REVIEW: Laura Wright's ETERNAL CAPTIVE (Mark of the Vampire Bk 3)

Title: ETERNAL CAPTIVE
Series: Mark of the Vampire (Book 3)
Author: Laura Wright
Format: Mass Market Paperback
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: February 7, 2012
ISBN: 0451235878
Buy ETERNAL CAPTIVE from Amazon
My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37.5/40 = 93%Synopsis

Since feeding her his blood, Lucian Roman has struggled with his obsession with Bronwyn Kettler-fighting an uncontrollable desire to kill her, if he has to, and the vampire she has sworn to wed. But when a dangerous enemy threatens Bronwyn, only Lucian can save her life. Even if it means sacrificing his own... (from Goodreads.com)

My Review

Lucian Roman has finally found his match in Bronwyn Kettler. She is feisty, strong willed, beautiful, and about to belong to another. Ever since Luca tasted Bronwyn blood, she's gotten under his skin. He can't get her out of his mind. What would you do if the person you know you're supposed to be with was destined for another? What would you be willing to give up to be with this person. And is it all worth it, if being with that special someone would turn you into the the person you have despised all your life, The Breading Male.

I have been waiting patiently for Lucian Roman to have his chance to tell his story. He has been my favorite Roman brother through out this entire series. What girl doesn't like a smart, cocky, bad boy. From the beginning of the story, you never see Luca ever settling down with anyone. It was his temperament, attitude, and the pesky fact of him becoming the Breading Male. In ETERNAL CAPTIVE, Luca is transformed into a new person. While the wit and snark still remain, he becomes this mature person that I never thought possible. When he returns to the credenti were he was born, the layers of his shell really start to fall way. He's willing to give up everything to save those who he loves, even if it hurts him.

Bronwyn Kettler's character has so many layers. When Brownwyn steps into this story, she's a very buttoned up, prissy, prim, Sandra Dee -type character. She made me crazy, and I never blamed Alexander a bit for not being interested in her in the first book. Over time, Bronwyn opened herself up, and made me love her. She became the strong, smart, driven women she was always meant to be.

The secondary characters in this story really bring ETERNAL CAPTIVE to life. The Roman brothers have such a spectacular dynamic, considering they each came from a broken home. They have built new lives together with new friends, family, and lovers. I'm completely wrapped up in both Gray and Dillon's separate and joint storylines. I'm so in love with these two, that my next read will probably be ETERNAL BLOOD (Mark of the Vampire #2.5). I, also, love the newest members the Roman brothers have added to their fold. I have a feeling that there might just be future books based around these guys, and I'll be there to read it when it comes out.

ETERNAL CAPRIVE is a story of personal growth and risking it all for the one you love. I was touched by this stories sense of family, love, and perseverance. It's funny, smart, sexy, and heart felt all at the same time. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down! It has twists and turns, that kept me up way past my bedtime reading. ETERNAL CAPRIVE is a must read for Paranormal Romance Fans!

WebsitesLaura Wright's Websites
Laura Wright's Twitter
Laura Wright's Blog
Buy ETERNAL CAPTIVE from Amazon

REVIEW: Shannon Stacey's EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)

Title: EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)
Author: Shannon Stacey
Release Date: January 2012
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Harlequin (Imprint: HQNbooks)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780373776788




My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37.5/40 = 94%


Synopsis

"When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.
He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever." (from Goodreads)

My Review(Review contains minor spoilers)
*
*
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We all remember our first love as a teenage, but rarely do we ever get the chance to see if that love can be rekindled as an adult. Recluse author and sex bachelor, Joe Kowalski, wanted to get back to together his high school love, Keri Daniels. So, he had to use a little creativity and manipulation to get Keri to spend time with him. He also may have used his family to help change Keri’s mind. Sometimes the end really does justify the means when it comes to true love.

I absolutely adored Joe. He’s rugged, smart, sexy, and determined. He has had trouble in his past, but with the help of his family he was able to get his life back together. I appreciate his drive and passion. Keri broke his heart when she left him all of those years ago. There is something to be said about a man who is able to get past that and try to move forward again with the same person.

I also see why Joe was so single-minded when it came to getting Keri back. He knows that she is brilliant, passionate, and caring beneath the hard exterior that she has built around herself over the years. It was awesome to see that their chemistry was just as hot as it was all those years ago. Keri was able to grow leaps and bounds emotional in this story. She began this story with her heart encased in ice, but slowly she let Joe and his family get close enough to her to thaw her heart. She was able to get past their mistakes and other issues to find a way to be together.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of the Kowalski family. They love, fight, and play hard. It should be said, that the family that camps together, stays together. I believe that the sense of family helped Keri get past some of her fears from the past and make the decision to finally move forward with Joe.

