Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday (34)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we can’t wait for. 


This week I’m waiting on,
Enclave (Razorland #1)
by Ann Aguirre
Releases: April 2011
Synopsis via Goodreads


WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE 




In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. 

Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember. As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. 

When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning. Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first she thinks he's crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don't always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. 

Her partner confuses her; she's never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace. As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy... but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.



What book are you waiting on?

Monday, December 20, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (18)

"Teaser Tuesday" is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading
Check out her blog for all the details.

My teaser this week comes from No Mercy (Dark-Hunter #19) by Sherrilyn Kenyon. 




“I am a seriously sick woman. Only the deranged could think a man covered in paranormal snot was hot.”


p. 46









Review: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis



Title: Simply Irresistible
Series: Lucky Harbor #1
Author: Jill Shalvis
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.


In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.


Favorite Quote:


“He pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head, and be still her heart, he had eyes the exact color of the caramel in the candy bar she’d consumed for lunch."

My thoughts:

Simply Irresistible is the first novel in a new series, that follows three sisters who inherited a dilapidated inn from their free-spirited mother. Maddie the mouse is eager to start anew and shed her reputation as meek. Leaving behind an abusive ex, and the job she was fired from in Los Angeles. She is moving to Lucky Harbor with the hopes of convincing her two half sisters to look at the inn they inherited as a lucrative joint venture. Upon arrival they discover the inn will need large amounts of work (and money) to get it up and running. Maddie is convinced they can do it even though her sisters are skeptical. Maddie also finds herself  struggling with her feelings for the super sexy, Jax, who kissed her senseless on her first evening in Lucky Harbor. Not a good thing for a girl who recently decided to give up men. She has to decide if Jax and his heart-stopping kisses are worth the risk.


I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Lucky Harbor, Washington, and can’t wait to “vacation” there again as this series continues. There is just something about contemporary romances in a small town setting that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It is also set during the holiday season, and ideal to read during the month of December. 


While this book primarily focused on Maddie (aka "The Mouse"), we also get to know a bit about Tara and Chloe. I loved the banter between the three half sisters, who all have very unique personalities. Tara is the oldest and referred to as the "Steel Magnolia". She is sassy, classy, and quick to voice her opinion. Chloe is the baby of the family, and the one who is always in trouble. That earned her the label of “Wild Child”. Most like their mother, she also seemed to be closest to her. This leaves Maddie a little envious, and feeling remorse for not trying to strengthen her relationship with her mother before her death. She feels she now has a second chance with her sisters by fulfilling her mother’s wish for the girls to run the inn together.


Love interest, Jax, had me swooning. Sexy, rugged, and a man with his own share of secrets. Maddie and Jax are a perfect match, and the chemistry they created radiated from the pages. Jax is falling for Maddie hard. Unfortunately, certain details from his past, and secrets he can’t reveal, could make or break what they’ve started. 


I’d recommend Simply Irresistible to readers looking for a love story with a little something more. The relationship progression between the three sisters was almost as fun to experience as Maddie and Jax steaming up the pages. This will also be a hit with anyone who enjoys writing with a sarcastic edge mixed with plenty of witty one-liners. Simply Irresistible had me snickering, and earning strange looks from my husband on more than one occasion. The quotes from the girls mom, Phoebe, at the beginning of each chapter were a fun addition. While some of the topics are a bit heavy, the author tackled them without leaving the book with a depressing tone. All in all a fun read, with endearing characters you can’t help but to grow attached to. I can’t wait to read Tara’s story next year in, The Sweetest Thing


Cover thoughts: Cute, but Maddie’s hair is “tamer" than I’d visualized. Her unruly curls are her trademark. I would have loved to have that conveyed on the cover model.


Jill Shalvis on the web:



Books in this series:

Simply Irresistible (A Lucky Harbor Novel)The Sweetest Thing (A Lucky Harbor Novel)



Source: Publisher
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Giveaway: Blood Trinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love




Supernatural warriors bound by an extraordinary code of honor face an ultimate test of loyalty in the exciting new paranormal thriller from New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love.

