BOYS,GIRLS & OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIAL by Rosalind Wiseman

BOYS,GIRLS & OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

Author: Rosalind Wiseman

Source: Contest win

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (January 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399247963
• ISBN-13: 978-0399247965

SYNOPSIS:

Looking for a new beginning after a terrible mean girl past, Charlie Healey realizes there’s no escaping high school drama.

Charlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie’s big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex–best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn’t understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.

Torn between doing what’s right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.

Rosalind Wiseman’s first novel for young adults is a fresh, funny, and juicy read about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go to be accepted. 

MY THOUGHTS:

This was a new to me author, but I had heard wonderful things about this book. When I received it in the mail, from a contest win, I was excited to start reading it.  The characters seem true to life with situations that are real to teenagers in high school. 

The author does not shy away from the harder issues that many teens experience throughout their high school years.  She touches on hazing, racism and drinking,  As I read this book, I relived some of my high school moments that I would have rather not remembered.  The bullies, the popular group that snubs everyone, and the teachers we all loved to hate.  In the reminder of it all though, I could see how the author wanted to portray it all for future young readers.  She gets her points accross and that is a good thing when writing or reading a book. 

This would be great to read as an adult, but even better for your teens to read to learn valuable lessons without the lectures.  

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

THE COWBOY WAY by Tory Richards

THE COWBOY WAY

Author: Tory Richards

Source: Author Submission

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Paperback
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press Torrid (2009)
• ISBN-10: 1603135316
• ISBN-13: 978-1603135313

SYNOPSIS:

Artist Lacey Owens comes home to her father’s ranch for a long over due visit, and a little R and R. She's not prepared for becoming the means for revenge against him by an old enemy he helped send to prison. Getting involved with her father’s ranch foreman and partner Chase Saunders isn’t in her plans either. But as unexplained incidences occur and Lacey’s life becomes threatened, fate throws her and Chase together when he makes it his mission to protect her. Her independent nature rebels against his arrogant high handed methods and tempers ignite, but it soon becomes apparent that their animosity is only a ruse for the intense sexual longing stirring in their blood.

MY THOUGHTS:

What do you get when you put together a strong, sexy cowboy and an independent, strong daughter of the boss?  A hot romance from author Tory Richards!

This was one of those books that will have your pulse racing and your fingers itching to turn the page for more hotness that this book has! The suspense is there, but I was too busy focusing on the hot rancher Chase.  This author never disappoints with the strong, hot hero in her books.  The author knows how to capture your interest with the hot sex, but also with the romance and suspense that is key to a good book!  The secondary characters also are strongly written and loveable as well.  I look forward to hearing more about Brain and Mary in the future as well.  Lacey was a stong and independent heroine who was not afraid to voice her opinions throughout the book.  Finally a heroine with a backbone!  

Overall this book kept my pulse running at a fast pace and my glasses fogging up with every chapter!  Another wonderful book by a highly talented author!

Read an excerpt here!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

WINNER!!!!!!

The contest for the 3 book giveaway of Carolyn Brown's books has now closed.  The winner that was picked using Random.org is:

Stephanie from Curling Up By The Fire

Congrats Stephanie and please contact me within in 48 hours with your mailing address at djsfoxylady@gmail.com

Please put Carolyn Brown Winner in the subject line.

Thank you to all who entered and be sure to check out my contest for the Cheryl Brooks book that is still open!

Author Cheryl Brooks - Guest Post and Giveaway

Today author Cheryl Brooks is here to celebrate her new release, FUGITIVE.  I just started reading this series and I am loving it! She is a talented author and wonderful person to chat with!  Here is what Ms. Brooks had to share with everyone!

Cheryl Brooks Guest Blog, author of Fugitive

Hello, there! My name is Cheryl Brooks, and I’m the author of The Cat Star Chronicles series of erotic futuristic romance. The latest installment, Fugitive, is now on the shelves, so I’m making the rounds of all the terrific romance blogs to promote its release. Today, My Overstuffed Bookshelf has asked me to discuss my favorite part about writing Fugitive and what my ideal writing day would be like.

