another dig site that has been a dream of their parents. They decide to explore the ancient tomb and Gabi finds herself thrown back in time to medieval Italy. Not only does she arrive during a battle, but her sister is no where to be found. Gabi is seen by the men and the battle comes to end while Gabi hopes she her instinct is right in who the good guys are. She makes up with a believable story of how she came to be there. When Gabi finds a safe haven at Castello Forelli she starts the mission of trying to find her sister.

The man who comes to Gabi's rescue is Marcello, youngest son of Lord Forelli. He was betrothed at birth to Lady Rossi (called Miss fancypants by Gabi and a viper by staff), in order to strengthen an alliance. Marcello starts to take notice of Gabi as she is prone to usual actions for his time, like wearing her hair down and riding a horse bareback. There are also other talents Gabi brings into the past that makes this book exciting to read.

Gabi battles to find her sister, with her feelings for Marcello and her feelings to return home. Marcello battles between what he feels is his duty to his family and his feelings for Gabi. This book is exciting, clean and full of adventure. One of my favorite characters is Luca, Marcello's cousin and captain. He is kind, easy going and after a given description of Lia he really wants to help Gabi find her. :) I also found myself giving a little laugh at Gabi's thoughts.

I wish this series would have been around while I was in my teens, I know it would be one of my favorites and one my mom would approve of. I am so glad Mrs. Bergren has written this series and I will recommend to anyone who reads YA. I look forward to the next book, Cascade where I hope to find answers to the questions left open in Waterfall, I recommend having it on hand because you will want to start right into it. This is a must read for every young adult fan!

A little warning for the "younger" young adult readers: there is a little scene of attempted rape, he ties her hands and starts to lift dress but nothing else is carried out.

Waterfall Wednesdays Read A-long: Chapters 24-28

2011-09-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to week five of the Waterfall Read-Along! For those of you who don't know, the wonderful ladies behind Tina's Book Reviews, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Irresistible Reads, The Unread Reader and Supernatural Snark are hosting a read-along of Lisa T. Bergren's time-travel young adult novel Waterfall. Each week we'll pose and answer five questions about the book and then hop around to the other blogs who have signed up to check out everyone's answers! You will find this week's link-up and questions at Irresistible Reads.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 24-28

1. After Gabi is injured, the doctor gives her a tonic. Gabi questions the doctor several times what is in it but he refuses to tell. Would have you taken the tonic in Gabi situation?

If I was told he was a good well known doctor (for their time )and trusted Marcello to find the best, then yes I would have. I think at the time something would be better than nothing. But as we find out later Gabi had reasons to worry about what she was taking.

2. Before the games Gabi asks Lia to let Lord Forabosch win in the archery event as people especially Lord Forabosch are becoming suspicious of them. But during the games Lord Forabosch upsets Lia trying to throw her off her game. So Lia decides to win. Do you think she did the right thing by not letting Lord Forabosch bully her or do you think she took an unnecessary risk?

I would have totally done the same as Lia, but I'm not saying that might have been the best call.

3. When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home but they have to tell Marcello the truth. Even though Marcello thinks that it is madness that they are from the future he believes in Gabi because he loves her. Do you think this is believable? What would you have done if you were Marcello?

I think deep down we sometimes still question things til we see them for ourselves, but we want to believe our loved ones. I would have done the same as Marcello: take the girls to the tomb, play everything out as truth and see what happens.

4. In the end Gabi and Lia return home. Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?

I could not believe they returned home!!! All I could say was Noooooooo! I do think Gabi will return, or there would not be more books. So I have to get my hands on Cascade. :) I just wonder about so many things left open: Lady Rossi? Someone out to kill Gabi? Will Marcello call things off with Lady Rossi and wait for Gabi? Luca and Lia?

5. Looking back at Waterfall what was your favorite moment?

Great last question! Oh, there are many, but I will have to say when my heart skipped a beat as Marcello declared his love to Gabi. *sigh*

I am so sad to see this read- along end! :( (I'm sorry I was not able to post up on time last week and just now putting this up at the end of the day, I have just had a lot going on. I really liked writing the extras, I just ran out of time.) Thank you to everyone for your comments, I have enjoyed reading everyone's answers each week. Thanks ladies for all the great questions each week. Most importantly a BIG thanks to Mrs. Bergren for her great book! :)

Giveaway: River of Time Extravaganza

2011-09-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Small Review is having a giveaway for the River of Time series written by Lisa T Bergren. She is giving away an autographed set of the whole series, t-shirts, signed bookmarks and your choice of one book in the series: Waterfall, Cascade or Torrent. You need to hurry because this giveaway ends Sept. 28! Click here to head on over to Small Review and see how you can win!

I highly recommend these books to any YA lover!

Waterfall Wednesdays Read A-long: Chapters 18-23

2011-09-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to week four the Waterfall Read-Along! For those of you who don't know, the wonderful ladies behind Tina's Book Reviews, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Irresistible Reads, The Unread Reader and Supernatural Snark are hosting a read-along of Lisa T. Bergren's time-travel young adult novel Waterfall. Each week we'll pose and answer five questions about the book and then hop around to the other blogs who have signed up to check out everyone's answers!You will find this week's link-up and questions at Supernatural Snark.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 18-23

1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?

I would do whatever I feel I was best at and most helpful at the time being. I'm a go get them kind of girl so if I was good with a bow or sword, I would so be picking them up.

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?

I loved looking up gowns, medieval ones are my favorite! I loved the sleeves so much I had to have them on my wedding dress. :)

3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?

Well I was induced with both my children with pitocin and had natural births with no pain meds. That was hard. So that makes some say my tolerance for pain is high, I beg to differ. I was just not willing to take the ricks that comes with the pain medication during birth. I did scream loud enough for everyone inside and outside the hospital to hear. lol As far as the stitches, after the baby was out I did not want to feel them stitch me up so I got stuff then and with my second I had to get two shots and I still feel the needle (hurts thinking about it!) So if I were Gabi I would drink a lot of wine and hope I passed out!

