Livre De Amour (Books of Love)

Partials by Dan Wells Review

2012-03-06T04:00:00.003-08:00

Title: Partials
Author: Dan Wells
Genre: Young Adult, Distoypian
Publisher: Balzer & Bray, imprint of Harper Collins
Series: Partials #1
Pub Date: 02-28-2011
Pages: 472
My Copy: Got it off of Net Galley

Book Synopsis:

Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials-engineered organic beings identical to humans-has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still immenent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.

When sixteen-year old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask.

Book Review:

I totally felt that this book was like a roller-coaster ride. Never knew what to expect from this book. This was very well written and had some clever plot twists.

Also the world building that Dan Wells has created is very believable. This is a world where human beings are force to do some incredible things that you didn’t think they would do. What made this book work for me was the central character of Kira.

Kira is an interesting character and makes a lot of tough decisions in this book. This is not an easy world that human beings live in. People are scared and it shows as there are no healthy babies being born. If no babies survive humanity can’t reproduce. This is forcing the government to make women reproduce at younger ages.

I mean this book was just so action packed. Every time you thought you were at the edge of the cliff, the characters literally jumped off, but not in a direction you would expect…

The other characters are important, and help reel Kira in at times, which you need. She at times is reckless, but never the less, wants to stop things.

Yet this book moves at such a pace, that it feels like an adventure that you can’t pull away from. The pace was like I was in a marathon, lots of action towards the end and sometimes things you wouldn’t expect. Not to mention the revelations about Kira were really unexpected.

Kira was kind of justified after finding out what she did in the book, by saving her friend’s baby’s life, but finding the cure in herself of all places. This propels her life in a very different way than she expected. We are left wondering what Kira’s life will hold know that she is leaving the only home she has ever known.

I’m looking forward to book #2 in this series.

Rating:

Winners of Clean My Shelf Giveaway #2-YA Edition

2012-03-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody,

Today we have Winners To Announce:

Prize #1-ARC OF GENA SHOWALTER's Twisted is:

Mary

Prize #2-The Predicteds by Christine Sieffert is

Kara D.

Prize #3-Fearscape: The Devouring by Simon Holt is

Page

Prize #4-The New Kid & The Sword of Armageddon by Temple Matthews is:

BN

Okay, all winners can contact me at ladygrace@rock.com
Please when emailing me tell me your mailing address....
Or I will contact you.

Grace

The Goodie Bag-03-03-12

2012-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Okay.

LOTS LOTS OF BOOKS This Week-

Lets get to The Review Books

From The Author-Berinn Rae

Hellbound by Berinn Rae

From Net Galley
Thanks to Macmillian Publishing

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

From Edelweiss

A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

RAK's-
From Mary of Sweeping Me

Opression by Jessica Therrien

Shift by M.R. Merrick

Bought From Amazon-E-Books

A Rogue by Any Other Means by Sarah Maclean

Finnkin of The Rock by Melina Marchetta

Bought-Print Books

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus

Brave New Love Anthology

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

First Grave on The Right by Darynda Jones

An Affair with Mr. Kennedy by Jillian Stone

Forever Claimed by Rachel Lee

Assassins in Love by Kris De Lake

Freebies-Some of these might not be Free anymore :(

Callum by Melissa Schroeder

Divorced, Desperated and Delicious by Christie Craig

Glimpse (Zellie Wells) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Shadow of The Sun by Laura Kreitzer (Timeless #1)

The Spellbound Bride by Theresa Meyers

Awakening by Karice Bolton

Katie's Hellion by Lizzy Ford

All Hallows Moon by S.M. Reine

Six Moon Summer by S.M. Reine

Linger by Kodilynn Calhoun

The Progeny by Ashlynne Layne Review

2012-03-02T04:00:00.002-08:00

Title: The Progeny
Author: Ashlynne Laynne
Publisher: Novel Concept Publishing
Pub Date: Feb 1, 2012
Pages: 386
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Copy: Got it through Philla Book Tours

Book Synopsis:

“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, an tattoo, bore by the Rousseaus- a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling- half-human, half vampire.

Asher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula- a pre-arranged union to a woman he abhors - he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna-a beautiful, bi-racial human wiccan - and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.

Book Summary:

A Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae is what this book was like. I mean a very hot book. I had to have a glass of water at times, while I was reading this book. Vampire books are sometimes tricky to write, yet this book was an absolute delight to read.

What was particularly strong in this book was the relationship between Ascher and Shauna. I mean the writer developed Shauna and Ascher having a friendship first. I mean Shauna isn’t like other girls that Ascher has met. She intrigues him and makes him curious. Plus he is trying to avoid his upcoming sealing to Ursula because of the presence of Shauna.

He is very attracted to Shauna for a variety of reasons, but they get to know one another for their own reasons. For Ascher it’s about connection and feeling that you’ve found your other half and for Shauna someone she can relate to, share things. I think that this is the basis for any good lasting relationship. They have their obstacles of course through out the book.

One of the major obstacles in this book was Ursula, who I found to be a great villain. She will do anything to get Ascher and him to be her mate… but she doesn’t want to let go of him and move on with her life. Ursula wants Ascher for completely selfish and doesn’t care who she hurts. She is a really great flesh out villain.

I also love how Shauna and Ascher’s love scenes were written. They were written so beautifully that you felt that these two characters truly loved and cared for each other. Not to mention that these were some of the hottest scenes I ever read. I had to have a glass of water at times.

Also like the fact that that were some great developments when it came to Shauna’s powers and abilities. I love when they make the female heroine have powers. I felt that this made the book work so much better. Because Shauna is Ascher’s equal in this way.

What I love is even though there are so many great twists in this book, I felt that this book was a true romance. I haven’t read a really good vampire book in a long time. This book had a great hero, heroine and a good cast of supporting characters. Yet the romance to me was what propelled the story. An excellent Vampire romance to be savored.

Rating:

Random Act of Kindness-February Summary, March Wishlist

2012-03-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Okay,

It's time for the monthly wrap up of Random Acts of Kindness. Plus this month I will be including the books I want for March

Gave:

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey to Megan over at Book Brats

An Arc of The Summerton Women to Amber over at the Musings of AlYmbNer

Received

From Bailey over at IBBookBlogging

The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman
Slide by Jill Hathaway
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction by Patrick Carman
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

March Wishlist, Most Wished For:

Callum & Harper by Amelie Fisher

Oracle's Moon by Thea Harrison

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning

Black Howl by Christina Henry

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-02-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

Okay people here are four beautiful books I've discovered while going through some catalogs for the Fall, and these are four titles I want....

Defiance by C.J. Redwine
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pub Date: 08-28-2012

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making

Hmm, sounds interesting

Hidden: A Firelight Novel (Firelight #3)

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pub Date: 09-11-2012

Book Synopsis:

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy

Those who have followed the blog, know that I Love and adore this series. I Really Want this book.

Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs

Publisher: Harper Colliins

Pub Date: 09-04-2012

Okay no synopsis yet, but I loved the First Medusa Girls book so much. Plus i like this cover so much better.

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pub Date: 09-18-2012

Okay no synopsis yet, but since I loved the Girl of Fire and Thorns so much, I'm eagerly anticipating this sequel.

Unconventional Anthology Short Review

2012-02-28T04:00:00.003-08:00

Title: UnConventional
Authors: Multiple Authors
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Anthology
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pub Date: January 2012
Pages: 300
My Copy: Review Copy Sent to Me By Publisher

Book Synopsis:

It’s about to get weird….
Okay, weirder in here.

Alien ascensions in hotel ballrooms.

Mermaids on cruise ships.

Werewolves in dog shows.

Steampunk fairy time travelers.

A teenage superhero hitching a ride with a super villain.

Comic books that absorb their readers.

Magical filk…and much more.

Book Review:

An anthology that was just plain fun to read. I liked the stories a lot more than I thought I would. Some of these stories bought a smile to my face.

There were 22 different stories in this anthology. Some of them I felt could be turned into full length stories. The first story felt like it was the prequel for a bigger story to come. Some of the others did as well.

I like that some of these stories had a very humorous side to them. I mean there was almost every kind of paranormal being one could think of. What made me find this book being different was the way they were told. Some humor and fun. I really like how even in these short stories, they followed a certain storyline.