Aside from all the steamy love scenes, my favorite part about writing Fugitive was creating the fun supporting characters. When I first began this series, I envisioned a species of alien men who were the best lovers in the galaxy, and I’ve got another hot one in Manx, but to add to the fun of Fugitive, I came up with the ultimate housekeeping droid, Klog. His name is an acronym for Keeping the Lid On the Garbage and though he doesn't talk, he's a terrific cook and always knows just exactly what you're craving. An astute judge of character, he instinctively knows the good guys from the bad, and if it comes down to a fight, he’s got your back. He can clean your house, wash and mend your clothes, smooth out the sand on the beach, squirt whipped cream out of his “finger,” and whip up one helluva margarita. And he does all of this while speaking only in beeps, chirps, buzzes, and mumbles. So far, every woman who has read the book wants a Klog and a Manx, in that order!

Then there is Zef, the eltran, who has a mouth like a drunken sailor and a heart of gold. He’s an ugly, lumpy, aging amphibian who looks like a mudskipper with a bad case of poison ivy. He loves to talk, and has taken on the role of matchmaker/go-between with Manx, the sexy Zetithian hero who has taken refuge in the jungle of Barada Seven, and Drusilla, a wildlife artist who has been too busy painting to notice the lack of love in her life. Writing Zef’s dialog was a liberating exercise in unrestrained comments on life, love, and the world in general.

As fun as it was to write Fugitive, the days that I spent writing it were far from ideal. Distractions and setbacks abound during the penning of a novel, but if I could just have that one perfect day—or two or three—just think how many books I could write in a year! I might even be able to keep up with my original attempt to write a 90,000 word book every three months. Alas, those days when I could just write books are a thing of the past. Now that I’m published, I’m writing blogs, editing, promoting, and revising all the time. But since I’ve been asked to describe my ideal writing day, I must ponder this question, so here goes:

That perfect day would be one in which I didn't get hungry—or at least had Klog here to do the shopping and prepare my meals for me. It would be a day in which the words would flow without interruption or hesitation. I wouldn't get tired and feel the need to dive into my bed (which is right next to my desk) when fatigue overcomes me. I would have brilliant ideas and always have just the right words to convey them to my readers. My feet would be warm. My hip wouldn't hurt. My chair would be comfortable. My computer wouldn't lock up. The phone wouldn't ring. Emails could pop up but would not tempt me away from my work. My puppy wouldn’t wet on the carpet, but would bark cheerfully to call me to the door to let her out. And above all, my house would be clean!

On that day, I wouldn't feel the need to check Facebook to feed my fish on Fishville or harvest my pineapples on Farm Town. I wouldn't fret over whether or not my editor will like what I've written; I would simply write it the way I want it and not get upset when I have to make revisions. I wouldn't think of something else I needed to do and have to stop in the middle of a sentence to address the situation—like I just did while I was writing this blog. I could focus on one thing at a time, instead of having to multitask.

All that being said, any day spent writing is a good one. I enjoy what I do and wouldn’t have missed this experience for the world. I’ve loved interacting with my readers and hearing their comments on what I’ve written. Romance readers are the best fans in the world and they make it all worthwhile.

Now, if I could only find a Klog of my very own…

About the Author

Cheryl Brooks is an Intensive Care Unit nurse by night and a romance writer by dayt. Previous books in The Cat Star Chronicles series include Slave, Warrior, Rogue and Outcast. Hero, book six, will be in stores August 2010. She is a member of the RWA and lives with her husband and sons in Bloomfield, Indiana. For more information, please visit http://cherylbrooksonline.com/

FUGITIVE BY CHERYL BROOKS—IN STORES JANUARY 2010

When a Zetithian fugitive meets a beautiful Earth woman, their passion may cost them both their lives...

Manx is a Zetithian fugitive with a feline gene that gives him remarkable sexual powers. He has been in hiding in the remote jungles of Barada Seven ever since being marked for extermination by the violent Nedwuts.

Artist Drusilla arrives on Barada Seven, enticed only by the promise of finding a nature paradise there. But she discovers a wildlife she wasn’t expecting when she encounters Manx. Reckless with desire for the beautiful Earth woman, Manx risks his life to win her as his mate.

It’s only a matter of time until the Nedwuts find them, but it will take all of Manx and Drusilla’s passion, skill, and ingenuity to survive.

 

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Soucebooks, I have 2 copies of Fugitive to giveaway.  This prize will come straight from the publisher!  So 2 copies means 2 winners!!

To enter the contest:

1. Be a follower of my blog!

2. Leave a comment with your email address and if you have a question for Cheryl or just want to say hi, give her a shout out!