4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?

How the man pursues the woman and wants to protect her purity!

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

I think a little of both! They should be wishing for the others happiness, or find a way to have both?! I am proud of Gabi for her willingness to go home for Lia when she really does not want to.

On another note, Gabi really needs to tell Marcello the truth! He says he wants to marry her so if she is planning to go home she needs to stop leading him on!
I'm not able to write any extras this time around, I have been away from a computer and just now trying to catch up. I'll combined with next post. :)

On My Wishlist (#1)

2011-09-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

Second Grave on the Left
(Charley Davidson #2) by Darynda Jones

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? After dragging Charley out the door and trying unsuccessfully to stuff her into a trunk—mostly ‘cause Charley pitches a fit—Cookie finally explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. After a brief investigation, Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. They head to the parking lot only to be accosted by a frantic husband with a gun. After some soothing words and a few deep breathing exercises, the husband, aka Warren Jacobs, hires Charley to find his wife. He explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as ?-left out because it is a spoiler if you have not read the first book) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Cascade (River of Time #2) by Lisa T Bergren

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

Waterfall Wednesdays Read A-long: Chapters 12-17

2011-09-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

You can find the link up for this weeks questions at Edgy Inspirational Romance

Discussion Questions for Chapters 12-17

1. In Siena, on her way to the ball at Palazzo Pubblico, Gabi likened her experience to being on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the goal being "to see and be seen." If you were a peasant, watching from the crowd, what would you be thinking as this procession passed by?

Jealous for sure!I would wonder why I could not be one of them and what it would be like to be one. What could I do to change things around for myself?

2. Though quite nervous about dancing at the ball, Gabi discovers a strange feeling of connection to the time, the people, and the society through the unified beauty of the dance. Have you ever been in a position where you felt out of your element, but, in one, pinpointed moment, became a part of or connected to something bigger than your fear?

The closest example I can come up with would be motherhood. No matter how much you read and prepare you still have a big responsibility to raise a child, scary. But as you encounter each stage things just seem to come together and naturally fall into place. Okay, maybe not the best example but the best I could come up with. :)

3. The kiss. Oh, the kiss. When Marcello finally kisses Gabi, he believes the experience to be proof that they are meant to be together. What did you think about his assumption? Were you surprised at Gabi's reaction to it? Have you ever experienced a kiss that seemed to be prophetic in a similar (or opposite!) way?

I'm glad he sees the light! I was surprised that he is was able to brush the alliance away so easily, thinking of other possibilities available. All I know is Gabi better hurray to tell him the truth before he changes his life around for her. At this point Gabi does not see herself staying in his time so I think Gabi is right to try and remind him of what is at stake, if he lets Lady Rossi go, and starts a courtship with her.

I did like this turn of events, Marcello now pursuing Gabi. I had to re-read it twice!

4. Many go through their teen years with a subdued sense of immortality. Do you think Gabi has a sense of this teen feeling? And did you think Gabi's converse observation, "Sometimes death came hunting and there was no way to cut it off at the pass." was informed more by the experience of losing her father, her self-admitted closet hypochondria, or the forced maturation of being transported to a different time? How does this observation show Gabi's growth as a character?

I would say it has to do with both, the death of her father and the forced maturation of being transported to a different time. If anything she has learned that things happen that are beyond our control and we have to make the best of it.

5. In the span of a few moments, Gabi goes from sword-wielding teen beauty to man-killing warrior. Did you think her realization of the finality of death -- and her justification for its necessity -- was realistic? And, in her slippers, could you have done the same?

For me, I think the decision to follow Marcello and Luca after being put in a safe place to hide would have been hard for me. But once I got there and saw it was their life or the enemy's that had my sister and if we did not win it would mean all our deaths then I would not hesitate to do what I could. Once of out the heat of the moment I too would act the same as Gabi, needing what Marcello and Luca said. War is war, some times killing the bad people is only way.

Extra thoughts:

How can we just stop at these chapters when things are starting to happen?! There were so many moments I liked in these chapters to point them all out I would be typing out everything we read! I cringed back and grimaced when Gabi was touched by the enemy. I sighed and held by breath at each touch of Marcello's, his tender eyes looking at her, cupping her face, his kisses, hands on her hips and calling her beloved....*sigh*.

I have started to notice more how the people of Castello Forelli talk about God. It makes me wonder if they are just religious or have a personal relationship with Lord? How will this affect Gabi?

One line that really stuck out to me was on page 188, when Gabi is pulling together all her courage to fake kill the guards that will start everything. Gabi thinking-

But it was remembering my dad talking to me about bravery in life that pushed me onward. We'd been on a rare father-daughter walk, and I had shared my fears about something. He'd said, "I read once that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something is more important than that fear."

Giveaway: Torrent by Lisa Bergren

2011-09-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Katie at Legacy of a Writer is hosting a giveaway for Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren. This is the third book in The River of Time Series. I am currently reading Waterfall, the first book, and I'm really enjoying it. I already know I have to get the others too! Katie also had an interview with the author so click here to hop on over to her blog, read the interview and sign up for the giveaway.

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along: Chapters 7-11

2011-09-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Waterfall Wednesdays, a read-along of Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren, is hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews, Joy &Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads, Jenny at Supernatural Snark, and Missie at The Unread Reader.