Storylines were some of the most original I read. Being original is hard to do sometimes in the paranormal genre, but it can be done. I really did enjoy this collection of short stories. The Mermaid ones were fun. The Fairy One’s were nicely done as well. So many great short stories in this book.

Some of these short stories need to be full length novels. Really am intrigued to see what some of these authors do next.

Rating

Clear My Shelves Giveaway #2-Young Adult Edition

2012-02-27T10:00:00.018-08:00

Okay It's Time For Another Clear My Shelves Giveaway:

Prize #1

ARC of Twisted by Gena Showwalter

Prize #2

The Predicteds by Christine Seifert

Prize #3

Fearscape:The Devouring Book 3 by Simon Holt

Prize #4-This is two books that are in the same series

The Rising: New Kid Book #2 by Temple Mathews

The Sword of Armageddon: New Kid Book #3

Rules:

1. Don't have to be a follower.
2. US Only Please....
3. Leave a comment with which prize you want.
4. Please leave E-mail as well-Valid Ones please....
5. Will run from Today 2/27/12-3/4/12
6. Will Pick Winner Using Random.Org

Winners of Valentine's Day Books with Love Hop

2012-02-27T04:00:00.002-08:00

Okay, Meant to do this earlier, so I've got a Winner to Announce:

Winner of The Vampire Council of Ethics Trilogy is

Solace Winter.

Grace

The Goodie Bag-02/25/11 EBook Edition....

2012-02-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

For Review:

From Net Galley & Bell Bridge Books

White Witch by Trish Milburn

From Author

Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep-Thanks to Jennifer Estep and Kensington Publishing

From Philla Book Tours

Okay From The Awesome J.L Bryan

Fairy Blues by J.L Bryan-Sons of Magic #1

Fairy Metal Thunder by J.L Bryan-Songs of Magic #2

BOUGHT IN PRINT:

The Half-Breed Vampire by Theresa Meyers

BOO: The Life of The World's Cutest Dog, I mean this dog is adorable and everyone should buy this book. Here's a video. You will fall in love with this little dog: I did. First found this video at Babbling About Books....The pictures are so cute...

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg-Signed

Fever by Lauren DeStefano-I wanted this in hardcover to match my Wither Cover.

E-BOOKS:

Books for .99 cents

Exiled by M.R. Merrick

Chosen by Sarah Swan

Vampire Shift by Tim O'Rourke (Book 1 in The Kiera Hudson Series)

Mortal Obligation by Nicole Chase (Dark Betrayal Trilogy #1

Books for $1.59

The Tudor Rose by Margaret Campell Barnes

Books that I got for 2.99

Demons at Deadnight by A & E Kirk

Deceived by Stephanie Nelson (Gwen Sparks #2)

Until Next Time by Amy Lignor

Beloved Purgatory by Katherine Pine

The Forever Girl:Sophia's Story by Rebecca Hamilton

Mortal Defiance by Nichole Chase (Dark Betrayal Trilogy #2)

Full Price E-Books I Bought

Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian (Midnight Breed #10)

Ashes by Ilsa Blick

Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost

Freebies

CoExist by Julia Crane

Sleeping With Paris by Juliette Sobanet

Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle

Unlocked by Courtney Milan

Shadows of The Soul by Angelique Armae

Savor by Megan Duncan

Vamplayers by Rusty Fisher

Warriors of The Cross by T.R. Graves

The Huntress by Nicole Hamlett

P.S. Also had an Amazon gift card through the Bookish Brunette , so some of the books were purchased through the giftcard

Daring You To Read Meme & Follow Thu/Friday

2012-02-23T21:23:00.003-08:00

Okay, my pick this week for Daring You to Read which is hosted by the lovely Tynga over at Tynga's Revies is

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I really enjoyed this book and would have never read if I hadn't been pushed by a couple of friends to read it. It was one of my favorite YA Distoypians.

Book Synopsis:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death onlive TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have tostart making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Okay, Follow Thursday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.....

Feature Bloggers this week are Oh For The Love of Books & EZine of a Random Girl

Q: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most…

A: My answer is my nice and comfy bed with my nice Husband Pillow so that I can read and be comfortable in it. I like the fact that the husband pillow gives me support, and the bed makes a comfortable place. If you have seen my IMM blogs, you know what my bed looks like.....sort of....so.... Plus it's great for late night reading.

Grace

Early Review: No Longer A Gentleman by Mary Jo Putney

2012-02-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: No Longer A Gentleman
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Series: The Lost Lords #4
Publisher: Zebra-Kesington
Pub Date: April 24, 2012
Pages: 368
My Copy: Advanced Reader Copy Provided by Publisher

Book Synopsis (from the back of my ARC):

Lord Wyndham’s casual espionage in France condemned him to a decade in the dungeon, leaving him a shadow of his former self.

Yet his greatest challenge may be the enigmatic spy sent to free his body-the only woman who might heal his soul.

Cassie Fox lost everything in the chaos of the revolution, leaving only a determination to help destroy Napoleon’s empire through her perilous calling. Rescuing Lord Wyndham is merely one more mission. She hadn’t counted on a man with the stark beauty of a ravaged angel, whose desperate courage and vulnerability thaw her frozen heart. But a spy and a lord are divided by an impassable gulf even if they manage to survive one last, terrifying mission….

Book Review:

A romance that takes it time and simmers at all the right moments. For me a good historical romance to work, it has to have a dashing hero, great heroine, and a solid story. This story had a great hero and heroine and a story that actually worked.
Right from the start you get these characters back story. This is important because it helps the reader understand who they are and what their motivation is for being spies. Cassie and Grey are very likeable.

Also love how Cassie is the one who rescues him, not the other way around. Love when gender roles are sometimes reversed. This was done brilliantly as she got Grey and the priest out of jail. Also love how this novel takes place in France, then England, then France again. You really see the beginning of respect and admiration between the two of them. Especially how creative Cassie is being at getting away.

This is a wonderful little novel. Also like the fact that they emphasized a lot of the family and how important it is to have a family. Found the reunion with Grey’s family wonderful. These scenes were so thoughtfully done and I felt that these were powerful. His family is overjoyed and they welcome Cassie as well.

Grey falls hard for Cassie or Catherine and she starts to fall for him. Yet, she denies herself the greatest pleasure. Then Cassie also gets a surprise. Cassie finds that she has relatives that are still living. This is a very nice surprise. Not to mention there were some very nice moments in this book.

The love scenes were very tender and nice. I found them to be very nice to read and that they are perfect for each other. They care for each other and respect one another. I think one of the things I look for in a romance is how well the couple gets along. Plus at times you saw real passion between them.

What I felt was good about this story was that it was a relationship built on trust, love, respect, family and how these two people found each other in a very unexpected way. A pleasant read.

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-02-22T04:00:00.001-08:00

Okay,

Since I haven't done one of these in a long time. So here are two books that I want very badly:

The Slayer by Theresa Meyers.

Pub Date: April 1, 2012
I'm a cover whore. I want this book because of the cover. Yet it is the second book in the Legend Chronicles, which I enjoyed the first book immensely.

Auracle by Gina Rosati
Roaring Book Press
Pub Date: August 7, 2012

Love the cover for this.

Here's the synopsis:

On the surface, there’s nothing remarkable about Anna Rogan: She gets average grades, she’s not especially fashionable, she spends most of her time just hanging out with her best friend Rei. But Anna does have a remarkable secret: she has the ability to do astral projection. She uses her out-of-body experiences to explore the universe, until one day when there’s an accident at school and her classmate Taylor gets into her body. Now Taylor’s using her new identity to accuse an innocent boy of murder and she shows no signs of leaving Anna’s body. The only person who knows Anna’s secret is Rei, and as her feelings for Rei grow she must face a future where they can never touch...unless they can find a way to get Taylor out of Anna’s body, stop the murder trial, and discover the true nature of Anna’s power

Review: Time Slice by Kerry Downing

2012-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Time Slice
Author: Kerry Downing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Time Travel
Publisher: Tribute Books
Pages: 248
My Copy: Part of Tribute Books Time Slice Tour

Book Synopsis:

An Earth Shared….