3. USA and Canada only. No PO Boxes!

That's it! Contest will end on Feb. 1rst, 2010 with the winners being announced the following day!

GOOD LUCK!

Thank you so much Cheryl for joining me at My Overstuffed Bookshelf today! I wish you all the success with your current books and all future books!

BITTEN BY CUPID by Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer & Jaime Rush

BITTEN BY CUPID
Authors: Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer & Jaime Rush
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Original edition (January 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061894451
• ISBN-13: 978-0061894459

SYNOPSIS:

Vampire Valentine by Lynsay Sands
Mirabeau LaRouche knew she had a job to do, but she never expected her assignment to take her through New York City′s dark, dank underground-in her bridesmaid gown, no less! And when her partner turns out to be mortal private investigator Tiny McGraw, Mireabeau knows it′s no ordinary Cupid′s arrow that has struck her heart this Valentine′s Day.

Hearts Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Ten years ago Zeeland left D.C. to join the Therian Guard, needing to put some distance between himself and the still-too-young Julianne. Now he′s returned, in the midst of a Valentine′s celebration to find Julianne more beautiful than ever, still angry at him for leaving, and up to her lovely eyebrows in an intrigue that threatens both of their immortal lives.

Kiss and Kill Cupid by Jamie Rush
Kat Morgan has no use for Valentine′s Day, since hearing other people′s thoughts puts a real damper on any kind of intimate relationship. When she overhears the Killer Cupid serial killer targeting her for his Valentine′s Day murder, Kat is terrified. But is Adrian, the one man whose thoughts she can′t hear, her savior, or killer?

MY THOUGHTS:

I am a HUGE fan of Lynsay Sands and was so excited to finally get to read Tiny's story.  I am so glad the author decided to pair him with Mirabeau.  The story was cute and a perfect little read for Valenitine's Day. I only wish it would have been longer. I kind of felt cheated out of a large story for them, but I understand she had to make it short for the book.  Even though it was short and to the point, the author made sure to give us our fix of the Argeneau family and keep us on the edge of our seats for the next installment in the series! You can't go wrong with her books!

In Hearts Untamed, I got a new paranormal experience.  The basis of it was still romantic, but it still had a paranormal plot that wasn't the widely popular vampire or werewolf story.  It had a whole new take on a whole new race.  This one seemed to drag a bit for me, but I think it was because it was a new paranormal plot that was weird for me.  The plot and writing was well done, but this was probably my 3rd place story in the book.

Kiss and Kill Cupid was outstanding. I loved the hero and heroine.  They instantly had a connection and I could feel it in the writing.  I was sad that this story was so short as well.  The author does mention that it will continue in a series she is writing, so that made me excited.  This was a new to me author and I was thrilled to find her writing witty and suspenseful!  Clearly, this author has found her knack for writing paranormal!



MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

Guest Blog: Carolyn Brown and Giveaway

Author Carolyn Brown is here for a guest post today! Let's all give a warm welcome to an awesome author!  She wrote a guest post to share with all of you today and Sourcebooks was kind enough to offer a giveaway! 

Carolyn Brown Guest Blog, author of Getting Lucky

Good morning. It’s a pure pleasure to be here this morning at your website to talk about Getting Lucky and my favorite part about writing romance.

Getting Lucky is the third and final book in the Lucky Series. Lucky in Love came out last September and One Lucky Cowboy in November. Writing all three of them was so much fun that I hated to see the series come to an end.

My favorite part of any book is seeing the characters develop from the beginning to the end. They become more and more real from the first page to the last and when writing a series they get to come back for cameo appearances in the next editions so their characteristics develop even further. That’s the reason I read romance as well as write it. From page one I don’t even know those people. At the end of a good romance, they are my neighbors and we’ve had coffee together.

When they first dance through my mind they are little more than strangers. By the time I finish a book they are as real as the folks who own a ranch out east of town or the ladies down at the grocery store. They have their own quirks and personalities and I know them well enough to know exactly how they’ll react when I pitch a hurdle in their way as they try to get to the happy-ever-after part!

I knew Milli and Beau’s story (Lucky in Love) and how they had met two years before at a wedding in Louisiana but I didn’t know them personally. After the first couple of pages they made my office their home and sat on the futon behind me most of the time. Sometimes Milli actually crawled up on my shoulder and yelled in my ear when I wasn’t telling her story just right. When I finished their book I knew them as well as my own children and Katy Scarlett as well as my granddaughter that age.