Join us for discussion at anytime. Follow THIS LINK for more details and to sign up. Anyone who participates will have a chance to win the complete River of Time series, signed by the author.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 7-11

Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not? Yes, I think it fits the time period. It also gives Gabi a chance to shine all her talents.
Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies? I can't wait til the book brings us to back to Fortino so we can see how Gabi has helped him! An aloe plant is always good to have on hand for burns.
Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills? I'm thinking go Gabi! I like Gabi so much more. It shows how she spent time with her father and the good relationship she had with him. No secret skills for me. Every time I read about a women being good with a sword, gun, horseback riding or a special talent, it makes me want me want to try and learn too.
"Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin." Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended? At first I did not like Lady Rossi at all and I did not think Marcello really liked her. After these chapters I am feeling a little different. Lady Rossi starts to be nice and we see that Marcello cares for her, just not sure how much. I am very torn, I want Marcello to be able to do what is right for his family and honor his word for marriage. But I also want him and Gabi both to find love and happiness. Putting myself in Lady Rossi's shoes, I feel the moments between him Gabi betray her a little, even though Marcello has not acted on his feelings. For me, I want something to happen or go wrong so Marcello can persue Gabi.
Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves? Extra (not really) points if you YouTube yourself dancing and share the video. Come on, it will be fun! :) I love how Marcello steps in while Luca is teaching Gabi to dance. I would love to dress up and go to a ball! I really want to learn how to dance, but I have not been able to get my husband to agree. I like watching Dancing with the Stars. I do not know any cool dance moves, especially any that are YouTude worthy. ;) I did see a couple's wedding dance on YouTube a while back that I thought was cool and wish I would have done something like it, so I have posted that link. YouTube

Favorite extras:

Chapter 9 Luca and Gabi

"If I may ask m'lady, where'd you learn to wield a sword?"

"My father," I said

"Ahh," he said, sorrow shadowing his eyes for a moment. "No sons, eh?"

"My father would've taught me to wield a sword, and my sister to shoot her arrows, whether or not he had sons." I nudged the gelding's flank and moved away from him, toward the others.

"Your sister is an archer?" he asked, by my side in seconds, unperturbed by my irritation.

"She is quite accomplished," I said. Took State, last year, in the juniors....

"I must say, I like how they breed women in Normandy," he said, cocking a brow. "I do hope we find her in Siena with your mother so we might be properly introduced."

Chapter 10

Marcello to Gabi "You are, " he whispered, "uncommonly stirring."

Chapter 11 Dance lesson

His hands left me, but then slid back in place, at my waist, but wrapping a bit more behind my back this time, as if a tiny bit more possessive. My eyes fluttered open. And encountered Marcello.

I do like when the men show possessiveness toward their women!

Waterfall Wednesdays- Waterfall Read-Along Chapters 1-6

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Waterfall Wednesdays is a read-along of the book Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren hosted by Tina's Book Reviews, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Irresistible Reads, Supernatural Snark & The Unread Reader. There still time to join us and enter a drawing to win all three books in the series just by participating, link up at Tina's Book Reviews.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-6

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, shes depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

A. I cannot relate, I just understand. Gabi is acting like I think any teen would, she has just lost her father and is trying to allow her mother space and time to cope as well. I know the mom is going through a hard time too but it does not seem like she is in tune with her girls. At first I thought the book was starting out slow, but it is picking up now and I'm having a hard time putting it down.

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there anytime in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

A. Oh, I don't know........ I have always been fascinated by the medieval times, I love the castles, clans, their dresses and dances. I don't think I would survive, I'm too much of a modern bred girl.

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if shes a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of mens mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

A. In the right circles, men definitely seemed more gentlemanly and respectful of women. I think it is just because of the way things were. Society had set rules of what they thought should be a women's place and what was acceptable. I don't think that made men simple-minded, I bet a lot were very smart because they had to think for themselves without the help of all our modern technology. If anything, women were viewed as being simple-minded and it opened their eyes to see if allowed what a woman could do.

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

A. No, it is not fair. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves before being judged. I have had go to a new school, new job, new church and at each of those there have been groups of friends already established. Women can be mean! If you don't have the right clothes, house or job you're not welcome. What happen to getting to know people and looking on the inside?

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?

A. I would love to run a castle and have someone else to cook and clean for me, where all women have to worry about are social calls and dances. But I would probably end up being the one to change the chamber pots. The worst? Arranged marriages, cruel men, no indoor plumping, meds, and other modern tech wonders. Society viewing women as just a purpose to have a son in order to carry on the family name.

A few lines that stuck out at me:

Marcello gave me a small smile and handed me a leather band. "At least bind your hair behind you," he said lowly. "It won't do for the women of the castello to see you riding through the gates, hair loose as a maid's on her wedding day. You'll never find a moment's peace. Nor shall I."

I looked up into his warm eyes, searching for a glimpse of judgment. There was none. Only warning. And a tinge of...admiration.

Gabi's thought- I finally meet a guy who's interesting, and who seems to have a half-interest in me, and it is TOTALLY the wrong time and place. I glanced up to the sky. If You're out there, God, this is COMPLETELY unfair.

There is a scene in next weeks chapters that I felt kinda goes with some of these questions. I did not know how it would go over putting it in this week so I'll just wait and point it out in the next post. :)

Book Signing

2011-08-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

How many books can you take to a book signing before it is considered rude?

I'm hoping to attend a book signing of Jeaniene Frost (I'm still working out the details), I will have all of her books by then and I was also hoping to get her new book signed for a giveaway. I have never been to a book signing but I feel like it would be rude of me to bring all the books for her to sign. What do you think?

Review: The Kate Daniel Series by Ilona Andrews

2011-08-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

Title: Magic Bites (Kate Daniels series, Book #1)

Author: Ilona Andrews, author website

My Rating: 2 1/2 stars
Format: Ebook, 205 pages

Genre: Urban Fantacy

Source: Library

Published: Ace Books, 2007

Buy It: From Amazon

From author's website: 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…

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Title: Magic Burns (Kate Daniels series, Book #2)

Author: Ilona Andrews

My Rating: 3 stars
Format: Ebook, 270 pages

Source: Library

Published: Ace Books, 2008

Buy It: From Amazon

From author's website: Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…

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Title: Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels series, Book #3)

Author: Ilona Andrews

My Rating: 4 stars
Format: Ebook, 268 pages

Source: Library

Published: Ace Books, 2009

Buy It: From Amazon

From author's website:

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot. But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games – an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament – she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shapeshifting community…

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My Review:

Since starting a book blog, I have seen these book around and read some good things about this series, so I thought I would give them a try.