Newly retired workaholic Roy Washburn is not ready for a life of leisure. On a trip to a mall with his wife, he finds a small metal cylinder with odd markings. One nudge of the cylinder’s triangle-shaped pointer and Roy finds himself embarking on an exciting new adventure in the Time Stream. There he meets the Traveler, a tall, gangly being who shows Roy how to use the cylinder to visit other civilizations that exist on “his” Earth, each occupying a different, thin Time Slice.

A Strange Being with A Favor to Ask

The Traveler solicits Roy’s help in recovering an object invented by his murdered father and beyond his own reach. Roy is his last hope. At first it seems that the Traveler’s wish might be easily granted. But after Roy’s wife Emily becomes ill and his daughter’s long-held resentments rise to the surface, he can no longer “travel” at a moment’s notice. He also discovers the very real physical and mental risks involved in roaming the Time Stream.

A Dangerous Mission

Despite the dangers, Roy is determined to help the Traveler. But he can’t do it alone. Fortunately he has a loving wife and a core group of loyal friends. But first he must convince them-and his daughter-that he isn’t crazy
Book Review:

This book was an interesting read. I find that Time Travel books are hit or mess for me. This book was a very pleasant surprise for me in the way that it’s not like other Time Travel books.

Time Slice was a very different interpretation of how Time Travel works. The character of Roy was a wonderful hero. I found that Roy was a person you could relate to in a lot of ways. He is someone who wants to do something bigger with his life and The Traveler, Rah gives him that chance.

Yet when he embarks on this journey to help Rah, he doesn’t realize what this will do to his life. I found that the relationships he had were some of the most realistic things in the book. They felt very real and heart felt. I really liked the relationship with his wife Emily and how close they were.
His relationship with his daughter seems strained at times and that they don’t really understand each other. Liked the fact that Ray and his granddaughter really love each other.

This book was filled with tenderness and a lot of twists that I didn’t expect. Also the willingness to help another being really spoke true. It spoke of the willingness of human beings being human and what it means to sacrifice something precious and sometimes we don’t see things that we don’t want to.

Also like the reconciliation of Roy and his daughter at the end. It was very heartwarming. If you like sci-fi with heart, this book would be for you.

Rating:

Winners of Romancing The Books Hop

2012-02-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Winners Of Romancing The Books Hop:

I've got some Winners to announce. So Here Are the Winners

Prize #1-Touch of Scandal by Liz Carlyle is Pam S.

Prize #2-Scared to Death by Wendi Corsi Staub-Joanna

Prize #3-Dark Waters by Alex Prentis-Amy S.

Prize #4-Wolf Tales by Kate Douglas-June M.

Prize #5-Sprit Bound by Richelle Mead-Crystal GB

Top Five Sundays-Series That I Intend to Finish in 2012

2012-02-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, since I'm not doing the Goodie Bag this week, I've decided to participate in this meme occasionally, this meme is hosted by Larissa of Larissa's Bookish Life

This week's theme is The Top Five Series you intend to finish this year.

1. Blue Bloods Series by Melissa De La Cruz

I love this series so much. It's really one of those series that got me into reading so much YA. The last book that I read was The Van Allen Legacy. So I desperately have to read the last three books.

Here are the books in order...

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

Book #4

Book #5

Book #5.5

Book #6

Companion

Book

Series #2 Women of The Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Another Series That I just loved. if you like Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Shifters, Werewolves and any other Paranormal, this is for you. I just love it. I haven't read Spellbound and Waking The Witch yet, but will...

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

Book #4

Book #5

Book #6

Book #7

Book #8

Book #9

Book #10

Companion

Book

Companion

Book #2

Book #11

Book #12

3. The Hunger Games Trilogy.

I've only read the first book, but I loved the First Book, so I'm going to make an attempt to finish this series.

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

4. As The World Dies Trilogy.

Hey. I love this series. Book Brunette got me into reading this series. Normally, I would have never read a zombie book, but now I love them and it's all Book Brunette's fault. I love this series. It's so awesome.

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

Series #5

Immortals After Dark by Kresley Cole

I love this sexy, dark Paranormal book. These books are smoking hot. Have some great characters, and the mythology and world building is so unique and great. I still have to read Lothaire in the series.

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

Book #4

Book #5

Book #6

Book #7

Book #8

Book #9

Book #10

Book #11

Book #12

Winners of Clean My Shelf Giveaway

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody,

Well The Winners of Clean My Shelves Giveaway #1 have been chosen.

Prize #1-How to Flirt With A Naked Werewolf goes to June M.

Pize #2-Snowy Night with A Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London goes to Joanna

Prize #3-Dark Sins and Desert Sands by Stephanie Draven goes to Sara Kovach

Now, I will be emailing all winners to let them know they won a prize, but if they want the prize sooner, they can email me at ladygrace@rock.com All winners have 72 hours to contact me or new winners will be picked.

Grace

Early Review: The Sumerton Women by D.L Bogdan

2012-02-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Sumerton Women
Author: D.L. Bogdan
Genre: Historical Fiction/Tudor-Henry VIII/Literature
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 384
Release Date: April 24, 2012
My Copy: Advanced Reader Copy given to me by Kensington Publishing for an honest review.

Book Synopsis:

Orphaned at age eight, Lady Cecily Burkhart becomes the ward of Harold Pierce, Earl of Sumerton. The charming Lord Hal and his wife, Lady Grace immediately welcome sweet natured Cecily as one of their own. With Brey, their young son, Cecily develops an easy, playful friendship. But their intensely devout daughter, Mirabella, is consumed by her religious vocation-and by her devotion to Father Alec Cahill, the family priest and tutor.

With Father Alec as her closest confidant, Cecily begins to glimpse the painful secrets at the heart of the Pierce family. When tragedy strikes at home, and Henry VIII’s obsession with Anne Boleyn leads to violent upheaval across England, Mirabella is robbed away in turn. As Cecily struggles to hold together the fractured household, she and Alec also grapple with a dangerous mutual attraction. Plagued with jealously, Mirabella unleashes a tumultuous chain of events that threatens to destroy everyone around her. For with treachery and suspicion rampant, desire has the power to shatter a family-and tear a kingdom apart….

Book Review:

This novel literally was just breath taking. I loved it. Normally for me it’s hit or miss when reading fiction that takes place during Henry VII’s ruling period. This delivered for me on so many levels. What I liked was this story was about women and the many things that Cecily and Mirabella experience and how they are very different.

These characters are strong. Most of the novel is dictated by Mirabella and Cecily. You see a lot of differences in them immediately. We see that even though Cecily came into the family at eight years old, Mirabella is strongly religious or believes herself to be. This will be the cause of so much pain for her in her life. Cecily is an immediate likeable character because she is at first a young girl who you immediately love and then as a young woman who has to endure the pain of losing the one you love.

Cecily grows into a woman who matures and marries someone you don’t expect. Yet instead of making her weak, she grows into a stronger person. A women of great intelligence and beauty. Also someone who learns how to love the people around her as they are.

Also the social conventions of the time are one of great change because of the religious revolutions going on plus the King’s split with the Catholic church. This has so many ramifications for every character in this book. For Mirabella, her life is the church and when the reforms the Kings passes, she is devastated. She also finds things about herself. For her, she can never have imagined a fate worse than this. What she believes in has been destroyed.

    What I like about this book is that even though Cecily is the heroine, is that you understand where Mirabella is coming from. She is and always has been jealous of the relationship that Cecily and Father Alec Cahill have with one another. The relationships between Mirabella and Father Alec Cahill, Father Alec Cahill and Cecily is a complex one and done with a startling brilliance. You see how the relationships change.

    Mirabella’s jealously comes from a place that’s natural. Father Alec Cahill is the only man for her. No one will ever be him. She does something very bad in this book and doesn’t have his love in the end, but his loathing and he ends up hating her.

    All Mirabella wanted was love. In the end, comes a realization that took her all her life to realize. I found it to be exceptionally emotional the ending of this book. She found happiness, but it wasn’t what she thought.

    This was a great book. If you like historical fiction, read this when it comes out in April. What I really loved was that it was the women who drove the story and what people do when great social, religious, and political change come. How we react, change, or don’t and hold on to what we know or adapt. Cecily adapted, Mirabella tried and found that she couldn’t bend until it was too late. I just didn’t like the ending it made me cry.

