Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Feb 2012 Read It Then Pass It Program GiveAway (US Only)

2012-02-01T08:11:00.000-06:00

is a brilliant idea thought up by Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews and Chas @ Lovin' & Livin' Life Reviews

What is Read It Then Pass It Program? It is when you giveaway your gently read books to others so that they can enjoy them too! Remember Used Books Need Love Too!

This year this will be most of my giveaways since I am in the process of trying to read my paperbooks and pass them along!

Jan 2012 Winners: Jen D won Archon, Kari won Don't Mess with Texas, Maria D won The Look of Love, and Anita Y won Gun Games!

The Books up for Grabs:

One enchanting romance. Two lovers keeping secrets. And a uniquely crafted book that binds their stories forever.

When Evelyn Morgan walked into the village bookstore, she didn’t know she would meet the love of her life. When Brendan Thorne handed her a medieval romance, he didn’t know it would change the course of his future. It was almost as if they were the cursed lovers in the old book itself . . .

The Thorn and the Blossom is a remarkable literary artifact: You can open the book in either direction to decide whether you’ll first read Brendan’s, or Evelyn’s account of the mysterious love affair. Choose a side, read it like a regular novel—and when you get to the end, you’ll find yourself at a whole new beginning.

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he's gathered know a little of the otherworldly--each has honed a psychic talent of their own.
Jackson Crow, part English, part Cheyenne, heads the group. Haunted by his experience with an ancestral ghost who saved his life as a child, and the recent murders of two previous teammates, Jackson can't tell if Adam's demoted him or given him an extraordinary opportunity. Despite his link to the realm of spirits, he's well aware that the living commit the most heinous crimes, with spiritualist charlatans existing merely to fool and seduce the unwary.

To counterbalance Jackson's careful skepticism, Adam Harrison has paired him with Angela Hawkins, a young woman who learned the painful lesson of loss at an early age. A police officer utilizing her paranormal intuition in Virginia, she already has her hands full. But Adam's call to New Orleans is strong.
The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans's French Quarter, a senator's wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house--once the site of a serial killer's grisly work.

Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the pair into danger of losing their lives...and their immortal souls.

Must be from the US
Must fill out the form below
Winners will be drawn on Feb 1, 2012
GOOD LUCK!

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What are you Reading and Cooking Wednesdays? (I blame Pinterest for this)

2012-02-01T07:49:00.001-06:00

So I remember once upon a time seeing a Watcha Reading Wednesday's meme but for the life of me can't find it now. However, my new addiction is pinterest and I use it for books, recipes, the house I will never have, clothing ideas, random things, ect. I really love cooking almost as much as I love reading so I decided to combo the two on Wednesdays! Don't worry I will still be doing Book Boyfriends because I love that meme. I just will be doing this one also! So the idea is to share a book that I am reading this week with a recipe that I have tried in the last week. Should be fun right? :) I am also hoping I can talk one of my more talented graphic friends into a better button (hint hint)

Watcha Reading:

I saw this book on one of the blogs I read and now I can't find where (Pinterest fail on my part---I always link to the site that I saw the review)! It looked really good! So I picked it up and actually started it last night. It is different than my normal read but oh so fun!

A smartly-written novel of two women starting at opposite ends of the scale--and finding compromise and friendship in their journey towards 150 pounds In the fast paced life of blogging, two women stand out: Alexis Allbright, of Skinny Chick, and Shoshana Weiner, who writes Fat and Fabulous. Both have over five million loyal readers. Both are hungry for success. But the similarities stop there.

With over 100 pounds on the scale separating them, weight isn't their only difference. Alexis is a loner who is so bitchy the only person who can stand her company is her gay best friend Billy. She gives neurotic New Yorkers a run for their money with her strict daily workout routine, and weighing of food. Shoshana is Alexis’s opposite. Living in Jersey with rowdy roommates, she is someone who “collects friends,” as her mother puts it; and treasures a life of expanding circles...and waistlines.

When both appear as panelists on a popular talk show, their lives intersect in ways neither could have imagined. In turns comedic, heartwarming--and familiar to any woman who's ever stepped on a scale--Alexis and Shoshana realize they have far more in common than either could have possibly imagined, and more importantly, something to offer.

Watcha Cooking:

Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
1/2 C Butter
2 C Sugar
1/2 C Milk
4 Tbsp Cocoa
1/2 C Peanut Butter (optional--if you want more of a cocoa taste leave out the peanut butter)
3- 3 1/2 C Quick cooking Oats
2 tsp. Vanilla

Add the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, and boil for 1 minute. Stir in the next 3 ingredients and drop onto wax/foil paper. Let cool until set.

These are DELICIOUS! I have been making them for years! You can make them healthier with skim milk but really they aren't bad over all!

(LAST DAY) January 2012 Read It Then Pass It Program GiveAway (US Only)

2012-01-31T09:03:00.000-06:00

Read It Then Pass It Program

is a brilliant idea thought up by Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews and Chas @ Lovin' & Livin' Life Reviews

What is Read It Then Pass It Program? It is when you giveaway your gently read books to others so that they can enjoy them too! Remember Used Books Need Love Too!

This year this will be most of my giveaways since I am in the process of trying to read my paperbooks and pass them along!

The Books up for Grabs:

LAPD lieutenant detective Decker and his wife, Rina, have willingly welcomed fifteen-year-old Gabriel Whitman, the son of a troubled former friend, into their home. While the enigmatic teen seems to be adapting easily, Decker knows only too well the secrets adolescents keep—witnessed by the tragic suicide of another teen, Gregory Hesse, a student at Bell and Wakefield, one of the city’s most exclusive prep schools.

Gregory’s mother, Wendy, refuses to believe her son shot himself and convinces Decker to look deeper. What he finds disturbs him. The gun used in the tragedy was stolen—evidence that propels him to launch a full investigation with his trusted team, Sergeant Marge Dunn and Detective Scott Oliver. But the case becomes darkly complicated by the suicide of another Bell and Wakefield student—a death that leads them to uncover an especially nasty group of rich and privileged students with a predilection for guns and violence. Decker thought he understood kids, yet the closer he and his team get to the truth, the clearer it becomes that he knows very little about them, including his own charge, Gabe. The son of a gangster and an absent parent, the boy has had a life filled with too much free time, too many unexplained absences, and too little adult supervision.

Before it’s over, the case and all its terrifying ramifications will take Decker and his detectives down a dark alley of twisted allegiances and unholy alliances, culminating at a heart-stopping point of no return

There are some things worse than death . . .

For years, Angela Mathers has been plagued by visions of a supernatural being—an angel with beguiling eyes and magnificent wings who haunts her thoughts and seduces her dreams. Newly freed from a mental institution where she had been locked away for two years, Angela hopes that attending Westwood Academy, the Vatican’s exclusive university, will bring her peace and a semblance of normality.

But Angela isn’t normal. With her stain of dark red hair and alabaster skin, she is a blood head—a freak, a monster, and the possible fulfillment of a terrifying prophecy. Blessed with strange, mystical powers, blood heads hold a special place in the Academy. Among them, one special blood head is more powerful than them all: the Archon, the human reincarnation of the dead angel Raziel. And when the Archon arises as foretold, it will rule the supernatural universe.

Barely in control of her own life, Angela has no ambition to conquer an entire universe, not when she’s suddenly contending with a dangerous enemy who is determined to destroy her and a magnetic novitiate who wants to save her. But the choice might not be her own . . .

Torn between mortal love and angelic obsession, the young blood head must soon face the truth about herself and her world. It is she who holds the key to Heaven and Hell—and both will stop at nothing to possess her.

In Archon, Sabrina Benulis has created a dazzlingly imaginative tale set in a lush, vivid supernatural world filled with gargoyles and candlelight, magic and murder, in which humans, angels, demons, and those in between battle for supremacy—and survival

New York Times bestseller Mary Jane Clark introduced readers to professional wedding cake decorator and amateur sleuth Piper Donavan in her acclaimed mystery novel To Have and To Kill. Piper’s back in The Look of Love, on cake creating assignment at a West Coast luxury spa for the wealthy and famous—where nip and tuck and murder are offered in equal measures. Clark really hits her stride with The Look of Love, providing a winning recipe for delectable mystery that combines chills, twists, humor and often very romantic suspense in the bestselling vein of Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Faye Kellerman, Elizabeth Lowell, and Jayne Ann Krentz. She even includes scrumptious pastry recipes and fabulous cake design tips.

Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.
Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . . .

Must be from the US
Must fill out the form below
Winners will be drawn on Feb 1, 2012
GOOD LUCK!

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Top Off Tuesday: A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-06:00

What better way than to top off a good book than with a GREAT Cover!

Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading,and I want to see the covers that made you swoon! Feel free to play along and show us your favorite covers. Button made by Missie

Today A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey came out. I loved the first book in this series. I had A Devil Named Desire pre-ordered so it better be sitting on my kindle LOL (I am writing this on Monday night so it better be there when I wake up)! This is one smoking hot cover!

2012 Challenges: Wrap Up for Jan!

2012-01-30T10:37:00.000-06:00

This year I am DETERMINED to keep up with the tracking of my challenges! Really I think I finish most of the ones I sign up for but I am horrid at keeping track----2012 will be different (someone remind me in June that I said this LOL).

Total=1

Total = 7


Total = 0

I don't think any books I have read officially go into this category though the Christy Reece and Maya Banks books may qualify.

Total = 11

Total = 4

Total = 2

It's Monday What are You Reading? and In My Mailbox: 1/30/12

2012-01-30T06:25:00.000-06:00

It's Monday, What are you reading? is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read and the books to be finished this week.