Kate Daniels is a magic-touting mercenary that lives in Atlanta, in a world that fluctuates between magic and technology. This world is a hard one to explain, it took me well into book two to get an understanding of how things work or don't work. When in a magic wave all the modern technology stops working, everything from the phones to cars. If you don't own a magic fueled vehicle you ride a horse or walk, and you better know how to use a sword because the guns don't fire either. Most everyone in this world uses some kind of magic, and when the magic is high it puts more power behind whatever is done. This is when the paranormal happens. If you like to read about vampires, I will warn you that they are very different in this world. Here they are seen as good fighters but ugly mindless creatures that only have a lust for blood. They lose their human features with age and they are controlled/piloted by another person.

Each book consists of a different job Kate is working on for either the Mercenary Guild or the Order. With each case she finds herself having to work with Curran, the Beast Lord of all the Shapshifters in Atlanta. They both annoy each other and there is humor in their back and forth banter. Each time Kate and Curran meet there are always threats and Kate wonders at times if she could really beat him in a fight. With each book their relationship develops and new people start to enter Kate's life. I will say that I expected more romance, I understand that in a series you have to keep your readers coming back and these authors give you just enough. I would have like to have seen more in each book.

I really like Kate, she is one tough chick. She is a good fighter and uses magic but bleeds and gets hurt like anyone else. I like it that even through she is one of the best out there, she still gets hurt and it does not make her seem weak just more real. The authors do a good job at developing her character, and with each book you learn more about who she is. She's had a rough past and she's the only one left in her family, that she cares to claim anyway. She hides the secret of who she really is and the magic that she is capable of. Kate is easily becoming one of my favorite female characters.

Magic Bites, book #1 starts out slow, I was well into 80 pages before I started really getting into it. They spend so much time building the fantasy world, I found myself skimming at times. Each book gets better and better and of the three, Magic Strikes is my favorite. The authors give you enough in each book that you might be able to start anywhere in the series, but each book builds on the other and refers back to her previous cases. If you want to follow Kate and Curran's relationship and see how she meets the other characters, you will want to start at the beginning with Magic Bites. If you are an urban fantasy fan then give this series a try.

Contains adult language

Waterfall Wednesdays- A Read-Along Event!

2011-08-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy &Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark will be hosting a read-along of Lisa T.Bergrens YA novel Waterfall. For the month of September they will be breaking down the chapters and having a weekly discussion over what we have read.

If want you to join us, sign up with the Linky at Tina's Book Reviews, linking up your post announcing the read-along, acquire your copy of Waterfall and read chapters 1-6. The first five questions will be posted and discussed on August 31, 2011, where you can link up your answers and get info about the next weeks discussion questions. If you want to use a button (created by the very talented Missie from The Unread Reader) for your sidebar please feel free and link back to the original sign up post. You can also use the buttons for any of the discussion posts and original posts you do. And for everyone who links up and joins the read-along, Lisa Bergren herself has offered a trilogy set of her series to one winner. Yup- that means Waterfall, Cascade and Torrent, all for you!! Signing up and participating automatically enters you into the drawing and if the winner is from the US- Lisa will sign them as well.

The Discussion Schedule:

August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

I hope you will join in on this read-along!

Review: It Happened One Bite By Lydia Dare

2011-08-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Title: It Happened One Bite

Author: Lydia Dare

Format: paperback, 385 pages

Genre: paranormal romance

Source: personal self

Published: Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2011

Buy It:Form Amazon

From Back of book:

He's lost, trapped, doomed for all eternity...
Rich, titled, and undead, gentleman vampyre James Maitland, Lord Kettering, fears himself doomed to a cold and lonely existence-trapped for decades in an abandoned castle. Then, beautiful Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay arrives, and things begin to heat up considerably...

Unless he can persuade her to set him free...
Feisty Blaire Lindsay laughs off the local gossip surrounding her mother's ancestral home-stories of haunting cannot scare off this battle-born witch. But when she discovers the handsome prisoner in the bowels of the castle, Blaire has no idea that she has unleashed anything more than a man who sets her heart on fire...

Before the current Coig of witches there were their mothers. They are five coven sisters, each having different magic, but all together become very powerful. This book starts off with a scene from the mother lives. Based on a vision from Fiona Macleod, Caitrin's mom, the Coig decides take action in order to preserve the safety of Alpina Lindsay's bairn, soon to be Blaire. They find vampyre James Maitland, Lord Kettering and cast a spell that puts him into a dormant sleep and hide him at Briarcraig Castle.

This book is Blaire Lindsay's story, the battle-born witch that throws fireballs, and how she meets Lord Kettering. Upon the death of their father, Aiden, Blaires's older brother inherits Briarcraig Castle. After they arrive at the castle we see the mysteries start unfolding. Blaire starts to realize there are things her mother never told her about. Why would she never mention her ancestral home? Most importantly, who is Lord Kettering and why would the Coig lock him in the castle and never tell anyone, especially when he appears to be the perfect gentleman?

James Maitland is furious when he wakes to find he has been trapped for decades in an abandoned castle. He wants to find the witches and make them pay for what they did to him for no reason at all. First he must find something that was taken from him and find out what it is about Blaire that draws him to her, besides her blood.