Slade and Jane had quite a tale to tell in One Lucky Cowboy but again I didn’t know them very well. I’d met Slade at a barn dance at Beau’s place a couple of times but I’m not sure I even mentioned him by name. Then Jane was on the run from an assassin and wound up at Slade’s ranch. By the time the three of us had run all over Florida, Louisiana, Texas and parts of Oklahoma, we were pretty dang good friends. They’d developed from acquaintances to a couple that I’d take home to meet my momma but I don’t think I’d tell her about that incident in the tattoo parlor down in Florida.

Julie Donavan snuck up on my blind side one night. Griffin Luckadeau had this sweet little girl, Lizzy, that we met in One Lucky Cowboy that stole my heart. So I knew I wanted him to tell me more about his past and how that child inherited his white streak. But then before I could actually sit down and listen to his tale, there was Julie and her daughter, Annie, who had the same white streak, needing to get out of Jefferson where the gossip might hurt Annie’s feelings. Somehow both stories got all tangled together and nagged at me until I decided to get to know them all a lot better. So they brought Annie and Lizzy into my imagination and we began to write Getting Lucky!

All of them brought along their relatives and friends and for the better part of a year we’ve had the most amazing barn dances, cat fights, family parties and even poker games. Shhhhh! Don’t tell anyone that or those fellows in the white jackets will come and force me into group therapy. I don’t think they’d understand that I can’t do that without bringing my friends from the Lucky series with me! And there’s just not room on one of those leather couches for all of us.

Seriously, if I had to name one thing that I like best about writing romance it truly would be the character development, seeing them grow from people I barely know to my very good friends.

So what do you like best about romance? Besides those wonderfully sexy covers, that is!

GETTING LUCKY BY CAROLYN BROWN—IN STORES JANUARY 2010

Single mom Julie Donavan is looking for a place to start over. What she finds after buying a small house on five acres is nothing short of a nightmare.

Single dad "Lucky Griffin" Luckadeau has been crossing horns with his elderly neighbor for years. But when his daughter, Annie, decides she wants the new little girl who lives on the feuding property to be her friend, or better yet her sister, the sparks fly.

These two stubborn hotheads, who irritate each other beyond endurance, refuse to admit that it's fate that brought them together. And running from the inevitable is only going to bring a double dose of misery…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn Brown, an award-winning author who has published 36 romance novels for the library market, credits her eclectic family for her humor and writing ideas. She was born in Texas but grew up in southern Oklahoma where she and her husband, Charles, a retired English teacher, now make their home in the town of Davis, Oklahoma. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. For more information, please visit http://www.carolynlbrown.com/

 GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Sourcebooks!  Here is what you could win:

1 set of Carolyn’s trilogy: Lucky in Love, One Lucky Cowboy and Getting Lucky. 

How to enter:

Leave a comment on this post!

Be a follower. 

You must live in the USA or Canada.  No P.O. Boxes.

Contest will end on Saturday, Jan. 30th. Winner will be announced on Sunday. Good Luck!

Thank you so much Carolyn for joining us today! I look forward to reading your books as you are a new to me author! I wish you the great success you deserve with your books that are out now and in the future!

Cover Preview!! Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

Here is the cover for the new book in Alyson Noel's Immortal Series. Can't wait for this to come out. It will be available July 6th, 2010!!!

Thanks for sharing it with us Alyson!!!!!

LESSONS IN FRENCH by Laura Kinsale

LESSONS IN FRENCH

Author: Laura Kinsale

Source: ARC submitted from Sourcebooks (Thank you Danielle!)

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*

• Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 26, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402237014
• ISBN-13: 978-1402237010

SYNOPSIS:

Laura Kinsale's unique and powerfully written love stories transcend the romance genre. In this, her first new book in five years, she delivers a poignant, funny, sexy, Regency romance sure to delight her many fans and attract a whole new readership. 

Trevelyan and Callie are childhood sweethearts with a taste for adventure, until the fateful day her father discovers them embracing in the carriage house and, in a furious frenzy, drives Trevelyan away in disgrace. Nine long, lonely years later, Trevelyan returns. Callie discovers that he can still make her blood race and fill her life with excitement, but he can't give her the one thing she wants more than anything—himself. 