I have noticed that if I have marked on Goodreads that I am reading it---likely I am not LOL Oh the life of a moody reader :)

What I finished last week (links to goodreads): I had a GREAT reading week! I was in the mood to read so I got a lot finished!

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1) byChloe Neill
The Thorn and the Blossom byTheodora Goss
Return to Me (Last Chance Rescue, #2) byChristy Reece
Run to Me (Last Chance Rescue, #3) byChristy Reece
No Chance (Last Chance Rescue, #4) byChristy Reece
Darker After Midnight (Midnight Breed, #10) byLara Adrian
Highland Mist (Druid's Glen, #1) byDonna Grant
Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane, #1) byElizabeth Hoyt

What I am reading (listening) this week:

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week (or so), book readers and bloggers get to share what books they bought, borrowed, or received

EBooks:

Physical Books:

Spent: $42.42 : I have already read 3 of them so I guess that isn't so bad! I am well under my monthly budget for the month but it was still a lot to spend in a week!

E-Book Agency Pricing Model: What is too high? (Curiousity Post)

2012-01-27T15:06:00.001-06:00

E-book pricing: What is too high to pay?

First let me preface this by saying that I am very curious what people think about the agency pricing model now that it has been around for awhile. Second, I have spent up to 12.99 on an ebook in the past because it was from an author that I adored and a series that I loved. Third, I recently started really buckling down on my budget so prices of all things are much more important to me than in my "buy anything I want" phase. Finally, that I want to find a happy medium of supporting authors I love without breaking my pocket book.

The bottom line is I love books, series, and the authors who write them. I don't love the prices that I am seeing on new releases that are $12.99 and up and the trend of the e-book being more than the paper and glue book (this happens quite a bit with the $7.99 range books). At what point has agency pricing gone to far? (I won't even get into how it is perceived -or not- price fixing).

Personally: As much as I would like to go to a digital library for space and storage issues, I won't pay more for a digital copy of a book. Sometimes I will skip the book entirely if I really wanted the digital copy but it was more than the paper and glue version. I love paper and glue books but as storage, upkeep, and other viable options (aka digital copies) became part of my life---I realized that digital books worked better for me in the long run. As a person who works in the technical industry, I was definitely an early adapter to this technology. So part of my problem stems from the fact that I remember when the high end of the digital ebook market was $9.99. I have over 700 books in my kindle library. Of those, less than 1/6 th are freebies--so I have bought a ton of books. I am a big time book buyer and not ashamed of it. However, I am even starting to wait on New Releases (which I know messes with the author's bonus--sorry about that) because 11.99, 12.99, 13.99, and 14.99 are entirely to much to pay for the ebook. Even though I can use a coupon and end up getting the HardBack cheaper, it boils down to space and storage again. Also if I start a series in one format, I like to stick with that format for the rest of the series. It is a weird thing of mine and I am a huge re-reader so books start to fall apart after awhile, so digital appeals to me on that end too.

Does anyone else ever ponder the what is "too much" process when buying a book?

I want to end by saying that if I won the lottery, I would buy a house that could store all the books I wanted to read and not think a thing about it anymore. However, since I don't play the lottery that isn't in my future! What are your thoughts on ebooks? Do I overthink the issue? Have you found a way to balance supporting your favorite authors and not breaking your pocket book? If so, what is your trick of the trade :)

Friday Free Read Review: Highland Mist by Donna Grant

2012-01-27T07:40:00.001-06:00

From Goodreads: AN HONORABLE LAIRD…

Laird Connall MacInness was born to a clan that for centuries has been charged with the guarding of the sacred Druids. ‘Tis a duty he has always met with a willing heart, until the day his sister, a Druid priestess, goes missing, and the very Druids he has protected refuse to help him find the last remaining member of his family. Then a 300 year old prophecy places a Druid priestess in his hands for safekeeping. ‘Tis the chance at revenge that he’s been waiting for, but is he willing to pay the cost his revenge will demand–the loss of his mate and the future of Scotland?

A WILLING LASS…

Glenna MacNeil wants only to be free, to find the purpose of her life. When she is told to look for the dark laird that would free her, she eagerly goes with the powerful laird who fights her clan, not realizing she has set in motion events that will change the course of history.

Read for Fun
Challenges: Why Buy the Cow?, Read for Fun
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25

First thought when finished: I will be getting the rest of the series and checking out other books by Donna Grant!

What I Loved: This was a brilliant mix of Historical Romance with a little magic. I haven't read a Druid based book in ages and found myself fascinated with bits of druid history that Donna Grant included. I loved all of the characters and really looking forward to revisiting them. Glenna and Connall were both strong but I loved how Glenna was open to learning all she could about her Druid calling. She showed amazing gumption for someone who had been locked away most of her life.

What I Liked: The side characters were fantastic. I am really looking forward to the next book where we get to meet Fiona (especially since that is my bar name) and get more of my favorite side character: the mysterious Gregor. I just adored him!

What made me go Huh?: There were a few moments in that the formatting in the book was a little off so it would jump from one conversation to another and you had to re-read it to sort it out. It wasn't a huge distraction but you should know it is there so you don't think you skipped pages LOL.

Final Thought: I like Donna Grant's writing and will be checking out her other books and of course the rest in this series.

Author:

Books in Series:

Kindle Purchased:	January 24, 2012
Price:	$0.00

Review: Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian (Game Changer)

2012-01-27T06:39:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order—a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike—to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach. But when his eyes meet those of Tavia Fairchild, a beautiful witness who identifies him at the scene of a mission gone terribly wrong, Chase finds himself drawn to the woman—and convinced she is something much more than she seems.

Pulled into a vortex of intrigue and danger she can neither resist nor understand, Tavia is uncertain whom to trust. And while everything sane and logical warns her against getting close to Chase, she cannot deny that the handsome, deeply haunted male stirs something primal and ravenous within her. But even as she surrenders to her cravings, nothing can prepare her for the shattering truth of who—and what—she truly is.

As the Order’s enemy mobilizes for the battle of the ages, Dragos and his Minions unleashing a hell on Earth like nothing ever seen before, Chase and Tavia are thrust into the heart of the violence. With time running out and the streets running red with the blood of innocent lives, both Breed and human, together Chase and Tavia must find a way to defeat Dragos once and for all—or die trying.

** spoiler alert ** Read for Fun
Challenge: Read for Fun
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75

First thought when Finished: The game has changed in so many ways!

What I Loved: Chase and Tavia might be my favorite couple in the Midnight Breed series or at least tied with Brock and Jenna! Their story was emotionally gripping and while there was A LOT happening in this story--their romance was at the very core. I also loved the fast and furious amount of information that was coming to us from all directions. Perhaps the reason this one really pulled at me was that we got more on Jenna too. I was just very much pleased with this entry into the series.

What I Liked: We got to see all of the Order, their mates, and even the children. I think the children will start to take focus because really all this change will directly impact their growing up. It is a whole new world!

What made me go huh? The biggest thing with Chase was his bloodlust. He has been fighting it since he has been introduced to the series. For it to be dealt with in that year that was not in the book was kind of disappointing. I just felt the whole end: dealing with being uncovered, the bloodlust, the poison, and the pregnancies were all just a little rushed for my taste :(

Final Thoughts: This was a game changer and I can't wait to see where it heads from here!

Favorite Moments:

“We may be done here, but this night doesn’t mark the end of anything. It’s only the beginning. Dragos wants a war with the Order? Then, by God, he’s damn well got it.”

“My life is inside that clinic. This could be the only chance I have to learn who, and what, I really am. If there are others like me, they deserve the truth too.”

“You gave me truth, Chase. You have from the very beginning. You’ve opened my eyes. I may not like everything I see, but it’s real and it’s honest and I feel like I’m finally alive. You’ve given me all of that.”

Author

Books in Series

TBR Thursday Review: Return to Me and Run To Me by Christy Reece (AWESOME!)

2012-01-26T06:20:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: DESIRED TO DEATH

Posing as an underage teenager, Samara Lyons is out to trap an online predator. Smart, fiery, and fresh off a broken engagement, Samara is up for the challenge. But this challenge might not be so easy. Her boss, Noah McCall, head of a private international corporation called Last Chance Rescue, can’t disguise his raw, physical desire for Samara–and she’s going crazy battling her own feelings for him. The middle of a high-stakes op, with the fate of dozens of innocent lives on the line, is not the time to indulge in sensual delights.

Then the sting explodes, forcing Noah to face his dark past and throwing Samara into the middle of an evil tug-of-war. Noah must confront an enemy he knows better than anyone else in the world, while Samara must find a way to stay alive. Now it’s no longer a matter of desire–it’s all about survival.

Read in January, 2012

Read for Fun
Challenges: TBR Shelf, Mystery/Thriller, Personal Series
Overall Rating 5.00
Story Rating 5.00
Character Rating 5.00

First thought when finished: This was beyond fantastic! I loved every thing about it!

What I Gave it a 5: There was not a thing about this book that I didn't adore. I was emotionally invested in the characters, the case, and the outcome for everyone. I immediately wanted book 3 and was so glad that I had bought the entire series! If you like action/suspense mixed with romance then you will love this series. Be ready for some hard-headed, stubborn characters though :)

Final Thought: Get this series if you haven't read it! Seriously, it is that good!

Author:

Books:

From Goodreads: ONE LAST CHANCE

Driven by grief and fury, Shea Monroe, an operative for Last Chance Rescue, goes deep undercover, vowing vengeance against the man who killed her husband. Instead, she ends up a captive and the unwilling weapon of a vicious human trafficker. But then she is rescued from her den of terror and shame by her husband’s best friend, Ethan Bishop, a man Shea feels irrevocably drawn to, despite her having lost all memory of her life before she was captured.