This is the second book I have read by Lydia Dare and she has become one of my favorite authors. I lost lots of sleep because I just wanted to keep reading a little more to see what happens next. I really liked all the characters and enjoyed getting to know Blaire. She is defiantly someone I would want to have as a friend. I liked how this book fit in and connected well with the others. Although this book can be read anytime, you might enjoy it more by reading the previous ones first, especially the one right before called The Taming of the Wolf. You will not be disappointed with this book or with Lydia Dare!

I give this book 5 stars!

Contains mild language and sexual content

REVIEW: Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

2011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Guilty Pleasures

(Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #1)

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton

Format: ebook, 285 pages

Genre: paranormal fiction

Source: library

Published: 2002 (first published 1993) by Penguin Group USA/Jove
Buy From:Amazon

From Book: “My name is Anita Blake. Vampires call me “The Executioner”. What I call them isn’t repeatable.
Ever since the Supreme Court granted the undead equal rights, most people think vampires are just ordinary folks with fangs. I know better. I’ve seen their victims. I carry the scars…
But now a serial killer is murdering vampires—and the most powerful bloodsucker in town wants me to find the killer… “
“In a world where vampires, zombies and werewolves have been declared legal citizens of the United States, Anita Blake is an “animator” – a profession that involves raising the dead for mourning relatives. But Anita is also known as a fearsome hunter of criminal vampires, and she’s often employed to investigate cases that are far too much for conventional police. But as Anita gains the attention of the vampire masters of her hometown of St Louis, she also risks revealing an intriguing secret about herself – the source of her unusual strength and power.”

I went into this book not knowing what to expect, I saw it was about vampires and thought I would give it a try. I was introduced new creatures that I have never read about such as, zombies, wererats (can I say yuk?!) and ghouls.

Jean Claude, a master vampire (who also owns Guilty Pleasures, a vampire strip club) has recommended Anita to Nikolaos, the city's most powerful vampire, to help find out who is committing the murders. After Anita rejects their first request, she finds herself blackmailed into helping them. One turn after another Anita runs into someone trying to kill her. The action kept coming and you never knew what the master vampire would do next. Although Anita is brave and faces her fears, I felt she appeared weak at times I wondered how is she able to kill a vampire. Another time she runs straight into trouble without anything to protect herself, and I had to ask what are you thinking?! I suppose by seeing these things it shows she's human.

While reading the book, I was a little confused as to why the powerful vampires needed a human's help and are not able to do the job themselves. The only reason I could come up with besides Anita being tougher and dealing with "other" creatures, is she could be their eyes during daylight hours. There is something "special" about Anita, but I'm not sure how it helps?

My biggest disappointment with the book is the lack of romance! I am thinking that since this is the first book in the series, it is more of a setup for future relationships. At first there were flirtations between Jean Claude and Anita so I thought maybe something would become of it later. Jean Claude was my favorite character, I wanted to see what would happen between him and Anita. I kept turning the pages, hoping to see more of him. When I started seeing less of Jean Claude I just wanted Anita to show an interest in someone, at one point I was even thinking Edward, another vampire slayer, would do!

Overall, due to the lack of romance I ended up just liking the book. But I am interested enough in Jean Claude and Anita to continue on to the next book.

So I give this book 3 stars!

Giveaway: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-08-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Marla at Starting the Next Chapter is giving away a ARC of Forever by Maggie Stiefvater! Her giveaway this month is for US followers and will end on Aug 30th. So head on over and to follower her blog and sign up for this giveaway!

Click Here: Starting the Next Chapter

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 21-24 & Epilogue

2011-08-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Discussion questions for chapters 21-24 & Epilogue link-up at GReads

1. In chapter 21 James calls Bella telling her he has her mother and the only way he won't kill her is if Bella comes alone. What would you do in that situation? Come alone or tell Alice and Jasper?

I would sooo tell Alice and Jasper! They are smart, I'm sure they would come up with a better plan than I ever could!

2. Was everyone else as shocked as I was when I first found out about the Alice/James situation? Do you think this adds to the story line or was it not needed? Why do you think they choose not to include these details in the movie?

Yes, defiantly shocked! I do think it adds to the story because it tells us Alice's background! Uh, the movie could not include everything and since it did not focus on the Cullens as much as in the book, I felt this being left out did not hinder the movie.

3. Edward had to do something extremely difficult in order to save Bella from becoming a vampire. Have you ever had a similar situation in your life where you had to push your will power to its limits?

I can not think of a particular time, no life or death situations for sure. I know there been times when what I have wanted was not necessarily the best for me or those around me so I've had to let things go, testing my will power. That's when I put my faith in God to bring the best outcome!

4. Bella and Edward get into the "to change Bella or not to change Bella" argument in the hospital. If you were Bella, would you want to become a vampire? Why or why not?

If I had Edward, yes I would. Mostly for the same reasons as Bella, I would want to be with him forever and stay the same age, being the same as him. Specially if I believed as Carlisle, you don't lose your soul because your heart stops beating. Your soul is who you are, you still have a choice in how to live.

Chapter 24 is another one of my favorites, love Bella's line "I'm betting on Alice"

5. Twilight ends with everyone going to the prom. Did you go to your prom? Was your experience similar to Bella's? Feel free to include pictures!!

Nope, never went to prom because I did not have one. The closest thing I had was a friends banquet, no dancing, just a bunch of friends dressing up for a nice dinner.

Oh I almost forgot, in the epilogue I had no clue Edward was taking Bella to prom. (until Tyler's call) I thought she was getting dressed up for Emmett and Rosalie's again wedding. At least that is what I would have told Edward! :)

EXTRA: So, it's over...Final thoughts?

This was so fun! It was nice to have questions and see everyone's answers. It challenged me to look at Twilight from different angles. Thank you to all who made it possible. I enjoyed checking out the other blogs involved as well. I have already read New Moon again and plan to continue reading the rest of the series & watching the movies in preparation for Breaking Dawn Part 1 in Nov.

I would love to this with another book, maybe one I have not read before!

