New Cover Reveal and Contest!

I was so excited to open up my email today and discover that author M. Leighton had emailed me the new cover design for her book, The Reaping.  If you recall from my review, I loved this book!  This book is one you need to check out!  You can find my review HERE.

Since the cover has been redesigned, and is GORGEOUS, the author agreed to host a contest here on my blog!  So not only are we getting first look at the new cover, but TWO lucky people are going to each win an ebook copy of The Reaping!!!

THE REAPING

Author: M. Leighton

SUMMARY:

Every hell has its devil. And Carson is about to become intimately acquainted with hers.

Seventeen-year-old wallflower Carson Porter has always dreamed of being something special, but what she gets isn’t exactly what she signed up for.

Yeah, a girl’s supposed to change as she gets older, but this is ridiculous! Shiny skin, greener eyes and a run-in with the flesh-eating dead are just a few of the changes Carson has to adjust to, not to mention the arrival of the very hot and very dangerous Derek Hrolf. If all that wasn’t enough to turn her once hum-drum life into something unrecognizable, a twin sister that haunts her from the shadows and a wheeling, dealing collector of souls will definitely do the trick. The question is: what will her life become? And what will she become?

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CONTEST:

Thanks to author M. Leighton, I have TWO ebook copies up for grabs!  The winners will each get one copy from in a format of their choosing from either Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.

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RULES:

1. This contest is open to the USA only.

2. No need to be a follower, but I would love it if you would!

3. Leave a comment with an email address to contact you with if you win.

4. Contest will end on 4/5/2011.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

COVER ALERT!! Belong To Me by Shayla Black

OMG! The cover for Belong to Me ( Wicked Lovers # 5 ) by Shayla Black has been revealed!!!!
Smoking hot cover to go with a smoking hot series!

SUMMARY:

She’s undercover and in over her head…

When FBI analyst Tara Jacobs’ fellow agent and best friend goes missing while investigating a sex ring, Tara goes undercover as a submissive in a Dallas BDSM club called Dominion. But no man can top a woman with Tara’s moxie convincingly enough—until an edgy, dangerous Dom takes control of the scene and sets her heart racing with a single, commanding glance. Too bad he’s also the man who stole her innocence years ago—and the one to whom she will never submit.

He’s got everything under control…until he falls for her again.

Navy SEAL Logan Edgington once left the woman he loved to save her life. He knows Tara will never forgive him, but he has no doubt that he possesses the knowledge to master her fears and the strength to guide her through an unfamiliar world of pleasure and pain. He alone can protect her on a dangerous mission that reveals both wicked depravities and terrible secrets. Logan relishes the exquisite torture of holding her again, feeling her uninhibited response. No matter how much Tara insists their fling will end after this mission, he’s determined that she will be his again—and this time, he’ll never let her go

(ARC Review) Demon Hunting In Dixie by Lexi George

DEMON HUNTING IN DIXIE
Author: Lexi George
Source: Author Submission
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: BRAVA (April 26, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758263090
ISBN-13: 978-0758263094

SUMMARY:

A warrior, a demon, and the girl next door. . .

Looking For Trouble

Addy Corwin is a florist with an attitude. A bad attitude, or so her mama says, 'cause she's not looking for a man. Mama's wrong. Addy has looked. There's just not much to choose from in Hannah, her small Alabama hometown. Until Brand Dalvahni shows up, a supernaturally sexy, breathtakingly well-built hunk of a warrior from—well, not from around here, that's for sure. Mama thinks he might be European or maybe even a Yankee. Brand says he's from another dimension. 

Addy couldn't care less where he's from. He's gorgeous. Serious muscles. Disturbing green eyes. Brand really gets her going. Too bad he's a whack job. Says he's come to rescue her from a demon. Puh-lease. But right after Brand shows up, strange things start to happen. Dogs talk and reanimated corpses stalk the quite streets of Hannah. Her mortal enemy Meredith, otherwise known as the Death Starr, breaks out in a severe and inexplicable case of butt boils. Addy might not know what's going on, but she definitely wants a certain sexy demon hunter by her side when it all goes down. . .