For Trevelyan, Callie is a spark of light in a world of darkness and deceit. Before he can bear to say his last goodbyes, he's determined to sweep her into one last, fateful adventure, just for the two of them.

MY THOUGHTS:

This cover just screams romance!  This is the first book I have read by Laura Kinsale.  I had heard she has written a lot of dark books, but this promised to be lighter.  While I found the story and plot amazing, if you haven't read Regency genre's before, you might get a little confused at first.  The writing style and wording is alot different then stories set in modern days.  Otherwise, this book was a great read with a wonderful romance.  Two people who reunite and recapture the love and lust they once had. Laura Kinsale has sparked my interest in Regency Romance and I look forward to reading more of her books from the past and the future.  Another author I will be adding to my newly discovered authors list!

INFO ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura’s Fabulous New Website

Laura’s Twitter

Sourcebooks Casablanca’s Twitter

Our Sourcebooks Spotlight

ShelfAwareness Book Brahmin Feature

Word Wenches Interview

All About Romance Interview

Romance B(u)y the Book Guest Blog

B&N Heart 2 Heart Feature 

EVENTS

2/12 Albuquerque, NM Barnes and Noble Coronado Mall Signing, 6pm

2/13 LERA RWA Chapter Meeting, 1pm

2/14 DFW Tea Readers Brunch, Noon (location TBA)

2/14 Dallas, TX Barnes and Noble Lincoln Park Signing, 3pm

MY RATING:

Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!

GENTLEMEN PREFER SUCCUBI by Jill Myles

GENTLEMEN PREFER SUCCUBI

Author: Jill Myles  

Source: Publisher

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (December 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416572821
• ISBN-13: 978-1416572824

SYNOPSIS:

Jackie Brighton woke up in a dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder. Her breasts grew overnight, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her first one-night stand ever . . . with a fallen angel.

Of course, she only remembers gorgeous Noah’s enormous, er, package. And their steamy shower sex. Hmm . . . and the dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a seductive Itch.

With help from Noah and fellow succubus Remy Summore, Jackie adapts to her new  lifestyle—until she accidentally strikes a deal that sends her lover into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands Jackie, Remy, and the queen’s wickedly hot right-hand man into the middle of a fierce battle for an ancient halo.

But how’s a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy’s so hard to resist?

MY THOUGHTS:

First of all, look at that cover!  If you judge a book by its cover, then this cover explains the sweaty hotness you will get in this book! I think I just found a new paranormal love!  I didn't know much about Succubi until this book.  The author did an amazing job of explaining things without going into too much detail to bore you.  The angel and vampire are sexy as hell, the succubi are hilarious and the vampire queen is evil to the bone!  This book had action, humor, and just the right amount of hot sex to keep your pulse racing.  A new author for me and I will definitely be reading the next book in this series!

Read the first chapter here.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

INTERVIEW with Amanda Ashley

Tuesday , Jan. 26th, marks the release date of EVERLASTING KISS by Amanda Ashley.  She was kind enough to do an interview with My Overstuffed Bookshelf for you to read and enjoy! So let's give her a warm welcome and get started!

MOB: Thank you so much for coming Amanda and let's get started!

To start off can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

AA:     Gosh, there's not a lot to tell. I married my high school sweetheart. We have 3 grown sons, a Pomeranian, a tortoise, and a wild sparrow that I raised from a baby. I was fortunate that I didn't have to work when my kids were little. I loved being a stay-at-home Mom and highly recommend it. I love reading, writing, walking my dog, going to the movies, and collecting Star Wars and Beauty and the Beast things.  

MOB: Can you tell us a little about your new or current releases?

AA:     You know, it's easy to write the books but telling about them is difficult. I've never been able to do it coherently in a few sentences, so I suggest checking out my web site where readers can see covers, read reviews and excerpts. 

MOB: When you are not writing, what kind of books do you like to read? Do you have any favorite authors that are must reads?

AA:    I read mostly paranormal romances. My fav authors, in no particular order, are Charlaine Harris's Sookie books, Patricia Brings' Mercy Thompson series, Maggie Shayne, Jim Butcher's Dresden files, Lori Handeland's Nightcreature books, Patricia Simpson, and Michelle Rowen. Oh, and Kay Hooper. I just finished her book, Blood Sins, and loved it.  

MOB: What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a new book?

AA:         Chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate. 

