What am I reading?

DIK review sort of: Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

2010-01-27T16:26:00.004-06:00

I have to admit that when reading the first 2 in this series I really didn't pay that much attention to Poppy and I now regret that. What a wonderful heroine she turned out to be! I loved her story. She just turned out to be one of those characters you can't help but love. Even when she was wrong or wronged she still maintained a calm around her.

The hero was good and I love that Kleypas always makes them both say their sorry for acting a certain way! Especially in this situation where both were at fault. The background story and the twist involving Marks was wonderful.

If I had to give one complaint about this story it would be all the back story that she kept giving us. I understand that some people will just pick up this book and not have read the story but seriously I don't think its needed we would have been fine without it even if we hadn't read the entire series.

I did love that the original wallflowers were not mentioned this time it was solely based on the Hathaways
Can't wait for Leo's story!

Has anyone else read this story? What did you think?

So Reading 2 books on the side

2010-01-19T16:36:00.001-06:00

I recently have picked up 2 serious books to read in between reading the "fun" books like Tempt me at Twlight.

The first book is When God writes your love story by Eric and Leslie Ludy and the other is called Cray Love overwhelmed by a relentless God by Francis Chan.

Both are pretty good and kind of similar in their thought processes and ideas. I will let you know how it goes when I get further into them.

YEAH!!!

2010-01-15T18:03:00.001-06:00

Check out the new blog!!! A very special blogger friend of mine Lea over at Closet Writer (http://lea-closetwriter.blogspot.com/) has redone the blog! Doesn't it ROCK!!!

YEAH so stinkin excited!

Thank you so much Lea!

OMG

2010-01-15T17:31:00.004-06:00

I finished Playing with Fire by Katie MacAlister!
Of course it happened to be a book I didn't like so that doesn't bode well for the start of the reading year. Let me see I did enjoy seeing the old cast from previous books but for some reason this new spin off series just struck me wrong. I hated that the main character had no backbone until the end when she knew she shouldn't do but OMG what else can I do. Let's not listen to anyone nor let them try to help me b/c I am right. Which you may or maynot be aware of this but I hate those types of females.

Then when you add to it that she can't keep herself from screwing him every time she sees him b/c of that attraction even though she is "so worried" about her twin being kidnapped and the trail running short but wait we have pleanty of time to screw before looking for it.
IDK this book just did absolutely nothing for me. I pushed through it b/c I thought that maybe just maybe it would get better or back to the writing style that I love from this author but instead it just got worse and then ended in a cliff hanger which I assume is so you will buy the next in the series. Which I did before even reading this. I now regret that purchase. So I'm thinking of a contest not sure what kind but I'm thinking of one to get rid of this series and to see if others agree or disagree with me.

Final Grade: C

Playing With Fire By Katie MacAlister

2010-01-06T00:42:00.003-06:00

So I started Playing with fire last week and I kind of like it. I will say I should have finished the Aisling Grey series that I love so much b/c it pretty much gave a way the last book of the series I bet. Anyway that's a complete side note and yes I will go back and read the last one still.

I thought I would be really excited about this series spin off b/c I love the silver Dragons. But I'm not digging it so much May doesn't seem to have any fight in her. She just accepts what everyone says and moves on. Yes she tries to handle it in her own way but really she pretty much seems to be rolling over and taking whatever is given her. Right now Gabriel has told her he's her mate and vise versa its like she doesn't care or that she will do whatever to make the conflict go away. It even felt like that when she took his fire and he claimed her as a mate. Needless to say I'm a little conflicted on this spin off. I want to like it b/c I loved the Aisling Grey series so much but I'm not digging this one which sucks because I have the first 2 in the series.

What did you guys think of it? Which did you prefer the Grey series or this one?

Romance Reading Challenge

2010-01-04T23:23:00.002-06:00

Okay so I consider myself OBSESSED with Romance so that's 20 books I have to read by the end of the year.

~~1. Playing with Fire by Katie MacAlister~~
2. The Lion's Daughter by Loretta Chase
3. The Winter's Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
4. The Othe Boylen Girl by Philippa Gregory
5. Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke
6. bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran
7. Smooth talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
8. Everthing and the Moon by Julia Quinn
9. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley
10.
11. Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
12. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
13. ~~Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas~~
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

New Challenge

2010-01-04T23:22:00.003-06:00

Guess what... yep I signed up for one more challenge can you freakin believe it? Its called

The Romance Challenge and since it can cross over to any of the challenges I think I will pass this one LOL. K so I have to pick 20 books that are romance to qualify here are the rules:

This is the second year we have run the Romance Reading Challenge. Although this year it will be a little different with more options for those die hard lovers of Romance novels. This challenge includes all sub genres of Romance i.e. paranormal, young adult, historical etc. So this should give you plenty of options.

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.
2. There are four levels:-- Curious – Read 3 Romance Fiction novels.-- Fascinated – Read 6 Romance Fiction novels.-- Addicted – Read 12 Romance Fiction novels.-- Obsessed – Read 20 Romance Fiction novels.
3. Any book format counts.
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the Romance Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

Website here: http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/romance-reading-challenge.html

100 + Book Challenge Reading List

2010-01-01T22:44:00.002-06:00

1. ~~Playing with Fire by Katie MacALister~~
2. ~~Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas~~
3. The Lion's Daughter by Loretta Chase
4. The Winter's Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
5. The Other Boylen Girl by Phillippa Gregory
6. Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke
7. Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran
8. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
9. Everything and the Moon by Julia Quinn
10. The Madness of Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley
11. Worth any Price by Lisa Kleypas
12. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
13. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
14. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
15. Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh
16. Iron Kiss by Patricia Briggs
17. For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

Year of the Historical Book Selections

2009-12-30T22:46:00.005-06:00

The top 6 are also DIK selections WHOOT!
1. Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran
2. Everthing and the Moon by Julia Quinn
3. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley
4. Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
5. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
6. ~~Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas~~
Yeah now I need 6 more...
7. The Lion's Daughter by Loretta Chase
8. The Winter's Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
9. The Othe Boylen Girl by Philippa Gregory
10. Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke
11.
12.

All titles and selections are subject to change at my will.

Books Picked for DIK

2009-12-30T22:40:00.004-06:00

Okay for the DIK challenge I picked the following:
1. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
2. bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran
3. Smooth talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
4. Everthing and the Moon by Julia Quinn
5. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley
6. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
7. Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
8. Angel's Blood by nalini Singh
9. Iron Kiss by Patricia Briggs
10. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
11. For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison
12. ~~Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas~~

I am seeing a pattern here with Lisa's books but I am hoping they all work out.
Also my extra is: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole

Alright those be the picks~! Wish me luck!

Challenges

2009-12-30T20:58:00.006-06:00

Challenges we got 'em! Okay so I signed up for some challenges last year...
100+ book challenge 71 books read in 2009
ebook challenge COMPLETE with 10 books read!
1st in a series challenge COMPLETE with 12 books read!
2nd in a series challenge Yeah I think I got like 8 read out of 12

and well I think I did pretty good. So I thought well I should sign up for some more challenges this year. And they are...

100+ reading challenge again!
ebook challenge (if they have it)
DIK reading challenge
Historical reading challenge!

All sound fun and interesting. I'm hoping on the smaller ones to list them on the side bar but for the bigger ones I will post a link to it.

How about you do you do any challenges? If so which ones are you signing up for?

Hunger Games

2009-12-17T09:00:00.002-06:00

OMG what a fantastic book! I'm totally suprised, enthralled and dying to read the next one. This book grabbed you from page one sucking you into their world. The world that might come. The Hunger Games is a brutal game the Capital puts on it involves 2 children ages 12 thru. 18 that are randomly choosen through a lottery. These children, one boy and one girl, compete in a game to the death. Winner is rewarded with prizes, money and are set for life. Looser well they die.

This book has it all, action, reaction, drama, emotion, laughter and of course the heart of the story is about a young girl dealing with all of this.

I know this isn't my traditional review but I have to say this book was a very good, fast and enjoyable read I hope you check it out.

Currently Reading

2009-12-15T02:53:00.002-06:00

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. So far doing pretty good I have admit you do get sucked into this world. I am really digging the fact that this is North America in the future (according to this author) and I must admit I'm glad I'm not there. I know for a fact I would get picked and I wouldn't win LOL. Oh well, its a great book to get me started back in on reading.

Here's a blurb from a website about the book: Each year in the ruins of North America, 24 teenagers are forced to enter The Hunger Games. Only the winner survives. Every moment is televised.
Does District Twelve's 16-year-old contender stand a chance?

Sounds good doesn't it...

Has anyone read this one? Like I said I'm only to chapter 3 I think where our heroine takes the place of her younger sister (and seriously I'm hoping that's not a give away...) Anyway that's as far as I've gotten anyone else?

My Favorite Song...

2009-12-06T20:15:00.003-06:00

Brandon Heath - I'm Not Who I Was Lyrics

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was
I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

I found my way around
To forgiving you
Some time ago
But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know, I'm not who I was
You were there, you were right above me
And I wonder if you ever loved me
Just for who I was

When the pain came back again
Like a bitter friend
It was all that I could do
To keep myself from blaming you

I reckon it's a funny thing
I figured out I can sing
Now I'm not who I was
I write about love and such
Maybe 'cause I want it so much
I'm not who I was

I was thinking maybe I
I should let you know
I am not the same
But I never did forget your name
Hello

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

Its a bittersweet song for me it hits home in so many ways! I hope you enjoy it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpOLyR8MwiA

Automatic Detective favorite line

2009-11-08T01:08:00.002-06:00

So far we've seen Mac attempt to locate a little girl and her family. Although he has no history of PI he is determined to find them. This makes him a little more human and less robot like in my eyes.

Favorite line so far: "Damn some days I wished I'd been made a toaster." pg 80

Very good stuff so far I highly recommend.

The Automatic Detective by A Lee Martinez

2009-10-31T20:35:00.003-05:00

is the newest read I'm working on here at work. So far pretty good its about a new world where robots are attempting to become citizens with regular humans. Mac is the robot in question who is having troubles adjusting since he's so big and well just hard to work around.

Mac has just learned his neighbor whom he considers a friend is in the middle of something bad and doesn't know what to do. So he reacts and no one seems greatful except the psyhic child who gives him a picture. "It didn't even occure to me to scan the back. If I had maybe what happened wouldn't have happened. But I didn't and it did." pg 21

I'm betting that whatever happens is what triggers Mac into becoming a dective considering right now he's driving a Taxi for a living but we'll see.

Has anyone else read this book? Is it good?

Favorite lines from Turn Coat

2009-10-11T22:33:00.003-05:00

Since I am way beyond a fangirl stance with Harry Dresdan and Jim Butcher I don't feel I can give a good review so in instances like this I have choosen to instead give you my favorite quotes through out the book. Enjoy!

Thomas shook his head. "I doubt it. Or Justine woudn't have chosen to meet us here." Unless she'd been forced to do so, I thought to myself. I didn't say anything. I like to stay cozy with my paranoia, not pass her around to my friends and family. pg 49

I love being a Wizard everyday is like Disneyland. pg. 391

"Not my...augh." I threw another pencil. It missed Bob and bounced off the wall behind him. "With the skinwalker. Is it actually a male? Do I call it a he?" Bob rolled his eyelights. "It's a semidivine imortal, Harry. It doesn't procreate. It has no need to recombine DNA. That means that gender simply doesn't apply. That's something only you meat sacks worry about." "Then why is it that you stare at naked girls every chance you get," I said, "but not naked men?" "It's an aesthetic choice," Bob said loftily. "As a gender, women exist on a plane far beyond men when it comes to artistic appreciation of their external beauty." "And they have boobs," I said. "And they have boobs!" Bob agreed with a leer. (can't find page but trust me its in there!)

I finished a book!!!

2009-10-08T22:10:00.005-05:00

Oh yes I did and guess which one it was... Turn Coat by Jim Butcher and yes it rocked and yes I need to post a review but I can't b/c I'm such a HUGE fan of Butcher's series that I need to buy all of his books but I really only want them in hardback which is a HUGE cost but I think it is worth it... Anyway as I was saying a review would be hard because I love this series so much I don't feel like I could do a review justice. I tend to just go on and on about how great it is and really I never see any flaws in it until I've re-read it a dozen times.

I think instead of doing reviews I should focus on my favorite lines. Why you ask? Well b/c with this series we are 11 deep and I really think it will be hard to review this book without giving away the series. A lot of what we read up to this point is very entwined with all the other books so to discuss what happened in this one would give away other books that you may or may not have read. Also this time Butcher did work on some of the past flaws that I hated or annoyed me like constantly referring to the Beetle and describing it in great detail. He didn't repeat or sum up the story line to this point which he shouldn't b/c we are on book 11 and there is no point to sum it up if we don't know where we are odds are we don't care enough to read the first books so why sum us up. We are the ones that have been here the whole time.

Although if you read the review you take that risk no matter what... Needless to say I'm torn do I think it is a good book YES do I think that you should read it YES do you need to read the books in order YES (and I might be alone on that point but I truly feel that in order to understand this series you should really read it in order) Is this a series to invest in YES.

Other than that I think this is by far my favore Dresdan book. LOL not sure if that helped.

OMG I'm reading something...

2009-10-02T19:24:00.002-05:00

I'm actually reading something that doesn't have policy or procedures in the freakin title! YEAH ME!

Okay what am I reading? Well currently I am working on Turn Coat by Jim Butcher and per usual he has started off with a bang! LOVE BUTCHER LOVE HARRY LOVE THEM BOTH. I will say this time he hasn't bothered with descriping the beattle or some of the other lovely things he describes too much. I think he has finally figured out that if you haven't read the series up to this point you deserve to be lost LOL.

Okay so only on Chapter 9 favorite line so far? Harry thinks Thomas' girlfriend might have set them up... Unless she'd been forced to do so, I thought to myself. I didn't say anything. I like to stay cozy with my paranoia, not pass her around to my friends and family

Love it typical Harry thought. Anywho has anyone else read this series? If so what has been your favorite book so far?
Mine White Knight although I'm going to say this one is quickly toping it.

PS If anyone finds hardback books in this series for a good price drop me an email please: sarajohnson101 at hotmail dot com
Thanks

Holy Sneakers

2009-09-23T22:29:00.002-05:00

I haven't read a book since August? WTF? Seriously? That can't be right... Oh yeah I started a new job with weird hours, I got cable, went to Chicago, caught a bug and just stopped doing anything fun. That blows...

Well hopefully I can get a book read this month just so I don't feel so much like a loser... but we shall see. I think I only have a week left hum... okay maybe my goal should be to read a book in October. Yeah October sounds good!

In the meantime what have you guys been reading?

Well its the first of August

2009-08-04T09:40:00.003-05:00

And time to do the end of the month recap. This month SUCKED so I didn't read much I blame getting cable and just being out and about with friends for the majority of the time. Anywho here's what I read in July:

1. The Unblessed King by Michelle Pillow re-read
2. The Farey Queen by Michelle Pillow 100+ Book Challenge, 2nd in a series Challenge
3. Stone Queen by Michelle Pillow 100+ Book Challenge
4. I Spy Something Bloody by Josh Lanyon 100+ Book Challenge, Ebook Challenge

Yeah that's about it so that brings my total for 100+ books up to 55

And if I could ever write my damn review of I Spy I would be finished with the Ebook challenge.

Then again I'm saving my reviews for this weekend LOL!

Dracula by Bram Stoker

2009-07-31T11:17:00.007-05:00

So Dracula is FREAKING me out. This is a scary book folks GEEZ the simple use of words that are killing me.

The story is told through the diaries of Mina and Jonathon, now Lucy has joined in the fun. It is also told through letters by the Dr. of Crazy people, Art and the Texan that all competed for Lucy's hand. Van Helsing is getting in the action and I have to say I am seriously wigged about a few things.

The first thing that wigged me out was the Jonathon describes Dracula and his hairy palms *shutter*
The second was the ship scene when Dracula is coming over to England from Romania and one by one the crew memebers begin to disappear.
The third time is Reinfield OMG that man is weird.

The writing is wonderful and full of life enough so your imagination can run with it. But not so bogged down with the tree was 5 feet high, green with a slight hint of brown, it's trunk was as thick as an elephants leg and round and rough like *insert roll eyes* that you can't stand reading it.

For those of you who don't know this is my first time reading this and I seriously had to put it away the other night when it was storming I WAS THAT FREAKED! Yikes.

Alright time for a catch up

2009-07-28T08:23:00.006-05:00

I finally finished a book! YAY!!! I Spy Something Bloody was finished last Friday night so that's a bonus. Moving on to Dracula by Bram Stoker. I've never read it so thought this would be a wonderful time to. That and considering I got it for free on my Sony Reader. I'm hoping to finish up Amazon Ink soon or at least get close enough to something so that I can review it for you.