MY THOUGHTS:

I have sat here all morning after finishing this book trying to figure out the right words and descriptions to summarize my reading experience of this book.  I am finding it difficult to write the review because while there were many things I enjoyed about this book, there were also some things that weren't so great about it.

First of all, this author knows her Southern charm and manners.  The way the characters act and speak were reminiscent of Southern hospitality.  The phrases the characters would blurt out were ones you would expect and come to enjoy as you read the book.  There was the perfect amount of snark and humor that kept me laughing from one page to the next which is hard to do unless the author can create characters that can handle this type of personality.

Addy was a laugh out loud a minute character.  She always had something smart and witty to say to anyone who crossed her path.  She was not afraid to speak her mind and not one person besides her Mother was exempt from the things she would have fly out of her mouth.  I absolutely loved her personality!  Brand was just as humorous since he was from another dimension and found himself trying to figure out what Addy was saying most of the time.  Some of the things he understood, but most of the time he had to have some of the phrases broken down for him which Addy was glad to elaborate on. My favorite scene in the entire book had to be when they were at the funeral home and Shirley and Bessie Mae were fighting over a dead guys private parts!  The whole entire scene had me in tears from laughing so hard.

Addy's Mother was the typical stuck up snob of the group who was determined to make sure everyone spoke properly and act like ladies and gentlemen.  I wanted to strangle her at times just like Addy wanted to. Aunt Muddy was a riot.  I loved her spunk and funny entrance into the series.  Talk about bad timing for Addy when Aunt Muddy returns from her trip!  Evie, Addy's best friend, was charming and shy which balanced the relationship between the two.  Where Addy was spontaneous and full of life, Evie was reserved and graceful.  Ansgar, Brand's warrior brother, was cold and at times a stick in the mud.  Yet, when Ansgar meets Evie, the cold thaws and you get to see a softer side of him  My heart broke towards the end of the book for this character.  I hope he gets a story of his own.

Even though the characters were fun and I laughed through most of the book,  the story and plot were not as strong.  Brand and Ansgar are suppose to be demon hunters, but there was not a lot of action and fighting in the book.  They hardly engaged in battle and the action sort of took a backseat to the humor and personal lives of the characters.  It didn't seem to balance well and left the story feeling a little off.  While I liked the personalities of Addy and Evie, their acceptance of demons and such was a little too accepting.  They didn't really struggle with finding out about paranormal creatures and such, they just seemed to accept it and move on.  There is also a lot of characters in the book to keep track of.  Not only is it full of different people, but the book also created small stories involving Addy's brother and friends as well.  While sometimes this can be a good thing, I felt the author could have toned down a little bit on the character overload and gradually paced their stories to use in future books.

Overall, I loved the characters but I wasn't a big fan of the story and speed of the book.  Will I read the next book? Definitely!  I need my Addy fix and I am dying to know if Ansgar is going to work things out as well.

MY RATING:

 
Okay book, but it left me wanting more! 3 STARS

(Blog Tour) Guest Post with author Tessa Adams

Today on My Overstuffed Bookshelf, I have the pleasure of having author Tessa Adams on the blog!! Tessa agreed to share with us her thoughts on the perfect male hero.  What can be better than talking about what we enjoy in the perfect male? So sit back, relax and enjoy the fun!  There might even be a surprise for you at the end! Take it away Tessa!


First off, I want to say how excited I am to be here today.  I love this blog and it’s a thrill to get a chance to guest here.  Plus, when Amy gave me my topic, I knew it was a match made in heaven.  She asked me to write about how I see the perfect male hero and well, let’s just say that’s a topic I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about, LOL ;)  And to sum up my feelings on this topic, I’d have to go with the famous quote from Lady Caroline Lamb in reference to George Gordon Lord Byron.  “Mad, bad and dangerous to know.”  