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS is a sweet, sexy, funny tale of rekindling romance with a cast of characters that you can’t help loving. I simply adore the Kowalski clan and can’t wait to read the next Kowalski adventure! This is a must read for anyone looking for all funny, touching contemporary romance.



Website

Purchase EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
Shannon Stacey’s Website
Shannon Stacey’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website

REVIEW: Megan Hart's COLLIDE

Title: COLLIDE
Author: Megan Hart
Release Date: 06/28/2011
List Price: $14.95
Publisher: Harlequin - Spice
Language: English
Reading Level: Adult
ISBN-10: 0373605579
ISBN-13: 978-0373605576




My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 36.5/40 = 91%


Synopsis

A childhood accident left Emmaline vulnerable to disturbing fugue states that last only minutes, but feel like an eternity. The blackouts are unsettling but manageable…until she meets Johnny Dellasandro.

The reclusive painter gained notoriety in the '70s for his debauched lifestyle and raunchy art films. His naked body has achieved cult status, especially in Emm's mind—she's obsessed with the man, who's grown even sexier with age. Today Johnny shuns the spotlight and Emm in particular…until she falls into a fugue on his doorstep.

In that moment she's transported back thirty years, crashing a party at Johnny's place in his wild-man heyday— the night is a blur of flesh and heat that lingers on her skin long after she's woken to the present.

It happens again and again, each time-slip another mind-blowing orgy, and soon Emm can't stop, though every episode leaves her weaker and weaker. She's frightened by what's happening to her, but she's even more terrified of losing this portal to the Johnny she wants so badly. The one who wants her, too, and takes her—every chance he gets.

My Review

When I picked up this book, I was unsure how I was going to feel about reading this story with it‘s slightly sci-fi twist and turns. For me, most of Megan Hart’s stories are realistic, touching, and poignant. I go back and read them over-and-over again, because they touch me so deeply. I have to admit, COLLIDE has earned a spot on my bookshelf next to my other Megan Hart favorites.

Emmaline is a truly broken character. She suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a childhood accident. Now Emm suffers from lapses in time, which she calls fugues. During these fugues she loses touch with her body and the reality going on around her. They can be as simple as zoning out and as complex as finding herself in an alternate universe. Emm had been fugue free long enough to move out of her parents house, and get a job on her own. The smell of oranges was Emm’s first sign that the fugues were coming back. Once the fugues start to involve fantasies of 70’s movie sex symbol and present neighbor Johnny Dellasandro, Emm questions whether having the fugues were a bad thing. Her fantasies feel so real to her, and she has to asks herself how can they not be real.

Johnny f*ucking Dellasandro! I loved him in his past and present incarnation. Young-Johnny, is cocky, sexy, and enjoys every bit of his fame. He opened his home and life to his creative group of friends. His fame lead him down a road littered with drugs, alcohol, and depression. Present-Johnny is more private, aloof, and has learned from a majority of his mistakes. He’s lived the fame and fortune. Now all he wants is to live his life out of the spotlight and concentrate on his art. Even when present-Johnny was being cold and aloof, there is just something the draws you in. For me, reading about Johnny was like pealing off the layers of an onion, each chapter you discovered more and more about who is his and who he was. Both young and present-Johnny are sexy for their reasons. Why wouldn’t Emm want them both.

I enjoyed that Megan did not try to hide correlations between time travel stories like, The Time Traveler’s Wife and Dr. Who. Not only did she welcome the parallels, she brought them to light in this book. She used them as a reference to help the reader understand the story better. I felt that these references to pop culture references help the readers relate to this story.

COLLIDE, like many other of Megan’s books, grabs hold of the readers and doesn’t let go until the last page. This book was unique, sexy, and dark. I enjoyed it so much, that I had a very hard time putting it down each night. I would tell myself just one more chapter, and then I’d read another two or three chapters. I’d come home from work and want to jump right back into the Johnny’s world. Bravo Megan Hart!



Websites

Buy COLLIDE Here
Except from COLLIDE
Megan Hart’s Website
Megan’s Blog
Megan’s Twitter

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Michelle Rowen's BLOODLUST (Nightshade Bk 2)

Title: BLOODLUST (Nightshade Bk 2)
Author: Michelle Rowen
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Format: MP3 Audiobook CD
Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
List Price: $29.99
Publisher: Tantor Media
ISBN-10: 145265297X
ISBN-13: 978-1452652979



My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 40.5/45 = 90%


Synopsis

One taste is all it takes...

For those who feast on blood, Jillian Conrad is a fatal attraction. After being injected with a serum that made her blood both irresistible and deadly to vampires, she was used as a pawn to assassinate the vampire king. Now, the vampires want her eliminated.

Hunted and unable to return to her old life, Jillian desperately seeks to prevent the poison in her veins from killing her. And she must find a way to help her dhampyr protector, Declan, whose exposure to the serum has split his personality into one part uncontrolled desire, and one part stone-cold killer.