Having saved Shea from a madman, Ethan will do anything to keep her safe, but he can’t allow the feelings he once had for her to resurface. While recovering from her ordeal and regaining her lost memory, Shea begins to fall for Ethan. But the treachery and tragedies of the past won’t leave either of them alone. And from Mexico, a monster has sent his foot soldiers to seize Shea–using a weapon beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.

Read in January, 2012

Read for Fun
Challenges: TBR Shelf, Mystery/Thriller, Personal Series
Overall Rating 5.00
Story Rating 5.00
Character Rating 5.00

First thought when finished: WOW! Two back to back home runs! Can't ask for better than that!

What I Gave it a 5: Book 3 in this series is a little more emotionally gripping than action gripping but it holds the same intensity. I was so invested in the recovery, nabbing, and punishment of the bad guy in this story that at times I think I was talking to the book. This series just knows how to hand you a story you can get invested in.

Final Thought: Get this series if you haven't read it! Seriously, it is that good!

Author:

Books:

Review and Trailer: The Thron and The Blossom by Theodora Goss (Very Unique)

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: One enchanting romance. Two lovers keeping secrets. And a uniquely crafted book that binds their stories forever.

When Evelyn Morgan walked into the village bookstore, she didn’t know she would meet the love of her life. When Brendan Thorne handed her a medieval romance, he didn’t know it would change the course of his future. It was almost as if they were the cursed lovers in the old book itself . . .

The Thorn and the Blossom is a remarkable literary artifact: You can open the book in either direction to decide whether you’ll first read Brendan’s, or Evelyn’s account of the mysterious love affair. Choose a side, read it like a regular novel—and when you get to the end, you’ll find yourself at a whole new beginning

Read in January, 2012

Read for Review
Overall Rating: 3.75
Brendon's Story: 4.00
Evelyn's Story: 3.50

First Thought when Finished: I wish there had been more to the story. I wasn't quite through with Evelyn and Brendon.

First Impression of the Book: What a very neat concept!

Evelyn's Story: I started with Evelyn's story first and I almost wish I would have started with Brendon's story. Being as this is a story of star-crossed lovers, it was interesting to get the story from both sides. I really felt for Evelyn as she dealt with the highs and lows from meeting and loving Brendon but I felt there was something missing.

Brendon's Story: I felt his story is the glue that made the book make sense. I think you should start with his side. I always thought something was missing from Evelyn's side of the story and after reading Brendon's I understood. Though I always wondered if Evelyn did....

Together: I think the book, packaging, and rhythm was all very unique. It is what makes the story special. I do wish there had been a little more to the story to make the characters richer.

Final Thought: This would be a fantastic gift for someone who collects unique books!

My Book Boyfriend (Sorry Dog Friend this Week): Oberon from The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hosted by The Unread Reader

My Book Boyfriend is more of a loyal companion this week because in a few weeks time we will be doing this....

I thought it only fitting to set aside the hunks of the literary world and get to whom I would really like to come live in my house! I totally would bring him sausages....

So here are a few of my favorite Oberon moments from the series and hopefully you will choose to read a long with us in March! He is just one cool dog!

We will be posting about the details on Feb 17th....stay tuned

Oberon: She thinks petting me is an honor. This is an unexpected position to take for a goddess of slaughter, but I applaud her defiance of convention.

Oberon: Aw, no. You’re taking us to that vegetarian place,
aren’t you?

Atticus: It’s a coffee place. You can’t just automatically
classify anything that isn’t a steak house as
vegetarian.

Oberon: Yes, I can. This is America. You said Americans
assert their own opinions as if they were facts and
dismiss inconvenient facts as mere opinions.

Oberon: I know that has to make you sad. But call to me instead, Atticus. I'll always answer. Your fly has been open all this time, by the way, and Granuaile hasn't said a thing.

Atticus: Thanks, buddy, I said silently as I tried to surreptitiously zip up my jeans.

Oberon: See? I got your back AND your front. I deserve a treat.

Oberon: I think "The Boondock Saints", because the Irish guys win. Plus the cat ends badly. It affirms my worldview and I feel validated

Oberon: “Tell her I am Peace Dawg but I think her cats are closely allied with The Man. I'm going to stick it to them.”

Like I said---one very cool dog! I can't post my favorite Oberon moment because it is the end of Hounded! You have got to read it to appreciate it :) Hope to see y'all in March!

2012 Series Goals: Personal MUST READ Finally List!

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson Series:

Moon Called
Blood Bound
Iron Kissed
Bone Crossed
Silver Borne
Silver Marked

Kerrelyn Sparks Love at Stake Series:

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire
Vamps and the City
Sugarplums and Scandal
A Very Vampy Christmas
Be Still My Vampire Heart
The Undead Next Door
All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire
Secret Life of a Vampire
Forbidden Nights with a Vampire
The Vampire and The Virgin
Eat Prey Love
Vampire Mine
Sexiest Vampire Alive

Kim Harrison The Hallows

Dead Witch Walking
The Good, The Bad, and The Undead
Every Which Way but Dead
A Fistful of Charms
For a Few Demons More
The Outlaw Demon Wails
White Witch, Black Curse
Black Magic Sanction
Pale Demon
A Perfect Blood

Kresley Cole Immortals After Dark

The Warlord Wants Forever
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Deep Kiss of Winter
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire

Christy Reece Last Chance Rescue

Rescue Me (finished Jan 2012)
Return to Me (finished Jan 2012)
Run to Me (finished Jan 2012)
No Chance
Second Chance
Last Chance
Sweet Justice
Sweet Revenge
Sweet Reward

Cindy Gerard Black Ops Series

Show No Mercy
Take No Prisoners
Whisper No Lies
Feel The Heat
Risk No Secrets
With No Remorse

Tempting Tuesdays: Final Week and Review

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Tempting Tuesdays is hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader, and Jenny at Supernatural Snark!

Questions for Chapters 13-15 + epilogue

1. Chapter 13 opens with Merit describing her new a job routine as House Sentinel. Considering that every job Cadogan House is important in helping to make the house run efficiently, which job do you think you'd like to have (guard, cook, social director, gardener, etc.) and why?

I want to work specifically with Luc. I could be the techie and try to catch his eye away from his current crush. I really want to stay far away from Ethan because I have a feeling that I would really go Rogue. To much "Whatever You Say Sir" for my taste LOL

2. In the supernatural world of Chicagoland Vampires, politics seem to play an important role in the way the Houses are run. Now that you've been introduced to the Rogues, do you think it's better for vampires to be a part of a House or to live outside of one.

I would live outside of one. There is something to be said for structure especially before the vampires "came out". That being said the antiquated thinking of very old vampires might not be the most conducive in the world today. I think the ranks in the houses would need some fresh blood with fresh ideas before I would join them.

3. After Morgan openly asks to court Merit, she feels betrayed when Ethan commands her to accept for the show of alliance it could bring to Cadogan House. Do you think her reaction was warranted?

Hell to the YES! Let's forget that she might have a thing for Ethan and let's even forget that he might have a thing for her. I do not want ANYONE telling me who I have to date. Not Now. Not EVER!

4. When Ethan meets with the perpetrator of the murders, were you surprised to discover who it was? If you suspected someone, were your suspensions correct? What did you think of the perpetrator's motive?

I didn't have anyone in mind and can honestly say that I wasn't a fan of the ending. Now I am sure book 2 will make it seem better (they often do) but just based on the wham, bam, here's who did it and why thing.......not a fan. I wasn't surprised by the person behind it since they had only really been portrayed as evil/sneaky but it was "to easy" if that makes sense.

5. What was your favorite/least favorite parts of Some Girls Bite?

All my favorite parts of this book have to do with the side characters! Chloe Neill knows how to write a complete ensemble that you will just fall in love. It would not have been the same without the Omnibud and Luc's Team. The birthday dinner was by far my favorite scene---specifically the Nymph Cat Fight. My least favorite parts are pretty much every scene Ethan was in. I will admit it, I am just not a fan of his. I am not a fan of Merit when she is dealing with him. I like her outside of dealing with him. So yep, Ethan was my problem.

6. What do you think is coming up next for Merit, Sentinel of Cadogan House? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?

So I had someone give me spoilers so that I would stay interested. I am going to continue reading the series and keep hoping that I a)either get to like Ethan or b)his screen time is less in the future books LOL :)

From Goodreads: First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student's introduction into a society of vampires.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker-and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude- and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood

Read from January 02 to 17, 2012

** spoiler alert ** Read for Fun
Challenges: Read for Fun
Events: Tempting Tuesdays
Overall Rating: 3.25
Story Rating: 4.00
Main Character Rating: 2.00
Side Character Rating: 4.50

First thought when Finishing: Ok that was a rather quick tie-up!

What I Loved: The Omnibud team and Luc's Team! Seriously, if it weren't for these amazing side characters I am not sure if I could have stuck through the Ethan/Merit/Mallory/Catcher drama. They made me laugh, smile, and wish that there was an Omnibud spin-off. I would so be there to read it! Seriously, Catcher, Jeff, and Grandpa were fantastic as a secret agency. My favorite part had to be the Nymphs Cat Fight.

What I Liked: Catcher/Mallory were a fun couple to watch. I loved them in the beginning but towards the end there were a few moments that kind of brought me off the "love them" cloud. I think there is so much more to explore there with Mallory's gifts and Catcher's talents. I think it is Mallory that I fell out of love with when she had a (non)reaction to Merit moving out. I just thought as a BFF you would have been a little more, I don't know, sad. On that note, does Catcher not have an apartment? They were always boinking at Mallory's and Merit's. Just a thought.