Anyone else game?! ;)

Follow my Book Blog Friday #3

2011-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is a fun way to meet and find other blogs that share your book interest. Link up your answers at Parajunkee's View or Alison Can Read

Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?

A. I love this week's question! I could not pick just one!

Book Blogger Hop #2

2011-07-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Link-up your answer at Crazy For Books

“Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!”

This week, mine is an ebook from the library:
It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare

He's lost, trapped, doomed for all eternity... Rich, titled, and undead, gentleman vampyre James Maitland, Lord Kettering, fears himself doomed to a cold and lonely existence-trapped for decades in an abandoned castle. Then, beautiful Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay arrives, and things begin to heat up considerably...

Unless he can persuade her to set him free...
Feisty Blaire Lindsay laughs off the local gossip surrounding her mother's ancestral home-stories of haunting cannot scare off this battle-born witch. But when she discovers the handsome prisoner in the bowels of the castle, Blaire has no idea that she has unleashed anything more than a man who sets her heart on fire...

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 16-20

2011-07-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

Discussion Questions for Chapter 16-20!

Link up your answers at The Reading Housewives

{SERIOUS question} If you where in Carlisle's position, do you think you would have been able to fight off your vampiric urges? Would you ever bring someone into that life, as he did with Edward and Esme? I am not sure how I would be, I could only hope to be as good as Carlisle. It was pounded in Carlisle's head how evil vampires and the like are, so I can see how his background affected how he lived as a vampire. If you in the end believed as Carlisle about a vampire's soul, there would be no problem changing someone. I like that Carlisle waited til someone was dying to change them. I really believe Carlisle made the best of the hand he was dealt in life.
{FUN question} We are introduced to Edward's playful side in these chapters, before he gets all manic about the new vampires, I think we have a better picture of who he is. If you had to describe him in 5 words, what would they be? Good and Bad qualities, whatever you like! Passionate, Caring, Unforgettable, Protective and I'm having trouble with a fifth word. Can't wait to see other answers for this one ;)
{LONG question} While re-reading I have been taking notes: observations that I have come across re-reading and comparisons to the movie. One of my notes deals with page 383, in which Edward screams at Alice there is no other option. The first time around I didn't get that he meant the future that Alice saw for Bella as a vampire (because we obviously hadn't gotten to that part), but now that I know the whole story I see that is what he meant... Has this happened to you? Do you have any examples of things that are clearer now or things that you have realized while re-reading? I can't remember what I was thinking the first time I read Twilight, I just remember not being able to put in down! Can't think of any Ah-ha moments.
{PERSONAL question} We haven't talked about this yet, but I think the idea of your human gifts amplifying in your vampire life is interesting (Jasper's control of emotions, Edward's mind reading), what do you think your gifts would be? I'm not sure what I would have, I would be glad to even have a special gift!
{SURVEY question} We are coming to the end of the book, what has been your opinion on this re-read? First, when was the last time you read it? Second, do you feel you like it more, the same, or less this time around? I think the last time I re-read the books was when Eclipse came out on DVD. I enjoy the book more each time I read it, always MORE! *sigh* I finished it a while ago cause I could not put it down and then moved on to re-read New Moon!

Follow my Book Blog Friday #2

2011-07-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

What a great way to find more book blogs and meet people who like to read and chat about the same books you do! This is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, check out their sites to link up and follow!

Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

A. Just 3?! I guess I will have to say: Stephenie Meyer, Karen Marie Moning and Julie Garwood. They have all written some of my favorite books!

All Borders stores are going out of business

2011-07-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you a heads up to check out your local Borders store for great discounts! Check out Borders online!

Free Harry Potter Cookbook!!! /Kindle Downlaod

2011-07-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

For all the Happy Potter fans! Kindle has a FREE Harry Potter Cookbook download on Amazon!!! The special Harry Potter Cookbook has 10 Summertime Treats for Harry Potter fans of all ages!

Spoilers in Book Reviews

2011-07-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

How do you write your book reviews, with or without spoilers?

Does it depend on the book?

If you write without spoilers, how do you manage to write a review for the last book in a series?

If you included a spoiler, do you put up a warning first?

Is there a secret to writing a good book review without spoilers?

Let me know your thoughts!

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along: Chapters 11-15

2011-07-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Discussion questions for chapters 11-15

Link-up this week at The Secret Life of an Avid Reader

1. Do you think the name "Twilight" for this book is fitting with the story? Do you think a better name could have been chosen? What about the series and the names as a whole?

I never thought about the title before, but after reading this question a scene in chapter 11 comes to mind:

"It's twilight, " Edward murmured, looking at the western horizon, obscured as it was with clouds. His voice was thoughtful, as if his mind were somewhere far away. I started at him as he gazed unseeingly out the windshield. I was still staring when his eyes suddenly shifted back to mine. "It's the safest time of day for us," he said, answering the unspoken question in my eyes. "The easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way . . . the end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?" He smiled wistfully.

(The scene in Port Angeles also appears to happen at twilight, along with the last scene of the book)

As far as this book goes by itself, I look at Edward's comment about twilight being the end of another day and see by Bella meeting Edward, it closes a chapter of her life and starts another.

I feel the names of the series as a whole are very fitting!

2. On this re-read, what’s your favorite part of the book? Is it the vampires, setting, plot, characters, Edward, or something else?

I would have to say Edward! Always Edward! I like that he is a vampire who reads minds and I love his relationship with Bella. These chapters are some of my favorite, where they take there relationship to the next level: the getting to know each other, the meadow, their touching, first kiss, the first night he stays with her, meeting the family and playing the song he wrote for her. I could go on and on! Twilight is one of my favorite books!

3. Edward shows his stalkerish/controlling tendencies during these chapters for the first time (at least Bella is aware), did this bother you the first time you read Twilight? Does it bother you now that you’re re-reading it? Should Bella be more worried about it?