I will say so far its interesting. This is the first time I've read about Amazons and I have to say I'm enjoying it. At first I was a little put off by it but the main character is starting to grow on me so that would be an added bonus.

Have you guys read anything interesting recently? I always find it harder to read in the summer, there's too much going on.

Anywho I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Finding Hope by Katie Reus

2009-07-07T10:14:00.005-05:00

So I've started reading Finding Hope by Katie Reus and I have to say so far so good I like how she is setting this up. It looks like it might be a secret sister that was kidnapped story that is going to lead to a suspense (other than the secret sister part) OMG I'm hooked and work isn't letting me read anything right NOOOOOOOOOO!!! Anywho I'll let you know how it goes.

Unshapely Things

2009-07-07T08:33:00.003-05:00

So I tried to read Unquiet things yesterday and though it started off with a bang I have to say I'm going to put it on hold and go back to re-read Unshapely Things first. I have forgotten what has happened with these characters (its been too long since I've read this series) and well to do it justice I need to refresh the old memory and sweep out the cobwebs.

And seeing how this is the only thing I wrote about it back in 07 (damn has it been that long? NO wonder I don't remember LOL)
This book was fantastic I loved the suspense and action. I can't wait to see where it goes and it took me by surprise. I can't wait until next year for the new book.

Yeah see not helpful at all. Seriously. So another re-read is underway

Faery Queen by Michelle Pillow ~ Review

2009-07-06T10:33:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Faery Queen
AUTHOR: Michelle Pillow
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: Fantasy/Romance
PAGES; 233
SERIES: Yes
1. Unblessed King
2. Faery Queen
3. Stone Queen

REASON FOR READING: Read the first one as a re-read had to see where the series was heading

Summary : {From Goodreads}(NOT SURE WHY IT’S THE SAME SUMMARY BUT THERE YOU GO)
Immortality has a way of changing fate. Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good-happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick's and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning. Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the blessed, coveted by the damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father's, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she'd get what she wished for. When her fiancée is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving. Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her.or die.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I thought this book took off really well from where we were left in the first. The Earl promise the Faery queen he would be back but he hasn’t come. This makes her heart break b/c she really thought Hugh loved her. Slowly day by day that he doesn’t come she begins to loose her fairy magic and starts to grow darker. This is not good for the Fariy kingdom b/c they live off of pleasant things and happiness. Eventually the Queen grows so upset she makes a pact with Lucien the King of the Damned. And the story goes from there.

I have to admit at first I wanted to strangle Hugh and shake the Queen but eventually as Michelle let the story unfold I realized how great she made these characters b/c I really understood where they were coming from.

Finally we got our HEA with Hugh and the Queen only to discover that Juilianna King Merrick’s bride and Hugh’s sister has turned herself to stone. CRAP. So the story continues with Merrick get his HEA?

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it!!!

SCORE: 9 out of 10
*******
100+ Book Challenge

54 / 100 books. 54% done!

2nd in a series Challenge

6 / 12 books. 50% done!

King of the Unblessed by Michelle Pillow ~ Review

2009-07-06T10:24:00.003-05:00

TITLE: King of the Unblessed
AUTHOR: Michelle Pillow
COPYRIGHT: 2006
TYPE: Fantasy/Romance
PAGES; 268
SERIES: Yes

REASON FOR READING: This was my re-read for the month!

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Immortality has a way of changing fate. Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good-happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick's and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning. Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the blessed, coveted by the damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father's, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she'd get what she wished for. When her fiancée is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving. Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her.or die.

THOUGHTS/OPINION: in 2008
I liked this book a lot the reason it doesn't get five stars is simply the price I can't afford to buy it and the series it is creating. That being said I loved the story line. Merrick is the King of the Unblessed and becomes interested in a mortal woman. So interested he brings her into the Otherworld on an adventure that she craves. However Lucian King of the Damned is playing his own game with Merrick and Ean the King of the Blessed. Throw in some faries hot mortal men. Sexy Unblessed Men some graphic sex and a not too shabby story and well you get Chapter 1 in the Realm of the Immortals Series. The next is about Hugh one of the brothers of Julianna (The girl the Unblessed King wants) and his story of the Tania the Queen of the Faries. Can't wait to see how that one goes. I also want to see who she pairs the other two brothers with as well as the ever evolving story of Mia and Lucian. (Such a good side story too!) I gave it 4 out of 5 stars in 2008

THOUGHTS/OPINION: in 2009
Okay I really, really like this book. This is definitely a keeper!! I enjoyed reading it so much I re-read it in a day. Now granted there aren't a lot of pages but still! And this time I really enjoyed learning more about the characters. I saw more of the game playing and how it was working in Merrick's favor. I really enjoyed watching Juilianna come to the realization that Merrick wasn't all that evil and that he did care for her. I wanted to shake them both off and on for being so dense but then I wanted to cry when they realized their mistakes. Very GOOD!!!

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it!!! Still

SCORE: 8 out of 10

RE -READ Challenge

Alrighty then

2009-07-03T09:03:00.002-05:00

Some of you may or maynot know this quirk that I possess but usually I can't read an author back to back to back it makes me burned out. Recently however, this hasn't been true. For example I read a lot and I mean A LOT of the Harry Dresdan books back to back and had no problem with them. Nalini Singh's psy books are the same way.
And recently Michelle Pillows Realm of the Immortals books are the latest obession. For example I just finished my re-read King of the Unblessed, then moved on to book 2 The Fairy Queen and I am seriously hoping to finish The Stone Queen this weekend. WHY?

B/c they are just that good. They are so good I wan to read them and know what happens to the characters OMG I have to know if Thomas is going to find anyone will William become a wizard and what of Hugh and his Queen. and let us not forget about Julianna? She turned herself to stone WHY? I mean come on people what happened that she needed to do that?

Anyway you get the point. Luckily this was exactly what I needed to get over my reading funk. Now I'm going to work on I Spy Something Bloody by Josh Lanyon YEAH!!!

One Scream Away by Kate Brady

2009-07-02T08:26:00.005-05:00

TITLE: One Scream Away
AUTHOR: Kate Brady
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Suspense/Romance
PAGES; 464
SERIES: Yes strangely enough this is.

REASON FOR READING: Reading Romance sent me the Arc.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Killer Chevy Bankes is a master of disguise, and just paroled, he's coming after the woman who sent him to jail, the beautiful antiques expert Beth Denison. A set of antique dolls brings Beth into his sight, and inspire Chevy's disturbing crimes as he draws closer to Beth and her young daughter. Chevy sends the dolls to Beth one-by-one and she soon realizes that these antiques carry the same marks as his victims, signaling that the final piece in his collection will be for her.

Neil Sheridan gave up his FBI shield five years ago, but his best friend Rick, a cop, pulls him in as a consultant on a case involving a serial killer who is eerily similar to a murderer Neil encountered in the past. The investigation leads Neil to Beth's doorstep, and he is certain she isn't telling him the truth. Neil is the only one who can get through Beth's defenses and, as they grow closer, discover the secrets that Beth is hiding about her fateful night with Chevy.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
First off I'm not a HUGE suspense/thriller romance reader. I like them every once in a while and when I feel like it a good one really hits the spot. This one didn't work for me. A lot of it was the characters. I know a lot of people will find the contradiction refreshing but I didn't. I felt that the heroine was SUPER weak one moment and than TOO tough the next. I understand that she had been through a lot of horrible crap and nightmares ect. are par for course but one moment she is ready to blow his head off, while the next she is shaking so bad simply being reminded of his name...

Another thing I didn't care for was how fast the hero came in and took over the heroine's life and she was fine with it.

Now that was all the bad things let me talk about the parts I liked:
I enjoyed the villain/bad guy he was well rounded or as rounded as a psycho killer can be. I was actually able to understand his breakdown and why he did what he did. That was very interesting.

All in all I thought the plot with the suspense was handled well, the background story of how the characters came together was also well done and the dolls used was wonderful.

While I didn't care for this book I feel that others might enjoy it based on the plot and tactics used. Even though this book didn't work for me I would pick up another by this author

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it.

SCORE:4 out of 10
*******
100+ Book Challenge

52 / 100 books. 52% done!

I'm heading into a reading slump drops head

2009-07-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Every had just one of those reading funks where nothing no matter how good the book is, you just don't want to read anymore? Well I think sadly enough I am heading down that slippery slope. *gasp*

How do I know you ask? Well b/c I couldn't finish Scandal It is a great book and I refuse to mark it as a DNF but I just can't finish it. NOT b/c of the book just b/c I'm bored with reading. Then throw in Keeping it real and I'm in the same boat. Same with Bitten by Kelly Armstrong and my re-read. OMG what am I going to do?

Well I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to force myself to finish some books and write some reviews. It's about time I did anyway. So here's the goal! I'm giving myself until the end of next week to finish all the above listed books or they become DNF *sob* so I'd better get on it.

What do you do when you find yourself in a reading funk? Do you trudge on through or do you put it on hold?

Re-read

2009-07-01T10:27:00.003-05:00

OMG I am finally doing a re-read Lord talk about taking a couple of months off from the reading. Let's see King of the Unblessed is my re-read by Michelle Pillow. So far it is good I didn't remember parts of it but now that I am reading they make sense.

You know what I mean like one moment you remember the end but you don't understand how you got there? Or you remember the killer but not the clues on how to catch him.

Anywho that's where I'm at. Like I know who killed the fiance but now I am actually seeing the clues I missed first time around. Merrick is still sexy and I am seeing how much he cares for his lady by the simple gestures he does for her early on. It is so sweet!

Okay again only just started my re-read but still a nice one.

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins

2009-06-23T10:05:00.004-05:00

TITLE: Left Behind
AUTHOR: Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins
COPYRIGHT: 2000
TYPE: Christian
PAGES; 352
SERIES: Yes

REASON FOR READING: My mom’s been trying to get me to read this series forever!

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Piloting his 747, Rayford Steele is musing about his wife Irene's irritating religiosity and contemplating the charms of his "drop-dead gorgeous" flight attendant, Hattie. First Irene was into Amway, then Tupperware, and now it's the Rapture of the Saints--the scary last story in the Bible in which Christians are swept to heaven and unbelievers are left behind to endure the Antichrist's Tribulation. Steele believes he'll put the plane on autopilot and go visit Hattie. But Hattie's in a panic: some of the passengers have disappeared! The Rapture has happened, abruptly driverless cars are crashing all over, and the slick, sinister Romanian Nicolae Carpathia plans to use the UN to establish one world government and religion. Resembling "a young Robert Redford" and silver-tongued in nine languages, Carpathia is named People's "Sexiest Man Alive." (This reviewer, a former People writer, finds this plot twist plausible.) Meanwhile, Steele teams up with Buck Williams, a buck-the-system newshound, to form the Tribulation Force, an underground of left-behind penitents battling the Antichrist.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I thought this is a good book talking about the end of times. Most people tend to forget that this is fiction which means two people set down and wrote it. However, they based it off of facts in the Bible the book of Revelation. So with that in mind this is a Christian book and while it seems unbelievable to some to me it is what I would envision happening. And personally makes me hope I go in rapture so that I’m not sticking around to watch this happen to the world.
The book starts off with a pilot who is thinking of cheating on his wife only before he can he realizes people are missing from his plane. As they get closer to home they realize that millions of people around the world are missing. They just disappeared in the blink of an eye. All the children are gone as well which frightens those left behind.
Hence the title. Anyway this book sets up the series of what will occur on Earth before the Lord returns. I think it had some pros and cons. I do believe if you are curious as to what the whole rapture thing is about then I suggest checking out your bible then reading this book

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it going to see if I want the rest.

SCORE: 8 out of 10
*******
100+ Book Challenge

53 / 100 books. 53% done!

Left Behind...

2009-06-22T08:13:00.003-05:00

Okay I really haven't talked about this book and I feel bad for that. This is one of those books that you either enjoy or don't. It is a religion book which I have never read before but thought that since I am growing as a Christian and exploring new areas of my faith that reading Christian literature might be a good step. So what did I start with? A book about the the end of times. Yeah very scary stuff.

So far we have delt with 2 main characters and a few minor characters. We now know who is the anti-christ and how easily he will win the world over. Rapture has occured (for those of you unfimilar with this that is when God will call back his people and in a blink of an eye they will be gone) And now the world is wondering why they were left behind, who stole the people and what is going on. Those that had been to church realized it was Christ's hand while others are doubtful and looking for any excuse.

Rayford one of the main characters is left behind. His wife and son were taken and now Rayford realizes that he was left and who is responsible. He is coming to find the Lord while at the same time hoping his daughter Chole finds him as well. Rayford is also starting to realize all of his sins and how that hurt him in the long run.

The other main character is "Buck" a young reporter who is unsure of what is going on but is so enamored with his job he isn't looking for any particular reason. Buck is the one that will become close to the anti-christ and is helping him by making him a major story.

Somehow these two stories will either come together or fall apart. I can't wait to see which. Left behind is the 1st of 7 I think and I am about done with it. I will post a review when I finish.

Has anyone else read this series? Did you find yourself with goosebumps while reading it?

Scandal by Carolyn Jewel and Left Behind

2009-06-22T08:11:00.003-05:00

So figured out why brother is being such an ass. He thinks the hero is in love with the woman he loves, but can't have b/c her father doesn't think he's good enough. Seems like a good enough reason. I am worried that the heroine is going to talk herself out of getting with hero. I know that is foolish but its still a worry I possess! I am mildly surprised at how slow but yet engaging this romance is turning out to be. I shall try to read faster seeing how its due on Wednesday at the library.

Thoughts on Scandal by Carolyn Jewel

2009-06-19T03:52:00.003-05:00

So far its pretty good. I like that the heroine is not the prettiest girl in the world. Although it gets annoying that the "hero" keeps reminding himself of that. Then again he is a guy. Also enjoy that she keeps rejecting him. Oh I know why she does but it is amusing to me.

Not really sure why her brother is being such an ass to the hero after he declared his attentions to her. I get he doesn't want his sister to be upset but still he doesn't have to be an ass about it.

All in all pretty good haven't really gotten too far with it yet.

DNF

2009-06-18T05:19:00.002-05:00

Another one bites the dust and lands in the DNF pile. That would One Good Knight. I just couldn't bring myself to finish that damn book. It kept irritating me with the whole plot thing and the fact that the names were different but didn't even remotely follow the fairy tale they were set up to follow irked the crap out of me. So I said good bye to it. Which sucks b/c it would have qualified for my 2nd in a series challenge which I am sorely lacking...

So now I've moved on to Scandal by Carolyn Jewel, Keeping it Real, and Left Behind. Figured I'd try 3 totally different books in hopes of clearing out the cobwebs and jumping back on the bandwagon sort to speak.

Alright well has anyone read any of these books? Which should I start with?

Still reading

2009-06-16T07:11:00.003-05:00

One Good Knight, still have no idea what fairy tale this is suppose to based on or where the friggin story is even going. Can I just say for the record how is this a sequel when it clearly has nothing to do with the first in the series other than it takes place in one of the 500 kingdoms? I just don't get it. And it has Greek names which is really confusing me b/c to me the Greek names mixed with a fairy tale is not right. I keep getting it messed up with Greek myths which just puts it in a whole nother ball game.

URGH I wish I could just get to the fairytale part just so I could see where she is going with it.

One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey

2009-06-12T14:18:00.003-05:00

So I just started this one and it is A LOT different but not. This time it looks as if the story will take place in the Greek times/background which makes it hard for me to figure out what fairy tale they are going to give. Other than the hint that it has to do with Sir George the dragon slayer... I have to admit this one didn't snag me right off the bat like the other one did.

Has anyone read this?

Broken Wing by Judith James ~ Review

2009-06-12T10:38:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Broken Wing
AUTHOR: Judith James
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Historical Romance
PAGES; 350
SERIES: No I don’t believe it is a series I might be wrong though

REASON FOR READING: Kristie kept talking about it and I didn’t want to be out of the loop

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Set during the chaotic beginnings of Napoleon's rule, this saga tells the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a street survivor searching for a place to belong. Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, he has never known friendship or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own. Becoming a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, he travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all is within the darkest reaches of his own heart

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this book shocked me. Not something I would have normally picked up but I'm glad Kristie talked me into it. The budding love was fantastic. I was upset at how Gabe acted but I understood his actions and still loved him for it. Very, very good romance.

Things I enjoyed:
-The characters were strong in their own right. They both had a lot to work through and yet Sarah didn’t let it stop her from being a caring person. And even though it took more time for Gabe it still didn’t stop him from loving Sarah
-How strong Gabe was just to survive. And yet he still managed to let another person into his heart. Yes it took a while but that is what made the romance so sweet.
-OMG the romance was fantastic how they fell for each other and the struggles they had to overcome in order to be with each was a nice touch.
- The teaching him how to kiss scene priceless

Things I didn’t care for
- Okay I’m probably the only one who didn’t like the scenes where Gabe was a way killing to survive. Yes it was important to character growth but at the same time I just ended up skimming over those scenes. It did nothing to help me grasp the situation nor did it matter at the end to me.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it for now will end up buying though.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: At first this book turned me off b/c its not my normal read but once I started reading it I fell in love with it.
*******
100+ Book Challenge

51 / 100 books. 51% done!