Rating:

Valentine's Day Books with Love Hop

2012-02-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, Good Choice Reading & Once Upon A Twilight are hosting The Valentine's Day Books with Love Hop

I have decided to give away a lovely adult series this week, all three books in The Vampire Council of Ethics by T.J Michaels-Signed. One winner wins all three books in this series.

Book 1:
Carinian's Seeker by T.J Michaels-Signed

Book 2:

Serati's Flame by TJ Michaels-Signed

Book 3:

Hatsept Heat by T.J. Michaels-Signed

Okay Rules

1. Must be 21 years or older to Win.
2. US Only. International Shipping is Expensive
3. Please leave comment and e-mail to win.
4. Don't have to be follower to win.
5. Winners will be picked using random.org

Here is the list of the blogs participating in the hop:

1.	Good Choice Reading (US) (YA & Adult)	2.	Once Upon A Twilight (US) (YA)
3.	Livre De Amour-Books of Love (US) (Adult)	4.	Read My Mind (US) (YA and Adult)
5.	Bumbles and Fairy-tales (US) (YA)	6.	Books&Beyond (US/INT) (YA) (ADULT)
7.	Paranormal Romance Fanatic(US)(YA and Adult)	8.	Dreamingdreams (US) ( YA)
9.	Bookworm Lisa (Int) (YA)	10.	Into the Mystic (US) (YA)
11.	A Book-Lover Review (US/Can) YA & Adult	12.	Mary @SweepingMe (Int)
13.	Not Now...I'm Reading (INT)	14.	Short and Sweet Reviews
15.	The Character Connection (INT) YA & Adult	16.	The Plot Thickens (INT) YA & Adult
17.	City Girl Who Loves to Read (INT) YA & Adult	18.	Nyx Book Reviews (INT) YA/AD
19.	Shortie Says (INT) (YA)	20.	Alexa @ Pages of Forbidden Love (INT) YA & Adult
21.	Crystal @ My Reading Room (US/Can) (YA & Adult)	22.	Devon Ashley @ Crazy Dream Blog (INT) (YA)
23.	Ce-Ce`s Garden of Reviews (Int) (Adult)	24.	Lena Sledge's Blog
25.	Tami Brothers Live, Love, Write!	26.	A Tale of Many Reviews (Int) (YA & Adult)
27.	Musings of a Write-Aholic (INT)	28.	Obscured Vixen (US) (YA & Adult)
29.	Kimberly @ The Windy Pages (US) (Adult & YA)	30.	Jenna/JL @ An Avid Reader's Musings (US) (YA)
31.	Joselyn Vaughn - Hauntings of the Heart	32.	I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (Int) (Clean Adult)
33.	Jessica Scott (us & intl) (adult)	34.	Hope, Love, and Happy Endings (YA)
35.	Belle Whittington - (US & Int) (YA)

The Goodie Bag-02/11/12

2012-02-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Goodie Bag-02/11/12 Edition

Okay Lets Get to The Prize That I'm Most Excited For,

Won,

Courtesy of Parajunkee and JJ Bonds from the CrossRoads Blog Tour:

Kindle Fire:
The Front

The Back Cover Which I love by the Way:

Thanks I love it. Already have started to play with it :)

Won An E-Book and An ARC:

Wolf Song by J.H. Sked

ARC of Die Laughing by J.H. Sked
Sorry No Cover at This Time....

For Review

From Macmillian:

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

From Kensington Books, Lots of Pretty Historicals:

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally MacKenzie
Highland Avenger by Hannah Howell
No Longer A Gentleman by Mary Jo Putney-Part of Her Lost Lord Series
The Summerton Women by D.L Bogdan-Read It and Loved It Look For Review on Tuesday
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

From Harper Collins:

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Until I Die by Amy Plum

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Bought:

Okay some of this was pre-orders, or stuff from stores that had cheap prizes.

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Touch by Jus Accardo

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston

Must Love Hellhounds Anthology

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

E-Books This Week

Everything I Learned About Love, I Learned From Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell-this was only 2.99

Embracing Her Wolf by Erin Hayes

Flame of Surrender by Rhiannin Paille

Crossroads by J.J. Bonds

After Eden by Katherine Pine-Fallen Angels #1

Okay, No Goodie Bag For Two Weeks After This Post. Need some time to catch up on my reading.

Testing….Please Ignore

2012-02-11T08:32:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone. Please ignore. Just testing something.

Follow Thurs/Friday and Daring You To Read Memes

2012-02-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, this meme is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, the two feature bloggers are

Godilox and The Three Weres & Book Chow Down

Q: What would you prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it or reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

A: I think for me I would prefer reading my favorite book, but every time I read Dream Lover, I find something new in it and exciting in it. Also love a book that has strong characters....So for me, my favorite book is like a warm blanket to me. Something that always comforts me and makes me fee good.

My choice is Mistwood by Leah Cypress...

I always love books that have such great world building. Plus it's a fantasy. I love novels that are just fantasical in a lot of ways. Plus the storyline just blew me away. Her writing is phenomal as well.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court... until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart... and everything she thought she knew.

Clear My Shelves Giveaway 2/8/11-02/12/11

2012-02-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I was looking at my To Be Read Pile and It's Huge. Bigger Than It Should Be. So To help alleviate I've decided to give away some books to you, my lovely followers. There will be more of these giveaways from time to time.

Here's What I'm Giving Away This Time-

Prize #1

How to Flirt With A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Prize #2

Snowy Night with A Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London

Prize #3

Dark Sins and Desert Sands by Stephanie Draven

Rules

1. Don't have to be follower...
2. Leave a comment and e-mail address, so that I can contact you if I win
3. US ONLY. International shipping is expensive
4. Please have valid e-mail address...
5. Will pick winners using Random.Org

Harper Collins Promotions-Month of Love and Valentine's Day

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Harper Collins is promoting a Month of Love:

Month of Love

They are also doing a Crush Calcuator

Crush Calculator

Review: Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah Maclean

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a A Duke’s Heart
Author: Sarah Maclean
Series: Love by Numbers #3
Publisher: Avon, An Imprint of Harper Collins
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 367 pages
My Copy: Bought It, Probably at a Lady Jane’s Salon

Book Synopsis:

She lives for passion.

Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society’s rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the “ton”, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London’s most practiced gossips….and precisely the kind of women The Duke of Leighton wants far far way from him.

He swears by reputation.

Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening--risking everything he holds dear--he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety. She has other plans, however; she wants two weeks to prove that even an unflappable duke is not above passion.

Book Review:

An utterly enchanting historical with lots of wit and charm. One that made me laugh, cry, and sometimes yell at the characters for being so stupid sometimes. This is what a good historical romance does well.

The enjoyment for me of this book came because what the author does is that her female characters are not from the traditional mold of English ladies or they are not English, or not in Society, so the rules don’t apply to these ladies. Juliana is one of these ladies that is very passionate and it shows in everything she does.

Juliana is like hot passionate fire in this book. She wants Simon, aka The Duke of Leighton. Simon wants to stay far away from her. What I like about this book is the fact that is the woman pursuing the man, not the other way around. I think Simon doesn’t really understand that he’s attracted to her, but doesn’t realize it until much later. He finds that even though he fights it, he is drawn to her.

The scenes between Juliana and Simon were great. I also loved how Juliana brought out a side of Simon that was buried somewhere very deep and they fall for each other in a way that neither expected. What I love was that even though this was a historical, the author incorporated the historical landscape into the background of it.

Also never expected that there were so many twists and turns in this book. This book delighted me in a way that I didn’t expect. It was an enjoyable twist in my mind and people who read this book can expect an enjoyable adventure. I love how Simon came to his senses eventually and realized that he loved her. Marriage without passion is dull and not worth it.

I love that the author ended this book with a happy ending. Love books that have happy endings.

Rating:

Romancing The Book Blog Hop

2012-02-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm co-hosting this hop with Shari from Seduced by The Book.