What made me go huh?: I will admit I am not an Ethan fan. He hasn't done one single thing in this book that I find redeeming. The end though was just to quick, to simple, and to "not messy". I was expecting some big reveal or some big fight...the reveal was "not shocking" and the fight was one throw. I was just all kinds of disappointed.

Will I continue the series: Yes! I had a friend who has read the series give me a brief overview of what is to come. I think I will like the second book much more.

Final Thoughts: This book will work better for someone who reads UF more often than I do. I think it was missing the warm fuzzies that I live for when reading :)

Author:

Books:

Top Off Tuesdays: Buckhorn Beginnings by Lori Foster (Holy Hot Cowboy Y'all)

2012-01-24T02:00:00.000-06:00

What better way than to top off a good book than with a GREAT Cover!

Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading,and I want to see the covers that made you swoon! Feel free to play along and show us your favorite covers. Button made by Missie

This week I am reading a super hot Cowboy Book: Buckhorn Beginnings by Lori Foster! I mean with a cover like this could you really not pick it up?

HUBBA HUBBA!

Why don't you play along and show us your favorite covers?

Audiobook Review: Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall (EXCELLENT)

2012-01-23T10:46:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

Read from January 06 to 18, 2012

Read for Fun!
Challenges: TBR Challenge, Read for Fun, Audiobook Challenge
Overall Rating 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50
Audiobook Rating: 4.00

First thought when finished: Oh MY! Even better than the first one but really OCTOBER for the next one :(

What I Loved: Just about everything! I would really like to wax poetically and make you realize just how fun this series is but I wouldn't do it justice. The characters are mufti-faceted, rich, deep, and fun. I was never once bored while I listened to the story on audio (11 hours or so) and the story built on the last book. I admit I was a little skeptical about Ami and Marcus in the beginning (it's a Seth thing) but I quickly grew to love them together. She was just right for the grouch and she melted his little hard heart! It was fantastic. Their give and take was very well done.

What I Liked: I loved the building up to Bastien's story because I know it is coming next. I think his will be doozy!

Things that made me go huh?: Not a darn thing!

Audio Specific Thoughts: Kristen Potter did a pretty good job with the narration of the story and I really hope they stick with her for the audio. This was enjoyable to listen too!

Final Thoughts: I want Lissette, Seth, David, and Marcus to have books. Oh and can there be a spin-off of the humans please :) Also can we explore Ami's family too! I know that is a lot LOL Dianne Duvall might just have a fan girl for life LOL

Authors:

Books in Series:

It's Monday What are You Reading? 1-23-2012

2012-01-23T10:25:00.001-06:00

It's Monday, What are you reading? is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read and the books to be finished this week.

(Just a note--I know I am usually out and about commenting on blogs but I won't get to that until at least tomorrow. I have a ton starred from this weekend so feel free to give me grief if I leave like 4 comments on your blog in one day LOL. I am not usually that many days behind but I am in the middle of working on a personal project that has been distracting me.)

Read last week:

4.5 and very enjoyable!

4.5 and very enjoyable! Listened to on Audio--excellent!

2.75 just didn't work for me

4.00--great free read!

Reading this week (maybe I have been a real moody reader lately LOL): Daughter of Smoke and Bone is my Audio Book for this week!

BEEN WAITING FOREVER! Ok maybe not forever but it feels that way! I can tell you whatever I am reading when this comes out tomorrow will be set aside so I can read Chase's book. I have heard it is a GAME CHANGER! I have to finish it fast because next week is Terri Garey and Dyranda Jones!

So what are you going to read this week?

Oh, secondary question and because I know some of you do this---I don't want to write full-fledged reviews for some books but I do want to mention that I read and enjoyed them! Do any of you do this or something similar? So far I have reviewed every book I have read this year (except Night Reigns but I will) but I am really getting back into joy reading and I don't want "reviewing" to suck the fun out of it LOL

In My Mailbox: 1/22/12

2012-01-22T12:08:00.002-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week (or so), book readers and bloggers get to share what books they bought, borrowed, or received

Free Gets:

Total Spent: 0 :)

Game of Thrones Reading Week 2 & 3: pages 109 to 323

2012-01-21T17:54:00.001-06:00

I missed last week so this will encompass 2 weeks worth! Chapters aren't labeled as numbers but names--so I will be following that for the break down of my reading! Please don't read this if you haven't read the story because it does contain spoilers.

Eddard: So we learn that the King has promised Jaime the throne of the east which could eventually lead to him holding the east (where his father reigns) and the west. I don't think that was in the show--that would be A LOT of power. Ned is trying to get King Robert to rethink that but he won't see the logic. Long term that has got to make things sticky!

Week 2:

Tyrion: I am really loving the Tyrion and Jon scenes! He speaks the truth to the boy and seems oddly protective of him!

Catelyn: Still not loving her but I did love how fiercely protective she was of Bran during the attack scene!

Sansa: She is truly a sniveling idiot but hopefully she realizes that she saw the true Jeffrey at the end of this chapter.

Eddard: Hated this part with the death of Lady the direwolf. I can't believe how evil Cersie is.

Bran: He woke up in this chapter after a wicked-cool crow dream! I like the name summer for his wolf!

Catelyn: The introduction of Littlefinger is the part I loved in this chapter! I like his depiction in the book: shrewd and cunning! Can't believe--wait yes I can---the twins setup up Tyrion!

Jon: Listen to Tyrion he has not steered you wrong! Own your name and NO ONE can use it against you. Love that he got good news about Bran before Tyrion left.

Eddard: You put to much faith in King Richard and don't give the Lannister's enough credit. I am not sure if this is because of his nature or he is just unaware. I also have a feeling you should watch out for LittleFinger.

Tyrion: Awwww him and Jon are friends! I love that Tyrion is open to friendship from Jon!

Week 3:

Arya: Yeah! She gets to work with needle! I love Arya to pieces! I can't wait to see how she matures.

Daenerys: The Khalessi has risen! I love that she is pregnant! I love that she taught her brother a small lesson. He is such a SWINE! It has been to long since we checked in with her!

Bran: Someone is being a bit bratty but that is to be expected. At least Tyrion gave him some hope and the gift of being able to ride in the future.

Eddard: I do believe this was probably the beginning of the end for Ned! He knows something is fishy with the Queen!

Jon: Made a new friend in Sam! I think he also found his footing in the nightwatch amoung his now brothers.

Eddard: He found the King's Bastard! Uh Oh!

Catelyn: She is traveling to see her sister. I don't like Catelyn parts *sigh*

Sansa: Time for you to grow up little girl. Time for you to open your eyes and realize what your Joffrey really is.

Eddard: He know how the old hand died but the why? is still a question. It might be because he was asking to many questions about the Lannisters.

Review: The Look of Love by Mary Jane Clark

2012-01-20T14:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: Piper Donovan accepts when the owner of Elysium, an exclusive spa and plastic surgery center, offers her an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to create a dazzling and unique wedding cake. The job also gives Piper the time and distance she needs to sort out her feelings for handsome FBI agent Jack Lombardi.

The ultra-luxurious spa caters to the rich and famous in need of a little “refreshing”—a nip here, a tuck there, a little Botox, a little detox. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, Elysium seems picture-perfect: the grounds, the staff, even the guests. But no sooner does Piper arrive than a guest is brutally murdered in one of the private bungalows. Someone, it seems, wants to make sure Elysium’s beautiful director, Jillian Abernathy, never gets to walk down the aisle. Piper soon discovers that beneath the glamorous surface of this idyllic oasis lies an ugly truth—and a cold-blooded plan for murder

Received from Publisher
Challenges: Mystery/Thriller Challenge
Overall Rating 2.75
Story Rating 2.50
Character Rating 3.00

First thought when finished: The story just coasted then bam it was done!

What I Loved: I did find the characters of The Look of Love to be interesting. I did not read the first book in the series so I did not know what to expect. However, I really loved the Abernathy family. I also really loved Piper's family.

What I Liked: I thought the giving of a few different suspects for the murders was very well done. Mary Jane Clark managed to set it out where you could pick apart the clues and see who fit.

What made me go "huh"?: The book was just a little to choppy for me. I never felt quite connected to the mystery or Jack/Piper's relationship. I thought the end was a bit abrupt and there wasn't enough action for a mystery novel. Though it wasn't light enough to be a cozy mystery. The book just kind of fell in the middle.

Final Thoughts: This is my first book to read by Mary Jane Clark so I might not have been prepared for her writing style. I do believe fans of hers will be pleased with the story and very strong characters.

Author:

Books:

Free Read Friday: Cupcake: A Modern Love-Story with a Bigger-Than-Average Waistline by Mariah Jones (Cute Read)

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: If it weren’t for bad luck, Darcy Miller wouldn’t have any at all. After being shot as a result of her uncomfortable underwear, left by her boyfriend when he chose to become a priest, and thoroughly embarrassing herself at a health club, what’s a woman on a mission to lose weight to do?

Run a bakery! As Cupcake thrives Darcy meets the sexy new neighbor who has opened an art gallery next door. Could he possibly be interested in her? Join Darcy on her adventure of self discovery.

Read in January, 2012

Read for Fun
Challenges: Read for Fun, Why Buy the Cow
Overall Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.00

First thought when finished: Cute read! I have had those insecurities before :)

What I Loved: I loved Jenny, Katie, and Darcy! Their moments of banter, wit, and conversations were a joy to read. Darcy was a character and her blunt self-descriptions rang true in my head. Though some people will find her a little neurotic, I found her to be adorably insecure. None of us are perfect but it is so much easier to look at our own flaws than accept them.