Broken Wing finished

2009-06-12T09:31:00.003-05:00

Review to follow I am thinking about shutting down my reading challenges website and start posting my reviews here there is no good reason to have this site and a reading site. But we shall see.

Okay on to the simi/small review. Broken Wings was excellent I will post a formal review later but for now I have to say hands down the best romance I've read between 2 characters in a long time. I really enjoyed watching them come to care for each other. They truly needed each other and I liked watching it turn into love. LOVED Gabe very good hero with a horrible past. And yet he managed to come out of it with the love of his woman. Very sweet.

Had parts that I had to wipe away tears from, parts that I smiled and parts that I wished it was me that rescued Gabe. The only parts I didn't care for had to do with when he was captured. I understand why it was written but I was so into the romance I ended up skipping most of them. Maybe next go I will read them in full.

If you have read this book what did you think of it?

Broken Wing by Judith James

2009-06-11T08:56:00.003-05:00

Okay Kristie you win. I seriously didn't think I would enjoy this book. In fact I put off reading it 2 times b/c it just didn't sound like something I was interested in. And I have to admit the first few pages I was wondering why I was reading this but then something happened.

I got sucked in... literally sucked into this world this horrible beginnig turned happy in the middle. Now I can't claim to know what is going to happen and I know that something will b/c it can't stay this happy and innocent for much longer. Something has got to happen to Sarah in order to have Gabriel fight for her. Which saddens me b/c right now I'm totally digging his happiness and may I add his well deserved happiness.

*Sigh* But alas something tragic must occur in order for something wonderful to happen. So wish me luck right now I'm on 146 and I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop (and hoping I can survive it)

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey ~ Review

2009-06-10T16:32:00.003-05:00

TITLE: The Fairy Godmother
AUTHOR: Mercedes Lackey
COPYRIGHT: 2004
TYPE: Fantasy Romance
PAGES; 496
SERIES: 1st in the series
1. The Fairy Godmother

REASON FOR READING: Apparently I am on a fairytale kick

Summary : {From Goodreads}
In the land of Five Hundred Kingdoms, if you can't carry out your legendary role, life is no fairy tale…
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella—until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job—and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land.
But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale. In fact, one of them was so ornery that Elena could do nothing but change him into a donkey.
Still, her practical nature couldn't let him roam the country, so she brought the donkey—er, the prince!—home to her cottage to teach him some lessons. All the while keeping in mind that breaking with tradition can land everyone into a kettle of fish—sometimes literally!
And so begins a whole new tale…
THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This is a different telling of Cinderella and what could have happened. It tells that all fairytales are really happening but due to the Tradition that is forcing them alone. With the help of wizards and Godmothers (as well as bad) they are happening one way or another. Unless a very cunning Godmother can redirect the Tradition in a way that still satisfies the storyline.

Things I enjoyed:
-Elena was a good strong character she knew enough to take care of herself and she was going to no matter how bad her life had been.
-The fact that Cinderella got a chance to be something other than the same old same old was refreshing. The plot was good and strong and I enjoyed watching how Ms. Lackey made her world work and function.
-I like the twist on the fairy tale stories and I liked the explanation of why there are so many.
-The secondary characters were fantastic! I enjoyed the Brownies and the mirror both added just enough magic to the story to make it really cool but not childish.

Things I didn’t care for:
- I didn’t care for the way the fairies are the ones that played a big role in Alexander’s transformation. If he would have come to the conclusions on his own I would’ve been okay but it just was strange one page he was an ass (for lack of a better term) on the next not.
- Also there was no real reason to have this story turn into a romance. Did it add a little extra yeah but not enough to matter.
-The sex scenes are kind of boring and pointless. We didn’t need to know that about them she could have skipped over the scenes and been just as good. Instead they kind of took away from the story and I ended up skipping them

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book. I may end up buying it though.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: If you like fairy tales you will really enjoy this book it takes a twist on fairy tales and makes them even more interesting
*******
100+ Book Challenge

50 / 100 books. 50% done!

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey

2009-06-10T08:34:00.004-05:00

Not a bad read. This was my first book by Ms. Lackey and I can say I will be picking up the next in the series. I enjoyed the twist on the fairy tales and how Godmothers play a role. Had a romance in it which was always a bonus.

I enjoyed both characters and thought that Elena was a great Godmother. Her story line was suppose to follow Cinderella but didn't have the HEA she thought she would get. So instead she becomes an Apprentice to a Godmother to eventually run that kingdom on her own. The only part I question was where in the world did Bella go when she handed over the reins to Elenda? Does anyone know?

I plan to start One Good Knight next week taking a small break to read Broken Wing I think. Anyway has anyone else out there read this series? How many are in it so far?

Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans ~ Review

2009-06-04T09:46:00.005-05:00

TITLE: Night’s Rose
AUTHOR: Annaliese Evans
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Paranormal Romance
PAGES; 384
SERIES: 1st in the series
1. Night’s Rose

REASON FOR READING: I love the story of sleeping beauty and had to see what she did with the fairy tale.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
For nearly one hundred years, Rosemarie Edenberg has worked tirelessly to wipe the dreaded ogre tribe from the earth. Now the tribe has gathered in London to work a spell that will destroy the scourge of their kind, the one they call the Briar Rose.

Two magnetic men will unite to aid Rose--her mysterious fey advisor, Ambrose, and the vampire Lord Shenley, an earl of scandalous reputation and even more scandalous appetites. One will save her, one will betray her, and both will challenge her to face the past that haunts her.

Once upon a time, she was ensnared in the mists of enchantment, cursed to sleep one hundred years. But this beauty wasn't awakened with a kiss and has never known happily ever after. But with the help of her handsome allies, Rose may find it yet.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have always enjoyed the story of sleeping beauty. So when I found out that this was the main fairy tale this book centered around I got really excited and couldn’t wait to read it. It had some really good parts that I enjoyed.

Things I enjoyed:
-I liked that all the characters were fleshed out.
-Watching Rose’s background come out with the legend of sleeping beauty was heartbreaking (b/c of what happened to her) and yet very well played I really enjoyed the twist on the story.
-I liked that Rose was such a strong character. She was able to fight and yet knew that she wasn’t always able to do it alone.

Things I didn’t care for:
- I have to admit I didn’t care for who she picked it seemed to me he tricked her in a way like the other one did (granted the other man in the picture did something horrible that was way worse) still he tricked her.
- I ended up skipping a lot of the battle scenes after awhile they became the same scene

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it.

SCORE: 5 out of 10

Anything Else: If you like fairy tales you will really enjoy this book
*******
100+ Book Challenge

49 / 100 books. 49% done!

1st in a series Challenge

Finished Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans

2009-06-03T08:37:00.001-05:00

Review to follow on the Challenge site soon! I did enjoy the book and the back blurb is mis-leading in a sense, but I still enjoyed it.

I hurt for Rose and laughed with Rose, I enjoyed her happiness and shared in her sadness which is something I admire in a good author. I do recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about fairy tales b/c it has a very nice twist on it. I think this might turn into one of those wishlist kind of books.

Renee just informed me book 2 is coming out so I will do some research on it to determine what its about and get back with you!

Did anyone else like it? Did you figure out who Rose would end up with?

Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans

2009-06-02T08:55:00.003-05:00

So far so good. This takes the story of Sleeping Beauty to a WHOLE new level. And seeing how Sleeping Beauty is my FAVORITE Disney/Fairytale I have to say on the whole I'm impressed. So far...

Let me see plot in a nutshell... Rose was put to sleep by the fairies only to be awoken early when she went into labor with an ogre's child. She was raped and got pregant. When she woke up she saw him trying to eat her and the children (I think, I've gathered this mainly through flashbacks) Currently Rose is in charge of wiping out the ogre population and does it well with the help of Ambrosa a fey advisor and Garthe a vampire. One will betray her according to the back blurb and one will save her but who will do what is so far a mystery.

If I had to pick which one I like the best I'd go with the fey only b/c he's pretty and yet with drawn you know never shows his emotions sort of guy LOL.

Okay here's the blurb:
For nearly one hundred years, Rosemarie Edenberg has worked tirelessly to wipe the dreaded ogre tribe from the earth. Now the tribe has gathered in London to work a spell that will destroy the scourge of their kind, the one they call the Briar Rose. Two magnetic men will unite to aid Rose--her mysterious fey advisor, Ambrose, and the vampire Lord Shenley, an earl of scandalous reputation and even more scandalous appetites. One will save her, one will betray her, and both will challenge her to face the past that haunts her. Once upon a time, she was ensnared in the mists of enchantment, cursed to sleep one hundred years. But this beauty wasn't awakened with a kiss and has never known happily ever after. But with the help of her handsome allies, Rose may find it yet.

Interesting no?

Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher ~ Review

2009-06-01T13:25:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Proven Guilty
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 496
SERIES: 8th in the series
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Come on I’ve read them all up to this one so I had to complete the series.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
The White Council of Wizards has drafted Harry Dresden as a Warden and assigned him to look into rumors of black magic in Chicago. Malevolent entities that feed on fear are loose in the Windy City, but it's all in a day's work for a wizard, his faithful dog, and a talking skull named Bob.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
We are back in Chicago with Harry picking up where he left off in the last one. This one involved the Carpenters which I love to learn about. If you remember or you might not the dad Michael is a White Knight of the sword. This one also reminded me of an episode of Charmed where movie characters are coming to life so that kind of ruined the whole OOHHH factor However, the twist at the end was pretty good and I enjoyed it so that helped redeem the book.

Things I enjoyed:
-Uh duh Harry! He’s the best wizard EVER!!! *clears throat* Okay let’s be more specific. He is loyal, trusting, honest and well just wants the good guys to win even if that means getting his butt kicked. (Still sticking with this statement from the last review)
-This plot helped move the whole story further and I can see where we are heading with it.
-I really enjoyed watching the Carpenters come together as a family and seeing Charity being knocked down a peg. I also enjoyed learning why Charity hated Harry so much.
-I also enjoyed the humor Harry has the best one liners ever.

Things I didn’t care for: - Like I said the plot didn’t wow me like it could of considering that I’ve seen it before on Charmed. However, it did have a nice twist to it that did redeem it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book and sadly enough I haven’t kept any of the series.

SCORE: 6 out of 10

Anything Else: You need to read the series to understand the complex nature of this book. Too many of the sub plots are taken from other stories in the series.
*******
100+ Book Challenge

43 / 100 books. 43% done!

White Night by JIm Butcher ~ Review

2009-05-21T13:06:00.003-05:00

TITLE: White Night
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 416
SERIES: 9th in the series
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Come on I’ve read them all up to this one so I had to complete the series.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Professional wizard Harry Dresden is investigating a series of deaths in Chicago. Someone is killing practitioners of magic, those incapable of becoming full-fledged wizards. Shockingly, all the evidence points to Harry's half-brother, Thomas, as the murderer. Determined to clear his sibling's name, Harry uncovers a conspiracy within the White Council of Wizards that threatens not only him, but his nearest and dearest, too...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
We are back in Chicago with Harry picking up where he left off in the last one. Okay FINALLY we get a WHOLE book on Harry’s Half Brother Thomas whom I heart but not nearly as much as Harry himself!!! Not to mention the action was kicked up a notch. People from Harry’s past showed up to play and Lash became a main character! Well she sort of has been but she grew into a character I adored in this book.

Things I enjoyed:
-Uh duh Harry! He’s the best wizard EVER!!! *clears throat* Okay let’s be more specific. He is loyal, trusting, honest and well just wants the good guys to win even if that means getting his butt kicked. (Still sticking with this statement from the last 5 reviews)
-Okay like I said before we got to see more of Thomas and his interaction with Harry. Learning about him and what he’s been up to while hiding his secret (which was an excellent twist never saw that coming) was wonderful. Favorite scene was when the cops showed up at Thomas’ apartment and Harry acted like his gay lover LOL. OMG was ROTFLMAO seriously.
-I think this book had more humor in it that really offset the darker side of the story. Again this one is my favorite of the series because of Thomas.

Things I didn’t care for:
- There wasn’t much that I didn’t enjoy in this book. This one has been my favorite of the serious hands down

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book and sadly enough I haven’t kept any of the series.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: You need to read the series to understand the complex nature of this book. Too many of the sub plots are taken from other stories in the series.

*******
100+ Book Challenge

45 / 100 books. 45% done!

Rising Tides by Nora Roberts ~ Review

2009-05-21T12:58:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Rising Tides
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
COPYRIGHT: 1998
TYPE: Romance
PAGES; 330
SERIES: Yep Book 2 in a 4 book series
1. Sea Swept
2. Rising Tides

REASON FOR READING: I enjoyed book 1 and really liked Ethan’s character so I had to read what happened to him.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Set on the windswept shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Nora Roberts's Rising Tides, the second book in the Quinn Brothers trilogy, continues the story of the lives and loves of adopted brothers Ethan, Cameron, and Philip Quinn. Eager to honor their father's dying wish that their other brother, Seth, be cared for, the three settle into life with a 10-year-old. Of all the brothers, it is Ethan who finds himself drawn to the young boy, because both suffered horrific abuse before being adopted by the Quinns. Time hasn't extinguished Ethan's pain, only buried it deep within his heart, a fact that may keep him from the only woman he has ever loved

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Ethan’s story is the one that I wanted to read the whole time I was reading Cam’s story. I really enjoyed how serious he was, how calm, and that he took his time before making a decision he appeared to be the kind of man you could like and respect. I also found that I was really interested in Grace’s story during book 1. She appeared to be the kind of woman I could be friends with and I just wanted to see her get a HEA. The book takes off a few months after the last one. Cam and Anna are married and on a honeymoon in Rome. Leaving Seth with Ethan which was good b/c Seth’s past was a WHOLE hell of a lot like Ethan’s the only difference was how far the abuse went. God what Ethan had to go through was horrible and I found myself crying with Grace while he told her. The shame and guilt he felt and the fact he believed he was tainted about broke my heart.
As far as Grace is concerned she is doing everything she can just to survive. She has a daughter with no father. Her own father cut her out of his life (but that was a mutual thing) she is working 2 jobs and trying to give her little girl the best life she can. She was exactly what Ethan needed.

Things I enjoyed:
-I really enjoyed that Ethan helped Seth come to terms with his shame and helped him to realize that he was still an okay kid even after what had happened to him. I really feel that Ethan is the reason that Seth started to connect with the family.
-I enjoyed Grace. Yes at times she was beyond stubborn but she figured out early in life you can’t count on anyone to take care of you but yourself and by God did she ever.
-Watching these two dance back and forth fighting their feelings, mis-reading each other and not talking would usually be a turn off for me. But in this case I really enjoyed it.

Things I didn’t care for:
-I didn’t care for the almost rape scene that happened at the bar and how Ethan reacted to. I thought it was a little out of character for him and didn’t do anything for the plot other than help Grace realize that maybe it is okay to ask for help.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it. It was a cute book but not a re-read for me.

SCORE: 7 out of 10

Anything Else: You really need to read book one in order to fully appreciate the situation with Seth and the brothers.
*******
100+ Book Challenge

47 / 100 books. 47% done!

2nd in a series

5 / 12 books. 42% done!

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George ~ Review

2009-05-20T13:05:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Princess of the Midnight Ball
AUTHOR: Jessica Day George
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Romance
PAGES; 280
SERIES: You know I’m not sure

REASON FOR READING: The ladies over at the Book Smugglers reviewed it and it was one of my favorite fairy tales as a child so I thought I would give it a whirl.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn…

Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above.
Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George's take on the Grimms' tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed the sisters and there interactions with each other. However, it did get old having 12 of them in a conversation LOL. Yeah that’s me hard to please. The author was very good at setting up the story and telling it in a way that stayed true to the original myth I remembered as a child but yet added some things I didn’t know like the knitting (or at least that I didn’t remember). Galen was an interesting character and I enjoyed learning more of the Under Stone part of the story.

Things I enjoyed:
-Galen he was not a young man to be messed with after fighting in the war as long as he did. He lost the only family he ever knew but yet still had a sunny outlook on life. He wasn’t one to sit and brood about it or turn into an ass about it either. I enjoyed that even after a hard life he still enjoyed living.
-As I mentioned above the author stuck to the original fairy tale but at the same time managed to bring it to life without altering it too much.

Things I didn’t care for:
- -I did enjoy the 12 sisters but at times it was almost too much

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it. It was a library book that was cute but not a re-read unless I have children.

SCORE: 7 out of 10

Anything Else: If you enjoy fairy tale remakes this one is pretty good.
*******
100+ Book Challenge

46 / 100 books. 46% done!