This is what I'm giving away:

Prize #1

One Touch of Scandal by Liz Carlyle

Prize #2

Scared to Death by Wendi Corsi Staub

Prize #3

Dark Waters by Alex Prentiss

Okay, I offered these prizes before, but no one claimed them, so offering them again

Prize #4

Wolf Tales by Kate Douglas

Prize #5

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead-Hardcover

Okay Here are the Rules for my Giveaway

1. United States Only. Sorry. International Shipping is Expensive
2. Please specify which prize you would like
3. Leave E-Mail so that I can ship your prize to you.
4. I will pick winners using random.org.

Here are the rules for the Hop

1. Your post must be up by 12:00am on February 7, 2012 and must remain
through February 14, 2012 11:59 PM.
2. The button (code below) must be included in your post along with links to
the hop hosts: Delighted Reader (http://delightedreader.com) and Livre D’
Amour (http://livredeamour-booksoflove.blogspot.com/).
3. Your post must include the list of participating hops (code below).
Your giveaway must be visible by either putting a link in the sidebar or
making the post sticky.
4. Giveaway must be romance book related. Gift Cards are ok as long as they
are to book sites.
5. Be clear on what you are giving away (books -whether they are ebooks,
print, available for US or US/INT, etc, if gift cards, where and for how
much, etc.).
6.You are responsible for purchasing the item and shipping costs.

Here are the list of participating Hops:

The Goodie Bag Vlog #4-02/04/12

2012-02-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Books Mentioned in My Video

For Review-Courtesy of Source Books

Embrace by Jessica Shivrington

RAK's

From Lucy over at Moonlight Gleam

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

From Bailey over at IBBookBlogging

The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman
Slide by Jill Hathaway
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction by Patrick Carman
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Bought in Print

Princess Charming by Nicole Jordon
Shadow Ops by Myke Cole-Signed

E-Books-

Bought

Thread of Death by Jennifer Estep

Dark Eden by Patrick Carmen

Okay For .99 cents

Sleepers by Megg Jensen

Lady of Devices by Shelly Adina

Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe

Freebies-

Gifts of The Blood by Vicki Keire

Taken by The Cowboy by Julianne Maclean

Firelight by Kristen Callihan (Darkest London #1)

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Firelight
Author: Kristen Callihan
Series: Darkest London #1
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub Date: January 31, 2012
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance with elements of Paranormal Romance
My Copy: Acquired via Net Galley. So thanks to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing

Book Synopsis:

London 1881
Once the flames are ignited…

Miranda Ellis is a woman tortured. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family’s fortune decimated and forced her to wed London’s most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity…

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it’s selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can’t help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn’t felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Book Review:
Wow is all I can say about this book. This book really was superb. I loved that this book had a solid heroine and a dark mysterious hero. Love that Benjamin Archer was a character that you felt immediately be drawn to.

What I felt that was good about this book was even though it was a historical, I felt that the crux of this story was about the two main characters, Benjamin Archer and Miranda Ellis later Miranda Ellis-Archer. Here are two characters who have very strong personalities.

There first meeting was interesting indeed. Usually you don’t see two characters meet like this in historical romance. What I love was there was instant chemistry between them. Not to mention that there are some paranormal elements thrown into this book. Miranda has a gift or as she sees it a curse. She has the ability to control fire. Benjamin likes her from the moment he sees Miranda for the first time.

Yet he has a delicious attraction to her. He really wants to confront her father, but decides to pursue Miranda. Miranda of course doesn’t want to get married, but because of her father’s ruin which she feels partly responsible for.

When Archer and Miranda get married, things are very different. The social conventions of the time are still there, but this is not a normal marriage by any means. I thought that the way that Benjamin and Miranda develop their relationship was wonderful. Thought that the story flowed beautifully from start to finish. I mean they learn about each other. Learn to listen to each other and love each other.

Even though this historical is very prominent in the book, I love how Miranda risked everything to save Benjamin in the book. This is the act of someone who has a good heart. I love the twists and turns that this book took. It was a fun journey. One that I would love to take again.

Rating:

Follow Thurs/Friday

2012-02-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

This week's feature blogs are

OmNom Books & Progress and Procrastination

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

A: My answer is that I think I like a well written story. A well written story is one where the plot and story is primary.

That means in a romance it would be that the romance and the chemistry between the characters are front and center

In Urban Fantasy, it's all about the main character and the world building work and that the main character is likable.

In Young Adult, it's how the main characters deal with the situation.

So It's Different for me depending on the genre that I'm reading. The main characters also have to be likeable and not annoying.

A Great Story is a great story no matter what genre it is.

The Net Galley Challenge

2012-02-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I've decided to host a challenge. Since a lot of us book reviewers, bloggers use Net Galley, I've decided to host The Net Galley Challenge.

So Here is the deal.

If you read books from Net Galley, list them on your site

1-5 books-Puny Reader
5-15 books-Only Read When Necessary
16-25-Average Net Gallery Reader
26-50-Might Have A Problem
51-75-Getting Addicted
75 or More-You Need Help and Your An Addict

List Them On Your Site and Proudly Display The Button....

Sign Up Here:

Guess Post: What of 1880 NYC Would You Recognize Today? by Leanna Renee Heiber

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

What of 1880 New York City would you recognize today? A post by award winning, bestselling historical fantasy author Leanna Renee Hieber

In DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul and the upcoming sequel releasing this November, THE TWISTED TRAGEDY OF MISS NATALIE STEWART, I try to present a New York City that has some similarities to today; a few familiar landmarks to connect us to a city that's been alive and fascinating for as long as its been a city. When I first moved to New York, I worked as a tour guide and fell in love particularly with the city's 19th Century treasures.

1. Central Park. The 843 acre park was set aside by the city in 1856 and over the next decades underwent a massive transformation; an entirely man-made landscape designed by visionary Frederick Law Olmstead. Many of the features of the park we know and love today, its bridges, reservoirs and terraces would have been constructed and implemented by the 1880s. It was beloved then as it is beloved now; one of our country's greatest treasures.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Founded in 1870 by a group of wealthy philanthropists, the museum stands on the same lands it did when it opened, but with an entirely different facade. The first building was much smaller, built in a red and grey granite brick Gothic style. You can see one side of the old facade when you're inside the expanded Met, overlooking the sculpture garden. It received its Beaux-arts expansions and the front facade we know today in the 1890s through early 1900s.

3. Grand Central Depot. The first of several renovations of the famous train depot was built at 42nd Street and 4th Avenue (Park Avenue) in 1869. Known today as Grand Central Terminal, a more modern building stands on the same site as the old steam-engine train depot. The structure that stands today was completed in 1913, its underground rails finally connected into the subway system that railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt had been so leery of when it opened in 1904.

4. The Brooklyn Bridge. The bulk of the structure and those famous Gothic arches would have been visible and striking to my heroine Natalie and her fellow New Yorkers in 1880. Designed by John Roebling and saw to completion by his son Washington and daughter-in-law Emily, it was the tallest man-made structure on the North American continent when it opened in 1883 and P. T. Barnum sent a troupe of elephants across to test its strength. There's enough wire twisted into its cable suspension system to wrap around the earth. It remains a wonder of engineering and one of New York City's most iconic sights.

5. The ASPCA. The American Society For the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals. A New York City institution, the Society succeeded in it's first anti-cruelty law passed in 1866. Founded by Henry Bergh who was disgusted by how horses were treated in the city and the beatings they suffered without legislation, the ASPCA not only enforced laws that extended beyond horses to other animals, but put in horse drinking fountains that can still be seen in various areas around Central Park. I mention the ASPCA and its successful anti-cruelty legislation in my upcoming sequel.