What I Liked: Thorne was such a good guy! While I never fell head over heels for him, I did really like him. More importantly, I really liked him with Darcy!

Final Thoughts when Finished: This is just a cute romance! Now I want cupcakes!

Author: Mariah Jones

Bought Jan 17th on Amazon

TBR Thursday Review: Rescue Me by Christy Reece (Great Romantic Thriller)

2012-01-19T11:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: A covert operative of Last Chance Rescue (LCR) Enterprises, Eden St. Claire has made secrets her life’s work. Seven years ago, an evening of emotional vulnerability and pure pleasure almost destroyed her. Now Eden wears her beauty like a mask, concealing any hint of vulnerability or the demons of her past.

A daring rescue of an innocent girl on a Greek island leads Eden to a new partner. Jordan Montgomery has been looking for Eden–though he knows her by another name, from another time. But his search for her is overshadowed by a case that’s gone international. A powerful, ruthless, organized network is stealing women and children around the world. And a lover, a traitor, and a killer all wait for Eden’s next move

Read from January 13 to 15, 2012

Read for Fun and BookClub
Challenges: TBR Shelf, Mystery/Thriller
Overall Rating 4.50
Story Rating 4.50
Character Rating 4.50

First thought when finished: Glad I bought the whole series!

What I Loved: What didn't I love? Seriously this was an adrenaline filled, action packed, well-paced thriller with a love story to boot! While Eden and Jordan were the center of this story, they were flanked by some other amazing characters. In fact, the "bad" guys were well characterized also. I felt involved with the story from page 1. I think what I loved the most was it never seemed far fetched or unbelievable!

What I Liked: Last Chance Rescue (LCR) Enterprises is a fascinating business and one I hope exists in some way in real life. I like the idea of rescuing women/children from horrendous situations. I even like the way they operate by taking on the cases even if the employer is less than worthy. In all cases the children are innocent and they remember that!

Final Thought: Get this series if you haven't read it! Seriously, it is that good!

Author:

Books:

TBR Thursday Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth (Great Ending)

2012-01-19T07:17:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Read from January 05 to 14, 2012

Read for Fun
Challenges: TBR Challenge
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 3.50

First thought when Finished: Things are just starting to get interesting....where is the next book!

What I Loved: I need to hug Veronica Roth--she created a YA novel without a love triangle and with parents that care. I seriously find this amazing! I appreciate when the mold is broken and done well. I also loved the last 1/3 of the book! I can't really talk much about it because I don't want to give anything away (though I think I am one of the last people on the planet to read the book). Let's just say that the action/suspense/intrigue were finally starting to fall into place. I started caring about the characters and what happened to them.

What I Liked: I thought the factions were a really interesting idea. I mean there has to be "fall-out" when you place one attribute above all others---you become corruptible. I thought that it was interesting look at how something that shouldn't be cause for alarm can be the center of it.

What made me go Huh?: It took awhile for me to buy into this world. While on the surface the idea of how the factions are divided up is intriguing--I just didn't get to see enough of each faction to buy it. How does being on of the 5: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), or Erudite (the intelligent)) lead to wide spread corruption. I just needed to see more of the faction interaction to buy into the world. I never quite got (till the end) why being Divergent was bad. Even in the end, it explained now why Divergent was bad but in the beginning why was it? If you chose a faction and live by the rules, I just didn't see it being different that being a transfer. Maybe I am over-thinking it.

Final Thought: I did enjoy the book despite my problems with not connecting to the world.

Author:

Books:

Stop SOPA: Protect Your Online Rights Now

2012-01-18T04:57:00.002-06:00

Learn more at sopastrike.com

Tempting Tuesdays: Chapters 9 to 12

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Tempting Tuesdays is hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader, and Jenny at Supernatural Snark!

Discussion Questions Chapter 9-12

1. Catcher and Ethan share some personality traits. What makes Mallory, Merit, and even us readers attracted to these guys? Would you date/mate with someone like these guys in real life?

I like Alpha guys in real life but the Arrogant Alpha Guys not so much! I am not sure I would have put up with Ethan longer than 5 min. Catcher, I am not sure. A bit longer I suspect but his attitude would have to dial down.

2. In Chapter 9 we learn of another murder. Do you see any patterns with the previous murder and Merit's attack? Do you have any guesses as to who is responsible and the motive behind the murders?

I have hunches (and I just finished Chap 9) about who I DON'T think is responsible: Rogues. I really think this is a big setup to bring them back in the fold or to get them to go away permanently.

3. The commendation is my favorite moment in the book and a significant event in Merit's life. She has finally come to terms that she is a Cadogan vampire. Were you surprised at all that Merit resisted Ethan's call and that he made her a Sentinel? Do you think she'll do well in this position? Why or why not?

I think Merit is strong enough, smart enough, and savvy enough to pull off being a Sentinel. I am still not liking Ethan's manipulation and I think that will hinder the house as a whole in the long run.

4. Loyalty is a reoccurring theme throughout the book and much of this series. Why is it so important to Ethan that he needs Merit's allegiance? Is it solely a Master and Sentinel thing or does it imply something else?

At this point, I think Ethan expects every one to bow down, kiss his feet, and give him undying loyalty. I think he keeps demanding it from Merit because she stands up to him. I am sure if he ran into another initiate that did it, he would consistently make the same request to them also.

5. If you had the opportunity to sit down with Ethan, Merit, Mallory, and Catcher for a bite to eat like in the beginning of Chapter 12, what questions would you ask them at this point of the story?

I know this will sound odd but I would rather sit down with Luc, Lindsay, Grandpa, and oh crap I am blanking on his name (the shifter). I am really intrigued by the side characters in this story.

Top Off Tuesday: Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall

2012-01-17T00:30:00.000-06:00

What better way than to top off a good book than with a GREAT Cover!

Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading,and I want to see the covers that made you swoon! Feel free to play along and show us your favorite covers. Button made by Missie

This week it is Night Reigns byDianne Duvall I am now halfway through this book and loving the Immortal Gaurdians! I know I did the first book last week but I just couldn't resist showing off this one. The cover is just downright SMEXY! I like it more than the first one... (Again actually there are 2 again LOL)

It is always the audio cover that has no shirt LOL :) I approve!

Why Don't You Play Along?

It's Monday What Are You Reading? and #BoutofBooks RoundUP!

2012-01-16T07:22:00.002-06:00

It's Monday, What are you reading? is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read and the books to be finished this week.

I am going to combo this since everything I read last week was for the BoutOfBooks Reading Marathon!

What I read last week:
Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished) (TBR)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished) (Free)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished) (TBR)
Gun Games by Faye Kellerman (finished) (Review)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (finished)(TBR)
Rescue Me by Christy Reece(finished)(TBR)

Best Book: (Tie) Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks and Rescue Me by Christi Reece

What is on deck this week: I won't get to all of these but they are on my radar :)

Demons at Deadnight byA&E Kirk
Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall
Destiny by Carly Phillips
Allison Hewitt is Trapped byMadeleine Roux

BoutOfBooks Roundup:

Original Goals: I want to read 5 books: 1 Review book, 1 Zombie Book, 2 TBR Books, and 1 Free Read!

Goals Met:
1 Review Book (Check): Gun Games by Faye Kellerman
1 Zombie Book (Started): Allison Hewitt is Trapped by Madeleine Roux
2 TBR Books (Check and Exceeded): Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall, Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and Rescue Me by Christy Reece
1 Free Read Book (Check): My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

I pretty much kicked butt with reading last week! WOOT WOOT! I also did 3 of the mini-events and had a lot of fun. I pretty much failed on the twitter front but I have been overall failing on Twitter lately lol. I can't wait to get a new phone at the end of Feb!

How was your week?

In My Mailbox: Fun, Fun, Fun :)

2012-01-15T08:11:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week (or so), book readers and bloggers get to share what books they bought, borrowed, or received

As a Gift from a friend who wanted me to read the last one but knows how I am about reading series in order....she is quite a NUT:

Show No Mercy (Black Ops, #1) byCindy Gerard
Take No Prisoners (Black Ops, #2) byCindy Gerard
Whisper No Lies (Black Ops, #3) byCindy Gerard
Feel the Heat (Black Ops, #4) byCindy Gerard
Risk No Secrets (Black Ops, #5) byCindy Gerard
With No Remorse (Black Ops, #6) byCindy Gerard
Last Man Standing (Black Ops Inc, # 7) byCindy Gerard

Bought:

(Kindle: 17.69)

Seal of My Dreams by Many: .99 (Kindle Daily Deal)
On the Edge by Shannon Stacey: 3.44
No Surrender by Shannon Stacey: 2.70
Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard: 7.57 (Bookclub Buy)
Demons at Midnight by A&E Kirk: 2.99

(Paper: 16.47)

If I Should Die by Allison Brennan (5.99--Book Club Read)
Midnight Reckoning by Kenra Leigh Castle (5.99)
Allison Hewitt is Trapped by Madeleine Roux (4.49)

Free:

My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger
Murder Over Easy by Marshall Cook

For Review:

A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster
Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery

I spent a little more than I should have this week but that is ALWAYS the case when we get our book club pics for next month LOL :)

#BoutofBooks Sunday Morning Update

2012-01-15T07:46:00.001-06:00

Today is the sixth day of the read-a-thon! I am sad it is close to ending!

Head over to the Bout of Books Page to enter the daily giveaway sponsored by Me :)

My Goals

I want to read 5 books: 1 Review book, 1 Zombie Book, 2 TBR Books, and 1 Free Read!