Small Favor by Jim Butcher ~ Review

2009-05-20T12:57:00.004-05:00

TITLE: Small Favor
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 416
SERIES: 10th in the series
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Come on I’ve read them all up to this one so I had to complete the series.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
The new novel in the New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series.

No one's tried to kill Harry Dresden for almost an entire year, and his life finally seems to be calming down. For once, the future looks fairly bright. But the past casts one hell of a long shadow.

An old bargain has placed Harry in debt to Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, the Queen of Air and Darkness-and she's calling in her marker. It's a small favor he can't refuse...one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally, and one that will strain his skills-and loyalties-to their very limits.

It figures. Everything was going too well to last...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
So wow its been a while since I’ve read this book so give me a second to think about it more. I know that in this one Harry finally starts to slow down with life and then WHAM Mab comes back to claim a favor he owes her. Gentleman Johnny Marcone is taken and Harry can’t determine if this is a good thing or not. Before he can make up his mind Mab comes in and request her favor. In the meantime Harry has the 3 Brother’s Billy Goats chasing him. Michael doesn’t trust him, the Denarians are back and badder than ever and its going to take everything Harry possess to keep them from getting what they want.

Things I enjoyed:
-Uh duh Harry! He’s the best wizard EVER!!! *clears throat* Okay let’s be more specific. He is loyal, trusting, honest and well just wants the good guys to win even if that means getting his butt kicked. (Still sticking with this statement from the last 6 reviews plus he’s in my hut now!!!)
-This had a lot more action than the normal Harry books. Harry gets the ever loving crap beat out of him and yet still manages to use his brains in order to save the day and a little girl. All in a days work.
-I liked that Harry has actually got a reward this time in the form of a Warden which I think added to making me appreciate how much Harry is a real person.

Things I didn’t care for:
- I got tired of constantly getting the reminders of people. Most of the people picking up this book are going to know that the Blue Beetle isn’t really blue, that Thomas is Harry’s half brother and that Mouse is a gifted dog.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book and sadly enough I haven’t kept any of the series.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: You need to read the series to understand the complex nature of this book. Too many of the sub plots are taken from other stories in the series.
*******
100+ Book Challenge

48 / 100 books. 48% done!

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts ~ Review

2009-05-19T09:36:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Sea Swept
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
COPYRIGHT: 1998
TYPE: Romance
PAGES; unsure
SERIES: 1st in the series
1. Sea Swept

REASON FOR READING: Well I’ve never read a Nora book before and this one came HIGHLY suggested so I figured why not

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Sea Swept tells the tale of three brothers--all former juvenile delinquents adopted by Raymond Quinn and his wife, Stella. Cameron, Ethan, and Philip are as different as can be, but they are bound by their love and respect for their adoptive father, who has recently passed away. On his deathbed he asks his sons to look after their most recent brother, 10-year-old Seth, who--if the rumors are to believed--just may be Ray's biological son. Of course, the brothers don't know anything about caring for the young boy, and if social worker Anna Spinelli has anything to say about it, they won't. However, the sparks that fly over the fate of Seth are nothing compared to the romantic sparks that fly between Anna and Cameron

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
For my first Nora book it was pretty good. I enjoyed the setting St. Christopher Bay. The brothers were different all from a horrible background and taken in by wonderful people who gave them a chance to better their lives. The only hiccup was the fact they were all BEAUTIFUL, GIFTED, RICH, Ect… and so forth including the women listed. That got old but I cancelled that out based on their horrible childhoods and made it work. The brothers are living their lives when it falls apart. The man they call Dad just died and left behind a kid just like them. Only this time Seth is left with scandal. The town believes that he is Ray’s son which of course the brother’s don’t believe. This book focuses on the eldest Cam who races boats for a living and his “heroine” Anna who happens to be Seth’s Social Worker.

Things I enjoyed:
-Anna she was very strong, she knew what she wanted and wouldn’t stop at anything to get it. Plus when Cam was being an ass she decided that yes it would hurt but she didn’t need him to survive. She is a heroine after my own heart and I really enjoyed her whipping Cam into shape.
-The plot was pretty good and watching Seth and the brothers come to terms with their life being flipped around was very sweet. I also liked that Seth and Cam liked each other but at the same time didn’t know how to take each other. It wasn’t like the brothers became a family all at once.
-Seeing how the brothers interact with each other was fantastic. Their fights and arguments were very believable.

Things I didn’t care for:
- Like I stated above the brothers were almost too perfect. They were all handsome, rich, well to do, had a great job, ect. It was a little too much
- I didn’t care for “Ray” making a ghost like appearance I thought that was a little silly. I guess it worked but something about it was off for me.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it. While it was cute it just wasn’t a re-read for me.

SCORE: 6 out of 10

Anything Else: I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fluffy and quick romance read.
*******
100+ Book Challenge

44 / 100 books. 44% done!

1st in a series Challenge

12 / 12 Books. 100% done! DONE BABY!!!!

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts part II

2009-05-18T11:49:00.003-05:00

Okay I finished my first Nora book. All and all pretty good. I liked the characters, and even though they appeared to all be "too perfect" (everyone of them was handsome, beautiful, good with kids, had the money, great personalities ect.) I still found that I liked them. Maybe it was due to them having such horrible backgrounds or whatnot.
I liked that our hero actually had to fight for our heroine and that she would have been fine without him. She was capable and able to move on even though it hurt (that was very nice.) I liked that he had to admit that Seth was growing on him and that he allowed him in.

All and all good like I said and yes for those of you curious I will be reading book 2 by her in this series b/c I'm just that curious. And if that holds my attention I will pick up book 3.

So what did you like about it? What were you favorite parts? and whose your fav brother?

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

2009-05-16T20:20:00.003-05:00

Well I finally did it. I took the plunge and began my first Roberts book. And man am I sucked in or what. The sad part no idea why other than the lady knows how to write a novel that tugs at your heart. But I digress the reason this is important is A) I've never read Nora b/c I had a prejudice against her and B) I figured it was time to grow plus most of her novels (that I know of) are contempoary romance and I just don't care for them.

Okay so I started it today during my 12 hour shift and was like okay no biggie. Then WHAM she hit me with a plot twist and 3 brothers that I must know all about. Ethan has my heart as does his possible heroine so really looking forward to that story. Cam is a woman's version of a wet dream and Philip is the one I would marry simple for money. But the backstories will make you want to cry and smile.

Seth's story is the one that's breaking my heart. Watching him grow has been wonderful and I can't wait to see what he does with his brothers or how the story pans out. So needless to say my first experience so far with Nora has been a winner. Makes me wonder why I'm so against contemporaries (and am I even spelling them right?)

So what's your favorite Nora story? Did you have the same notions I had about her?

Riding Wild by Jaci Burton ~ Review

2009-05-16T13:26:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Riding Wild
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Erotic Romance
PAGES; 288
SERIES: 1st in a series

REASON FOR READING: Christine and everyone was talking about the latest release so I thought I should join in and at least read the first one.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
He's a Harley-riding ex-thief working undercover for the government. She's a gun-toting ex-socialite hired to protect a valuable museum exhibit. But in her attempt to stop a heist, she never anticipated having her breath and her heart stolen...

Mac Canfield was the last man Lily West expected to see again, never mind aim her gun at. But here he was, the bad boy who'd broken her heart years ago-still a thief, this time high-jacking a priceless artifact--and it was all she could do to push aside the memories of how it felt to have his perfectly chiseled body next to hers.

Mac was no less shocked to see the beautiful girl-next-door all grown up, threatening to shoot him on the spot. Little did she know she was blowing his cover-and now he had to figure out how to get her out of harm's way without succumbing to his crazy desire to take her on a hot trip down memory lane.

Unfortunately, Lily has no intention of going anywhere with Mac. Which means he has to resort to kidnapping. Unless, of course, she agrees to let him take her for the kind of ride destined to drive them both unbelievably wild

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Okay don’t hold this against me but to be honest I don’t care that much for erotic romance. Usually I can do okay with it when I am so engrossed with the story/plot that I forget about what I’m reading or the sex makes sense. So bare with me through this review b/c while I LOVED the plot and the sex was HAWT. I could’ve done without five or six of the sex scenes. I didn’t think they helped anything in fact a couple of them were just pointless to me (and only me so don’t flay me alive).

Things I enjoyed:
-I enjoyed that Lily was able to fully enjoy sex without any reservations. She knew what she enjoyed in bed and wasn’t scared to try anything new. In other words she wasn’t your typical I love sex but really I have no idea what I’m doing.
-I liked that Mac really did love Lily and always had but thought he wasn’t good enough for her. Those kind of heroes always make me swoon. He’s a bad boy that knows it and only wanted what he thought was the best for Lily.
-I liked that Mac came to realize that only Lily knows what’s good and what isn’t for Lily not him and that he was going to have to let her experience things on her own without being the over protective alpha that doesn’t budge.

Things I didn’t care for: -Like I said above I could’ve done without some of the sex scenes and ended up skimming through most of them (the superficial ones) once they came together as a couple it was perfect.
-Another thing was introducing us to all the guys. I understand for interaction sake it was important and to let us know who the future books were about this was important but still it just seemed unnecessary.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it b/c it was a library book. If I like the next one I might considering buying but I doubt it. I just don’t do long series anymore.

SCORE: 5 out of 10

Anything Else: If you like erotica this is a fantastic book and I would highly recommend it.

*******
100+ Book Challenge

42 / 100 books. 42% done!

1st in a series challenge

11 / 12 books. 92% done!

Ghostland by Jory Strong

2009-05-15T07:50:00.001-05:00

Yeah I just couldn't get into this one. I tried I really did especially with Lesley and Katiebabs telling me that it picked up towards the end. But I just couldn't accept that and couldn't wade through it.

This really upsets me b/c the whole plot SOUNDED so fantastic only to fall flat in my eyes b/c of the characters. I am beginning to realize just how important me being able to relate to the character is important. Even being able to relate on a basic level is important to me. Or hell even liking the characters is important but for some reason I just couldn't with this one.

Maybe I was just in a reading funk. How about you did you like it?

In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix

2009-05-15T07:47:00.002-05:00

Didn't work for me this time. Not sure what it was, it was written the same way as the first but this time it just didn't stick. I found I didn't care what happened to Dante (he appeared to be more childish then before) I really didn't care about Heather which is sad b/c I really liked her as the main character in the first one.

Maybe it was all the new people being added in. Or the simple fact it was a month since I read the first one but for some reason or another this one just didn't stick with me. So it became 6th DNF's for this year.

Let me know what you thought? Should I have stuck with it? Did it pick up?

Dead Beat by Jim Butcher ~ Review

2009-05-12T21:28:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Dead Beat
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2006
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 448
SERIES: 7th in the series
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Come on I’ve read them all up to this one so I had to complete the series.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Filled with kickass adventure and supernatural fireworks, Jim Butcher's Dresden Files novels have been compared to Harry Potter. Now, Harry Dresden must save Chicago from black magic and necromancy-all in a day's work for the city's only professional wizard.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
We are back in Chicago with Harry picking up where he left off in the last one. His hand is still mess and not working, he still fears using his fire magic due to the accident. He has conflicting emotions regarding Murphy (She is going to Hawaii with Kincaid and it burns his ass) However, he doesn’t realize it until its too late. There were a couple of twist including Wardens and Harry for once seeing eye to eye. And the demon coin he touched has taken on a more active role.

Things I enjoyed:
-Uh duh Harry! He’s the best wizard EVER!!! *clears throat* Okay let’s be more specific. He is loyal, trusting, honest and well just wants the good guys to win even if that means getting his butt kicked. (Still sticking with this statement from the last review)
-The plot continued to move forward letting us get to see the Warden’s and the war. What the effects are for the most part this has been happening in the background but not in this book.
-Also Mr. Butcher is very good and interweaving plots from previous books and showing you that just b/c the book has ended some of the loose ends will be wrapped up in another story line. I really enjoy that.
-I also enjoyed the humor Harry has the best one liners ever.
- I enjoyed SUE and BOB’s role in this book (you will know what I’m talking about once you read the book)

Things I didn’t care for:
- Okay I didn’t care for Butters at all. He annoyed me and I seriously thought someone needed to shoot him or just run him off. He kind of made up for his cowardly ways toward the end but not enough to satisfy the urges.
- And the Warden twist was good but I didn’t like the whole bait and switch (again you will have to read it to understand what I am talking about.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book and sadly enough I haven’t kept any of the series.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: You need to read the series to understand the complex nature of this book. Too many of the sub plots are taken from other stories in the series.
***********

100+ Book Challenge

40 / 100 books. 40% done!

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn ~ Review

2009-05-12T13:27:00.004-05:00

TITLE: Silent in the Grave
AUTHOR: Deanna Raybourn
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: Mystery
PAGES; 512
SERIES: yes first in a series

REASON FOR READING: Everyone kept talking about it and hey I wanted to join in. Renee actually was the first to suggest it.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.
Prepared to accept that Edward's death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane visits and suggests that Sir Edward has been murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers the damning paper for herself, and realizes the truth.
Determined to bring her husband's murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate Edward's demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book takes place in Victoria England which was a selling point for me. Anything during that time period is interesting. Add in that its not your typical romance and I was hooked. The book is 1st person POV of Lady Julia Grey and it starts off immediately with her husbands death. A death she assumes is from natural causes b/c after all Edward had a bad heart. During her year of mourning she comes to believe that he might have been murdered. At first this book started off really slow for me. And there were a few times I was tempted to put it down. However, as the mystery became deeper and deeper I found I couldn’t put it down.

Things I enjoyed:
-While the book was slow we did learn a lot about Julia Grey and I enjoyed that. Watching her grow into the woman she always was but didn’t realize was an interesting sub-plot
- I liked the mystery behind Nicolas Brisbane he was a fascinating character that I enjoyed learning about. I had hoped that Nicolas and Julia might end up together but alas this is a mystery not a romance so that didn’t happen.
-The mystery itself wasn’t too complicated until the end when extra pieces that fit together were thrown in. Usually I don’t like this but it worked really good for this plot.

Things I didn’t care for:
-Like I stated before this book moves really slow so unless there is something there that holds you interest you have a long way to go before the mystery is solved. Sometimes that got a bit old and I found myself skimming parts.
-The March family was really odd while some of it made sense some of them made me want to pull my hair out.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a library book. If I read the second and enjoy it I might consider buying the series. But for now it would be a pass

SCORE: 7 out of 10

Anything Else: This is a good first book and sets up the characters well
******
100+ Book Challenge

41 / 100 books. 41% done!

1st in a series Challenge

10 / 12 books. 83% done!

In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix

2009-05-12T10:23:00.004-05:00

Okay just started In The Blood by Adrian Phoenix finally. Its been sitting in the library pile forever. And everyone warned me to read it as close to the first one as I could but since I Have this thing where I can't binge on an author or I burn out. I had to wait a few weeks.

Anywho starts off with a bang guys dead but have no idea who he is or if he was even in the first one. It doesn't sound like it but one can never be sure and since I don't own the first one I can't really go and check. Seeing how I'm only on page 6 and we have a death I would say that is a BANG effect no?

I'm still trying to think about the first one and if I remember enough to read this one but I guess we will see. I hate doing reviews where I give stuff away in the book but thinking that might be a better idea then what I'm doing b/c I can't remember half the things that happen LOL. Oh well as I read further I will give reports

Silent in the Grave and my thoughts

2009-05-11T13:58:00.004-05:00

WOW I still don't know what it is about this book that sucked me in. Maybe it was the story, or the characters or that it was in 1st person POV but something about this story sucked me and I didn't even realize it was doing it. I have to say the first half moved so slowly that I was a bit surprised I hadn't given it up yet. And then I realized by the last half that I couldn't give it up. But for reasons I don't yet understand.

Worse I just requested the next one in the series LOL I'm surprised and trying to decide if this is a wise decision or not. However, I will say if you like Victorian England and/or like mysterys you will enjoy this book. The first one sets up the characters and that might be why it moved so slow while the others hopefully should move faster.

The mystery was generally good I didn't know who did it until the end which is good and made sense. In a way I feel bad for Julia (I will not explain that yet) Formal review to follow on challenges site within the next week or so.

Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher

2009-05-08T08:12:00.003-05:00

I just don't get why I am hooked on this series... Oh wait yes I do MAN I LOVE HARRY. And so not in the way oh: I want him, I need him, oh baby oh baby. But more in the way of OMG he so rocks!
This one started off with a bang and fizzled until recently. Part of my problem with the plot is the whole Charmed show. It reminds me too much of the one where Phobe's movie dream man comes to life b/c the killers are coming out of the screen and the Charmed ones have to protect everyone.
However, Jim does it better than the show but still I can't help waiting for Billy. Anywho... other than that interesting information was decided on Murphy finally which helped wrap up that idea. I was starting to wonder if we would ever discover what those two might do with each other *grin* and now I know.