It is very hard for me to remember how I felt the first time I read Twilight besides reading it fast and being unable to put it down. With this question I find myself thinking of Midnight Sun, yes I read it. :) It really is the other side of the story so I see Edward's stalking as being curious. He has had many chances to take Bella's blood and he has already decided not to.

I have felt that Bella needs to realize a little more what Edward is capable of .

On page 141- I opened the window - surprised when it opened silently, without sticking, not having opened it in who knows how many years- and sucked in the relatively dry air.

In Midnight Sun, you see Edward is the cause for the window not sticking, due to his nightly visits and watching her sleep. It is a little creepy that he has been so close, watching, without her having any idea.

4. Do you find yourself, during or after reading another paranormal/supernatural book, comparing it to Twilight? If you do, why do you think that is? Is it because it’s popular or because it’s just a book that makes an impact?

This book has defiantly made an impact on me, it was this book that introduced me to the paranormal world! I do find myself comparing vampires, it seems in every paranormal book they are different. I do sometimes find myself wishing the Twilight vampires did not kill the humans when taking their blood, and that the bite would be a bonding with ones mate. But I guess that would change the story too much and take the part of the risk factor away from Edward.

5. Bella is introduced to the Cullen Family in chapter 15, who is your favorite Cullen and why?

Besides Edward, right?! They are all so different, you like each one for a different reason. Alice for her acceptance and caring nature, Carlisle is too kind and pure to be "a monster", Emmett for his easy to-get-along-with, teasing nature, Jasper for encouraging Bella, helping make things easy for her and loving Alice, and Esme for her kind, motherly nature.

Book Blogger Hop #1

2011-07-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

This week’s question comes from Veronica who blogs at:

Read Books, Have Fun

How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

Most of the books I read come from the library and they are mostly ebooks, straight to my NOOK Color! Due to my families budget, it really is the best way for me to continue with my hobby. I also get some cheap and free books from Barnes & Noble for my NOOK, gotta love free book Fridays. I LOVE McKay's Book Store! You can take in the books & media you don't want anymore and get store credit, their books are very cheap (I never have many books to take in, if I buy a book it's because I want to keep in on my shelf)! My Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandma read too so sometimes I get books from them!

Follow my Book Blog Friday #1

2011-07-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing this everywhere, so I thought I would link up and check out some other blogs! You can link up too!

This week:

Q. What do I do when I am not reading?

A. Well, I am thinking of what I want to read next! Just kidding, maybe :) Right now I am working on my blog, it has a long way to go. I mostly take care of my kids and hubby! I love having play dates and spending time with my friends and family!

TGIF {2} Hosted by GReads

2011-07-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.

This Friday's Question:

Book Blogger Appreciation: Which book blogs have inspired you or made a difference in your blogging experience?

Well as you can see by my blog I'm still new at this, it's my first blog ever! So, I'm still searching for some of my favorites.

The first book blog I came across was The Book Vixen and it inspired me to have my own! From there I came across GReads! and joined the Twilight Re-read. Then I came across Julie at Yummy Men & Kick Butt Chicks, sorry Julie, I'm having trouble writing A** :) Her About Me had me laughing so hard I had to e-mail her! I hope to find more book bloggers who share passions for the same books I do and find more books to read!

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 6-10

2011-07-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

This weeks questions are hosted by Lisa The Nerd!

Questions for Chapters 6-10

1. Because we have to talk about it sometime - are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Does that impact how you re-read the book?

TEAM EDWARD!! I defiantly have OCD, Obsessive Cullen Disorder! It does not really impact me whiling re-reading Twilight but it sure does for New Moon!

2. Bella spends a lot of her time by herself in her room when she's not at school. what do you think this says about her as a character? Can you relate to her introverted nature?

Just that she is a quiet homebody. I think I could spend all day in my room reading a book and dreaming about Edward too! :) Once she finds Edward, her time is spent with him.

3. Probably my favorite chapter of the entire book, chapter eight brings us dress shopping, nearly getting assaulted, and then wraps up nicely with a quaint dinner and confession time. in this we see the blend of typical teenage existence starting to get tainted by the paranormal world. if given the choice right then, would you push to know more about the paranormal, or bury your head in the sand and live the teenage dream?

To know more, of course! I think I would react the same as Bella has, I find we are similar in a lot of ways.

4. Already, it's pretty clear that Bella is falling for Edward. is this happening too quickly to be plausible, or is it totally reasonable to you? What about Edward do you find to be swoonworthy at this point?

Yes and Yes! I feel she has thought about it and made up her mind that she is going to love Edward. Like me, once I've decided, I'm all in with both feet. Isn't that typical for your first love, for it to become your life? As for Edward- his tenderness and abilities.

5. Jessica has to forcibly remove all of the details on what's going on from Bella, but through that we learn more about how she's feeling and how she's falling for Edward already. if you were in Jessica's shoes, what would you say to Bella?

I love how Bella throws things in for Edward to hear. I would ask, "What is he really like?" I would also probably have to have more details.

I must say I could not just stop at chapter 10! I think this is my 5th time reading Twilight and each time I find myself not able to put it down!

TGIF {1} Hosted by GReads

2011-07-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

"Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am!", says Ginger at GReads, who is hosting a feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question to her followers. Feel free to get involved by linking up.

This Friday's Question:

Blogger Confession: What's the last book you could not finish? (or had a hard time finishing?)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - since this book has become popular and it was recommended to me I decided to give it a try but only got through a little bit. But I do plan to try it again one day. :)

The Untamed Bride by Stephanie Laurens -after starting this book I had to put it down thinking the book was not what I expected, but a while later I picked it up again and really liked it and have since started reading the rest of the series.