Books To Read (Options because I am Moody)

Archon: The Books of Raziel, bySabrina Benulis (Review Book)
Feed, byMira Grant (Zombie Book)
~~Seduction of a Highland Lass, byMaya Banks (TBR Read) (Finished before BoutofBooks)~~
Spirit Bound, byChristine Feehan (TBR Read)
~~Whispers in the Dark (KGI, #4) byMaya Banks (TBR Read)~~
Hollowland, byAmanda Hocking (Free Read)(Zombie)
~~Divergent, byVeronica Roth(TBR Read)~~
Witchful Thinking, byH.P. Mallory (Review)
Be Witched byH.P. Mallory (TBR Read)
Double Dare, byRhonda Nelson(Free Read)

Updates

1/9
Audiobook: 3 hours of Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall
Paperbook: Some Girl's Bite by Chloe Neill Chapters 5 to 8 (Tempting Tuesdays)
Blood Bound (totally wasn't even on my list but had it with me at book club): 20%
Book Club Night so it wasn't a great reading night/day as far as a challenge goes but far more than I would have gotten done on a regular day :)

1/10
Number of books I’ve read today: 3 (1 audio, 1 free, and 1 ongoing)
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
Books: Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished)
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

I am evidently not following my list of books to read at all LOL

1/11
Number of books I’ve read today: 1
Total number of books I’ve read: 3
Books:
Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished)

1/12
Number of books I’ve read today:1
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books:

Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished) (TBR)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished) (Free)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished) (TBR)Gun Games by Faye Kellerman (finished) (Review)

I think I am going to meet my 5 book goal! YEAH :) I have read 1 Free Read, 2 TBR reads, and 1 Review book so I am even meeting those goals. Granted I think only 2 of the books I have read were on my original list.

1/13
Number of books I’ve read today: 0 (in the middle of Rescue Me by Christy Reece---love it)
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books: I am 90 pages into Rescue Me by Christy Reece (LOVE IT)
Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished) (TBR)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished) (Free)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished) (TBR)
Gun Games by Faye Kellerman (finished) (Review)

1/14
Number of books I’ve read today: 1 (there was a very important football game that kept me occupied LOL)
Total number of books I’ve read: 5 (GOAL MET)
Books:
Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished) (TBR)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished) (Free)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished) (TBR)
Gun Games by Faye Kellerman (finished) (Review)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (TBR)

First thought when finishing Divergent: Didn't LOVE it but I did like it. The last 50 pages will make me want to read the rest of the series. Also have to give MAJOR kudos to Veronika Roth for the following: No Love Triangle and Active Parents that were removed/not involved in a believable way (for that world). I really loved that!

1/15
Number of books I've read today:
Total number of books I've read:
Books:

#BoutofBooks: Saturday Morning Update

2012-01-14T09:10:00.003-06:00

Today is the sixth day of the read-a-thon! I am sad it is close to ending!

Head over to the Bout of Books Page to enter the daily giveaway sponsored by Me :)

My Goals

I want to read 5 books: 1 Review book, 1 Zombie Book, 2 TBR Books, and 1 Free Read!

Books To Read (Options because I am Moody)

Archon: The Books of Raziel, bySabrina Benulis (Review Book)
Feed, byMira Grant (Zombie Book)
~~Seduction of a Highland Lass, byMaya Banks (TBR Read) (Finished before BoutofBooks)~~
Spirit Bound, byChristine Feehan (TBR Read)
~~Whispers in the Dark (KGI, #4) byMaya Banks (TBR Read)~~
Hollowland, byAmanda Hocking (Free Read)(Zombie)
Divergent, byVeronica Roth(TBR Read)
Witchful Thinking, byH.P. Mallory (Review)
Be Witched byH.P. Mallory (TBR Read)
Double Dare, byRhonda Nelson(Free Read)

Updates

1/9
Audiobook: 3 hours of Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall
Paperbook: Some Girl's Bite by Chloe Neill Chapters 5 to 8 (Tempting Tuesdays)
Blood Bound (totally wasn't even on my list but had it with me at book club): 20%
Book Club Night so it wasn't a great reading night/day as far as a challenge goes but far more than I would have gotten done on a regular day :)

1/10
Number of books I’ve read today: 3 (1 audio, 1 free, and 1 ongoing)
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
Books: Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished)
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

I am evidently not following my list of books to read at all LOL

1/11
Number of books I’ve read today: 1
Total number of books I’ve read: 3
Books:
Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished)

1/12
Number of books I’ve read today:1
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books:

Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished) (TBR)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished) (Free)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished) (TBR)Gun Games by Faye Kellerman (finished) (Review)

I think I am going to meet my 5 book goal! YEAH :) I have read 1 Free Read, 2 TBR reads, and 1 Review book so I am even meeting those goals. Granted I think only 2 of the books I have read were on my original list.

1/13
Number of books I’ve read today: 0 (in the middle of Rescue Me by Christy Reece---love it)
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books: I am 90 pages into Rescue Me by Christy Reece (LOVE IT)
Darkness of Dawns by Dianne Duvall (finished) (TBR)
My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger (finished) (Free)
Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (finished) (TBR)
Gun Games by Faye Kellerman (finished) (Review)

1/14
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Books:

1/15
Number of books I've read today:
Total number of books I've read:
Books:

Review: Gun Games by Faye Kellerman

2012-01-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: LAPD lieutenant detective Decker and his wife, Rina, have willingly welcomed fifteen-year-old Gabriel Whitman, the son of a troubled former friend, into their home. While the enigmatic teen seems to be adapting easily, Decker knows only too well the secrets adolescents keep—witnessed by the tragic suicide of another teen, Gregory Hesse, a student at Bell and Wakefield, one of the city’s most exclusive prep schools.

Gregory’s mother, Wendy, refuses to believe her son shot himself and convinces Decker to look deeper. What he finds disturbs him. The gun used in the tragedy was stolen—evidence that propels him to launch a full investigation with his trusted team, Sergeant Marge Dunn and Detective Scott Oliver. But the case becomes darkly complicated by the suicide of another Bell and Wakefield student—a death that leads them to uncover an especially nasty group of rich and privileged students with a predilection for guns and violence. Decker thought he understood kids, yet the closer he and his team get to the truth, the clearer it becomes that he knows very little about them, including his own charge, Gabe. The son of a gangster and an absent parent, the boy has had a life filled with too much free time, too many unexplained absences, and too little adult supervision.

Before it’s over, the case and all its terrifying ramifications will take Decker and his detectives down a dark alley of twisted allegiances and unholy alliances, culminating at a heart-stopping point of no return.

Read from January 12 to 13, 2012

Review copy from Publisher

Challenges: Mystery/Suspense Challenge
Overall Rating 3.25
Story Rating 3.25
Character Rating 3.25

First thought when finished: Why couldn't the whole book be like the last few chapters!

What I Loved: The last 1/4 of the book rocked! It was full of action, suspense, and the characters finally were interesting. There was some cat/mouse action and Chris ended up being my favorite character in the whole book.

What I Liked: I haven't read the rest of the series but this one really stood on it's own. I could tell there was a serial killer I should have known more about but since that didn't come into play much with this story--I didn't feel left out. I like when an author can do that!

What made me go *sigh* again?: The teenagers "love" scenes. I get that this was mostly about Gabe but it just was a little too much!

Final Thoughts: I thought that the last few chapters saved this book for me and actually made me want to read some of the back story. However, if you have been reading the series I think you will not want to miss this edition.

Author:

Books in Series:

#boutofbooks Picture Challenge/Status Check!

2012-01-13T08:05:00.001-06:00

Today is the five day of the read-a-thon! AND Friday the 13th.

Don't forget! There is a Twitter chat at 3pm CST (or UTC-6) today.

Your co-host today is Jacinda: Blog | Twitter

It’s a PICTURE challenge!

All you have to do for this challenge is post a picture of your current read (physical book or ebook on your ereader) and your snack & drink all together in one shot

One of the Manager's at my job brought in the super cute cake pops! They are apple spice cake--and YUMMY! I think she did an excellent job on the decorating :) I can't decide which of these two I am going to read next: Destiny by Carly Phillips or Rescue Me by Christy Reece!

Free Read Friday Review: My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: "I bring you tidings of... DAMMIT!"

With those few words, Jack Lynch's world would change forever. The nerdy guy from Hammond High has returned for his twentieth reunion. He's rich, successful, and ready to re-claim the girl who got away: Rori McLeary.

There's just one small problem... Jack is also dead. But with the help of an angel in training, his mom, and the rockin' body of his former arch-nemesis, Jack is still going to get the girl.

He has three days to convince Rori to love him. He's got the body he never had, the brains he always had, and Norman the geek angel on his side.

What could possibly go wrong?

Read from January 10 to 11, 2012

** spoiler alert **

Read for Fun!
Challenges: Why Buy The Cow?
Overall Rating: 2.50
Story Rating: 2.50
Character Rating: 2.50

First thought when finishing: The end totally blew the whole story for me *sigh*

What I Loved: The writing in this story was done really well and the plotting/pacing moved at a great pace. For a short read, I felt like it was a complete story.

What I Liked: I really liked the angels and specifically poor well-meaning Norman. He reminded me of a cross between the angel from It's a Wonderful Life with more of the Hootzpa of the angel from Scrooged!

(Ending Given Away)

What made me mad: Yes I said mad! He did not go back into his body at the end --- giving the impression that he was all set in life now that he got the girl, brains, and looks. I am not a fan of the body switching stories that the geek doesn't get appreciated just for being the geek. She loved him as the geek and I would have loved for them to be together as him. The fact that he is now the geek in the bullying *sshats body just killed the story for me. So as I said in the beginning---the end ruined the otherwise cute story for me.