I am going to wrap this one up this weekend the action is finally starting to kick in again and I want to know if Molly and her mother make up or if Michael survives. I'm sure he will but you know what they say about cats.
I think I only have 2 more after this one to catch up with the series *Gasp* I know me caught up with a series image that LOL

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

2009-05-08T08:07:00.003-05:00

I don't know about this book. There is something that is keeping me reading and yet something is holding it back from being one of thos OMG this is the best books ever. I can't tell what either reasons are.
I am about 1/2 of the way through. The first part was rather slow for me it took a while to get around to the main point. Now don't get me wrong it starts off right off the bat with Lady Julia Grey's death but now we have gone a year (summed up) without anything and then BOOM she finds a letter that threatened her husband.
She ignored the PI that tried to tell her it might have been murder the year before but now she wants to find the killer after a year... I'm just not buying it I guess or maybe it's the character Lady Julia herself. She is a "I want to be normal, I long for it, but..." kind of gal and I understand a lot of it but something about her isn't sticking with me. Its not rubbing me raw but its just not making me want to learn more about her. I will say the only character I am even remotely interested in is the PI and only b/c I want to know why his "Headaches" are so bad and what they, Julia and him, would be like together.
I think so far the only question that has me hanging on is: Will they hook up? Will there be more action? Will she ever discover who she is? And is there really a murder plot here at all or are we just chasing straws...

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine ~ Review

2009-05-04T13:29:00.004-05:00

TITLE: Lord of Misrule
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: young adult
PAGES; 244
SERIES: yes book 5 in the series
1. Glass House
2. The Dead Girl’s Dance
3. Midnight Alley
4. Feast of Fools
5. Lord of Misrule
6. Carpe Corpus (not released yet.)

REASON FOR READING: I have read all of them and wanted to see what was happening with the series.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
The feast is over ... and the battle for Morganville has begun. Bishop's on one side, Amelie's on the other, and Claire's status as Amelie's most trusted human ally has just landed her on Morganville's Most Wanted list, along with all of her friends. As a bitter Texas storm bears down on the town, there's nowhere to hide ... from anything.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This takes off right where the last book left us. So we jumped right into the middle of the war. Knowing that its YA and all I didn’t expect some of the twist and turns that happened. It wasn’t anything too graphic but it was still different than I expected.

Things I enjoyed:
-Claire is starting to prove that she can handle herself and that being 17 isn’t going to stop her from getting what she wants
- Claire actually grew in this one she still had her teenage moments but she FINALLY had a couple of adult thoughts
-The group as a whole had to depend on each other a lot more which was a nice surprise.
-And the greatest surprise had to deal with Shane (I won’t ruin it) but man was it sweet.
-I REALLY Liked the ending and I can’t wait for book 6

Things I didn’t care for:
-There wasn’t a lot I didn’t care for. I still don’t like a lot of the vampires. And the storyline with the humans rising up against the vamps wasn’t the greatest.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping! It was a library book but I rushed out and bought it.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: This is a series you have to read in order or you will be lost.
***
100+ Book Challenge

39 / 100 books. 39% done!

A Woman's Guide to Healing the Heart by Rose Sweet ~ Review

2009-05-03T13:31:00.004-05:00

TITLE: A Woman’s Guide to Healing Heartbreak of Divorce
AUTHOR: Rose Sweet
COPYRIGHT: 2001
TYPE: Self Help
PAGES; 296
SERIES: nope

REASON FOR READING: I was looking for something to help me with my divorce

Summary : {From Goodreads}
It's not just grief that breaks a woman's heart. After divorce, residual feelings about the man you loved and the life you lost can lurk undetected for years. A Women's Guide to Healing the Heartbreak of Divorce can bring real recovery and genuine joy . . . in a heartbeat!

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This was a great book for those of us going through a divorce or even in my situation a year later trying to pick up the pieces. It is very God centered and Christian in its focus which really helped me to understand some different things in my life and to help me understand why things happened.

Things I enjoyed:
-I enjoyed the letters at the beginning of every chapter. Each one focused on what the chapter would be about and they were from God telling us he understands and will help.
- The chapters flowed in a nice order and were well written. This woman has been through a divorce so she understood where some of the emotions were coming from even when I couldn’t figure it out.
I did enjoy the ending prayer to help get through the day or week however, long you wanted to take to get through he book.

Things I didn’t care for:
-The only thing I didn’t care for were the chapters with children involved. I understand a lot of people that go through a divorce have children but I didn’t and it would have been nice to see a book for single with picking up the pieces without children or women like me who were in a relationship most of their 20s and have no idea how to date.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it has parts I would like to take a closer look at again.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This is a very good book that focuses on building your relationship with God and trusting in him to help and heal you after your heartbreak.
***
100+ Book Challenge

38 / 100 books. 38% done!

2009-04-30T20:33:00.001-05:00

What a world wind Month my God can you believe that its almost May? Like literally tomorrow.
Anywho what have I been doing? Reading, packing, working and well sleeping when I have time.

Currently working on Dead Beat by Jim Butcher. Another Harry book where Harry gets up close and personal with death and a demon. No surprise there. The thing I can't figure out is how come all the Harry books are similar (in the sense that Harry gets his ass kicked, loses the girl, finds out he might hurt everyone around him, and yet manages to save the day in every book (with a plot twist thrown in) ) and yet I still read them like their going out of style? Seriously?
I think I'm addicted.
Anywho also trying to get through Nauti Nights I read the first two in one setting (of course i was violently ill when I did) but for some reason I can't get past the first chapter in this one. So thinking of moving on Ghostlands by Jory Strong. We shall see.

So what have you guys been up to? Miss me?

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan ~ Review

2009-04-27T13:32:00.003-05:00

TITLE: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
AUTHOR: Carrie Ryan
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Young Adult/Fantasy
PAGES; 310
SERIES: 1st in a new series

REASON FOR READING: Katiebabs talked me into it with her review

Summary : {From Goodreads}
In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
At first this book was hard to get into. I couldn’t understand or sympathize with the main character. She grew up her whole life afraid of everything outside her fence. Her father was turned and now her mother was crazy with the loss. She resented the fact she had to watch her mother to prevent her from going to the fence after her father. And the worse thing that could happen did. Now Mary has to survive and learn what is really out there for her and if there was more to life then fear.

Things I enjoyed:
-Like I said at first I didn’t care for Mary I thought she was selfish and immature however, as the book continued Mary grew into a person that I could relate to a little bit. Yes she still had her selfish moments but she also had moments of understanding and realization. These are what helped her grow
-I liked seeing what the world was truly like and how one group controlled another by keeping the past from the people. It had an underlining mission to it that I thoroughly enjoyed and related too as well.
-The ending was wonderful and left just enough questions for the second book.

Things I didn’t care for:
-Again I didn’t care for the selfish moments that Mary had all the way up until a major life turning event. She was so single focused on those issues and hang-ups she couldn’t ever appreciate what she had until she lost it. It was rather depressing but still it made her into the person she needed to be by the end.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it b/c it was a library book. After the next one comes out and if I like it I will probably buy both.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This was an interesting story line different that I normally read but I was glad I gave it a try
******
100+ Book Challenge

37 / 100 books. 37% done!

First Book Challenge

9 / 12 books. 75% done!

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater ~ Review

2009-04-22T13:33:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception
AUTHOR: Maggie Stiefvater
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Young Adult/Fantasy
PAGES; 326
SERIES: 1st in a new series

REASON FOR READING: The girls over at Book Smugglers Talked me into it. Although I can’t recall what they thought I just had to read it after their review.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. When a mysterious boy enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of nowhere, Deirdre finds herself infatuated. Trouble is, the enigmatic and conflicted Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin – and Deirdre is meant to be his next mark. Deirdre has to decide if Luke's feelings towards her are real, or only a way to lure her deeper into the world of Faerie.

Luke isn't her only problem. A sinister faerie named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Long-time enemies with a common goal, Luke and Aodhan carry the same assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is her best friend James whose devotion has been teetering precariously on the line between friendship and love for months – a feeling that Dee doesn't quite reciprocate. It's Luke she can't stop thinking about: Luke, who was supposed to kill her immediately but hasn't. Luke, who cannot refuse the Queen's orders without paying an unimaginable price. Deirdre ultimately must confront the Faerie Queen before she loses everyone she loves.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This starts off with a young girl trying to find her place. She gets stage freight bad enough she throws up before every performance but her mother still makes her play. This time however, she runs into Luke the boy from her dreams. At first she can’t believe its real but after he continues to show up along with some other, too beautiful to be real, people she begins to wonder about them. Add to it her grandmother’s warning, attacks, and of course the general weirdness that happens around her and Deirdre begins to wonder if she loosing her mind or if there is something more out there. Turns out there is someone out there that views her as a threat.
Now Deirdre has to stay one step ahead of the queen to prevent her death and those she cares about. This was a wonderful fantasy book that kept my attention through the whole thing.

Things I enjoyed:
-At first I didn’t like Deirdre. This is the problem I have with teenage books I think they are all too young, whinny, and have the its all about me complex. Which Deirdre did except she grew in the book and started to come into her own. Her issues with Luke were annoying but they even started to shape and form. So after a while I finally started to sympathize with her and that’s a HUGE feat for the author to do.
-I loved Dee best friend he was awesome! He played the bagpipe he never doubted her when she told him about the weirdness in her life. He was very supportive of her and he was in love with her. OMG I was so rooting for him.
-I like the twist she did on with the Faire world, the myths and world building the author did was very good.

Things I didn’t care for:
-Like I said at first Dee got on my nerves and I wasn’t happy with her personality but she grew and that was impressive.
-I didn’t care for the songs. Its just me but I just couldn’t get into them and I ended up skimming them but this was just a minor thing.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it b/c it was a library book. After the next one comes out and if I like it I will probably buy both.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This was an interesting look at the Faire world and I highly recommend it.
******
100+ Book Challenge

36 / 100 books. 36% done!

1st in a series

8 / 12 books. 67% done!

Rapture in Death by JD Robb ~ Review

2009-04-21T13:52:00.004-05:00

TITLE: Rapture in Death
AUTHOR: JD Robb
COPYRIGHT: 1996
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 320
SERIES: 4th in the series
1. Naked In Death
2. Glory in Death
3. Immortal in Death
4. Rapture in Death

REASON FOR READING: Well I read the others in the series and thought I should continue

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Mind games
At the flick of a switch, Eve's face flashed onto a monitor, all pertinent data split-screened beside her. A fascinating woman. Birthplace and parents unknown. The abused child discovered hiding in an alley in Dallas, Texas, body battered, mind blanked. A woman who couldn't remember the early years of her own life. The years that formed the soul. Years when she had been beaten and raped and tormented.
What did that sort of life do to the mind? To the heart? To the person?
It had made the girl a social worker and had made Eve Dallas into a woman who had become a cop. The cop with the reputation for digging deep, and who had come into some notoriety the previous winter during the investigation of a sensitive and ugly case.
That was when she had met Roarke.
The computer hummed, sliced Roarke's fave onto the screen. Such an intriguing couple. His background was no prettier than the cop's had been. But he'd chosen, at least initially, the other side of the law to make his mark. And his fortune.
Now they were a set. A set that could be destroyed on a whim.
But not yet. not for little time yet.
After all, the game had just begun.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This time we are at Roarke and Eve’s honeymoon they have had LOTS of sex but yet Eve continues to play VR with criminals. Only to discover on their last night at the fancy resort off world that a member of Roarke’s hotel staff has killed himself. The weird part he died with a smile on his face. Eve can’t let it go and once they return the case still bugs her especially when she starts to see it happening to others. As a mystery it was pretty flat. I figured out the killer within the first half of the book. The interesting parts were the relationships.

Things I enjoyed:
-I did like watching Peabody coming into her own. I enjoyed her growing as a professional and learning more about her past in her personal life
-It was nice to see a book that showed the ups and downs of relationships even thought they were humping like rabbits they still had some quarrels that I thought was a nice touch to show us. That even though it looks perfect they will both still have to compromise.

Things I didn’t care for:
-I didn’t care for the mystery. As I stated above it was pretty predictable as far as who the killer was.
-It took a lot to get me to read this book all the way through. I have no idea why but it did and I am not sure I will continue. While I love the characters I am getting tired of the series already.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it

SCORE: 5 out of 10

Anything Else: It isn’t necessary to read the series in order. Ms. Robb does a job at catching you up with a flashback sort of thing but it would help to understand their relationship.

*******
100+ Book Challenge

35 / 100 books. 35% done!

Blood Rites by Jim Butcher ~ Review

2009-04-21T13:51:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Blood Rites
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2004
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 372
SERIES: 6th in the series
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rite
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Well I really enjoyed Death Masks so I thought I should continue with the series

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Per usual, wizard-detective extraordinaire Harry Dresden is in trouble. He barely escapes an assassination attempt, courtesy of the Black Council of vampires, when Thomas, a vampire who has helped Harry out on occasion, asks him to take a case. It seems someone doesn't want porno film director Arturo Genosa's latest effort to get off the ground. An entropy spell has killed two of Arturo's assistants, and Thomas wants Harry to find the culprit. With suspects abounding--Arturo has no fewer than three ex-wives--Harry decides to pose as a production assistant at the studio. Though he isn't able to stop another sabotage attempt, this one threatening an actress' life, he does save the young woman. With danger closing in, the last thing Harry needs is a sexy succubus and a surprising revelation about his heritage. Filled with sizzling magic and intrigue as well as important developments for Harry, the latest of his adventures will have fans rapidly turning the pages.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
We are back in Chicago with Harry picking up where he left off a few months after Susan. This time it opens up with Harry being chased by flying moneys that shoot poop out of their buts that is acidic. Thomas is involved and after a narrow escape ask Harry to help him with a job. The job it turns out involves the porn business. Between a succubus and murder attempts Harry’s life is pretty full at the moment. Add in some assassination attempts and you have a whole party. Once again another great book by Butcher

Things I enjoyed:
-Uh duh Harry! He’s the best wizard EVER!!! *clears throat* Okay let’s be more specific. He is loyal, trusting, honest and well just wants the good guys to win even if that means getting his butt kicked.
-Another part I enjoyed was the plot. Mr. Butcher did an excellent job at keeping the pace of the story moving forward the action was enough and throughout that it kept the rest of the plot moving. The twist caught me by surprise but were not so out of left field that I had to think about it.
-I also enjoyed the humor Harry has the best one liners ever.

Things I didn’t care for:
-There is a scene I didn’t care for that takes place in the cave towards the end but I don’t want to give away any of the plot so I’m sort of stuck.
-I didn’t care for Murphy’s side storyline regarding her sister. Those of you who don’t know the story yet you will understand when it gets there.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book and sadly enough I haven’t kept any of the series.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This is a stand alone but fits in the series wonderfully.
***********
100+ Book Challenge

34 / 100 words. 34% done!

BREAK

2009-04-08T07:50:00.001-05:00

I need it. Boy do I need it. So I will be taking a 2 month absence from blogging at least until I get moved into the new digs. Between blogging, reviewing, working on DIK things, work, writing and moving I'm burned out. That means something has to give. The easiest thing to give is blogging. So I won't be posting until June again. I will continue to post over at Reading Romance on Mondays and I will try hard to visit everyone.

There will be no more book reviews until June and no more thoughts on reading until June so if you like those sites and this one check back with me then. I may not comment but I will be popping in and checking the blogs between now and then just to keep up with you all!

Any books I read I will try to keep a list and post reviews later! Hope you guys have a fantastic April and May! Peace!!!!

Storm Born by Richelle Mead

2009-04-07T13:05:00.003-05:00

So not digging it. I think part of my problem is the badder than thou attitude they all have. Just once I would love to see an urban fantasy character that isn't the bad ass or think she's the bad ass yet still manage to get her butt almost kicked in the first battle.

I'm only a third of the way through so I will admit that it might all change but so far I'm not digging it. An example: The main character thinks going after a girl into the Otherworld is a bad idea. But to just make sure it is she goes and talks to dad. Dad tells her its a bad idea and she shouldn't do it so what does she do?

Yep you guessed it rebels *gasp* no surely not? She decides that she wants to now. That just gets old. I am going to give it one more lunch break but if nothing I will pass on it. Has anyone else read this? If so should I continue? Does it get better or worse?

Help

2009-04-06T08:15:00.002-05:00

Okay guys yours truly needs some help...

Nothing major just some help with my reading. You may or maynot have noticed that I've been posting my reviews by author on the Author Reviews page I have over at the other sight (got the idea from Ames, which I am so happy I found makes things easier to keep up with)

Anywho in the process of doing my reviews this way I discovered that I have letters (I sort by author's last name) missing.If you know of any authors that I should try that have the last names starting with: E, N, O, Q, U, V, X or Z please let me know so that I can try to complete my list.