And here are 5 reasons to check out DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul if you haven’t already:

1. There’s a haunted painting. A British Lord is trapped inside. And he’s really good looking. (See, that’s three reasons just in one).
2. Natalie Stewart, a spirited and opinionated young woman everyone can cheer for, overcomes danger, incredible personal odds and adversity to save lives and save the day.
3. It will give you the shivers. Lots. Promise. I’ve been told that Natalie’s dreams aren’t to be read right before bedtime.
4. It’s full of danger, intrigue, mystery, curses, magic, nightmares, disguises and pretty dresses!
5. It was chosen as an INDIE NEXT recommended book by the American Booksellers Association, and considering the sequel will be out this fall, you'd best start now…
Happy reading, happy haunting, happy history! Keep up with the latest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/leannarenee on FB: http://facebook.com/lrhieber and of course at http://leannareneehieber.com

January Random Acts of Kindness Wrap Up

2012-01-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

Okay Here is my January Random Acts of Kindness

Gave:

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey to Lucy over at
Moonlight Gleams

An Arc of Saving June by Hannah Harrigton to Megan over at Book Brats

An Arc of A Million Suns by Beth Revis to Parajunkee

Received

Got From Lucy over at Moonlight Gleams

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub Date: October 1, 2008
Pages: 374
My Copy: E-Book-Random Act of Kindness from Jennifer aka The Book Nympho

Book Synopsis:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sisters place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Book Review:

Okay a lot of my friends recommended this book. They said that I had to read this book. I had been hearing so many great things about this book, I finally got around to it on my E-Reader finally.

This book really was a very different novel than anything that I’ve ever read before. I felt that this novel was very fast pace. What I instantly liked about this book was that the way the world worked was explained up front. Me I don’t like it when things are not. I like how the society is divided up into districts. These districts each have certain characteristics that define them or have something that contributes to the Capitol.

Our heroine, Katniss Everdeen is a likeable heroine and embodies a strong will. She is a very strong character who does what it takes to survive. Immediately you feel for her and the struggles that Katniss has had to endure.

Also what she has to do to survive in District 12 kind of makes you feel an empathy to this character. You really enjoy her character. I came to feel surprise when Primrose, her sister got selected for the games. Yet Katniss takes her place because she can’t bear to see her sister die. This right there shows that Katniss has the virtue of self-sacrifice.

Yet after this happens, Katniss and Peeta, (who I didn’t really care for at first) are taken to the capitol city to prepare and train as best they can for the Hunger Games. This is where the book excels
I was literally gasping as I read all the crazy twists that took place during the games. Everyone of these twists were crazy and I almost couldn’t believe what I was reading. This book had some crazy action scenes and fight scenes. All of these action scenes were great. Plus Katniss is one tough chick who I wouldn’t want to mess with. Rather if I was in a no way out situation I would want her in my corner.

Felt that this story was a great opening act in a trilogy. Everyone needs to read this book.

P.S. A big thank you to Jennifer aka The Book Nympho for giving me the book, Parajunkee for pushing me into reading this book….

Rating:

Winners of Shameless Giveaway Hop

2012-01-30T04:00:00.001-08:00

WINNERS OF SHAMELESS GIVEAWAY HOP-

WINNER OF WOLF TALES by Kate Doublas IS

kyreadinggirl

WINNER OF ETERNAL FLAME by Cynthia Eden is

Crystal GB

There will be another giveaway very soon.

I will be emailing winners. Winners have 72 hours to contact me.

The Goodie Bag-01/28/2012

2012-01-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, Was going to do a video, but I came out sounding nasally which means I'm getting a cold.

I attended a Books of Wonder Signing, so I bought some books and got some signed. (Will post pictures from that event on the bottom of it)

For Review:

From Net Galley and Harper Collins(thanks)

Partials by Dan Wells

Won

Lucifer's Odyssey by Rex Jameson

Bought:

From Books of Wonder Signing

Across The Universe by Beth Revis (Hardcover) Had an E-Book of This, but I wanted a hardcover and got it signed too

A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Hardcover) Signed. Hey I like for both my books to match in the series.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan-Signed

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan-Signed

Okay These Books I Got Originally as a Net Galley, but ran out of time:

Halflings by Heather Burch

Horizion by Sophie Littlefield, Now I have all three in the series, so I can read them back to back:

Okay Bought the Rest of These, Forget Which Store I got them from....

Fairest of All:A Tale of The Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino Thinking This will be a May Book, because May is Myths, Magic and Fairytales Month.

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

A Lady Never Surrends by Sabrina Jeffries

Dark Emerald by Lisa Jackson

Bought E-Books

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Xavier's Loving Arms by KT Grant

E-Books Under $5.00

True Colors by Thea Harrison

Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon

Wanderlove by Belle Malory

Free E-Books:

For the Love of A Vampire by M. Leighton

Bound to Love by Sally Clements

Bound in Sin by Cynthia Eden

Bad Ass Zombie Road Trip by Tonia Brown
Okay can't find a picture of it :(

Zombies Don't Cry:A Living Dead Love Story by Rusty Fisher

Books of Wonder Signing Pictures-the two that came out the best....

Early Review: My Wicked Little Lies by Victoria Alexander

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: My Wicked Little Lies
Author: Victoria Alexander
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Sinful Family Secrets
Publisher: Zebra, imprint of Kensington
Pages: 374
My Copy: Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher

Book Synopsis:

Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all-a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. No one including the man she married suspects that she was once “Eve”, a spy for England’s most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss “Sir” prove too tempting…

Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentlemen. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love…

Book Review:

A delightfully charming historical romance that I couldn’t put down. Utterly fell in love with the two main characters more than I thought that I would. What made me like the characters was that they immediately are characters who endear themselves to the readers.

Being that this was my first Victoria Alexander novel, I was so happy to take a chance on it. It was a lot of fun to read. One of the subplots that I love about the book was the spy sub-plot. That subplot really made this book work. I mean that Evelyn and Adrian married each other without knowing that Adrian was her boss. This was very funny and I thought wonderfully done.

I mean the fact that Adrian and Evelyn have a very nice life is nice. Yet when Evelyn is asked a favor by the government, she does it, not realizing that it will cause her husband to get jealous and assume the worst. Which made me love Adrian as well. Adrian is a man who loves his wife very passionately. This shows through out the book.

Also like how Evelyn and Adrian play games with each other. Yet it makes the book so much more richer in this dazzling romance. The settings of the book being in England was nicely done. The parties, the dances were well done and set up the characters actions very nicely. The personalities were vibrant and joyous. For historical romances, this is a must for me.

Yet what I love is the chemistry between the characters. There was such charm and wit. Even the secondary couple being Celeste and Max was just so rich and very vibrant. Their scenes were some really hot and sexy as well. Thought that they had some of the best lines as well. This book had some great moments and some nice witty comebacks.

If you like books with happy endings, read this book. An utterly charming historical romance.

Rating:

Follow Thurs/Friday and Daring You To Read

2012-01-26T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Feature Bloggers this week is Book'd Out & Fiction Ferver

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

A: Biographies. Will not read them for anything in the world. I don't know why. I guess I like my books to be a bit more fictional and take me to places that expand my world. Biographies seem a little too close to home.

This Week I'm Daring You to All Read

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

I Chose this book because this book kind of was so different than anything that I had read. Plus it had zombies in it. I love books with zombies. This book might have been where I really started to enjoy zombie books. Also it had a great plotline, lots of action. So many good things about this book.

Fracture by Megan Miranda Review

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Fracture
Author: Megan Miranda
Publisher: Walker Books/Bloomsbury
Pub Date: January 17, 2012
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 264 pages
My Copy: Net Galley Courtesy of Walker Books/Bloomsbury
Tour: Fracture Tour

Book Synopsis:

By The Time Delaney Maxwell was pulled from a Maine lake’s icy waters by her best friend, Decker Phillips, her heart had stopped working. She was dead.

But somehow Delaney survived-despite the brain scans that show irreparable damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be fine, but she knows she’s far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can’t control or explain, Delaney now finds herself drawn to the dying, and when she meets Troy Varga, a boy who recently emerged from a coma with the same abilities, she is relieved to share this strange new existence.

Unsure if her altered brain is predicting death or causing it, Delaney must figure out if their gift is a miracle, a freak of nature-or something else much more frightening…

Book Review

This was a really intriguing sounding book. I found that the book was very nicely written & paced. I thought that the way the main character was portrayed was very realistic.

Daphne is a teenager who is experiencing life like every teenager, but her life has changed in ways she didn’t expect. I really like that she knows things are different. People react differently to her than they did before. I think that this is a normal reaction. She has to adjust to things.

The other things I really enjoyed about this book was the relationships. Especially the family relationship that Delaney had with her parents. I thought that the author did a really good job here. When we, the readers get the back story of Delaney’s mother was just incredible. People don’t realize how being abused in any form can make us very protective or under protective. I thought that the family connections were very well done.