I have found that at times I'm in the mood to read a certain kind of book and if I pick up a different type I have a hard time getting into it. So I put it aside, read what I'm in the mood for and after I have my fix I try it again. ;)

REVIEW: Her Vampire Husband By Michele Hauf

2011-07-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

Title: Her Vampire Husband

Author: Michele Hauf

Format: paperback, 357 pages

Genre: paranormal romance

Source: personal self

Published: April 2010 by HQN Books
Buy From: Amazon

Back of book:

She may resist his bite, but she can't resist his charms…

Werewolf princess Blu Masterson won't allow her seductive vampire husband to consummate their marriage with his bite, marking her forever. Alone in a secluded estate with her sworn enemy, Blu curses the marriage arranged to bring their rival nations together, especially since Creed Saint-Pierre calls out to her most feral desires.

When Blu uncovers her pack's secret plot to destroy the vampire nation—and Creed—she is forced to confront her growing feelings for her sexy undead husband. Will she choose the only life she's ever known or accept his vampire bite?

The werewolfs and vampires are at war and the counsel has decided it's time for peace. Their solution is an arranged marriage between Blu Masterson, the werewolf princess and Creed Saint-Pierre, a vampire elder and tribe leader. The marriage contract states that Blu is expected to take the vampire's bite which is the ultimate bonding, but she swears that is something she'll never do. The counsel's hope is that this marriage will show there can be peace and others will follow along, but each side has their own agenda.

Blu and Creed are opposites in almost every way, and they never expect to fall in love. They encounter many obstacles along the way, including learning to trust each other when everything is riding against them. Through this story we see love conquers all and when we have someone to love and that loves us, it's all we need.

In the beginning I had trouble liking Blu; I felt she was very immature and not the right type for Creed, how could they possibly fall in love? But maybe that is the idea, two people who are nothing alike being forced to be together? Blu hates the male attention from her wolf pack, but yet she dresses provocatively, to me that is just asking for male attention. As I read I began to understand why she acted the way she did and I felt sorry for her having a rough past and abuse from the pack.

Creed seems like a “saint”, a rogue at one point but now trying to atone for it. He treats Blu different than anyone ever has and takes care of her. I love that Blu looks beyond what he is to see who he is and Creed does the same for her. Through out the story, I saw how their good qualities made the other better. By the end, Blu really stepped up to the plate and became a good fit for Creed. A few of the sexual scenes were not my cup of tea, Blu’s masturbation and another incident where she becomes sexually aroused while watching Creed take blood from another man. Don’t get me wrong, I do like a good love scene and there are some, but those did not do it for me.

Some other things I found myself disliking were that Blu and Creed claim to love each other before they established trust for one another. I would think love and trust come together? Another situation is the witches on the Council expecting the vampires and the wolfs to let go of the past and stop fighting, but yet it does not seems like the witches themselves have let go of their past with the vampires and Creed specifically. How can they expect others to do what they have not?

Another character I liked was Ridge, he is honorable and the only wolf who treated Blu with respect. I would love for him to have a story of his own. :) Nikolaus and Ivan sound like they would have good stories too! Overall I enjoyed the story and the ending is great!

So I give this 3 stars!

This book is for adults only; contains foul language, sexual and violent content.

ASH to NASH Tour

2011-07-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am excited to see and meet Myra McEntire, Victoria Schwab, and Beth Revis, 3 young adult authors headed my way in August! If you are any where between Asheville to Nashville Tennessee, check out their website to find out where they will be and if any special guest authors will be there as well. I will have to catch up on their books before then. ;)

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 1-5

2011-07-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to re-read Twilight and this is the perfect opportunity! If you’d like to re-read along too, you can get more details and sign up here. This is one of my favorite books and look forward to reading it again. I will have to spend this week catching up with the other bloggers. :)

Questions for Chapters 1-5

1. Have you ever had to start over in a new place, like Bella did in Forks? This new place could be a job, school, or town. How easy or difficult was this for you?

Yes, first in grade school when I went from a private school to homeschooling and then to a public school. I had lots of different kinds of friends and even lost some in the end going back and forth. Next was moving to Argentina for college, talk about feeling out of place! But it was only for a year and I knew I was coming home. The biggest change has been since I was married six years ago and we have moved twice. Both times we moved further from my family and each time I feel like I'm starting over. It has been hard leaving friends behind and trying to find a group to fit into and make new friends.

2. Do you picture the actors from the movie as the characters in the book?

Some yes- Jacob, Billy, Charlie, Esme, Carlisle, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, Mike and Jessica.
Some no- Bella (I see me! he he), Edward (in some ways yes), Jasper and Eric.
A lot of scenes I like to picture things the way I want and not the way the movie does.

3. What are your first thoughts on meeting Edward in Bella’s Biology class? At first he was annoyed by her presence, but then after a week away he returns & finds him self very interested in her. Do you think this helped or hindered the storyline?

I think like Bella, confused. I think it helps the storyline, it shows Edward is conflicted. He wants to get to know her but also wants to protect her from himself.

4. Out of the secondary characters Bella meets at school, who is your favorite and why? (I am referring to the humans, not the vampires in this question)

I will have to say Angela, she is more of a friend to Bella.

5. There is a lot of dialogue between Edward and Bella in these first few chapters that I feel played a major role in developing their relationship. What are some of your favorite quotes? or moments?

Ah, so many!
Edward- "It would be more...prudent for you to not be my friend," he explained. "But I'm tired of tying to stay away from you, Bella." I feel this was a turning point where Edward decides to give them a chance and "let the chips fall where they may."

Had to laugh when they were talking about Bella's gas mileage. Bella- "I don't see how that is any of your business." Stupid, shiny Volvo owner.

I also love chapter 5, with the blood typing. I see a soft side of Edward and how he is starting to care for Bella.

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2011-06-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry, this site is under construction. I hope to one day have a beautiful blog like all the ones I've seen out there. I am new to blogging and reviewing, but I look forward to having a fun blog! :) Please return soon to read great book reviews!