Also while I'm at it I want to try and read a Nora Roberts book (Shocking I know) I've never read her and I'm dying to see what her writing is like. Can anyone suggest a good book to start with when it comes to Nora? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Alright back to reading since that's what this blog is all about. Finished up a Rush of Wings really liked it looking at checking out the second book in the series. I am trying to finish up at least one challenge this month the ebook challenge. I just need one more than I've reached my goal so YEAH!

I'm still working on 3 books currently: Blood Rites by Jim Butcher (almost done and have ordered book 7 and 8 from the library) Rapture in Death by JD Robb (again almost done just need to wrap it up) And Blood Angel by Justine Musk (which I'm half way through and seriously plan to wrap it up by the weekend.) So next week its going to look like I've read a lot but not really LOL. Now I have to find a book for TBR Wednesday next week. Has to be an Urban fantasy (yeah that'll be hard right.)

Anywho that's about it with me. Anyone have any suggestions for my authors problem let me know. Thanks!

An Accidental Goddess by Linnea Sinclair ~ Review

2009-04-03T13:55:00.002-05:00

TITLE: An Accidental Goddess
AUTHOR: Linnea Sinclair
COPYRIGHT: 2005
TYPE: Sci/Fi romance
PAGES; 448
SERIES: nope stand alone

REASON FOR READING: I am a great fan of Ms. Sinclair’s work and have been glooming her back list.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Raheiran Special Forces captain Gillaine Davré has just woken up in some unknown space way station, wondering where the last three hundred years have gone. The last thing she remembers is her ship being attacked. Now it seems that while she was time-traveling, she was ordained a goddess…. Gillaine’s only hope of survival rests with dangerously seductive Admiral Mack Makarian, who suspects her of being a smuggler—or worse. But he can’t begin to imagine the full extent of it. For Gillaine is now Lady Kiasidira, holy icon to countless believers, including Mack—a man who inspires feelings in her that are far from saintly…feelings she knows are mutual. But when their flirtation is interrupted by a treacherous enemy from the past, Gillaine’s secret—and secret desires—could destroy them both

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Okay as the summary stated this book takes place in space 300 hundred years in the future from the last place Gillie was at. The last place she was at was fighting a great enemy and protecting the same people who now worship her as a Goddess. The book had a lot of back story, religion and culture in it in order to help us understand the situation. It was a little tedious at times but at other times I found myself wanting more. Of course there is a romance element to it with Mack and Gillie together. At first it was a little hard to swallow considering that they had just met 2 weeks prior but towards the end of the book it felt natural. Even if I didn’t like the reason she gave behind it.

Things I enjoyed:
-I enjoyed the plot. What would you do if you woke up in a sick bay to find out that not only were you 300 plus years in the future but also worshipped as a Goddess? I know I would be just as upset as she was. Especially if I felt that they were taking my words and actions and making them into something more than they were.
-Gillie was a character that was born into greatness and people recognized that early on. She had no choice in the matter and only desired to be treated as a normal everyday person. Even in relationships most of the guys wanted to date her b/c of her power or her heritage and that hurt. So when she acted out or denied who and what she was it made sense. I did like how at the end she learned that she had to except who and what she was in order to save those she loved.
-The secondary characters were lovely I enjoyed Simon and the others and thought it was handled well. Simon actually stole the show a few times.

Things I didn’t care for:
-As I mentioned above I didn’t care for the whole falling in love thing in 2 weeks. It just doesn’t happen in real life and I have a hard time falling for it in books. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t.
-I didn’t care for some of the movement in the story it just seemed to slow down in places then in others it felt as if it moved super fast. All and all it was good but I felt there were parts that could have been cut and still made it a good book..

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it

SCORE: 7 out of 10

Anything Else: .This is yet another great read from a fantastic author. I would check out any of her previous books as well as this one.

Go and Check out the website for further questions http://www.linneasinclair.com/

Also as a bonus: ~If you like this author you might like these authors: Susan Grant, Robin D Owens, Patti O’Shea, Rowena Cherry, Deidre Knight, Susan Kearney, Ann Aguirre, Susan Sizemore, and JD Robb

*******
100+ Book Challenge

32 / 100 books. 32% done!

Ebook Challenge

9 / 10 books. 90% done!

A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix ~Review

2009-04-03T13:53:00.003-05:00

TITLE: A Rush of Wings
AUTHOR: Adrian Phoenix
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 416
SERIES: First in the series

REASON FOR READING: Anna and others have talked about this book and with the 2nd one out I thought it might be time to see what it is all about

Summary : {From Goodreads}
HIS NAME IS DANTE.
Dark. Talented. Beautiful. Star of the rock band Inferno. Rumored owner of the hot New Orleans nightspot Club Hell. Born of the Blood, then broken by an evil beyond imagination.

HIS PAST IS A MYSTERY.
F.B.I. Special Agent Heather Wallace has been tracking a sadistic serial murderer known as the Cross Country Killer, and the trail has led her to New Orleans, Club Hell, and Dante. But the dangerously attractive musician not only resists her investigation, he claims to be "nightkind": in other words, a vampire. Digging into his past for answers reveals little. A juvenile record a mile long. No social security number. No known birth date. In and out of foster homes for most of his life before being taken in by a man named Lucien DeNoir, who appears to guard mysteries of his own.

HIS FUTURE IS CHAOS.
What Heather does know about Dante is that something links him to the killer -- and she's pretty sure that link makes him the CCK's next target. Heather must unravel the truth about this sensual, complicated, vulnerable young man -- who, she begins to believe, may indeed be a vampire -- in order to finally bring a killer to justice. But Dante's past holds a shocking, dangerous secret, and once it is revealed not even Heather will be able to protect him from his destiny....

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Alright this book starts off with a bang. We have FBI Agent Heather Wallace looking at yet another body this time in New Orleans and she is more than certain it’s the same killer she has been tracking for the last 3 years. The CCK (Cross County Killer). She is also confident that it has something to do with Club Hell. After all the body was found out in the back yard with a new symbol and a new message. So off Heather goes to investigate. But you see Club Hell brings up old memories for Heather. Her sister used to sing in places like this, use to dress like these people and ended up killing herself. Not to mention on top of bad memories, chasing a killer and a club that caters to the undead (which she doesn’t believe in) she finds Dante very intriguing.

Things I enjoyed:
-I enjoyed learning about Dante’s past. It was hard to swallow at times and it was not pretty but learning about what made him who he was fascinated me through out the whole book. I really wanted to get to know Dante better.
-Heather herself was very interesting. She wasn’t the typical I’m so tough I don’t need anyone to help me. I’m so bad ass until I get into a fight. She was very focused on her job. Was good at what she does and knew her limitations and that’s the kind of heroine I grow to respect and want the best for them.
-The plot twist was anything Grand but I enjoyed watching it unfold. The author had a way of writing that sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. Every time I knew something was coming, it did, but in a way I hadn’t expected.

Things I didn’t care for:
-This is rare but there wasn’t a lot I didn’t care for. I thought the plot was tight enough that if you would’ve cut anything out you would’ve missed a lot. I thought most if not all the characters were needed to keep things moving. The only one I had reservations about and could’ve done without was Wallace’s boss. He really didn’t play that major of a roll other than getting Dante’s past to Heather.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Sadly enough this was a library book. But I think it might just get added on to the TBB pile.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: I haven’t read anything else by this author but plan to pick the 2nd one up in this series ASAP

Go and Check out the website for further questions http://www.adrianphoenix.com/

Also as a bonus: ~If you like this author you might like these authors: Jeri Smith-Ready, Justine Musk, Marjorie M Liu, Jenna Black, and Barb & JC Hendee
************
100+ Book Challenge

33 / 100 words. 33% done!

First in a Series

7 / 12 words. 58% done!

Whew what a week.

2009-04-02T08:33:00.004-05:00

And boy I haven't been on here in a while. Sorry about that. So I finished An Accidental Goddess by Linnea Sinclair the other day. Very good. I will post the review either today or tomorrow.

Can't seem to get through Blood Angel and I'm not sure if its b/c I have to really focus in order to grasp the plot or if it just isn't as good as I remembered. But hey that's what the re-read is for. However, I do need to either write it off soon or finish the damn thing.

My latest read is A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix and I have to say its suprisingly better than I anticipated so that's a relief. Will try to post as I go.
Good reads summary is:
HIS NAME IS DANTE.
Dark. Talented. Beautiful. Star of the rock band Inferno. Rumored owner of the hot New Orleans nightspot Club Hell. Born of the Blood, then broken by an evil beyond imagination.
HIS PAST IS A MYSTERY.
F.B.I. Special Agent Heather Wallace has been tracking a sadistic serial murderer known as the Cross Country Killer, and the trail has led her to New Orleans, Club Hell, and Dante. But the dangerously attractive musician not only resists her investigation, he claims to be "nightkind": in other words, a vampire. Digging into his past for answers reveals little. A juvenile record a mile long. No social security number. No known birth date. In and out of foster homes for most of his life before being taken in by a man named Lucien DeNoir, who appears to guard mysteries of his own.
HIS FUTURE IS CHAOS.
What Heather does know about Dante is that something links him to the killer -- and she's pretty sure that link makes him the CCK's next target. Heather must unravel the truth about this sensual, complicated, vulnerable young man -- who, she begins to believe, may indeed be a vampire -- in order to finally bring a killer to justice. But Dante's past holds a shocking, dangerous secret, and once it is revealed not even Heather will be able to protect him from his destiny....

So as you can see interesting. Snagged my attention right from the get go which is always good. I'm currently on page 75 and still interested enough to want to read it more than at work.
Nothing much going on after that LOL.

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

2009-03-30T06:43:00.005-05:00

TITLE: Magic Strikes
AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 310
SERIES: oh yeah and you can read my fan girl review below!
1. Magic Bites (will post a review as a re-read later)
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes

REASON FOR READING: Because I am a rabid fan of the Kate Daniel’s series and have been patiently awaiting this 3rd release.

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

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Okay as the summary stated this book takes place in modern Atlanta Georgia where magic comes and goes. When it comes through the city all technology is lost and the people are crippled. When the magic leaves technology returns leaving people wondering when the next magic wave will hit. Many of the characters have horses or donkeys for the time the magic is down. Kate carries a sword with her at all times (AKA saber) b/c guns and weapons of that type don’t work when the magic is up. Kate has a suburb cast of secondary character ranging from pack members to a fellow knight who is a shifter. Add in a little girl she rescued in the last book feeling responsible for, and finally the Beast Lord who believes Kate is his. When you have a back up cast like that and a non stop action plot you get a wonderfully developed story that has you laughing out laugh in delight, gasping in horror, and sitting on the edge of your seat wondering how it will end.

Things I enjoyed:
-I absolutely loved the plot and sub-plots that are weaved in throughout the story. Not many authors can keep me in suspense and laughing at the same time. Here’s a classic example (pg. 25): Kate has just rescued her friend Derek a werewolf who claims he doesn’t need help as he is leaving he stops and comes back to Kate. In a breath he halted by my side. “I lied I need your help.”
“Who are we killing?”
That is classic Kate when it comes to those she cares about.

-There are a ton of things I found wonderful about this book but the cutest thing and the one that made me laugh so hard was the tigress Dali. She is legally blind and was banned from driving (which she does drag racing) she was currently under house arrest for doing it. When she shifts from woman to beast she gets short term memory loss and cross eyed. Kate being concerned asked her old partner and shape shifter Jim if she was dangerous (this is the conversation that followed)
Jim: “No she gags on raw meat and blood.”
Kate“What?”
Jim: “She won’t bite or scratch or she’ll vomit. She’s a vegetarian.”
Kate: Oh boy. “But when she’s in beast form…”
Jim: He shook his head. “She eats grass. Don’t ask.”
See it doesn’t get any better than that. Trust me you will love this scene.

-The fighting and action scene in this book are wonderful and believable. I could totally see someone doing them and as I read each scene it was written so well I could actually picture the fight in my head.

-As I said these authors have a wonderful way of sucking you in so deeply to their story that you find you don’t want to leave their world. I can’t stand that I have to wait for the next installment. I have so many questions that I am dying to get answers too but will have to wait. WHAAAAAAAAA

Things I didn’t care for:
-There isn’t much I didn’t care for in this book. The only thing was the Hindu legends and myths that are incorporated. They are little difficult to understand and grasp especially if this is the first time, like me, having heard them. Although fascinating I found I had to read and re-read it over a couple of times to understand the significance.

-I didn’t like how much Kate keeping trying to convince herself that she would just be another notch in the bedpost for Curran. She just wouldn’t except that he might actually want her for more than just sex and that got annoying after reading the other shifters opinions. I seriously doubt her shifter friends would lie to her about something so important.

-Even though this is a personal thing I really didn’t appreciate Derek getting hurt. I know a lot of girls love Curran and I do too. I think he and Kate are made for each other. However, Derek is my favorite character in these books and I was sorry to see him suffer. But than again that is a personal preference.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? KEEPING IT will defiantly be re-reading this series in the immediate future.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: .You do need to read the previous books in order to understand the complex relationships of the characters and the growth of Kate through the series.

Okay the book releases tomorrow in stores go forth and buy!!!

Death Masks by Jim Butcher ~ Review

2009-03-29T13:56:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Death Masks
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2003
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 378
SERIES: oh yeah
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Mask
6. Blood Rite
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Well I’m working my way through the books. Love me some Harry.

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
Harry Dresden is not having a good day. A vampire named Ortega is hunting the beleaguered wizard, intending to challenge him to a duel that, Ortega claims, will end the war between the vampires and the wizards. Harry has almost no hope of winning the duel, but soon he is preoccupied by another problem: Father Vincent, a priest, needs Harry's help in finding the Shroud of Turin, stolen by a trio of thieves. Harry traces two of the thieves to his hometown, Chicago, but when he finds them, he learns that he isn't the only one after them. A group of terrifying demons wants the shroud, and its leader is interested in Harry's soul, too. Harry must call on all of his friends, including three brave knights, his police-officer friend, and even his half-vampire ex-girlfriend, Susan. Butcher maintains a breakneck pace in Harry's exciting fifth adventure. This imaginative series continues to surprise and delight with its inventiveness and sympathetic hero.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book takes off where book 4 left us. Maybe a few weeks or months in between this book and the last I think. It starts off with Harry on a TV show that is trying to prove he’s a fraud not a wizard. During that time we learn that Harry is still trying to contact his old girlfriend whom he feels responsible for turning her into a half vampire (all it would take is for her to kill to turn completely) a member from the Red Court offers him a duel (in order to stop the war) and he is asked by a priest to find the shroud (the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in). He is attacked in the parking lot by hired guns and manages to take on all three tasks. And that was just in the first chapter. The action continues throughout the book as all the plots tie seamlessly into one another leaving you on the edge of your seating wondering how bad of a beating he will receive and will he survive it this time.

Things I enjoyed:
-I love that Harry is a character that does what I can see everyday normal people making. Yes some of his decisions leave me speechless but his action and his character always back it up.
-I love that the plot is weaved so well together that you have to know what is going to happen. The twist are just enough to make it real and believable and the characters never sway from their morals or beliefs.
-The secondary characters in this story carried most if not all of the weight. Without them Harry would be just some guy fighting evil for no reason who gets his ass kicked.

Things I didn’t care for:
-As the series progress it feels as if Harry continues to get in deeper and deeper with no end in sight for a HEA. Don’t get me wrong I’m not asking for that but I can’t see how this series is going to end on a good note.
-Why does Harry have to get his butt serious kicked over and over. Just once I want to see him win without too much blood loss, just once.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? It was a library book because the series is so massive I have decided not to purchase the books but borrow them. However, if the series continues to keep getting better I might have to rethink that theory.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This is a series you will want to read this in order. Even though you can understand it and it can stand alone in order to truly appreciate this book you should read it in order.
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100+ Book Challenge

31 / 100 words. 31% done!

Blood Angel Re-Read Review

2009-03-27T08:47:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Blood Angel
AUTHOR: Justine Musk
COPYRIGHT: 2005
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 352
SERIES: You know I don’t know.

REASON FOR READING: This was a re-read for me.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
In downtown Manhattan, a rising young painter is haunted by disturbing dreams...In small-town Minnesota, a teenage orphan struggles with a knowledge beyond his years-and a destiny he wants no part of...In California, young and old, hipsters and hippies, fall under the spell of a wildly charismatic singer whose voice breaks down all barriers-including the ones between heaven and hell.

The fans of Asha are finding one other-and the world is running out of time

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
So first time I read this I gave it 5 stars or 9 out of 10. However, on my re-read I discovered that for some reason this book just wasn’t doing it for me. I couldn’t get past the switching POV’s the constant going back and forth. Jumping around from flashbacks to present. And really comprehending what in the world was going on.