Also thought that the triangle between Troy, Decker, and Delaney could have been a little bit more fun and not so dark. I thought that it was very dark. I loved Delaney’s struggle to figure out who she belonged with. You meet someone who understands what you are going through, Troy and the person you have known all your life, Decker. These are choices that we all have to make.

What I found really surprising was how well written every subplot tied into the main plot. I loved a lot of the relationships in this book and how they tied into other facets of Delaney’s life. I really enjoyed this book a lot. Sometimes it was a bit dark. The writing and visuals were solid and made this book much more realistic to me.

Rating:

Winners of Dreaming of Books Hop

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Okay people, Time to announce some winners.

Winners of the Dreaming of Books Hop

Ricki-Winner of the ARC Of Rock On

Linda Henderson-Winner of Spirit Bound

Book Attict-Winner of the Secret Journeys of Jack London.

So I will be emailing the winners to let them know they have won and that way I can mail them their prizes.

Grace

Review: Dreams of A Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Dreams of A Dark Warrior
Author: Kresley Cole
Series: Immortals After Dark
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 515 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Pub Date: February 15, 2011

Book Synopsis:

HE’D VOWED HE COME FOR HER……

Murdered before her could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN….

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals-unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH…

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared-even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love.

Book Review:

What a hot and spicy romance this book turned out to be. Let me say that I love Kresley Cole and all her books are so very delicious. It’s been a little while since I’ve read a good paranormal romance. This book was a great read.

What I love about Kresley Cole books is that she knows her world and stays true to the world that she has built, but always builds on it with every book. Sometimes we go back and get to meet some characters in more detail, get a new couple. Or she brings in some new elements to the world.

One of the new elements that I loved she brought in was this idea of the Order. The Order is a bunch of humans who want to kill the Immortals. Yet what she has done in this book is really neat. I mean this is the first time in this series, that we have humans who know that the Immortals exist, so it brings a very different element to the series, and one that enhances the storyline. Plus it opens up a lot of new possibilities.

The other thing that I like about this book is that we see some of our favorite characters return and get some new characters as well. Plus we get to see a lot more of Lothaire in this book. I mean Lothaire brings a lot to this book. In some ways Lothaire is suppose to be the bad-ass of this universe. Lothaire had some great one-liners and moments in this book. He stole the book for me. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the couple very much in this book. Yet Lothaire has a very big personality and shows a lot of himself.

What made the romance work for me in this book was that every time you thought these two would end up together, something always came in between them. Not to mention his hatred of Immortals played a huge part of what made him fight his attraction so hard. Reign and Declan have great chemistry. Chemistry is so important in a romance. What I loved about Reign and Declan is that they both know they want each other, but are ultimately at odds, the reincarnation twist was well done.

Declan learns a lot about the Lore through Regin and she learns that this man is the man she has always wanted. Even if they are at each other’s throats, but then things happen that make Declan question is he really doing these things out of fear and ignorance or does he really belong with this woman and accept what he is, a reincarnated berserker. As he gets to know Regin and the lore, the more he is convinced that he might be part of it. Regin, Lothaire and some of the other characters help him embrace his destiny.

What I loved about this book was practically everything. The action scenes were great, the love scenes very steamy. Also just had to say that Lothaire stole the book in a lot of moments. He had this attitude that made you just take notice. Plus his one liners were just hilarious and made me laugh. Not to mention this character is not apologetic or anything. He’s a survivalist. So I’m curious to see what his book will bring.

A perfect Paranormal Romance to snuggle up with at night. Looking forward to reading Lothaire’s book.

Rating:

Associate Reviewer Needed.....

2012-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Well here's the deal. I realize that the time has come to take on an associate reviewer.

Why do I need an associate reviewer?

Well for a couple of reasons. One of these reasons is that it's going to get really busy at work, as Tax Season is here. So I might not be reviewing as much. Hence I don't want to leave the blog in a lurch or my readers.

Not to mention I think that you guys/the readers who read the blog would like to see some more diversity on the blog. Yet my TBR pile is out of control. So I'm hoping to get that under control as well.

The associate reviewer would be helping me as well.

Now I have a form on the blog page that those who are serious can fill out. I really would appreciate.

A few things to note about this as well.

1. No Plagarism. Can't stand that.

2. Would get access to many things if you join Livre De Amour-Books of Love

3. An Example of Your Writing to see if we have similar taste. Maybe Good Reads....

4. People without blogs. I think this would be a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to review and wants to get started.

So if you are serious, please fill out the form.

Shameless Giveaway Hop-

2012-01-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Okay Prizes I'm giving away:

1. Wolf Tales by Kate Douglas

2. Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden

Rules:

1. Must Be 18 Years or Over. Sorry Adults Only as these books have strong adult content.
2. Must Live in US
3. Leave comment with Valid E-Mail so that I can contact you if you win.
4. If you follow me, but not required to do so, please do it through RSS
5. Tell me which book you want.
6. Be Sure to Visit the Other Sites Participating.

Here is a list of participants:

1.	Red Hot Books (Int)	47.	Sheri (US)
2.	Poison Rose	48.	Casey Crow's Hot Holidays
3.	Romance Around the Corner (Int)	49.	Cassandra Carr (Int)
4.	Michelle's Book Blog (INT)	50.	Lucy Felthouse (INT)
5.	The Book Nympho (Int)	51.	Kharisma Rhayne
6.	Fictional Candy (Int)	52.	No Boundaries Press
7.	Shari @ Seduced By The Book (US)	53.	Vanessa@theJeepDiva (US & Int)
8.	Love To Read For Fun	54.	H.D. Thomson (INT)
9.	Cocktails and Books (Int)	55.	SER Awesomness
10.	Bona Fide Reflections (US/INT)	56.	Shelley Munro (INT)
11.	Natasha Blackthorne (Int)	57.	Close Encounters with theNight Kind
12.	Another Look Book Reviews (CAN/US)	58.	Joyfully Jay (INT)
13.	Happily Ever After - Reads (US/CAN)	59.	Tyra's Book Addiction (INT)
14.	Jessica Rabbit's Corner (Int)	60.	Pants Off Reviews ~INT~
15.	Cecile Smutty Hussy (Int.)	61.	Carly Fall
16.	AwesomeSauce Book Club (INT)	62.	Tracy Sumner
17.	Gabrielle Bisset (INT)	63.	Romance Book Junkies (Int)
18.	AsianCocoa's Secret Garden	64.	Elise Marion
19.	Madame D (Int)	65.	Urban Girl Reader (Int)
20.	maldivianbookreviewer	66.	Jenna Jaxon (US)
21.	Cass@Shadow Kisses Book Blog	67.	Erykah Wyck
22.	Jess resides here ( US )	68.	Olivia Starke (US)
23.	Under the Covers (CA only)	69.	Cassandra Dean (Int)
24.	Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust	70.	CS Maxwell (US)
25.	Grace Fonseca	71.	Obscured Vixen (US)
26.	XOXO and All That Jazz (US)	72.	Reading Between the Wines (US/CA)
27.	Sandra Bunino's "All Things Girl"	73.	Annie Walls
28.	Mary @SweepingMe (INT)	74.	Skye Warren - unapologetic erotica
29.	Scorching Book Reviews (INT)	75.	Simply Kayla's Book Reviews (US Only)
30.	Cassandre Dayne	76.	Sarah Mäkelä (Int)
31.	Naughty Nights Press (Int.)	77.	Lily Graison, author, (INT)
32.	Romancing Rakes (INT)	78.	Novel Reflections (Int.)
33.	Love on the Edge with Caridad Pineiro	79.	Eliza Gayle
34.	I Smell Sheep (US)	80.	Jennifer Zane
35.	Mystifying Paranormal Reviews (US)	81.	Eliza March
36.	PJ Schnyder	82.	Keri Lake (INT)
37.	Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears (INT)	83.	Josee Renard
38.	Gemma Parkes	84.	Selena Blake
39.	Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy	85.	Tabatha @ Insightful minds
40.	The Bookish Snob	86.	Lisa Beth Darling (INT)
41.	Felicity Heaton, author, INT	87.	Lani Rhea (US)
42.	The ABCs of Erotica-Malia Mallory (INT)	88.	Molly's Erotic Meanderings
43.	Riverina Romantics (US/CAN)	89.	Delighted Reader
44.	Jay (INT)	90.	Breathless Press (INT)
45.	Sara	91.	Addicted2Heroines (Int)
46.	Kickin' Back with Kiwi (US)	92.	RNSL Nite Lite (Int)

Follow Thurs/Friday and Daring You To Read

2012-01-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

Feature Bloggers Tonight ARE:

Butterfly O Meter Books & Pretty in Fiction

Q: What's the craziest thing that you've ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

A: Well I think the craziest thing I ever done is gone on twitter and said that I would dance naked for an ARC of Infamous by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Also for some of those lovely books that are being given away at ALA that I would give wine, cookies, baked goods etc. So you can see that when I want something I will do almost anything.