But an even greater danger is rising. The Amarantos---a secret society of vampires---are seeking the infant daughter of the slain king to complete their quest for true immortality. And if they succeed, no one, living or undead, will escape the darkness.

My Review

I really enjoy reading about Jillian, the reluctant heroin. She is just your run-of-the-mill 20-something temp secretary. She doesn’t know who she is or what she really wants to be. I actually see a bit of myself in her, as well. Jillian is thrust into the world of vamps and damps, and she doesn’t look back. She has accepts the role that she has been given, and strives to use her gifts in a more positive way then they were initially meant for. Her love life is a complete mess, and that is one of my favorite parts of this book. She cares for Declan, but she’s clearly drawn to Matthias.

My feelings for Declan aren’t quite as clear. He’s not the usual urban fantasy sexy hero. I give Michelle Rowen major points for going against the grain. He’s not tall, dark, and smoldering. Declan is strong, gruff, and loyal as his ties will allow him to be. I love him for his flaws, but sometimes his stubbornness makes me crazy. He feels that he need to be the one so single-handedly save the day. For this book most of all, I feel sad for Declan. He is forced into a situation that makes him do things against his own will. He is left no other choice then to go after those he loves and trusts. I clung to his moments of clarity, when he gets to be himself with Jillian. I hope to get more of those in the future.

Where do I start with Matthias? He might just be my favorite character of all in this series. He is the stereotypical sexy, cocky vamp. Just as soon as you start to believe that that is all he is, he turns around and does something selfless that you would never expect! I love seeing the emotional bits and pieces that Matthias hides deep down. Also there is nothing I enjoy more then a juicy love triangle! He makes a very valiant effort in seducing Jillian. I have to admit that part of me enjoys the time that they spend together. Can you say, sexy bathroon scene? Yes, please!

One of my favorite parts of this book is that us moves so quickly. Every time that I felt like I could catch my breath, Jillian would walk right back into harms way. I had a very hard time putting this book down, because of all of the action. I also love that Michelle Rowen does an amazing job misdirecting the reader. You truly believe that something is fact, and then you begin to hate a certain character. Next thing you know you’re completely shocked when the truth is reveled.

Cynthia Holloway, as always, lends a sense of high emotion, sexuality, and passion to her narration of BLOODLUST. She has such and amazing range of character voices, that bring this story to life. Her stellar performance brought this story to a higher level for me. She made this almost 9 hour audiobook fly by for me.

BLOODLUST, has a wonderful mix of dark adventure and steamy sexuality. It’s a must read for all urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers!


Nightshade Series

Nightshade (Nightshade #1) — June 6, 2011
Bloodlust (Nightshade #2) – July 19, 2011


Related Websites

Buy BLOODLUST on Audiobook
Michelle Rowen’s Website
Michelle Rowen’s Twitter
Tantor Audio Website

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Nalini Singh's SLAVE TO SENSATION (Psy-Changeling Bk 1)

Title: SLAVE TO SENSATION
Author: Nalini Singh
Narrator: Angela Dawe
Release Date: May 4, 2011
List Price: $29.99
Audio CD: Unabridged,MP3 - Unabridged CD edition
Publisher: Tantor Media
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1452652015
ISBN-13: 978-1452652016


My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Narrations 4/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4/5

Overall: 40.5/45 = 90%


Synopsis

THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.
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 "rehabilitation" - 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...

My Review
(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS)
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Sascha Dunca is a broken Psy, but she can never let anyone know it. The Psy have been conditioned not to feel any emotions, and have varying levels of psychic powers. They see themselves as higher beings on the evolutionary chain then the Changelings (shape shifters) and the humans. If the Psy every discovered Sascha’s weekness they would rehabilitate her, which is a fate worse then death. Nikita Duncan is Sascha’s mother, a member of the Psy Council, and the head of the Duncan family. Nikita and Sascha are about to ink a business deal with Lucas Hunter, wereleopard and alpha of the DarkRiver Clan. Lucas has own agenda. He wants gather information on the Psy community and hunt down the Psy that has been kidnapping and murdering Changeling women. Can Sascha and Lucas see past their differences long enough to solve these murders and possibly form a friendship?

In a literary climate overwhelmed with vampires novels, Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series is a breath of fresh air! While I felt that the world-building in the beginning of this book felt a bit heavy, it was necessary to set up this extraordinary world. Believe me, it well worth pushing through the first couple chapters.

I love the complex and sexy character that is Lucas Hunter. At a very young age, he had to step-up into an alpha role, due to a per tragedy. He was smart enough to listen to the elders of his pack to help him do what is best for his clan. Not only is he strong physically, but he has a sensitive side. He believed in Sascha, even when she didn’t believe in herself. He helped her become who she was always meant to be.