MOB: List your favorites:

Snack- tangerines

Drink- hot chocolate 

Perfume- allergic

Candy- dark chocolate Dove bars 

Color- blue

MOB: I am a fly on your wall today. What would I see in the day of Amanda Ashley?
 

AA:    LOL. Depends on the day. Generally, I get up, feed the animals, feed my husband, read the paper, read my email, run whatever errands need to be done, clean the house. I usually do most of my writing at night while my husband watches football, baseball, basketball, golf, old westerns and the news. But I have been known to write most of the day and night from time to time.  

MOB: Which one of your books was your favorite book to write and why?

AA:      That is such a hard question! I think maybe Embrace the Night because it was such a change of pace for me after writing so many historicals, and because I adored my hero. Plus, it was fun setting it in the past and the present.  

MOB: Where can we purchase your books?

AA:     Bookstores You can also purchase them on Amazon or from my publishers online

    Dorchester Publishing

  

   Cerridwen Press

    Zebra 

    

     All Romance Ebooks

MOB: Do you have a blog or website that your readers can keep up with you and your books?

AA:       www.amandaashley.net

 

       I update my page every few days. I also run a monthly contest and give away one of my books, covers, and bookmarks. Nothing required except to sign my guestbook. I also have a newsletter I send out, usually when I have a new book coming out or if something really exciting happens.

EVERLASTING KISS by Amanda Ashley

EVERLASTING KISS

Author: Amanda Ashley

Source: ARC submitted from author

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zebra; 1 edition (January 26, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420104438
• ISBN-13: 978-1420104431

SYNOPSIS:

Desire Never Dies

Daisy O'Donnell doesn't get the attraction some women feel for vampires. She likes her men with a heartbeat. And she's just met one who's full of life: Erik Delacourt, the unreasonably sexy man she keeps meeting at a popular L.A. nightclub called the Crypt. She barely knows him, but there's no resisting the connection she feels. . .

There's one important detail Erik hasn't gotten around to telling her yet. He's a powerful vampire out to hunt the Blood Thief who is draining young vampires all over the city--and who has just raised the stakes by destroying one of Erik's friends. To Erik, Daisy is a bright spot of innocence in a world of darkness and menace. He'll do anything--even lie to her--to keep her safe and pure.

If only he knew that Daisy has something of her own to hide. . .

MY THOUGHTS:

Amanda Ashley writes vampire romance the way it should be written.  She sticks with what works and blows your mind away with wonderful characters, plot and romance.  She is one of my favorite authors and I have never been disappointed with any of her books.  From page one, I was sucked into the story and couldn't put it down until the last page.  The characters were wonderful, plenty of suspense, and plenty of romance to get you through the cold nights.  I can't wait to see what she has in store for the other characters in the next book.  Amanda Ashley is an author who has mastered the art of vampire/paranormal romance and will always be at the top of my to-buy list!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

WOMEN ARE CRAZY, MEN ARE STUPID by Howard Morris & Jenny Lee

WOMEN ARE CRAZY, MEN ARE STUPID 

Author: Howard J. Morris and Jenny Lee

Source: FSB Media

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416595058
• ISBN-13: 978-1416595052

SYNOPSIS:

Since the dawn of time, when the first smitten caveboy tried to woo the object of his affections by shoving her into the mud, men have demonstrated that when it comes to women, they are profoundly stupid. And when it comes to men, women -- no matter how intelligent or mature -- are completely crazy.

Based on this simple yet groundbreaking insight, comedy writers and real-life couple Howard J. Morris and Jenny Lee have devised a relationship guide that is refreshingly honest, completely hilarious, and surprisingly practical. Using their own crazy/stupid romance as an example of these forces in action, they set out to explain why women ask questions that they absolutely do not want answered -- and why men persist in answering them. What are men really thinking -- or crucially, not thinking? Why do women view even the most mundane events through an emotional prism? Why do guys suck at being romantic? And why does every conversation with a woman lead back to whether or not she's fat?

Using wit, hard-earned wisdom, and a highly entertaining he said/she said format, the authors explore the surprising method to his dumbness and the valid reasons behind her insanity, while providing real solutions to perennial relationship problems. By teaching men how and why they're stupid around women and showing women how to "control the crazy" for everybody's sake, Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid helps couples to reach the place where giving isn't giving in, needing isn't needy, and where the sexes can break the dysfunctional patterns and find a way to live lovingly, happily ever after. 