It’s probably been fifteen or twenty years since I first heard that quote Byron and it still has the power to send shivers up my spine.  But then, anyone who knows me will tell you that I love bad boys.  Dark, twisted, angst-ridden, vaguely psychotic—bring them on.  I love to read about these heroes and love, even more, to write about them. 


But what is it about bad boys that makes them so interesting to read about?  To study? To love? 
 
I once heard a presentation by thriller writer, Jeff Abbott, where he commented that the villain is the hero of his own story.  When I heard that, everything inside of me went aha!  Not because that was such a revelation, but because it got me thinking about my own characters—and the characters I’ve loved for years—the Gothic villain heroes, men who usually skate along the edge of right and wrong, often falling on the wrong side of the line. 


Villains, as Jeff explained, do terrible things, because they believe they are entitled to something.  Or everything, depending on the villain. Very rarely do they go around thinking, I am a terrible person and I deserve to rot.  Instead, they think, I deserve this so I’m going to take it, using any means necessary.  Sound about right? And of course, a hero is also the hero of his own story. 


What is so fascinating, then, about the true bad boy, the gothic villain-hero, is that this is not the case.  A villain-hero is the villain of his own story.  He believes he has done something or is something so terrible, so horrible, so awful that he is irredeemable.  And for much of the story, the reader wonders the exact same thing.  Can this man be redeemed?  Just the other day, in fact, a friend of mine read the synopsis for one of my new novels and  she said to me, “How are you going to do this?  That man is such a bastard that there is no way you can redeem him.  Eighteen months later?  Maybe eighteen years later, I’d be willing to talk to him.  And that’s iffy.”  


Those are your villain-heroes.  Men who live in the shadows because they belong there or think they belong there.  They’re certainly more comfortable there.  And these are the men I love to write about—and the men that lend themselves so well to Paranormal, fantasy and futuristic romance.  Villain-heroes like Anakin Skywalker, Angel, Severus Snape, Batman, Q, Terminator 2, Edward Cullen, Zsadist, Zarek.  Quinn in my new Dragon’s Heat novel, Hidden Embers.  Kona in my first paranormal YA, Tempest Rising. 


These are not your golden gods.  These are the men for whom being good is really, really difficult.  And really, really boring.  This is why so many people confuse them with villains.  Because these men don’t like being good.  And yet one of the many reasons they aren’t villains is because they have a very strong moral compass, a very rigid belief in right and wrong that is often unshakable.  Villains believe they are right—or rationalize that they are because it gets them what they want.  Villain heroes know what’s right and sometimes chose to do it and sometimes don’t, but they are very clear on what is acceptable and what isn’t.

It is this darkness in them that so often draws heroines—and romance readers— to them.  So how about you?  What do you think of the bad boy who revels in being bad?  Do you like to read those stories or do you prefer a different kind of hero? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracy Wolff/Tessa Adams/Tracy Deebs collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love.  Her first novel, A Christmas Wedding, appeared on the scene in November of 2008 and since then she has sold twenty-one novels—including Erotic Suspense and Paranormal to New American Library, Contemporary Superromance to Harlequin, and Paranormal Young Adult Romance and Contemporary Young Adult Romance to Walker Books.  Now an English professor at her local community college, Tracy lives in Austin with her husband and three sons.  She was a 2010 Rita nominee.

www.tracywolff.com

www.tracydeebs.com 

Hidden Embers—available April 5, 2011 
Deep in the New Mexico desert there is a secret race on the brink of extinction—the pure-blood shapeshifters of the Dragonstar clan. And they have one last, desperate hope for survival…  


Quinn Maguire is a powerful Dragonstar healer at a tragic loss, unable to cure the insidious disease killing off his people. Yet even in such dire circumstances the conservative Quinn is secretly disapproving of the alternative: Dr. Jasmine Kane, enlisted by the head of the Dragonstar clan to help abort the virus. She is a wild card.  She is an outsider. She is human.  