The deeper that Sascha becomes involved with Lucas and the rest of the DarkRiver Clan, the more in-touch she becomes with her emotions and feelings. She has built up so many walls so that she can still pass as a normal Psy, that it was hard for her to see what she truly was. As a listener, it broke my heart to see Sascha spiral out of control. Even though she thinks she’s about to lose herself, she gives everything that she has left to help recover the missing Changeling.

This is my first audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe, and I was amazed by what I heard. Her ability to capture every character, from the cold Psy to the emotion-filled Changelings, was incredible! Her pacing and voice techniques were terrific.

I was completely captivated by Nalini Singh’s Psy-Chagelings world. She built layers upon layers of amazing primary and secondary characters. I cannot wait to see how they develop throughout the rest of this series. For those readers who also haven’t had a chance to check out her Guild Hunter Series, take this opportunity to dive into another well thought out paranormal-romance series.



Psy-Changeling Series
1. Slave To Sensation (September 2006)
2. Visions of Heat (March 2007)
3. Caressed By Ice (September 2007)
4. Mine to Possess (Feb 2008)
5. Hostage to Pleasure (September 2008)
6. Branded By Fire (July 2009)
7. Blaze of Memory (November 2009)
8. Bonds of Justice (July 2010)
9. Play of Passion (November 2010)
10. Kiss of Snow (May 31,2011)



Related Websites

Nalini Singh - Website
Nalini Singh - Blog
Nalini Singh - Twitter
Buy Slave to Sensation on Audiobook
Angela Dawe - Narrator
Psy-Changeling Series' Character Guide

Chloe Neill's BITING COLD Blog Tour & Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

 

The Nice Girl's book blog has teamed up with fellow book bloggers as part of Chloe Neill's BITING COLD Blog Tour and Scavenger Hunt.  There will be reviews, and prizes, and a book quote...Oh my! 

Title: BITING COLD
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #6
Author: Chloe Neill
List Price: $15.00
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: NAL Trade; 1 edition (August 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451237013
ISBN-13: 978-0451237019
Buy BITING COLD on Amazon.com





Synopsis

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

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Scavenger Hunt 

The fun doesn’t stop here. Want more chances to win? 

Below, you’ll find a key word. Each participant in the Biting Cold Blog Tour has one, and when you put them all together in order, you’ll find a quote from a Chicagoland Vampires novel.  

That quote is the passcode you’ll need to enter the Biting Cold Scavenger Hunt Giveaway, which will begin on August 11, 2012 on Chloe’s web site. The giveaway will end at midnight on August 17, 2012.

What are the Scavenger Hunt Giveaway prizes?

• A complete set of Chicagoland Vampires audiobook CDs (generously provided by Tantor Audio)
• A $25 CafePress gift card you can use in the Chicagoland Vampires store
• Autographed copies of DRINK DEEP and CHARMFALL
• A Chicagoland Vampires tote bag with other Chicagoland Vampires swag, including a mouse pad, bookmarks, and stickers!

TO 

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Chloe Neill's Books

Chicagoland Vampire Series (Adult Series)

• Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1)
• Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, #2)
• Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #3)
• Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4)
• Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, #5)
• Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6)

Dark Elite Series (YA Series)

• Firespell  (Dark Elite, #1)
• Hexbound  (Dark Elite, #2)
• Charmfall  (Dark Elite, #3) 
  

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Biting Cold Blog Tour and Scavenger Hunt Schedule 
 

July 30, 2012
Paperback dolls

July 31, 2012
The Book Nympho

August 1, 2012
AwesomeSauce Book Club
Addicted 2 Heroines

August 2, 2012
The Peasants Revolt
Literary Escapism

August 3, 2012
Mystifying Paranormal Reviews
Herding Cats & Burning Soup

August 6, 2012
Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
All the Fun Starts After Dark

August 7, 2012
Nice Girls Don’t Read Naughty Books
YA Reads

August 8, 2012
Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust
Happy Tales & Tails

August 9, 2012
Oh, Paper Pages!

August 10, 2012
Ms. Vain’s Paranormal Fantasy

August 11, 2012 – Scavenger Hunt Contest Entries Start
August 17, 2012 – Scavenger Hunt Contest Entries Close 

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I've just recieved BITING COLD and lets just say it starts off with a real bang!  Check back next week for my review of BITING COLD.  Good luck readers and happy hunting!

E-BOOK RELEASE: Molly Harper's DRIVING MR. DEAD

Title: DRIVING MR. DEAD
Author: Molly Harper
Format: Kindle eBook Edition
List Price: $1.99
Release Date: January 31, 2012
File Size: 601 KB
Publisher: Pocket Books
ASIN: B0064CLU0C
Buy DRIVING MR. DEAD from Amazon



Synopsis

HELL ON WHEELS

After failing as a magician's assistant, a photographer, and most recently, a bride, Miranda Puckett takes a position as a driver for Beeline, Half-Moon Hollow's premiere vampire concierge service.