Atlanta has become the battlefield between human and demon. All her life, Evalle Kincaid has walked the line between the two. Her origins unknown, she’s on a quest to learn more about her past . . . and her future.
When a demon claims a young woman in a terrifying attack and there’s no one else to blame, Evalle comes under suspicion. Now she’s on a deadly quest for her own survival. Through the sordid underground of an alternate Atlanta where nothing is as it seems to the front lines of the city, where her former allies have joined forces to hunt her, Evalle must prove her innocence or pay the ultimate price.

But saving herself is the least of her problems if she doesn’t stop the coming apocalypse. The clock is ticking and Atlanta is about to catch fire. . . .



Blood Trinity is the first in Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love’s Belador series.

Read my review here!

I have one copy up for grabs.

Rules:

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
Please fill out this form to enter
Contest ends 12/31

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we can’t wait for. 


This week I’m waiting on 
Darkness Becomes Her
by Kelly Keaton
Releases February 2011
Synopsis via Goodreads


Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is. 



Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued. 

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her. 

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed

Why I’m waiting on this one? I love this author’s adult Urban Fantasy series, and can’t wait to check out her new YA series.


I’m also waiting on
A Brush of Darkness
by Allison Pang
Releases January 2011
Synopsis via Goodreads

The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.

Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her.

Why I’m waiting on this one? Mini unicorns and enchanted iPods! Enough said :) I also follow this author’s blog and she is witty and clever. I can’t wait to read her debut novel.

What are you waiting on?



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

ARC Review: Vixen by Jillian Larkin



Title: Vixen
Series: The Flappers #1
Author: Jillian Larkin
Available: Today!
Reading Level: Young Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.
 
Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?
 
Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . . 
 
Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . . 


My thoughts:


Happy Book Birthday to Vixen! The first in author Jillian Larkin’s The Flappers series. 


Vixen follows three young women during the roaring twenties. Gloria is engaged to a man any woman would consider a catch, but the chemistry is lacking. When she visits an illegal speakeasy with friends, she finds herself smitten with a man she shouldn’t be. It also awakens a desire to perform on stage she didn’t even know she had. Lorraine is Gloria’s best friend, but in all honesty not a good friend at all. She is jealous, and willing to do just about anything to be the center of attention. Even if it means hurting the people she claims to care for. Clara is Gloria’s cousin believed to have moved in with Gloria’s family to help plan the up and coming nuptials. Believed by all to be a well behaved farm girl, but in actuality Clara has lived a life both Gloria and Lorraine just might envy. She is hoping to escape her past scandals, and start new in Chicago. 


This book was so much fun. I’ve always found flappers fascinating. From the clothes, to the hair, and of course the dancing. I’d love to think I would have been dancing the Charleston at an underground speakeasy had I been alive in the 20’s. I’ll skip the mob interactions though. Those guys were a little scary.


Vixen contains a nice mix of characters. Readers are sure to identify with at least one of the main characters. Lots of drama, secrets, romance, and even a little mystery to keep you glued to the pages. I love that the author touched on the difficulties of an interracial relationship during the era. Gloria really surprised me. She had a rebellious nature I never anticipated. Lorraine was always around to wreak havoc. As much dislike as I have for her meddling character, she was without a doubt a necessary evil for the plot. Clara was sweet and paying the price for her past mistakes. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Gloria progress, while she tried to hang on to her secrets. The plot flows nicely, and the characters also develop well as it progresses. The ending leaves you with questions without being a dreaded cliffhanger. All in all a solid series debut, and one I look forward to continuing.


Buy from Amazon:

Vixen (The Flappers)




Source: Around the World Tours

Teaser Tuesday (17)

"Teaser Tuesday" is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading
Check out her blog for all the details.

My teasers this week comes from Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens and Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis.



“He was like dancing with a surfboard. I didn’t care. Most guys softened up after a while, I was sure he would eventually. Then we’d find a nice, cozy corner and ravish each other”

p.21





"Maddie walked fast down the pier, not slowing until she came to the Ferris wheel. Too bad her life couldn’t be as simple as going round and round..."

p. 46


Monday, December 13, 2010

ARC Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer


Title: Nightshade
Series: Nightshade #1
Author: Andrea Cremer
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult


5 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?


My thoughts:


Calla has always accepted the life she was born to live. She is a werewolf, also known as a guardian, destined to become the mate of fellow alpha Ren. Calla has never thought to question the life she leads, or the choices that have been made for her. All that changes when she saves the life of a beautiful boy named Shay. 