This is a complicated book that is really interweaved quite well. Ms. Musk is an excellent writer and if I had been in the mood for a complicated story this would have been perfect. However since I wasn’t in the mood for it I found myself dreading the re-read part. The characters are well drawn out and fully fleshed out. You find yourself actually feeling sorry for the demon and taking her side. Even though if it was real you would be the enemy. LOL

IDK this book was a complicated story and I wish I had stayed with it. No I haven’t given it up and hopefully I will give it one more go before I do. Then again there are a lot of good books out there screaming for my attention.

SCORE: 4 out of 10

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey ~ Review

2009-03-26T13:58:00.003-05:00

TITLE: The Total Money Makeover
AUTHOR: Dave Ramsey
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: Financial Planning
PAGES; 272
SERIES: nope

REASON FOR READING: Seriously? Um b/c I wanted to learn how to manage my money better.

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
The success stories speak for themselves in this book from money maestro Dave Ramsey. Instead of promising the normal dose of quick fixes, Ramsey offers a bold, no-nonsense approach to money matters, providing not only the how-to but also a grounded and uplifting hope for getting out of debt and achieving total financial health.
Ramsey debunks the many myths of money (exposing the dangers of cash advance, rent-to-own, debt consolidation) and attacks the illusions and downright deceptions of the American dream, which encourages nothing but overspending and massive amounts of debt. "Don't even consider keeping up with the Joneses," Ramsey declares in his typically candid style. "They're broke!"
The Total Money Makeover isn't theory. It works every single time. It works because it is simple. It works because it gets to the heart of the money problems: you.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Alright this is a book about a man who was a self made millionaire by 26 and lost it all. He had the house, the clothes, the car, and the lifestyle to fit the status until one day he didn’t. In this book Mr. Ramsey shows us stories of his failure and success as well as others success with the program. Its an inspirational way to look at money and find hope when you feel as if there is nothing but sadness.

Things I enjoyed:
-I loved that there are real life people who have stories submitted to this book to show me that even though I thought I had it bad others who had it worse are making it and getting out of debt.
-His advice is common sense and something I should have known all along but yet don’t and didn’t. Wish I had read this in high school.
-He has worksheets to help people after they finish the book. The worksheets are for budgeting and savings. Very good worksheets and very helpful to get back together with your money

Things I didn’t care for:
-There was a lot of the book that didn’t pertain to me. Some examples were the chapters on saving for college and your family.
-As a single woman with no children I found I was skipping some parts that were necessarily important to me at this point in my life which was a little frustrating.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? It was a library book but I made sure to write down the important stuff. And if I were ever to get married again I would more than likely buy the book for my husband and I to sit down and read together.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: You have to read this book with an open mind and know that he is correct a problem that goes against the belief system we have established and that is to charge everything. Some of it is hard to swallow simply b/c I didn’t want to hear that I wouldn’t be able to just charge the new clothes and books I want…
*******
100+ Book Challenge

29 / 100 words. 29% done!

Blood Angel

2009-03-26T08:58:00.004-05:00

What it is and what it isn't?

Okay what it is so far a lot of people that are involved in a huge plot. What I gather is Asha is returning to our world in order to gather an army that will destroy humans and allow members of hell to come up. How she is doing this? Well she has gathered together a musician addicted to heroine and made him come clean to make music. B/c the music is so good she is attracting a lot of people to come out in the middle of the desert. The purpose: Attract the army to her and have the boy (who is the key to hell) show up to do something.

The catch: Jess an artist that sees the boy and paints him. She is the way he can be saved but she has no idea how. Except a mysterious guy name Kia is trying to show her how without allowing his personal feelings to interfer with the goal. Saving mankind.

Whew. That's all I've got. Update to follow and I'm on page 86 slow read due to complex plot so whoops!

Where in the world are the post?

2009-03-25T06:39:00.002-05:00

You said you were reading 3 books? Well what's the scoop? Where's the dish? Why are we not seeing your thoughts? you might have wondered these same questions, then again maybe not. The point is I haven't read since lunch on MONDAY! MONDAY for Pete's sake.

Why?

Well after I got home on Monday late from work (had to work until 5:30 usually only work until 3:30) I started doing errands and finally got home around 6:30 started cooking and WHAM got a call from da boss asking me to come in Tuesday at 3 in the morning?!?
After a lot of cussing I realized I had to a) finish dinner, b) finish putting crap up and c) get to bed right now, hope I can sleep in order to get 6 hours in before waking up at 2.

Did I sleep NO. Anywho got to work and WHAM had a meeting during lunch. Was allowed to leave at 1 but had to be back at 5:30 to cover the second shifts meeting. Then I had to bake a friend of mine at work asked for mini brownies for her bday so POOF there went last night (and I'm no baker by and by) so wow its been almost 2 days since I've read anything. I did manage to finish up Total Money Makeover and will post a review either later today or tomorrow.

Other than that still working faithfully on the books when I can

Weekly Update

2009-03-23T08:10:00.004-05:00

So I'm currently focused on 3 books:
Blood Angel by Justine Musk this is my re-read for the month. So far its going good and thankfully its been long enough I've forgotten the twist and turns so that's a bonus. The only complant so far is each chapter has been a different person's life happening. And I know towards the end they all come together or at least that's what I remember but sometimes it's hard to tell them apart and keep them straight. This is my work read.

The other book is The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. So far insightful it doesn't have any magically answers to my debt problem but it lays it out for me. I'm at the part where you are to save so much in an ER fund (makes sense) then work on your debt in a snowball effect. Needless to say I'm stuck on step 1 but that's okay I know I can do it just need to work on the baby steps first.

The last book I am reading is the home book and its Rapture in Death by JD Robb. I was suppose to read this series one a month to help my friend Christine catch up and do a joint review. That was last year and this was the book I left off on. LOL I suck but at least I am still reading. As far behind as I am I would have normally given up.

Okay those be the books. As I read I'll try to leave my thoughts on them here. What about you? What are you reading?

Revenant by Carolyn Haines ~ Review

2009-03-21T04:44:00.002-05:00

Revenant by Carolyn Haines

BOOK DESCRIPTION
When a decades-old mass grave near a notorious Biloxi nightclub is unearthed, reporter Carson Lynch is among the first on the scene.
The remains of five women lie within, each one buried with a bridal veil - and without her ring finger.

Once an award-winning journalist, Carson knows her career is now hanging by a thread. This story has pulled her out of a pit of alcohol and self-loathing, and with justice and redemption in mind she begins to investigate. Days later two more bodies appear, begging the question - is a copycat murderer terrorizing Biloxi, or has a serial killer awoken from a twenty-five-year slumber?

MY THOUGHTS
If you like mysteries then this is a book you might enjoy. It had a nice twist at the end that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had figured it out I was wrong. The sub plots were just as good not mystery detailed but still good. And it had my one weakness a person whose hit bottom and has to drag their sorry butts back up.

Things I Liked
~ Although rough around the edges I enjoyed the main character Carson. She had a hard life and she was trying to pull it together. Although the only reason was the murder it still didn’t matter at least she tried.
~ As I said above the mystery was pretty good and had an excellent twist. Just when I thought I had it poof something else happened. However, the twist was still believable and I did enjoy it.

Things I Didn’t Like
~ I didn’t appreciate how Carson treated the men in her life. Yes it was understandable she lost a great deal but still she treated them harshly.
~ There was a sub story of her friend Jack that I didn’t think was important enough to tie into the overall story.

Rating ~ B

Additional Info
~ Published: 2007
~ Price: $6.99
~Favorite Author Book: This is the only one I’ve read
~ Author Website: http://www.carolynhaines.com/
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100+ Book Challenge

28 / 100 words. 28% done!

Revenant and thoughts

2009-03-20T08:19:00.003-05:00

So Revenant has picked up just a little, and by just a little I mean literally just a little. I can't for the love of God figure out why I won't put it down. The writing style is clean and crisp so that might be it, that or the author has figured out my weakness.

What is that you ask? Watching a messed up person get their life back together and that's exactly what's happening with Carson our heroine. I also can't figure out if this is a straight mystery or a love story. Will she get a HEA or will she get the sort of HEA you know the one that she could have an HEA in like 3 or 5 books down the road.

But now that I've said all that I don't think this is a HEA type of book. Seriously at this point i just want to figure out who did it. See if she will tell her sister that her husband is cheating and see which man she goes for. That's it. Seeing how I'm on Chapter 24 I think I might actually get all of the above soon. I hope

Act Like a Lady think Like a Man by Steve Harvey ~ Review

2009-03-20T04:46:00.002-05:00

This was an interesting book that a lady from work wanted me to read. (I think its b/c I am ready to start dating again or something) Anywho, Steve Harvey doesn't mess around when it comes to ladies and men. He lays it all out on a table letting a woman know that men do not think like us. What we think love is and how we show it is not what a man will do. In fact according to Harvey there are only 3 ways a man shows us love.

I won't go into specifics and I won't say this is the end all to be all but it was an okay quick read. I enjoyed seeing a guys perspective of relationship and it was brutally honest even when it wasn't necessary. Mr. Harvey must be doing something right with so many people listening to his pod cast and radio shows that discuss the same topics he's put in this book.

I would give it a B

I liked it but like I said I won't base everything I've learned over the years off of it.

*******

100+ Book Challenge

27 / 100 words. 27% done!

Tangled Webs by Anne Bishop ~ Review

2009-03-19T04:47:00.002-05:00

TITLE: The Shadow Queen
AUTHOR: Anne Bishop
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Fantasy
PAGES; 448
SERIES: oh yeah
1. Daughter of the Blood
2. Heir to the Shadow
3. Queen of the Darkness
4. The Invisible Ring
5. Dreams Made Flesh (read 2 of the 4 in this anthology)
6. Tangled Web
7. The Shadow Queen

REASON FOR READING: I fell in love with the trilogy and had to read everything that has to do with the characters I’ve grown to love

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
The invitation is signed "Jaenelle Angelline," and it summons her family to an entertainment she had specially prepared. Surreal SaDiablo, former courtesan and assassin, arrives first. But when she enters the house, Surreal finds herself trapped in a living nightmare created by the tangled webs of Black Widow witches...and if she uses Craft to defend herself, she risks being sealed in the house forever.

But Jaenelle did not send the invitation. And now Jaenelle and her family must rescue Surreal and the others inside without becoming trapped themselves-and then discover who has created such a place, and why...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved being able to visit the world again and seeing my favorite characters going through yet another adventure.

Things I enjoyed:
I loved see Surreal in an environment where she wasn’t the strongest and showed some weakness it was a nice change for her. And I have to admit even though I would have pissed my pants if I was in that house I totally thought the house was cool and very interesting.
I’m so glad the villain got what he deserved and he did deserve it considering what he did to Teresa b/c that was mean and I hated him for it. But I love that she personally got her revenge on him. Classic

Things I didn’t care for:
There wasn’t much I didn’t enjoy. The book was spot on for what I wanted in the Black Jewels world and what I needed at the time. I got a fix without it hurting the previous books.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Sadly enough folks this was a library book but it is going on the To Be Bought pile as soon as it comes out in paperback.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: .You do not have to read the series to understand this book. HOWEVER, in order to fully appreciate the richness of the world Ms. Bishop has created you really should start at the beginning.

*******
100+ Book Challenge

26 / 100 words. 26% done!

So I'm reading Revenant

2009-03-18T10:09:00.002-05:00

At someone's suggestion? Although whose I can't remember any more. If I was a betting woman I would go with Ames but then again it could've been the Book Binge or Dear Author. *shrug*
Anywho let me start off with... I am not a big mystery person/suspense. I will admit a good mystery is interesting I love to see how the authors do it. But its not my first choice. Which is why this book might take me some time. Unless it picks up quick I'm going to drop it and forget about it.

Let me see. So far we have a reporter who lost her daughter in a house fire, a DA who lost his whole family in accidents, and 5 bodies recently discovered from 1981. Now keep in mind this book takes place in 2005 so we have an older mystery. Plus it has just been discovered that four of the girls went missing at the same time in 1981 but whose the fifth and who committed the crime.

And that's where I'm at after 2 days of reading. These type of books don't allow a person to skim, or skip around which I am guilty of doing usually. So it is slow reading for me unless the suspense kicks up a notch. I will let you know tomorrow how lunch reading went today.

Finshed

2009-03-17T09:42:00.002-05:00

Tangle Webs last nigth VERY GOOD! Hopefully a review to follow Thursday or today not sure... Need to read a book by tomorrow for TBR. However, no historical romance in my TBR pile is catching my eye so I've picked out Revenant by Carolyn Haines. It's suppose to be this dark twisted mystery/suspense so we shall see and for some reason I am draw to those right now... Not sure what that means about me.

Alright thoughts to follow on Revenant once I get into it.

The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop ~ Review

2009-03-15T04:48:00.002-05:00

TITLE: The Shadow Queen
AUTHOR: Anne Bishop
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Fantasy
PAGES; 448
SERIES: oh yeah
1. Daughter of the Blood
2. Heir to the Shadow
3. Queen of Darkness
4. The Invisible Ring (need to read)
5. Tangled Web (currently Reading)
6. Dreams Made Flesh (read 2 of the 4 in this anthology)
7. The Shadow Queen

REASON FOR READING: I fell in love with the trilogy and had to read everything that has to do with the characters I’ve grown to love

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
Dena Nehele is a land decimated by its past. Once it was ruled by corrupt Queens who were wiped out when the land was cleansed of tainted Blood. Now, only one hundred Warlord Princes stand—without a leader and without hope.

Theran Grayhaven is the last of his line, desperate to find the key that reveals a treasure great enough to restore Dena Nehele. But first he needs to find a Queen who remembers the Blood’s code of honor and lives by the Old Ways. The woman chosen to rule Dena Nehele, Lady Cassidy, is not beautiful and believes she is not strong. But she may be the only one able to convince bitter men to serve once again

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed catching up with J and D. I loved seeing S & L and learning where they were at in life. Aymless has a review posted that I tend to agree with. While I enjoyed reading and catching up with old friends their story tended to interfere with the new story revolving around Gray and Cassie. Whom I totally adore and what to know more about, I felt their story was rushed at the end and could have been a totally separate book from the others.

Things I enjoyed:
Like I stated above it was really nice getting to see where the old friends where in life and seeing little flashbacks here and there of their lives previous to the trilogy. However, I would have liked either a book about them or a separate book. Or I would have even enjoyed another short story book like Dreams Made Flesh to catch up.
I liked seeing Cassidy and Gray interact and felt there wasn’t enough of that interaction. I loved watching Gray struggle with his past to be the man that Cassidy needed in order to heal herself and I felt that in a way that was missing b/c we kept going back to D & J’s relationship.
I did however, like how all the men from Sadi and Lucivar as well as the other warlord princes interacting with Cassie. Showing her how she should be treated as a Queen but never letting her get to big of a head. However, knowing Cassidy that wouldn’t have been a problem she was damaged not in the same way as Gray but still hurt bad enough that she needed healing too.

Things I didn’t care for:
I did not, under any circumstance did I, enjoy Theran he was a complete and total ass through out the whole damn book. Is seriously kept hoping Lucivar would kill him. My God what a horrible person and try as I might I just couldn’t like him. He didn’t do anything that made me want to like him and if it wouldn’t have broken up her court I would have continued to wish him dead till the end. Hell even at the end I don’t feel as if he changed all that much. If there’s another book I hope it involves his death and his replacement. BLECH

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Sadly enough folks this was a library book but it is going on the To Be Bought pile as soon as it comes out in paperback.

SCORE: 8 out of 10 simple due to Theran

Anything Else: .You do not have to read the series to understand this book. HOWEVER, in order to fully appreciate the richness of the world Ms. Bishop has created you really should start at the beginning.

*******
100+ Book Challenge

25 / 100 words. 25% done!

Summer Knight by Jim Butcher ~ Review

2009-03-14T04:49:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Summer Knight
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2002
TYPE: Fantasy
PAGES; 371
SERIES: oh yeah
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Mask
6. Blood Rite
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: I’ve read this series up to this book and have fallen madly in love with Harry

SUMMARY: {From the back of the book}
Ever since his girlfriend left town to deal with her newly acquired taste for blood, Harry Dresden has been down and out in Chicago. He can’t pay his rent. He’s alienating his friends. He can’t even recall the last time he took a shower.
The only professional wizard in the phone book has become a desperate man.
And just when it seems things can’t get any worse, in saunters the Winter Queen of Faerie. She has an offer Harry can’t refuse if he wants to free himself of the supernatural hold his faerie godmother has over him – and hopefully end his run of bad luck. All he has to do is find out who murdered the Summer Queen’s right-hand man, the Summer Knight and clear the Winter Queen’s name.
It seems simple enough, but Harry knows better than to get caught in the middle of faerie politics. Until he finds out that the fate of the entire world rest on his solving this case. No pressure or anything…

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I love Harry Dresden. I have no idea why but I love him. He is a man that always tries to do what’s right, he’s hurt a person he loves and now he feels guilty even though it wasn’t his fault. He’s down in his luck and the whole world appears to be against him. When other would just roll over and die Harry gets up and brushes off the dirt. He goes right back into the battle knowing it could be his last and he does it because it’s the right thing to do.