Miranda's assignment? Driving Collin Sutherland, the world's most fastidious vampire from Washington to Kentucky, so he can deliver a mysterious black case to Council official Ophelia Lambert.

Collin, a paranoid, aristocratic vampire with a debilitating fear of flying, refuses to let the case out of his sight. Miranda needs this time on the road to decide whether to permanently cut her ties with the fiance that had an "emotional affair" with a childhood pal, but Collin’s neatnik tendencies are driving her around the bend. The man acts as if leaving a fast food wrapped on the passenger seat is reason for a full-on CDC de-contamination scrub-down of the car. All she can do is promise to stop intentionally doing the things that make his stiff upper lip twitch with irritation.

As more and more mishaps occur on the road trip from hell, Miranda and Collin work together to meet his delivery deadline. Hotel rooms are destroyed. Beloved cars are defiled. And somewhere along the line, client-driver hostilities become snarky flirtation.

Will Collin and Miranda make it to the Hollow in one piece? And if they do, will Miranda leave old, safe relationships behind for something new and well, just plain weird? (from Goodreads)

Websites

Molly Harper's Website
Molly Harper's Twitter
Molly Harper's Blog

ADVENTURES IN RT: Teen Day Events & Meg Cabot's Underworld ARC Contest

(Scroll down for my Meg Cabot's Underworld ARC contest.)

I drove over 500 miles, carried 30+ books for 3 hours, lost 5 hours baking cupcakes for the Book Fair only to drop the box, and stayed up for 22 hours straight. Getting the chance to spend time with Rachel Vincent, Richelle Mead, Molly Harper, Jeaniene Frost, Jaye Wells, Nalini Singh, Laurie London, Chloe Neill, Jenna Black, Rachel Caine, Amy Plum, Yasmine Galenorn, and Allison Noel.....

PRICELESS!

On Saturday, I was lucky enough to attend the Giant Book Fair along with all of the Teen Day events: YA Author Speed Dating, Feeding the Fire: Conflict and Action in YA Novels, and Hyperion's Teen Day Party.

Our road trip began at 4:30 a.m. My 14 year old cousin and I packed the car with books, bags, author snacks (freshly baked chocolate chip and funfetti cookies to replace the cupcakes I made), and Red Bull (the breakfast of champions). After a four our drive and a stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast, we finally arrived at the RT Convention. We thought arriving hour and a half early for the Giant book signing was going to be plenty early...we were wrong!

Once we finally got into the Giant Book Fair, it was mass ciaos. It was made worse by the fact that we went straight for YA Alley. You couldn't move a step without bumping into someone. It looked like there were over 1,000 people there to see the 300 authors signing. My cousin and I decided a split attack was best for this situation. I got in Richelle Mead's line, while she went to get an Anne Rice wrist band. This way we both took care of our biggest lines first. I'll have to admit that I have a massive fangirl crush on Anne Rice, since she introduced me to the world of sexy vampires literature as a teen!


Our second stop, was YA and Adult author Rachel Vincent. Over the past few years, she has become one of my favorite authors. Her books are thought provoking, heartbreaking, and action filled. I always look forward to speaking with her every year, because she is so sweet and always takes the time to chat with me. Getting to see and chat with her is always one of the highlights from RT.


The Giant Book Fair is always such an amazing experience. I finally get the chance to meet the people who live on my book shelf and in computer. This year, I decided to bring Rachel Vincent and other authors a little snack, since they sit for 3 hours signing and chatting. It was the least I could do. I made a box with the title of my blog on the cover. Every time I stopped to get a book signed, I tried to offer the authors a little snack. Once I finished getting my book signed, I just walked around handing cookies out to random authors I recognized. It even scored me a free book from Jessa Slade!


Other authors I was super excited to see: Molly Harper, Jeaniene Frost, Jaye Wells, Nalini Singh, Laurie London, Chloe Neill, Jenna Black, Rachel Caine, Amy Plum, Yasmine Galenorn, Kerrelyn Sparks, Jeanna C. Stein, Kelley Armstrong, and Allison Noel. Everyone was so sweet, and some of them actually remembered me from my blog. I also brought along several audiobook that I have reviewed to be signed, and the authors seemed to love seeing them.



After dropping off our singed books and swag, we attended the YA author seminars: YA Author Speed Dating and Feeding the Fire: Conflict and Action in YA Novels.  This was an amazing opportunity to get into the minds of these authors.  During YA Author Speed Dating you come in and  pick a table, then the authors rotate tables and are giving a couple minutes to sell you their book. I was lucky enough to be at a table of three other readers.  And before you even say it, I know I'm not a teen.  My cousins table was almost empty and author Saundra Mitchell was kind enough to offer me a seat.  We got to speak with Ann Aguirre, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Jenna Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Kiera Cass, Colleen Houck, Sophie Jordan, Stacey Kade, Aprilynne Pike, and of course Rachel Vincent.  I got some great new book recommendation, Plus Aprilynne Pike actually cave me her book! What a sweetie!