I have to start by mentioning how madly in love I am with author Andrea Cremer’s writing. It is sexy without pushing the limit, or coming off as forced just to give the book an “edge”. It is sexy just because it is. She also really brings the reader into the story. The descriptions make it hard to feel like you aren’t actually standing beside Calla as the drama unfolds. As you read it is obvious this book was created by an intelligent and strong woman. Andrea Cremer’s imagination is a definite asset to YA fiction. I also enjoyed that the plot veered from the typical werewolf story line that is running rampant in both Young Adult and Adult fiction. I’m a card carrying werewolf groupie who was grateful for this refreshing take. 


Calla is a strong character. I loved her curious and rebellious nature. She has spent her life believing what she was taught without questioning those in charge. Then Shay shows her a book that could change all she has known. She could walk away, but finds she longs for answers. The community Calla was raised in seemed almost cult like. The Keepers dictate the life the guardians (wolves) will lead. The female guardians are expected to ignore their sexuality so they are pure when they bond with their mate. The male guardians on the other hand, are encouraged to embrace their desires even after they are with their mate. Some of the behavior of the guardians and Keepers in this book is seriously unsavory, and punishments for breaking the rules are extreme.


This was a fabulous book, and a very quick read even though it was over 400 pages. Unfortunately, I found I didn’t really feel the connection between Calla and Shay. While I like them both as characters, I didn’t enjoy the love match. Ren is definitely my pick for the feisty female alpha. The fact that I can give this one 5 stars without swooning over the primary love interest speaks volumes. I’m a very character driven reader, who loves some warm fuzzy inducing romance. This is a book you should read because Calla simply rocks. She is unique amongst the world of Young Adult protagonists. The ending leaves us hanging, so readers who abhor the cliffhanger should proceed with caution. I despise cliffhangers, but admit that Nightshade is worth the stress of waiting for the next in the series. It is that good!


Nightshade also features a well developed cast of secondary characters. Calla’s younger brother, Ansel, and her close friend Bryn, are two of my favorites. Ren’s pack mates are also very intriguing characters. I hope we learn more about them as the series continues. I am very curious about the not so nice Sabine. While I wanted to hate her for her attitude, I couldn’t. It is obvious the life she has led has made her who she is. I couldn’t help, but to feel sympathetic towards her (even when she was being a royal bitch to Calla). I have to give kudos to the author. She gave readers an interesting setting with fabulous characters, and she did it all in a series and author debut. That is seriously impressive! I can’t wait to see where Calla takes us next.


This is a kind of sexy read with situations that might not be appropriate for the younger peeps. The author also touches on topics of abuse that may be too heavy for some. If you’re a parent looking for a book for a teen or tween I’d recommend giving it a read before handing it off. Not only to make sure it’s appropriate, but because it is a fabulous read. Fans of adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy will appreciate this one. 


Books in this series:

NightshadeWolfsbane: A Nightshade Novel

Andrea Cremer on the web:



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Source: LibraryThing’s Early Review Program

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Review & Giveaway: God and Dog by Wendy Francisco




Title: God and Dog
Author: Wendy Francisco
Available: Now
Reading Level: Children of all ages
My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars





Description from Goodreads:

GOD AND DOG is a phenomenon. First appearing on YouTube, the video of Wendy Francisco's charming animated illustrations and moving song tells of the unconditional love of both God and Dog.

With over 2 million YouTube viewings to date, Francisco's story appeals to all ages, to animal enthusiasts, to people of religious persuasions, and especially to anyone who has been loved by a dog.

Now in book format, Wendy's touching narrative will be expanded on through additional lyrics, illustrations, photographs and some of the powerful mail that is continually being sent to Francisco. 

My thoughts:

God and Dog is a little picture book with a big message. Taking the words god and dog, and showing how one can be reversed to spell the other. The emphasis is on how both God and your dog will be there when needed, even when they aren’t the main focus of our busy lives. Both show unconditional love and forgiveness. A very touching read, and one I hope to share with my children again and again. The illustrations are beautiful. My children were instantly drawn in by the adorable black and white pup on the cover. I’d recommend this one to dog lovers, and anyone looking for a little spiritual pick me up. This would make a great addition to any home or church library. 

Make sure you check out the YouTube video below to see the song that came before the book.



God and Dog on YouTube:


God and Dog on the web:


I also have two copies of God and Dog up for grabs thanks to Hachette Book Group.