MY THOUGHTS:

This wasn't as funny as I thought it would be.  It had its moments of been-there-done-that but not as funny as the back of the book tries to make it out to be.  Wouldn't be a bad read if you are in a relationship or not, and would be okay for a quick rainy day read.  It's full of tidbits that most couples already know or go through.  Not too much depth to the book, so it certainly isn't a book to get your mind working. Just a fun quick read in my opinion.

MY RATING:

 
  A Good Book and Read! Perfect For Rainy Days
From the Library!

Carpe Corpus (Morganville Vampires, Book 6) by Rachel Caine

Carpe Corpus (Morganville Vampires, Book 6) 

Author: Rachel Caine

Source: Library

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Signet (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451227190
• ISBN-13: 978-0451227195

SYNOPSIS:

In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace-until all the rules got rewritten when the evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He's kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it, Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants-the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires ever be content to go back to the old rules, after having such a taste of power?

MY THOUGHTS:

OMG! So much happened in this book that I don't even know where to start. 

SPOILER ALERT!

I hate to give away spoilers for books, but with so much awesome story, I just have to. First of all, finally Shane and Claire step up their relationship! I didn't think it would ever happen since it was a young adult book.  There isn't alot of detail, since it is a young adult, but the author did an amazing job with it that even adults will love it.  The battle between Bishop and the town, including Amelie, goes down as well. We lose an important character in the battle and be prepared to have the tissues handy.  We get to see almost everyone that the author has involved in the previous books come into play with this one.  The ending is so sweet and leaves me to wonder what is in the jewelry box Shane gives Claire.  That is about the only cliffhanger that I am dying to know!  The way the author wrote this book, it made me think that this one was suppose to be the final book though.  We all know that it isn't, but at least you won't be in such a hurry to get to the next one.  Well, maybe. Well okay you will!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo

101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle

Author: Dawn Del Russo

source: Author

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (October 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439256330
• ISBN-13: 978-1439256336

SYNOPSIS:

Every girl dreams of living a glamourous jet-set lifestyle, weather in the lap of luxury or on a tight budget. Dawn Del Russo Author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle provides quick cheeky tips to living that swank life. Put together simply each one-liner is illustrated by Barbara Ann Scarrillo with charming, fashionable sketches sure to delight. Indulge in this fabulous quick read. Dawn Del Russo, high profile fashion stylist has been featured in print like US Weekly, Life and Style, InStyle, Glamour, Real Simple, and on Fox 5 NY for her style advice. Del Russo is also a contributing writer for multiple online publications. She has a keen sense of style and trends and is dedicated to helping women find their inner beauty, and confidence starting from the style on the outside. 101 Glam Girl Ways to and Ultra Chic Lifestyle is every women's secret guide to breezing through life glamourously.

MY THOUGHTS:

When this book arrived in the mail, I immediately started reading it.  The cover was so cute and the pictures and font were so cute and catching.  This is a very quick read. It took me less than 15 minutes to read it.  If you need a quick pick me up for the day, this is a perfect book for that.  Even if you use just one tip a day, your self esteem could even go up a notch.  I loved the tips and some cost a little money, but most are free and all are easy.  Perfect for a gift!  This would even be cute for a girl going off to college as a gift. 

TIP#101

Believe you can do anything!

MY RATING:

Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!

LORD OF MISRULE by Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires-Book 5)

LORD OF MISRULE (Morganville Vampires-Book 5)

Author: Rachel Caine

Source: Library

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Signet (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451225724
• ISBN-13: 978-0451225726

SYNOPSIS:

In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, the master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn’t the only threat.

Violent black cyclone clouds hover, promising a storm of devastating proportions as student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against elements both natural and unnatural.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the 5th book in the series of the Morganville Vampires.  Even though I love this series, this is not one of my favorites.  It seemed like a filler book to me.  While the characters were interesting, the writing was excellent, and the book was fast paced, it lacked in the plot.  The 4th book left us with a cliffhanger of a giant war happening in the 5th book.  To me, there wasn't much war. Mainly, all the characters running around trying to regroup and start a plan of attack.  Then at the end of the book, the war happens briefly, and we are left with another cliffhanger that will throw you for a loop.  I will say though, that I love the character of Myrnin.  He is starting to really grow on me and show his own personality.  Not bad for a book that sets us up for major change in the next one. I can't wait to see what will happen next!

MY RATING:

Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!