The next seminar was Feeding the Fire: Conflict and Action in YA Novels with Melissa de la Cruz, Kami Garcia, Richelle Mead, Alyson Noel, and Aprilynne Pike.  The panel spoke on adding conflict to books, how important it is to the story.  They spoke of emotional, romantic, and physical conflict.  As a reader, this session was very interesting.  We were able to get a peek behind the scenes on how our favorite books were written.  We live for those little nuggets of info!  We went ahead and skipped the third Teen Day seminars, so that we could relax upstairs and people watch.  Recommendation: if you wanna author watch, go to the hotel bar!

 

Next, we decided to get in line early for the Hyperion Teen Day Party.  It started to form pretty early, and we were happy we thought to come down ahead of time.  Our line was then split into two groups, teens and adults.  The teens were given a really nice messenger bag filled with YA books.  The adults were given their choice of two books from the giveaway table. I actually ended up with ARC of Meg Cabot's Underworld: Abandon Bk 2 (which I'm giving away below). They had set up a very nice party for us, including deep dish pizza, cupcakes, soda, and a cash bar for the adults (cause this is exactly what we need after a day spent with teenagers).  The party was crawling with YA authors.  I got the chance to hang out with Richelle Mead, talked fashion with Stephanie Perkins (who was stunning with her red hair and 50's inspired polka dot black and red dress), talked about stunning YA covers with Amy Plum, and played spot the author with Saundra Mitchell. Towards the end of the party, they gave away the extra goodie bags with the remaining books.  I ended up with may more then I needed!

 

All-in-all the party was a success!  I met lots of new authors, ended up with more swag then I could carry, and had an amazing time. I big THANKS goes out to Hyperion, EpicReads.com, the YA authors, the publishers for their donations, and most of all the party volunteers!

As always, RT was amazing!  I would recommend the convention to all readers and bloggers within driving distance.  I know dropping over $400 on a conference, as a reader, may be over the top, but they do offer cheaper options.  You can get one day tickets, weekend tickets, and special tickets for certain events.  My cousin and I attended RT for only $25...yes I said $25!  Teen Day was the best deal ever.  If you are a teen or know one, check out Teen Day next year!

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MY PHOTO GALLERY

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ENTER TO WIN: UNDERWORLD (ARC) BY MEG CABOT

Enter below for the chance to win an ARC copy of Meg Cabot's upcoming release: Underworld. The contest closes May 1, 2012 at midnight. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have FIVE days to respond & claim their prize! This contest is open internationally.

Here is what you need to do:

• In the contest entry box below, please leave your first name/last initial and e-mail address
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• Follow my twitter for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
• Link contest via Twitter/Facebook/Blog 5 point for each link provided. (15 total bonus points total, 5 points for each website )

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• I will use random.org to choose the winner.
• The winner has FIVE days, from the day I e-mail them, to claim your prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize. At that time, I will choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
• These rules are subject to change and may be modified without prior written notice.
• Contest is void where prohibited.
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SOUL SCREAMERS READING CHALLANGE: Rachel Vincent's MY SOUL TO KEEP (Audiobook Review)

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series. It is full of deep characters, strong relationships, and fighting for what is right. I'm so happy to be a part of Fiktshun’s Soul Screamers Reading Challenge.

Title: MY SOUL TO KEEP ( Soul Screamers 3)
Series: Soul Screamers (Bk 3)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
List Price: $17.95
Listening Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Program Type: Audible Audiobook Version (Unabridged)
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd. Audible.com
Release Date: June 1, 2010
ASIN: B002KAEMAM
Buy MY SOUL TO KEEP from Audible.com


My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 43.5/45 = 96%

My Synopsis

Kaylee Cavanaugh first night out, after being grounded for a month, ended with a real bang. She was hanging out at a party with her bean boyfriend, Nash Hudson and the rest of the ‘shining throng’, better known as the popular kids. When one of Nash’s teammates and her best friends love interest, Doug Fuller, hit Kaylee’s car. Doug was under the influence, but it isn’t what you probably think. The jocks of Kaylee’s high school are taking a substance called Frost, better known in the Netherworld as Demon’s Breath. It is highly addictive substance, that can kill humans or maybe worse drive them insane. No matter how hard Kaylee tries to stay out of the Netherworld and it’s problems, they just keep finding her, With the help of Nash, Tod, and a cast of unlikely characters, Kaylee has to figure where the Demon’s Breath is coming from, and who is bring it from the Netherworld to her world before it’s to late. Kaylee has to proceed carefully, or she may lose something that she holds very dear.