For Daring You to Read Meme

My Choice This Week is

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #2

This book made me think that Paranormals could be sexy and well written. I mean my mouth was watering as I was reading it. Literally devoured it in a day. After this book, I was hooked to the paranormal romance genre. Such a great book. I really enjoyed it.

I picked it because it was the first book that was sexy as hell. Made me open to read more authors like Larissa Ione, Joey W. Hill and so many others that I would have never been opened to.

Great books are great no matter what genre. This is one of those great classics.

P.S Please follow one of three ways now, GFC, RSS (which is prefered as GFC might go away) or Networked Blogs.

Early Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton Review

2012-01-18T04:00:00.001-08:00

Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Balzer & Bray-Imprint of Harper Collins
Pub Date: January 24, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Series: Everneath #1
My Copy: Advance Reader Copy given to me by Publisher for Review
Pages:373

Book Synopsis:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she’s returned-to her old life, her family, her friends-before being banished back to the underworld…this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world.

Book Review:

Utterly and truly fell in love with this book. I was drawn immediately to this book because the blurb for this book sounded so intriguing. I love anytime someone does a retelling of the Persephone/Hades myth and this was done extremely well.

Extremely well because she takes the myth and reinvents it for a modern audience. All the characters were very much caught in something that they didn’t want to face. Also liked the character of Cole. Normally you are not suppose to like the villain, but I couldn’t help it. I really fell in love with Cole’s character.

Cole is supposed to be the guy you hate, but you kind of understand where he is coming from. He meets Nikki and falls in love with her, but not in the traditional sense. Even though he tricks her and does some not so nice things. Yet you understand that he wants her to be his queen. She is his perfect other half as he so puts it. Yet you can’t but help like him and I feel bad for him that the women he loves, doesn’t feel the same. A lot of people can relate to this.

Jack and Nikki have a very strained relationship when she gets back. Yet by the middle of the book you see them come together again, and they realize the challenges that await them. Mainly trying to rescue and keep Nikki from going back to the Everneath. They really try hard to stay together. You kind of love them together, this is one of the reasons I felt bad for Cole. Cole loves her and doesn’t want anything bad to happen for her.

There were so many things that I loved about this book. What I was most surprise was that the ending came out of left field practically for me anyways. I think when a book doesn’t take risks, it doesn’t always equate into a surprise. A surprise is sometimes necessary for a book to be epically good. I just wanted a bit of a happier ending. That act by one of the characters literally had me gasping. I think this is one of the most memorable books of the year so far.

Can’t wait for the sequel to this book

Rating:

Brodi Ashton Interview

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome Brodi Ashton to the blog today.

Thank you so much for having me!

Some people have said that they see you’re book as a retelling of the Persephone/Hades myth. What do you think the appeal is of Greek Myths and Legends as it was, or the retelling of them in modern ways?

The ancient Greeks used to use myths to explain what was happening all around them- the sun traveling across the sky, the stars, the moon. This is a practice that never dies out! We are always looking for ways to explain what's going on around us.

I never set out to write a "retelling" of a myth. Instead, I wrote the story of a girl, and I used a myth to put it into a framework.

As for the appeal, as Mrs. Stone (in the book) would say, it's the trials these people go through, and the decisions they make in impossible situations, that still have us talking about them centuries later.

Five of your favorite Greek heroes or heroines?

Oh man. Well, I guess I have to say Persephone, right? But you'll also notice I talk a lot about Orpheus, who almost saved his love Eurydice from the clutches of Hades.

Who are some of your inspiration or favorite writers/books?

Way too many. I grew up with the classics, like Dracula by Bram Stoker. But there are many authors today I love to listen to, like Libba Bray, Richard Peck, Judi Blume, Holly Black, Sara Zarr... and a bunch of others.

What makes a good novel in your opinion?

Something that makes you keep turning the pages!

What are you working on as your next novel?

I'm currently revising the sequel to EVERNEATH, and then I'll be working on Book 3.

Do you have a website?

Yes! www.brodiashton.com

Thanks for joining us today.

Thank you so much for having me!!

Early Review: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Stolen Away
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Walker-Imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages:278
My Copy: Review Copy Given to Me by Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Book Synopsis from The Inside Jacket of My Book:

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery existed-until she is abducted and trapped in the underground rath of Lord Strahan, king of Faery. Refusing to relinquish his crown after seven years of rule, as Fae tradition dictates, Strahan’s selfishness is wreaking havoc across Faery and bleeding into the human world. The only one who can break his power is Eloise’s aunt Antonia, who has been evading him for years-and Eloise is now Strahan’s bargaining chip.

Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, Eloise must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas and Strahan’s mysterious son Eldric - who may or may not betray them-before both worlds are thrust into other chaos.

Book Review:

I really adored this book. This book was just so much fun. I haven’t read a good written fairy book since Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. This was one of the best written books I’ve read in a long time. Writing Faeries is a tricky business and it has to be done right, and Alyxandra Harvey did this with great success.

This being the first book that I’ve read by her, was a great joy to read. What I liked about this book, is the characters. Every character is written well and she structured every character to be someone that the reader can relate to. What I liked was even though this book had teenagers and one adult hero, I really like the jokes and wise cracking remarks in this books. They made me laugh and also were things that I would say.

Everything about this book was nicely timed and delivered some interesting surprises. Surprises that I really didn’t expect. Some of these things were things that really grabbed my attention and held me captive. I just also loved the relationship between Jo and Eldric. It was a very nice development for the both of the characters. What I liked about it was that it was not expected the attraction they had for each other, but it was nice surprise. Eldric is an ornery character who I deeply liked.

The twists and turns kept me coming back for more. I was just absorbed by the world that Harvey created. The Faery world was very pretty and detailed, plus the revelation that Eldric was related to Antonia was a great twist. Really liked that Eloise and Antonia were so much fun to read. They had some of the best one liners ever.

Strahan was a great villain to read. He was actually likeable. In some ways I kind of felt sorry for him. Because everyone seemed to gang up on him. Not to mention he did it to himself. Even his son doesn’t like him. Yet he was likeable because both Eloise and Antonia found themselves drawn to him. Yet Strahan was a great character. So many great things.

Overall one of the most enjoyable books that I’ve read this year. I loved it. Everyone should read this book. If you are fans of books with Fae, Faeries, Great Heroines, this is the book for you.

Rating:

The Goodie Bag-01/14/2011

2012-01-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

FOR REVIEW FROM THE PUBLISHER:

BLOOD WARRIOR BY H.D. Gordon-Alexa Montgomery #1

Wide Open by Deborah Coates

Courtesy of Tor Publishing

E-BOOKS-Some were free, some I bought

Free E-Books
The Soulkeepers by G.P. Ching

Blood Will Tell by Samantha Young

Immortal Embrace by Charlotte Blackwell

Bought E-Books

A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

Okay, Print Bought This Week.

Bought A Finished Copy of Fracture by Megan Miranda, I have a Netgalley, read it, my review will be up on January 25, 2012

Night Falls on the Wicked by Sharie Kohler

Lost by Caridad Pineiro

Lothaire by Kresley Cole

Shadow's Edge by Maureen Lipinski, really pretty cover

Bloodstone by Nancy Holzner

Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Note: I have the third book in this series, needed book 1, so that I can start the series.

DVD's

XMEN: First Class
The Incredible Hulk(one with Edward Norton)

NOTE: I will be doing the Goodie Bag every two weeks from now on.