Decked out in black leather and a tough attitude, Jasmine clashes with Quinn in more ways than one. And when destiny chooses her for his Mate, he doesn't know whether to rejoice or rebel.  Because while Jasmine makes him burn hotter than any woman--dragon or human-- ever has, their differences make a relationship impossible.   
But when a rival infiltrates the clan and attacks Jasmine, Quinn becomes desperate. Jasmine is now the first human to be infected with the disease—and Quinn must do everything he can to find a cure, and save the woman he has grown to love.

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CONTEST CLOSED:

Thanks to author Tessa Adams, I have ONE copy of Dark Embers which is the first book in the series!

Plus, the author even mentioned that there possibly could be some swag thrown in to the package as well!

SUMMARY:

King Dylan MacLeod is one of the last pure-bred dragon shapeshifters in existence—and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan. It falls to him to protect his people—and their ancient magic. He has one more duty: to provide an heir.

Like all dragons, Dylan can only procreate with his destined mate—for whom he’s searched for five hundred years. His dark, rampant sexual appetite has earned him quite the reputation, all in the pursuit of his one true match.

But his search is delayed when a deadly disease sweeps through the Dragonstars, and Dylan must venture to the human world to find a cure. He tracks down renowned biochemist Phoebe Quillum, never imagining the beautiful scientist will be the mate he’s been seeking for centuries. But no sooner do they meet then Phoebe and Dylan are besieged by an obsessive, overpowering sexual desire.

Their passion turns to something truer—and they know in their souls and bodies that they’re in too deep to get out. And when Phoebe is kidnapped by Dylan’s oldest enemy, he must risk everything to reclaim the only woman he’s ever loved, or his clan will be wiped out forever.

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RULES:

1. This contest is open to the USA only.

2. No need to be a follower, but I would love it if you would!

3. Leave a comment with an email address to contact you with if you win. 

BE SURE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION IN RED ABOVE!

4. Contest will end on 4/2/2011.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMEXYBOOKS!

Just want to shout out a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Mandi @ Smexybooks!

Here is your special birthday card!

(CONTEST) Huntress by Malinda Lo

HUNTRESS

Author: Malinda Lo

  Publication Date: 4/5/2011

Hardcover

SUMMARY:

Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance.

To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet the two girls' destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever.

The exciting adventure prequel to Malinda Lo's highly acclaimed novel Ash is overflowing with lush Chinese influences and details inspired by the I Ching, and is filled with action and romance.

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RULES:

1. This contest is open to the USA only.

2. No need to be a follower, but I would love it if you would!

3. Leave a comment with an email address to contact you with if you win.

4. Contest will end on 4/2/2011.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

(ARC Review) The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

THE LIPSTICK LAWS
Author: Amy Holder
Source: Gifted from friend

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Graphia (April 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780547363066
ISBN-13: 978-0547363066

SUMMARY:

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.

For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.

But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

MY THOUGHTS:

The Lipstick Laws reminded me of the movies Mean Girls and Heathers all rolled into one.  It had the popular clique that everyone wants to be apart of that you can only join with invitation.  When Britney gets the chance to join the popular Lipstick Girls, she is wary but excited.  She has been warned by her best friend, who moved away, to stay away from them.  Yet, Britney can't refuse joining the exclusive group and becoming something more than a nobody in school. 

The Lipstick Laws is a quick and fun read that left me remembering high school days from long ago.  The thrill of the popular crowd actually noticing you can be quite alluring.  I like how the author made Britney kind of wary of the group, yet at the same time she was excited about finally becoming a person in school that would be noticed.  While I didn't like the way she treated Delvin, and was cheering for them to be a couple, I think the way Britney acted towards him at the end of the book was a great way to give her the wake up call she needed.  I never could stand her attraction with Matt because he just seemed like the typical guy who only goes for the boobs and popularity status. 