My Review

I first want to applaud Rachel Vincent, for taking on issues that are very real to today’s teens. This book deals not only with drug use, but addiction and it consequences. It also deals with the pressure on teens to have sex. These issues may be wrapped up in the world of ban sidhe’s, but this situation could happen in any high school in America. Also, the teens is in series sound and react like real teens, not how an adult might thinks a teen would sound and react.

I enjoyed reading about how Kaylee is dealing with her relationship with Nash through out the beginning of the book. She’s questioning how he really feels about her. Are they soul mates? I mean forever is a long time when you are a bean sidhe. She’s questioning how far they should take their relationship physically. She’s also feeling the first stirrings of jealousy. I remember going through these same issues as a teen, and I can really relate to her character.

For me the stand out character from this book is Tod. He really steps up in this book. He does what has to be done, even risking the love of his undead life, to help Kaylee. Though he isn’t without his own faults (ie. crossing Nash over no questions asked and carrying unknown substances from the Netherworld to real world), but for me the reason behind the actions are solid. He’s the like the big brother Kaylee never had, and he seems to have soft spot when if comes to her. He may, at first, come a crossed as somewhat obnoxious and self centered. I see this as more of a smoke screen. With each book, we get to see more and more of who he really is, and I really like it.

I read the last chapter with my hand covering my mouth in complete and utter shock. All I wanted to do is cry for Kaylee. I just couldn’t believe what Nash did, though the signs were all there. I guess, I just saw Nash as Kaylee’s rock, the person she could always turn to for everything. That is probably why I didn’t see it coming, and neither did Kaylee. My heart broke after reading what Nash had done, and how he had treated Kaylee. His actions had so many awful consequences. Will Kaylee, in time, come to forgive Nash for his appalling behavior? I just don’t know, but I just hope that he can get himself together and be the man Kaylee deserves.

I can't say enough about how much I love the choice of Amanda Ronconi as the series narrator. She just has a down to earth feel to her voice. She also sound like a teen, and not what an adult thinks a teen should sound like. She has an amazing ability to convey every thing from the series deepest emotions and it's lighthearted moments as well! She really draws the listener into the series. The end of this audiobook left sobbing, and I can tell you that Amanda's spectacular narration was part of the reason.

The Soul Screamer books are getting better and better, with each book released. I can’t wait to review the next audiobook in this series!!!


Rachel Vincent's Books

Soul Screamers (YA Series):
0.5) My Soul to Lose (2009)
1) My Soul to Take (2009)
2) My Soul To Save (2010)
3) My Soul To Keep (2010)
4) My Soul to Steal (2011)
5) If I Die (2011)

Unbound Series (Adult Series):
1) Blood Bound ( 2011)
2) Shadow Bound (2012)

Shifters Series (Adult Series):
1) Stray (2007)
2) Rogue (2008)
3) Pride (2009)
4) Prey (2009)
5) Shift (2010)
6) Alpha (2010)



Related Websites

Buy MY SOUL TO KEEP from Audible.com
Rachel's Website
Rachel's Twitter
Rachel's Message Board

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Richelle Mead's SHADOW HEIR (Dark Swan bk 4)

Title: SHADOW HEIR (Dark Swan bk 4)
Author: Richelle Mead
Narrator: Jennifer Van Dyck
List Price: $24.95
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Format: Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 12 hours and 14 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Frontiers Audible.com
ASIN: B006QGIPKY


My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 2/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4/5

Overall: 39/45 = 86%


Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own--and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage...

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice.. (from Goodreads.com)

My Review

What is a girl do, when her ex tries everything under the Otherworld to kill your unborn children? Run and hide! Eugenie has to make her children her top priority, no matter what it takes. She’s willing to runaway from her family, friends, and part-time lover to ensure their safety. And in the end Eugenie has to ask herself, is there anything important enough to consider leaving the save place that she has made for her and the twins?

Poor, poor Eugenie. She is caught half in the human world and half in the Otherworld. Part of both, but never fully fitting in either. She is torn between to lovers. One lover who she loved right from the start, and lived to regret is. Another lover who she grew to love over time, who she should have trusted from the very beginning. She’s torn between keeping her twins safe, and possibly bring forth the prophecy of Storm Kings grandson who might tear apart everything she has come to love.

Eugenie had grown so much since book one. She isn’t perfect, but she is willing to fight for what it right! She now understands what it means to truly be a leader, and what that requires. She has learned that relaying on other to help you isn’t a weakness, but can help you be a stronger leader. She understands that sacrifice can be the ultimate gift to those you love. I adore the fact that she isn’t perfect, and that she has come to except herself as she is.

What do I say about Dorian? I’ve loved him from the beginning. He may have seems a little overbearing, and some of his actions may of seems selfish, but his heart was true. He proved over and over again that he is willing to go to the ends of the Otherworld for Eugenie and her children. He loved her so much that he was willing to raise the children as his own. He may be a kinky freak, but he has a pure heart when if comes to Eugenie.