Things I enjoyed:
Here’s a reason I love Harry it’s a conversation that Harry is having with his Godmother. In the previous book she attempted to turn him into a hound that she would then kennel. Here’s his response to her offer to help him in this book: I scowled at her. “You tried to turn me into one of your hounds and keep me in a kennel, godmother.”
“you’d have been perfectly safe there, “ she pointed out. “And very happy. I only wanted what was best for you because I care for you, Child.”
My stomach did a neat little rollover, and I swallowed. “Yeah. Uh. It’s very… you. I guess. In a demented, insane way, I can understand that.”

Another time he is talking to the local shifter pack:
“All clear?” I asked.
The wolf ducked his head in a couple of quick nods and dropped the flashlight on my foot. I picked it up. The wolf barked again and started off toward the wharf. I frowned at him and said, “You want me to follow you?”
He rolled his eyes and nodded again.
I started off after him. “If it turns out that Timmy’s stuck down the well, I’m going home.”

His sense of humor is great and he always manages to have something smart to say at the worse of times.

Things I didn’t care for:
I hate that Harry is always getting his butt kicked. ALWAYS but then again I would hate it if he never got hurt. So really this is a no brainier.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing, there are too many in this series to ever think about going back to re-read.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: .you don’t have to read this series in order. I think Mr. Butcher does an excellent job of letting it be a stand alone. But in order to fully appreciate the series. You should read it from the beginning.
*******
100+ Book Challenge
24/100

Oh Harry why do you hurt me so?

2009-03-13T10:26:00.001-05:00

Harry, Harry, Harry why oh why do you torture me so? You allow the bad guys to beat you down at every turn. They kick your ass, they stomp on you, they force you into bargins and yet, and yet you manage at every turn to save the world.
Don't you know my poor heart can't take it any more. I can't stand to see you getting your butt kicked and I can't stand to watch your pain real or imaged. Oh Harry when oh when are you going to have something good happen to you for once? I'm dying here. Does anything go right for you?

Will the series end with your death or your redemption? Oh Harry how am I to survive 10 more books if book 5 hurts so much to read. *sigh* I guess this is something I will have to deal with I guess in order to figure out if you ever get your HEA...

Unless someone wants to let me know if the series picks up with Harry winning something a battle, or a woman or something?

I'm a sucker for punishment

2009-03-11T08:41:00.004-05:00

Remember that last post I did about YA and how I don't enjoy reading it sometimes and what not. And how they whine and don't pay attention? Yeah well they did all the jazz in book 4 Feast of Fools but I'll be damned if I don't want to rush off and grab book 5. Ms. Caine is evil with the cliff hanger endings just evil!

So yeah I'll be picking that book up ASAP b/c I just can't stand sitting her wondering what's going to happen. Then I have to wait until freakin June for book 6.

Just in case you didn't know this about me I'll warn you. I CAN'T STAND IT WHEN I CATCH UP TO A SERIES and have to wait for the next book. Which is why I am usually always a few books behind everyone else. IT BLOWS

Anywho review to follow this week.

Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine ~ Review

2009-03-11T04:50:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Feast of Fools
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: young adult
PAGES; 242
SERIES: oh yeah
1. Glass Houses
2. The Dead Girl’s Dance
3. Midnight Ally
4. Feast of Fools
5. Lord of Misrule
6. Carpe Corpus (out in June)
7. Fade Out (no release date)

REASON FOR READING: I’ve loved the series from the start and wanted to see where it would go.

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Student Claire Danvers has never been convinced, though especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town’s living and its dead is unthinkably sinister. It’s only at a formal ball, attended by vampires and their human dates, that Claire realizes the human dates, that Claire realizes the elaborately evil trap he’s set for Morganville.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book started off slow for me even though it left off as a cliff hanger on the last book. I have to admit though I am starting to grow tired of YA books b/c of the main character. I just have a hard time dealing with the whining and complaining, not listening to anyone thought process. However, I also realize that they are teenagers and that’s what teenagers do LOL so it’s a catch 22

Things I enjoyed:
The book picked up by a third of the way through I was hooked once again. Rachel Caine has a way of sucking you into her world and leaving you there breathless. Claire has matured a little she still had her whoa is me moments but they weren’t nearly as long or as bad as before.
I enjoyed her and Shane getting closer and Shane holding back. He is a young man with a girl that would easily follow through but he is being a mature young man and holding off. He even knows his limits and doesn’t push it.
Claire figuring out the feast and the game was wonderful and I loved discovering what Amelia would do with Bishop in town. And can I just say wow on the cliff hanger? OMG lovely now I want the next one like right now.

Things I didn’t care for:
I didn’t care for the scenes where Claire was upset and jealous about the feast I understood why she would feel this way but I still wasn’t happy about it. I didn’t like that Shane had to go to the party but once I understood what was happening it made more sense.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping. Now that we are in the series fully I have a feeling I would read all the short books at once making a really long re-reading session.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: .This is a series you have to read from the beginning. Otherwise you are just lost.
***********
100+ Book Challenge
23/100

feast of fools by rachel caine

2009-03-10T11:45:00.005-05:00

Hey everybody (hey Dr. Nick). Okay Feast of Fools is the 4th book in the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine and I personally hope this book picks up from the last one. The series is starting to face the problem I have with a lot of YA books. The immaturity level makes me want to scream.

And yes I realize when I was that age I acted the same way and yes I know that they have to do mistakes in order to understand and grow. However, I still get sick of the I'm right and everyone I MEAN EVERYONE else is wrong. Period. End of Story. No compromises. And of course no thoughts on the subject again.

The part that gets me is the simple part of when they discover they were wrong that first time they don't say WHOOPS my bad and learn from it. NO they continue to make the same mistakes over and over and over and over again. That's why YA loses me after too many books in the series.

This book however, has 4 count it 4 teenagers and thankfully they balance each other out. And thankfully right now they are all relying on each other and learning from past mistakes. They still have their immaturity and they still have the I know what's right mentality but now they have others to consider so they are watching it.

I am really hoping this one picks up b/c last book was almost a DNF for me b/c of Claire. She isn't maturing as fast as I would like and I have to remind myself that the timeline in this series is very TIGHT. There are a few days inbetween each book if that. So Deep breathe I am on page 50 and so far not nearly as annoyed as I was when I finshed book 3 last year.

I am going to try and post a review on this one in a few days and the previous ones will hopefully be a re-read for me.

Has anyone else read this series?

Cain and Abel by Michelle Perry

2009-03-10T04:51:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Cain and Abel
AUTHOR: Michelle Perry
COPYRIGHT: 2005
TYPE: mystery/suspense
PAGES; 326
SERIES: no

REASON FOR READING: I had read one of her books before and loved it. Just wanted to see what this one was about.

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
Brutally battered wife Jessica Ramsey fakes her death and flees to Tennessee to make a new life for herself and her young son. But five years later a chance encounter with his twin brother reveals her new identity. And nobody fools Cole Ramsey twice

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
While the suspense was good and the overall plot was okay it felt as if the suspense was the only thing holding the book together. Would Cole get her or not?

Things I enjoyed:
I did enjoy seeing a woman who had been in an abusive relationship get out of it and survive. And not just one our main character Jessica but Alex and Cole (twins) had a mom in the same type of relationship.
I was glad that Alex wasn’t like his father and the cycle of abuse didn’t continue

Things I didn’t care for:I didn’t like the ending. It was a little off for me like she was maybe going to do another book with these same people involved or something. It just didn’t flow right for me.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? passing

SCORE: 5 out of 10

Anything Else: .This isn’t one of her better books but I still enjoyed it enough to have to know what would happen.
*************
100+ Book Challenge

22 / 100
(22.0%)

2nd challenge

4 / 12
(33.3%)

Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson ~ Review

2009-03-09T04:52:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Annie’s Song
AUTHOR: Catherine Anderson
COPYRIGHT: 1996
TYPE: historical romance
PAGES; 410
SERIES: no

REASON FOR READING: Everyone kept talking about how wonderful this book was so I had to read it!

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
Annie Trimble lives in a solitary world that no one enters or understands. As delicate and beautiful as the tender blossoms of the Oregon spring, she is shunned by a town that misinterprets her affliction. But cruelty cannot destroy the love Annie holds in her heart.

Alex Montgomery is horrified to learn his wild younger brother forced himself on a helpless "idiot girl." Tormented by guilt, Alex agrees to marry her and raise the babe she carries as his own. But he never dreams he will grow to cherish his lovely, mute, misjudged Annie--her childlike innocence, her womanly charms and the wondrous way she views her world. And he becomes determined to break through the wall of silence surrounding her--to heal...and to healed by Annie's sweet song of love.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This was a fantastic heart warming story. I enjoyed reading about Annie and how she grew under the love of Alex. And I really enjoyed watching Alex grow as a person who came to love Annie for herself.

Things I enjoyed:
Alex and Annie’s story I loved watching Alex grow to understand that she wasn’t stupid or dumb but really she was deaf. Once he realized that it all began to make sense. And his love grew as he understood her world and what it had to be like for her. Their love was so endearing I loved watching it grow and shape to become something wonderful.
I loved that Alex took Annie on even though he didn’t want and of course he had bad intentions at the beginning but the important part is he fought for her and did everything he could to make her life happy.

My favorite part was him explaining that Annie wasn’t going to lay an egg when she had the baby. That was freaking funny as all get out.

Things I didn’t care for:
There wasn’t much I didn’t care for. I didn’t like that Douglas got away clean and easy after what he did to Annie. I really didn’t like her parents but they fit with the story. The only other thing I didn’t care for was Alex pushing Annie to be physical with him. I understand the thought behind it but no one had ever explained to Annie what physical meant and add to it she had been raped so she was really confused and yet he kept pushing.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This is an excellent book very heart warming and I enjoyed it.
*****************
100+ Book Challenge

21 / 100
(21.0%)

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

2009-03-08T14:53:00.005-05:00

TITLE: Slave to Sensation
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
COPYRIGHT: 2006
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES; 334
SERIES: yes
1. . Slave to Sensation (this is my re-read for the month)
2. Vision of Heat
3. Caressed by Ice

REASON FOR READING: I am getting ready to move and wanted to see if I still wanted to keep this on the shelf.

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabil' ' n"—the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice- cold Psy is very capable of passion—and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities—or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Wow what a way to kick off a fantastic series. This has 2 storylines going on first the storyline of Sascha Duncan and her abilities (I won’t give it away b/c it is an important part of the story) the second storyline being the killer that is kidnapping young changeling women and torturing them as well as raping them. The fact that both stories are weaved together so well is amazing in it but to add in the fact of suspense and love and you get a powerful storyline.

Things I enjoyed:
I enjoyed re-discovering this world and how it all began. I loved learning about the leopards and their worlds and when you throw in the wolves I was hooked. The psy have a very interesting world, it is very complex and difficult to follow but Ms. Singh has a fantastic writing ability that enables you to live in their world and understand what is happening.
I also enjoyed Sascha and her constant struggle to be a normal psy who is fighting against her inner nature b/c she has been told her whole life she is broken. Not wanting to be rehabilitated she works at and struggles at being more psy, more cold, more unattached.
Lucas is just the opposite he is full of love, touch and emotions. And he happens to just be the right man to help Sascha with her problems. Very nice…

Things I didn’t care for:
It was hard to find one thing about this story that I didn’t like and I have to admit I liked that we didn’t have to see what the council was doing without it directly relating to Sascha (in other words her ease dropping) This time the Council doesn’t talk on their own.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Yeah after my re-read I’m still keeping it *drops head on desk*

SCORE: 9 out of 10 (Huh same score I gave it last time)

Anything Else: This is definitely a book you should read before starting the series. This book sets up the rest of the series and dips your toes in just enough to hook you into the series.

finished

2009-03-06T13:07:00.002-06:00

Miss Wonderful, yeah not so wonderful. I will post a review on it next week. I'm hoping to start my re-read with Slave to Sensation this weekend and maybe squeeze in another book. We shall see though!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. I'm going to try and relax while enjoying the nice weather

Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh ~ Review

2009-03-06T07:09:00.003-06:00

TITLE: Mine to Possess
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES; 328
SERIES: yes
1. Slave to Sensation which I plan to re-read this month to kick off my re-read challenge also the book club choice at Reading Romance
2. Vision of Heat
3. Caressed by Ice

REASON FOR READING: I read the first three and this one was calling my name.

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed...and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man, and lost his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.

Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare stalks her—-the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...

Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again and hungers to possess her with a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past... or lose everything that ever mattered.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This was yet another fantastic read from Ms. Singh she has created a fascinating world that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until your body is on overload. I thought the last one was good because of the psy being a guy. But for some reason this friends to lovers story (which I should have saved for my TBR reading challenge but I’m glad I didn’t) was even better.

Things I enjoyed:
This is yet another example of me actually liking the heroine which is weird for me and difficult for me to understand. Yes Tally had moments where I wanted to strangle her but not in the A typical way. She wasn’t tough as nails but yet she was strong, she wasn’t a fighter and yet she fought for those she cared about. The reasons I wanted to strangle her were her internal struggles of her feelings with worthlessness. And yet at the same time my heart broke for her because I understood why she had those thoughts. She was a fully fleshed out character that didn’t suddenly change her whole way to be with Clay. Tally actually grew into a woman I could respect and be friends with. And the love she had for Clay oh god the love it was perfect.

Clay was one of those cats I had forgotten about. Hard to image after reading this story but I had. I couldn’t remember him at all and then all of the sudden it came back in waves. He was the angry one the one that was the loner in the group more than V was. But yet nothing stood out about him. Until this book, Clay had a hard life he grew up as a leopard without a pack confined in a city. He fell in love with his mate as a child but was unable to recognize her as such until he felt it was too late. Clay loved Tally so deeply it was almost his undoing before he even got started. This was the perfect man for Tally to help her heal and grow as a woman and yet Tally was the perfect woman for Clay for the same reasons.

Things I didn’t care for:
Again this wasn’t a problem for me. I even enjoyed the subplots of the Forgotten I found them interesting and I wonder where else she will take it. I even enjoyed the M psy her name is escaping me. I guess to make an even longer point there was nothing I didn’t like about this story.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

SCORE: 10 out of 10

Anything Else: I really think you have to read the first one in this series in order to understand what is going on in this book. This is simply due to the storylines tying into each other and the evolving storyline of the psy vs. changeling going on. Same as before but this might be able to be a stand alone. I still think you can get more out of it if you read the whole series though.

What am I reading?

DIK review sort of: Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

So Reading 2 books on the side

YEAH!!!

OMG

Playing With Fire By Katie MacAlister

Romance Reading Challenge

New Challenge

100 + Book Challenge Reading List

Year of the Historical Book Selections

Books Picked for DIK

Challenges

Hunger Games

Currently Reading

My Favorite Song...

Automatic Detective favorite line

The Automatic Detective by A Lee Martinez

Favorite lines from Turn Coat

I finished a book!!!

OMG I'm reading something...

Holy Sneakers

Well its the first of August

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Alright time for a catch up

Finding Hope by Katie Reus

Unshapely Things

Faery Queen by Michelle Pillow ~ Review

King of the Unblessed by Michelle Pillow ~ Review

Alrighty then

One Scream Away by Kate Brady

I'm heading into a reading slump *drops head*

Re-read

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins

Left Behind...

Scandal by Carolyn Jewel and Left Behind

Thoughts on Scandal by Carolyn Jewel

DNF

Still reading

One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey

Broken Wing by Judith James ~ Review

Broken Wing finished

Broken Wing by Judith James

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey ~ Review

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey

Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans ~ Review

Finished Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans

Night's Rose by Annaliese Evans

Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher ~ Review

White Night by JIm Butcher ~ Review

Rising Tides by Nora Roberts ~ Review

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George ~ Review

Small Favor by Jim Butcher ~ Review

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts ~ Review

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts part II

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

Riding Wild by Jaci Burton ~ Review

Ghostland by Jory Strong

In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix

Dead Beat by Jim Butcher ~ Review

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn ~ Review

In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix

Silent in the Grave and my thoughts

Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine ~ Review

A Woman's Guide to Healing the Heart by Rose Sweet ~ Review

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan ~ Review

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater ~ Review

Rapture in Death by JD Robb ~ Review

Blood Rites by Jim Butcher ~ Review

BREAK

Storm Born by Richelle Mead

Help

An Accidental Goddess by Linnea Sinclair ~ Review

A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix ~Review

Whew what a week.

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Death Masks by Jim Butcher ~ Review

Blood Angel Re-Read Review

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey ~ Review

I'm heading into a reading slump drops head