While the ending was not the one I was expecting or craving, it did end on a note of maturity with Britney finally becoming the girl I wanted her to be.  If you are fan of the author, or if you just want a book that is fun and quick, then The Lipstick Laws is one you will want to grab.  Long live the Lipstick Lawbreakers! 

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

IMM: In My Mailbox (28)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Here is what showed up in my mailbox this week!

FOR REVIEW:

 Demon Hunting in Dixie by Lexi George (ARC)

In The Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

Never Again : Wizards of Nevermore by Michele Bardsley (ARC)

I Can't Make You Love Me, But I Can Make You Leave by Dixie Cash

Thank you to Harlequin Teen, Lexi George, Signet Eclipse and William Morrow Paperbacks

PURCHASED/GIFTED:

 

Unleashed by Kristopher Reisz (PBS)

Night Runner by Max Turner (PBS)

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Purchased)

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What did everyone else get? 

WINNERS!!!

The contest for the three copies of Smokin' Six-Shooter by B.J. Daniels has now ended. Using Random.org, the winners are:

Ammy Belle

Pat Cochran 

Meredith

CONGRATS! You have 48 hours to contact me with your mailing address or you forfeit the prize and a new winner is chosen.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

(ARC Review) Born At Midnight by C.C. Hunter

BORN AT MIDNIGHT
A Shadow Falls Novel
Author: C.C. Hunter
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition
(March 29, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312624670
ISBN-13: 978-0312624675

SUMMARY:

Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams,  Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she?  They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason.  As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas.  Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past.  Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.  

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow!  I had no idea how much I would love this book.  From page one up until the last word on the last page, I was entranced with everything the author brought to the reader.  I loved the characters and the supernatural world that were involved.

Kylie is having a hard time in life right now.  Her parents are getting a divorce, she finds herself being arrested at a party, and eventually finds herself enrolled at a summer camp.  Shadow Falls is not just another summer camp for troubled teens though.  Shadow Falls is a camp for supernaturals who are trying to adjust to their new abilities and fitting into the world with normal humans.  Supposedly, if you were born at midnight, you might have special talents and be a supernatural creature instead of a regular human.  Kylie is shocked and refuses to believe that she could be anything besides normal.  She may see a ghost once in awhile, but she still refuses to believe that she is anything but human.

This is one book that will leave you craving for more by the time you finish it.  Yes, it wraps up nicely, but it leaves just enough unanswered questions to have you anticipating the next book in the series.  With shocking discoveries, suspenseful mystery, supernatural creatures and romance that blossoms, I was hooked and did not want to stop reading!  I can't wait for the next book and it left me wishing that I was born at midnight so I could go join Shadow Falls Camp!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

COVER ALERT!! One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost

 Main Cover

Stepback

Release Date: August 30th, 2011

OH. MY. GOD!!!!!  Look at this amazing cover the author Jeaniene Frost posted on her blog today! I am in cover love heaven! *sigh*

 It is a different model for Cat, but who really is looking at Cat after swooning at the setback of Bones holding Cat! Hotness!

To read more about what the author had to say, just go to her blog found HERE.

(ARC Review) Abandon by Meg Cabot

ABANDON
Author: Meg Cabot
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Point (April 26, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545284104
ISBN-13: 978-0545284103

SUMMARY:


Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am a fairly new reader of books by this author. I have read Insatiable by her and loved it, but I haven't read any of her other books before that one.  When Abandon arrived to me for review, I jumped into it excited to read about how she was going make a story based on Greek mythology.  Seeing how I never actually paid attention in high school -- and my grades will confirm that  -- my mythology is a little rusty. I did however recognize the great writing that the author used in the book!

While I am not a huge fan of the story,  I can see the appeal and desire to read the book.  I liked how the author made the characters seem so real.  While she didn't go overboard on descriptions, I still felt the characters come alive in my head while reading the book.  Yet, while the author kept me interested in the story, I kept finding myself wishing it would have revealed some things sooner rather than later in the book.