Final Thoughts: This story will totally work for some people but the ending just did not work for me.

Author:

Book:

TBR Thursday Review: Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (KGI RULES!)

2012-01-12T12:19:00.001-06:00

From Goodreads: She came to him when he needed her the most

She came to him at his lowest point. The voice of an angel, a whisper in the dark. She's the only thing that gets Nathan Kelly through his captivity, the endless days of torture and the fear that he'll never return to his family. With her help, he's able to escape. But he isn't truly free, because now she's disappeared and he's left with an all-consuming emptiness as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his life. Did he imagine his angel? Or is she out there, needing his help as he'd once needed hers?

Now he rushes to save her before it's too late

Shea has been on the run from people who will stop at nothing to exploit her unique abilities. She never wanted to drag Nathan, who'd already suffered so much, into danger, but she doesn't have a choice so she reaches out to him for help. Finally face-to-face after having already formed a soul-deep bond in hell, their emotional connection is even more powerful than their telepathic one. Nathan refuses to consider ever letting her go again, but she worries they can never have a life free of the dangers that dog her every step. He'll protect her with his every breath, but can he convince her that they are meant to face these threats together?

Read from January 05 to 11, 2012

Read for Fun and #BoutofBooks
Challenges: Read for Fun, Men in Uniform
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75

First thought when finished: Bring on that mysterious Rio and the sweet Grace!

What I Loved: This was just another fantastic entry in the KGI series. While I could wax on about how great this series is, I won't this time. I will just say that if you have read the other ones and loved them....you won't be disappointed. This one has some twinges of the different in it but at it's core it is still about love, family, and doing the right thing.

What I Liked: I really liked seeing all the brothers and their wives again. I think that is what I am liking most about this series. It feels like going back to visit old friends each time. Plus you get kick butt action/suspense with each dose.

What made me go huh?: Don't hit me with info then just end the book LOL There wasn't a cliffhanger so to speak but I am really interested in getting to know more about a certain CIA agent!

Final Thought: This is a must buy series and a keeper for sure!

Author:

Books in Series:

TBR Thursday Review: Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall (Great New Series)

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's handed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

Read from January 06 to 10, 2012

Read for Fun!
Challenges: TBR Challenge, Read for Fun, Audiobook Challenge
Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25
Audiobook Rating: 4.00

First thought when finished: Oh MY! Can I be an Immortal....

What I Loved: Seth---Oh I know it isn't his book but can I say the leader of the Immortals is like an oracle that you want around to laugh at his band of merry men/women. I actually really loved all the characters in this book. The romance between Sarah and Roland was well paced, sweet, and beautiful. Roland was so caring and Sarah was so understanding that they worked as a couple.

What I Liked: The introduction of the world was well done. It wasn't like an information dump but more of an unfolding story that you wanted to grasp more of. I like that it unfolds through the characters and their communication. There is a lot more to learn and can't wait!

Things that made me go huh?: It might be because I listened to the book in audio but holy decriptives batman. There were 2 bathrooms described in detail, 1 bedroom, and many organic meals. It wasn't to destracting but it did stand out.

Audio Specific Thoughts: Kristen Potter did a pretty good job with the narration of the story. I thought the accents actually made it pretty easy to tell the different characters from each other. Overall I would listen to another book read by her.

Final Thoughts: I want Lissette, Sabastian, Seth, and Marcus to have books. Oh and can there be a spin-off of the humans please :)

Authors:

Books in Series:

Duel Review: Seduction of a Highland Lass and Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks (Great Series)

2012-01-11T14:00:00.000-06:00

From Goodreads: A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of bestselling author Maya Banks’s sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.
Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

Read from January 05 to 06, 2012

Read for Fun
Challenges: Read for Fun
Overall Rating: 4.75
Story Rating: 4.75
Character Rating: 4.75

Thought when finished: Damn you Maya Banks--I just cried darn it!

What I Loved: This was my favorite story in the trilogy. I cried, laughed, went "holy moly that was hot", and fell in love with Alaric and Keeley. It was fantastically written and told! The thing that struck me the most was how emotionally tugging the final chapters were.

What I Liked: Getting to see all the McCabe Brothers and their loves. I love the McCabe Clan and they really shined in this story.

What left me wanting? I was craving Caelen and Rionna's story!

Author:

Books in Series:

From Goodreads: In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya Banks’s trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan—and seal his heart.
Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose

Read from January 08 to 09, 2012

Read for Fun
Challenges: Read for Fun
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

First thing I thought when Finished: Good wrap up of the trilogy but wanted Gannon to fall madly in love with someone :)

What I Loved: Never Love a Highlander wrapped up the McCabe Trilogy very well leaving us with hope, love, and family. I always like when everyone is involved in the last book and you leave a series smiling. This was definitely one of those stories that I thought weaved together very well. Rionna was a fantastic leading lady and I felt her story was moving.

What I Liked: Caelen and Rionna were a fantastic couple but I didn't love them as much as the other two couples. That being said, I was rooting for them the whole time!

What left me wanting: Gannon not getting an HEA! I really loved his character :)

Final Thought: I would highly recommend the whole series!

Author:

Books in Series:

Blog Hop Event (Coming in March)- 3 Star Ratings

2012-01-11T12:42:00.001-06:00

I personally would love to see as many book blogs participate as possible! So I am throwing the information out there for everyone. I think "3"'s get a bad wrap and they really should not. Please if you have time on your calender on the 29th think about participating. Just follow the link below to sign up and/or get in touch with the Bitten By gals for more information!

Call for Participants
March 29 - March 30, 2012
Sign-up Linky: http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2012/01/3-star-rating-event.html

BittenByParanormalRomance.com is hosting a 3 Star Rating Event at the end of March and would like other bloggers to join in a blog hop fashion.

The topic is what a 3 star rating means to us - basically is not a bad rating and not just an okay rating, it is good, we liked it, it is a good book just not one we'll read over and over again. We'd like to find several other blogs to do it at the same time to hopefully help educate our followers, authors and publishers because apparently some don't understand this and think a 3 star rating is a bad thing. We will ask the followers to leave comments telling us how they feel about reading, or the possibility of reading, a book we have rated a 3 of 5 stars. The first day will be for the bloggers and follower comments.

Then on the second day we want to post a paragraph or two from several authors and publishers in a single post outlining how they see a 3 star rating. We want their honest thoughts about receiving a 3 star rating on their work; not what their ego feels but how they take the news of rating and what that rating means to them. We also like to take comments from authors and publishers on whether the event was enlightening for them.

So then: Thursday, March 29, 2012, will be for book reviewers to discuss in detail and educate our followers, authors and publishers on what a 3 star rating means to us since so many people seem to react differently to seeing this much maligned rating. It is also an opportunity for our followers to tell us in their comments how they feel about reading, or the possibility of reading, a book we have given a 3 star rating.

Friday, March 30, 2012, will be a single post containing a paragraph or two from several authors and publishers on their honest thoughts about receiving a 3 star rating on their work; not what their ego feels but how they take the news of rating and what that rating means to them.

#BoutofBooks is Coming: Goal/Tracking Post (Starts 1/9/12)

2012-01-11T09:20:00.000-06:00

Bout of Books will run from 12:01am 1/9 through 11:59 pm 1/15 (your time zone)

If you are looking for the sign-up form, please CLICK HERE.

My Goals

I want to read 5 books: 1 Review book, 1 Zombie Book, 2 TBR Books, and 1 Free Read!

Books To Read (Options because I am Moody)

Archon: The Books of Raziel, bySabrina Benulis (Review Book)
Feed, byMira Grant (Zombie Book)
~~Seduction of a Highland Lass, byMaya Banks (TBR Read) (Finished before BoutofBooks)~~
Spirit Bound, byChristine Feehan (TBR Read)
Whispers in the Dark (KGI, #4) byMaya Banks (TBR Read)
Hollowland, byAmanda Hocking (Free Read)(Zombie)
Divergent, byVeronica Roth(TBR Read)
Witchful Thinking, byH.P. Mallory (Review)
Be Witched byH.P. Mallory (TBR Read)
Double Dare, byRhonda Nelson(Free Read)

My Book Boyfriend: The McCabe Brothers from The Highland Trilogy by Maya Banks

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-06:00

Hosted by The Unread Reader

This week I am choosing Ewan, Alaric, and Caelen McCabe from the McCabe Trilogy from Maya Banks! These are true highland brothers: brave, smart, loyal, and oh so sexy!

Things to keep in mind:

Scottish
Lairds (eventually or right now)
Powerful
Smart
Caring
Quick with the sword
Witty

When I cast them I imagined all my men with long hair (since that is how they were described)! I wanted them to be ruggedly handsome and sensual.

Ewan McCabe (Played by Gerard Butler)

Alaric McCabe (Played by Ewan McGregor and my favorite brother)

Caelen McCabe (Played by Kevin McKidd--Hawty)

#boutofbooks Make Your Own Movie Challenge and Tracking for Yesterday:)

2012-01-10T08:09:00.000-06:00

Bout of Books will run from 12:01am 1/9 through 11:59 pm 1/15 (your time zone)

Your co-host today is Poison: Blog | Twitter

You're challenge today is to take a Paranormal book and make it a movie. How do you do that??
Easy enough...all you have to do is list the main characters of the book and find an actor/actress who would ideally play that part if it were to become a Full length feature film. Please list the book, the main characters and then as a miniumu NAME each actor/actress who would play that role. Simple right??! LOL

Ok I am going back to one of my favorite "fun, silly, goofy" Paranormal Romance reads..... Real Vampires have Curves :) Mostly because I am in a pick a HOT Scottish Actor phase....