My feelings for Kiyo are a bit more muddled. I loved him in the beginning of the series. On the surface, he seemed to be everything that Eugenie needed. He was also willing to be there for the child he had with Maywin, even though they were no longer together. Over time he did grow controlling, selfish, and irrational. He has his good and bad parts. I’m just happy, that in the end that he was willing to come forward with the truth.

I really enjoyed this book up until the last few pages. I was very happy that Kiyo had revealed his big secret. That actually gave me hope. What upset me was how Eugenie handled the news. Even though Dorian loved her and gave her every reason to trust him, she didn’t trust him enough to tell him the true. I just don’t get this! Eugenie finally understands how much Dorian loved her, and how she loves him just as much. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Maybe she might tell him eventually…really??? How can she live with herself? This isn’t how you end a series. I’m extremely frustrated by this cliffhanger ending of the Dark Swan series. I almost feel cheated.

Jennifer Van Dyck 's narration of the Dark Swan series, and this book, was spectacular. She had an amazing ability to convey the deep passion, happiness, and sorrow of this story holds. She was able to create very distinct voices for each character, male and female. Her pacing and emotion was perfect, and she really brought this book to life for me. She is and always will be the voice of series.

This was a great story and an amazing series, with an unfortunate final chapter. Would I recommend this book to a friend? Probably. This is mostly due to my love for the series' smart characters, unique storyline, and fantastical worlds. This series is, at it’s root, a story of trust, love, and family. I will truly miss Eugenie and her cast of crazy friends.


Dark Swan Series
#1 Storm Born
#2 Thorn Queen
#3 Iron Crowned
#4 Shadow Heir


Author's Websites

http://www.richellemead.com/
http://twitter.com/RichelleMead
http://www.facebook.com/richellemeadfanpage?ref=ts
http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/

REVIEW: Susan Mallery's ONLY YOURS (Fool's Gold bk 5)

Title: ONLY YOURS
Series: A Fool's Gold Romance (Book 5)
Author: Susan Mallery
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN Books
Release Date: August 30, 2011
ISBN: 9780373775941




My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 3.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37/40 = 92%



Synopsis

Man’s best…matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right… or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him? (from Goodreads)

My Review

(Review contains minor spoilers)
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Montana Hendrix has finally found the perfect job training therapy dogs to help people in need. She thinks that she’s doing a great job, until one exuberant puppy changed her life forever. I think that Montana’s choice in jobs, really says a lot about who she is as a person. She is sweet, caring, and loving. She has difficulty with men and relationships, due to past issues. I was glad to see that she was finally able to bring down her walls to let Simon into her life. Overtime, she was able to help Simon heal his broken, tattered heart. I also enjoyed her interaction with the therapy dogs and the burn patients. It was heart-warming!

Simon Bradley comes off as a tough, short-tempered, and brilliant doctor. His childhood was both scary and traumatizing, which was tough for a brilliant, caring child. He poured his pain into schooling, and then into a career helping other burn victims. In his past, Simon was used to pushing people away and never staying in one place for long. Once he met Montana, his life would never be the same. She was able to help him see what loving someone truly means. She helped him become whole again.

One of the best parts of this series is the amazing cast of characters. In this book, I really enjoyed discovering the romance between Max and Denise. I have always thought of Denise Hendrix as this straight laced June Cleaver-type mother, and then you find out that she was a wild child with her lovers name tattooed on her hip. It was hysterical and sweet to read about their past and present. This storyline makes the series more full and rich. Most series gloss over romance when dealing with the over 50 crowd. Kudos, to Susan Mallery for telling their story!

I found ONLY YOURS to be one of most touching and heart-felt books in the series so far. It was a story of person growth and selflessness. A Beauty and the Beast type of tale, with the gruff, loner-type doctor meeting the girl with a heart of gold. This book made me laugh and cry, sometimes all at the same time. It was great to see something so wonderful coming from something so terrible. My favorite part of this book is the fact that Montana and Simon didn’t get their Happily-Ever-After easily. They had to fight every step of the way, making the story all the better for it.

If you haven’t picked up Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series, you don’t know what you are missing! This series is uplifting, sweet, funny, and sexy. Put this series on the top of you to-be-read pile for the new year. It’s a must have for all Contemporary Romance readers. I can’t wait for the next installment and Nevada's story!



Fool's Gold Series

#1 CHASING PERFECT
#2 ALMOST PERFECT
#3 FINDING PERFECT
#4 ONLY MINE
#5 ONLY YOURS
#6 ONLY HIS



Websites

Purchase ONLY YOURS arch
Susan Mallery’s Website
Susan Mallery’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website



ONLY YOURS - Video