For instance, we don't even find out what what actually happened to Pierce and the event that is questioned through out the chapters until well over half of the book.  I can understand needing it for the wow factor, but the constant referring to it and not revealing much kept me feeling frustrated.  I also didn't like how it was slow going for a long while, and then near the end a ton of stuff happens with not enough resolutions.  I can understand the author wanting to leave you with a cliffhanger, but I also expect some things to be resolved before I finish the last page.

Would I read the next book in the series? Absolutely. I want to see how the author is going to work out some of the problems from this book and hopefully structure the plot better to make it more appealing to the reader.
If you are a big fan of this author, you will more than likely enjoy her take on the lore and mythology that this book contains as a step up from what the author usually writes.  If you are a new reader to this author, you could enjoy it based on the fact that it has the elements that this genre is well known for as well.  You will just have to be patient with the story and be willing to see the book through and future books in the series.

MY RATING:

 
Okay book, but it left me wanting more! 3 STARS

Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

FATED
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Brava (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758259239
ISBN-13: 978-0758259233

SUMMARY:

Marry Me

Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she's used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But "whatever it takes" has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem. . .

Or Else

Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he's there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he's a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he's had that long to practice. . . 

MY THOUGHTS:

Fated is the first book of a three part series.  I will admit that I had a hard time reading this book.  Usually I love the main male character being in Alpha mode.  With this book though, the Alpha male seemed more of pushy and forceful male that was not as attractive as I wanted him to be.


Yes, the book was steamy in in the sex factor, and yes it had the paranormal vampire story that is hot right now, but the way the two are thrust together was not impressive to me.  Cara has a daughter to think about and she was suppose to just accept being away from her daughter? For five weeks? Um, no.  She was just suppose to fall in love with Talen and jump into bed with him while there is danger lurking around? Um, again no.  While some of this plot could have been believable, the way it was written left me with the feeling that the author was trying to force their relationship to work when I was having too many doubts. Plus he practically forces her to "mate" with her after she tells him repeatedly no.  


Again, I wasn't a big fan of the story.  If you like your alpha's with a very forceful nature, then give it a go.  You might enjoy it, yet I think Talen could have been a better character if it was toned down quite a bit. The only thing that saved this story from getting a one star rating was the fact that I fell in love with Cara's daughter. She was a delight whenever she was in a scene.


MY RATING:

 
  If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it! 2 STARS

The Welcome Home Garden Club by Lori Wilde

THE WELCOME HOME GARDEN CLUB
A Twilight, Texas Novel #4
Author: Lori Wilde
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Avon (March 29, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006198843X
ISBN-13: 978-0061988431

SUMMARY:

Traditional meaning of Pink and White Roses: I love you still and always will.

Caitlyn Marsh stopped believing in happily-ever-after when high-school sweetheart, Gideon Garza, left for Iraq. Now she raises her small son while her matchmaking gardening club members drive her crazy. Then Caitlyn's world turns upside-down when Gideon swaggers back to Twilight.

Gideon had left town in the middle of night with threats ringing in his ears. A lot of things have changed since then. This bad boy-turned-Green Beret bears scars from the war, the timid girl he loved is an independent mother, and the father who refused to recognize his son in life has, in death, left him a vast cattle ranch.

He still aches for Caitlyn, and now there's a dark-haired boy who looks exactly like Gideon did at that age. Could the child be his? And can this war-weary soldier overcome the scars of the past to claim the family he so richly deserves?

MY THOUGHTS:

I am in love with this author and her novels!  I always love the people of Twilight, Texas that she introduces me to with each new installment of the series.  Not only does she bring new romance with each book, but she also does my favorite thing and bring back characters from the previous books!  I love when an author reminds the reader of previous books in the series by integrating them into the current read. 