Glory St. Clair: Lead character and owner of Vintage Vamp Emporium

(Sara Rue before she lost the weight would have been the perfect Glory from personality--which she still has--- to the curves)

Angus Jeremiah Campbell III, aka Jeremy Blade: On-Again, Off-Again Vamp Boyfriend of Glory. A little over-protective and all-man

(Dougray Scott---just yummy, perfect, and would make a great over-protective on-again, off-again vampire boyfriend)

Florence DaVinci: Best Fried, Room-Mate, and Troublemaker

(Monica Balducci--who I think is the perfect combo of fun, sophistication, and troublemaker)

Valdez: Protector and cursed Vamp --- he is Glory's protector and watch gaurd!

(Guarding his identity so I picked Underdog to represent him)

Tracking for yesterday:

1/9
Audiobook: 3 hours of Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall
Paperbook: Some Girl's Bite by Chloe Neill Chapters 5 to 8 (Tempting Tuesdays)
Blood Bound (totally wasn't even on my list but had it with me at book club): 20%
Book Club Night so it wasn't a great reading night/day as far as a challenge goes but far more than I would have gotten done on a regular day :)

Tempting Tuesdays: Week 2 Chapters 5 to 8

2012-01-10T03:00:00.000-06:00

Tempting Tuesdays is hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader, and Jenny at Supernatural Snark!

Questions for Chapters 5-8

1. In what is a make you blush, steamy scene in the book- Chapter 5 has Ethan and Merit sharing a few hot moments after Merit's hunger strikes...that is until Ethan becomes a total cad! What do you think of him so far? Strong, masterful vampire, conceited playboy.....lover boy in disguise?

I am on the fence about both Ethan and Merit. I think he has something up his sleeve and she is being a bit to combative just because. I do think their attraction is primal though so it should be fun to watch that unfold.

2. Merit and Mallory begin some major training in these next few chapters, resulting in cool Katana Sword facts and Ninja moves. What is the most physically challenging or adrenaline fueled event/activity you have participated in?

I am not "sporty" by any stretch of the imagination. I am not an extreme sports person and I flinch if a ball comes flying at my face. So the answer would be riding a roller coaster---of course the seatbelts worked and I screamed my head off.

3. Mallory and Catcher have sparks so intense they almost fly off the page.....what do you think of this cozy couple? Did you like the insta-love between them? Do they add to the story?

They are probably my favorite part of the story! Seriously can we change it to the Catcher and Mallory show---they are much more fun!

4. Lets talk Bff's....Mallory is hands down a terrific friend to Merit, the girls relationship is real, down to earth and fun....not to mention hysterical. What is your favorite memory or favorite thing to do with your bff? Feel free to share pics!

I am just going with the thought that what happens in London on New Years Eve---stays in London on New Years Eve!

5. Things are starting to heat up in the mystery department...the set up at Red, Morgan's flirty appearance.... Catchers vague answers......as correlation day gets closer for Merit do you think someone is out to get her...or maybe recruit her to another house? Or PS- feed her some more food...because goodnight this girl likes to eat!!!

I think it is all a wicked plot to make her open a restaurant that serves all her favorite foods. In the long run it would be much cheaper than taking her out to eat and each vampire house is worried they will get her food bill LOL :) Actually I have no clue where it is going and I am trying really hard not to read ahead!

Top Off Tuesdays: Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-06:00

What better way than to top off a good book than with a GREAT Cover!

Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading,and I want to see the covers that made you swoon! Feel free to play along and show us your favorite covers. Button made by Missie

This week it is Darkness Dawns byDianne Duvall I am halfway through this book and loving Roland! The cover is just downright SMEXY! (Actually there are 2 again LOL)


Print/Ebook

Audiobook---the version I am listening too!

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's handed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

PS: I don't think that the synopsis does the book any favors. It is much better than the synopsis makes you think!

Why don't you play along?

#BoutofBooks TBR Shelf Challenge hosted by @jaediasrantpage

2012-01-09T07:50:00.001-06:00

Your co-host today is Hannah: Blog | Twitter

The challenge is a TBR pile picture and search. Visit Hannah's blog for details and to play along.

Alright---so my Physical TBR is HUGE! I would share the pictures but quite frankly it is a bit scary! I literally have 315 books in my physical TBR pile and if you add the probably 300 books I have on my kindle you could almost call me a book hoarder :) Almost though because I don't think it is a problem LOL

Just a small dabble of them (they are more organized now)

Tonks holding down the fort and declaring war on the books

So I am going to show you the books I am thinking about reading this week (I will read 5 of them):

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #BoutOfBooks Edition

2012-01-09T07:20:00.000-06:00

What I finished last week:

Favorite books was Seduction of a Highland Lass! (Review for both Maya Banks books coming this week)

What is on my #BoutofBooks plan aka I will read 5 of these just not sure which ones:

Whispers in the Dark, byMaya Banks

Divergent, byVeronica Roth

Hollowland, byAmanda Hocking

Be Witched: A Jolie Wilkins/Rand Balfour

Witchful Thinking, byH.P. Mallory

Double Dare, byRhonda Nelson

If You Dare (MacCarrick Brothers, #1) byKresley Cole

Audiobooks for the work week:

Darkness Dawns byDianne Duvall (I am half way through with this one)

Night Reigns byDianne Duvall

In My Mailbox: Maya Banks, Carly Phillips, C.J. Ellison, and A&E Kirk

2012-01-08T08:47:00.001-06:00

Meme hosted by The Story Siren

Books received since last week:

Paperbooks:

Whispers in the Dark (KGI, #4) byMaya Banks (free: part of the 4 for 3 deal)

Destiny (Serendipity, #2) byCarly Phillips (7.99)

Kindle Books:

Demons at Deadnight (Divinicus Nex Chronicles #1) byA&E Kirk (2.99)

Vampire Vacation (The V V Inn, #1) byC.J. Ellisson (free)

Total Spent: $10.98

Game of Thrones Reading Week 1: pages 1 to 108

2012-01-07T20:47:00.001-06:00

This is where I am going to attempt to read approximately 100 pages of the Game of Thrones a week and discuss my thoughts. I will admit I am not much of a fantasy book reader. There is often to many characters with names I can't pronounce or that are very similar to keep track of. I am hoping because I watch the series that this will ease me into this series.

Chapters aren't labeled as numbers but names--so I will be following that for the break down of my reading! Though everyone who has 2 sections, my thoughts will be on both under their name. Please don't read this if you haven't read the story because it does contain spoilers.

Prologue: Right from the start I can tell this is going to be a darker read than I am used too. Just the coloring descriptions of both the "good" guys and the "bad" guys had darker tones.

Bran (2 Sections): I think I am going to love Jon Snow! He is thoughtful, tough, and protective. Bran recieved some very early training in what it will be like to have your own people later in life. I think what he learned from Jon and his Father that day will serve him well in the future. Oh, the dire pups were born and taken---I loved them in the TV Show.

In the 2nd session, we learn more about the Lannisters and how devious they happen to be. Though I think C is more devious that her twin. I felt so sorry for Bran, especially since he did not comprehend what he had seen/heard :( Yet, he was pushed off the tower and his life is forever changed.

Catelyn (2 sections): So the king is coming and Ned's mentor has died! Oh to be the wife in this time and have to deliver all the bad news. While I am not sure if I like Catelyn or not (this has more to do with the TV Series), I do have to appreciate how she handled the delivering of the news to her husband.

I am not a fan of Catelyn and her treatment/attitude towards Jon. She blames the son for the fact that Ned loved his mother (or so she assumes). I did feel for her as she dealt with the news from her sister, the fact that she would be parted from 3 children, and the fact that she had to stay in Winterfell. Still I don't see me growing any warmer to her as the story progresses.

Daenerys (2 Sections): I keep forgetting that in the book all the characters are younger than they appear in the TV Series. Dany being barely 13 and about to be a bride. Her brother is cruel but she is worried that Dragos would be crueler. I think between her and Jon, you have my favorite characters so far (though I know I will be adding T to that list for the trifecta)

So in the book Kahl and Daenerys start out a little better than they did in the series. He is much more gentle with her and I am pleased about that. I have to say I will always picture Jason M. as Kahl and I think from the description in the book, they did a great job of casting there. The wedding was a master piece in storytelling.

Eddard: Oh Ned! I have a feeling he will be the upstanding and upfront character in this part of the series. What do you do when a King (who is also a friend) commands you to do something you really have no desire to do? Poor Poor Ned!

Jon (2 Sections): Listen to Ty, Jon, for he shall give you great advice to take forward in life. I like how observant Jon is of everything. During the feast he looked at each of the characters and saw them for what they were---though he missed the mark on Ty till the end of the chapter. I love his wolf, ghost---what a smart little fellow.

"It should have been you"--what a cruel worded woman Cate is and I like her even less now. I am glad that Jon got to say goodbye to Arya and Bran before departing to the Knight's Wall. I like that he has been written as being loved by most of his half-siblings.

Arya: I hadn't noticed in the show but Arya and Jon are the only 2 of the children to take after Ned with the dark looks. I love the bond between Arya and Jon----they act and behave like brother/sister. Poor Arya, she will never be the girl that they want her to be!

Tyrion: Possibly the only Lannister I like and probably the most wise character in the whole of the story. He is observant, smart, fiesty, and just a little bit devilish. However, it is through him that we get to see strength and perseverance! I am looking forward to reading more from his POV!