Rules:

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
No P.O Boxes please
Book will ship directly from the publisher
Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule
Please fill out this form to enter
Comments are appreciated, but will not count as an entry
Contest Ends 12/28



Source: Publisher

ARC Review: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson



Title: The Sky Is Everywhere
Author: Jandy Nelson
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult






5 out of 5 Stars








Description from Goodreads:


Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.


Favorite Quote:



I know the expression love bloomed is metaphorical, but in my heart in this moment, there is one badass flower, captured in time-lapse photography, going from bud to wild radiant blossom in ten seconds flat.



My thoughts:


When I think of The Sky Is Everywhere the first word that pops into my mind is beautiful. Absolutely, beautiful! This is the kind of book that makes you want to get out a highlighter, and deface the pages by marking all the quotes you want to enjoy again and again. 


A story of loss, grief, love, betrayal, and growing up. It will make you cry during one paragraph and laugh the next. Lennie and Bailey seemed to be about as close as sisters can be. When Bailey dies suddenly Lennie is lost. It has always been her and her big sister. She is left feeling like no one can possibly understand. She closes off. Rejects her family and friends attempts at consolation. Even when she begins to fall for Joe she can’t help but to fixate on how things would be if Bailey were still alive. She starts to feel like Toby is the only one who can possibly relate to her grief. Things between the two get out of hand, and the guilt flows. Even with Joe’s affections known she can’t stay away from Toby. A bad idea, Lennie. A very bad idea. Her only constant seems to be the poems she scrawls on any usable writing space. Paper, books, benches, walls are all a canvas for Lennie’s feelings. This may be more therapeutic than Lennie even realizes.


The characters were extraordinarily unique. Lennie, Uncle Big, and Gram made me long to be part of the eccentric Walker family. I want Sarah to be my BFF, while beautiful Joe Fontaine speaks french and bats his length defying lashes at me.This is the kind of novel you need to savor. Relish in each word like it’s the last you’ll ever read. A stunning debut. I’m eagerly anticipating what Ms. Nelson will bring us next.


While I absolutely adored The Sky is Everywhere, please keep in mind it does contain language and situations that might be a little heavy for the younger teen crowd.




Source: IBT
Thursday, December 9, 2010

Kitten Update!


Thank you all for the positive thoughts. They worked! Our sweet Rue returned home last night. We have had a bowl of food sitting on our porch since the day we noticed she was gone (last Wednesday). It sat untouched. On Tuesday morning we noticed it had been licked clean. Not even a crumb left behind. We assumed it was a wild animal since after a week of sitting with food Rue hadn’t stopped by to eat. So we fill it again, and wake up Wednesday morning to another empty bowl. While loading the kids in the car for school on the same morning I saw something gray dart by my van. I immediately get on all fours and start looking under the van. Then I proceed to search the bushes. Nothing! Yes, my neighbors probably think I’ve lost my mind. Fast forward to Wednesday night. DS is walking the dog behind our house when he hears meowing in the woods. The hubs thinks it is wishful thinking. Then he checks the weather report. We are under a hard freeze warning. Temps in the 20’s. I’m freaking saying please don’t tell me. I can’t think of her out in this cold. So on a whim we set up the trap in our backyard with a giant bowl of kitten food & leave the gate open. 2 hours later I suggest to the hubs he check the trap and disarm it. I didn’t want some critter stuck inside a metal cage with such low temps all night while we were asleep. He comes back almost immediately with the entire crate and I hear the meowing. We caught our Ruby! She is a little skinny, but looks good. She had a bath and a giant bowl of food before cuddling up in bed with us last night. Now she is asleep again recovering from her 8 days of excitement. I will be on the phone with the vet soon to see what I need to do to make sure she isn’t ill, and also to schedule an appointment to have her microchipped. We are so relieved. The kids had the biggest smiles on their face when they woke up and discovered their kitten was home. Thanks again for all the kind words, prayers, and positive thoughts! I wish I could ask her where her adventures took her, but I’ll just have to settle for what my own imagination has conjured. 


Giving credit where credit is due


I never would have thought of traps without the help of the world wide web. This website is the reason our Rue is now snuggled up in my son’s bed. 


Thanks Tails of Hope Sanctuary!


http://www.tails-of-hope.org/info/display?PageID=406