With this book, we meet Caitlyn Marsh who owns the florist shop in town.  After having a whirlwind romance as a teenager with Gideon Garza, she discovers that she is pregnant and hires a detective to locate him after he enlists in the army after a run in with the law.  The detective informs her that he died in service and she finds herself devastated.  What she doesn't know is that someone paid off the detective back then and made him lie about Gideon being dead.  Caitlyn moves on with her life and marries the local florist in town.  Her son is given a name, but everyone in town knows the truth of who the father really is. 


Gideon was the result of an affair between one of the richest men in town and the hired help.  His true father refuses to acknowledge him when Gideon confronts him with the paternity issue and it angers him to the point that he burns the rich mans barn to the ground.  Caitlyn's father, who happens to be the judge in town, offers him the ultimatum of jail time or army time.  While Gideon chooses the army, he never expected to lose not only the love of his life, but also his hand in a bombing. 


When Gideon's father passes away, he is shocked to learn that he has just inherited the ranch and the bulk of his monetary estate.  Add to this the anger from two half brothers still coping with the death of their father, and you can guarantee there is going to be some turmoil and revenge.  Now Gideon must return to Twilight and figure out if he wants to accept the money and ranch, or stay away from the love of his life for good.  Upon returning to Twilight, Gideon finds out he is a Father and is shocked at the lengths that people took to keep Caitlyn out of his life.  When they both discover the truth though, their romance blossoms again and second chances are given.


While I enjoyed this story, it is not one of my favorites of the series.  I enjoyed the writing and the characters discovery of second chances, but I wish the author would have give us a chapter or two of the couple as a teenagers first before starting the current time frame.  I think if I would have read how the interacted as teens, I would have enjoyed their story more and could have understood how much they each suffered over the years.  


Other than that one point above, the book was a great new addition to the series.  I still wish I could find myself in the fictional town of  Twilight, Texas and enjoy each character on a daily basis.  A sweet romance to satisfy that sweet tooth when we want a true romance book to read. 


MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

Sneak Peek of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2

Warner Bros has released a sneak peek at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, with a teaser trailer and the franchise’s stars talking about the series climax. The film opens July 15.


Source: Deadline London

Blood of a Werewolf by T. Lynne Tolles

BLOOD OF A WEREWOLF
Author: T. Lynne Tolles
Source: Author Submission
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 202 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (May 30, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1453798021
ISBN-13: 978-1453798027

SUMMARY:

Darby O'Rielly is not your typical girl next door. She and her sister are ancestral witches, but have never been taught the art of their craft in an attempt to have the girls 'fit in' to their tiny community. When a dark stranger and his brother enter her life, love blooms and havoc ensues. For these two handsome brothers aren't just good looking, they are 'born vampires' of royal blood and they have hunters hot on their trail. When a Van Helsing wanna-be arrives and threatens Devon and Blake's immortal lives, Darby unleashes a deadly magic in order to save them. As vengeance for killing his hunter, our villain kidnaps, Rowan, Darby's sister and injects her with werewolf blood. Darby, Devon and Blake take a redeye to Maine to try and save her. A search then ensues to find a werewolf named Dean who isn't exceptionally friendly or eager to help friends of vampires. Will Rowan survive her transformation or will the werewolf blood wreak havoc on her body and kill her. You'll find out when you read this action packed urban fantasy romance novel yourself.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am on a current book binge of supernatural books right now.  When the author sent me this book to review, it fell in line with my current reading taste for the moment.  After reading the first few chapters, I thought I might actually enjoy this book even though it is a little reminiscent of Vampire Diaries and Twilight combined together. 


The book starts out fairly fun and carefree with Darby arriving home and watering her garden.  When she notices her new neighbor staring from his front porch at her while dancing in the water, She is quickly embarrassed and intrigued.  She is embarrassed by him witnessing her dancing, but intrigued at his beauty and sudden appearance.  They quickly connect at the local hang out by having a great conversation that lasts for hours. I really liked Devon, but it kind of went downhill after this chapter.


It seemed that once the two characters were established, the rest of the characters were put on the back burner even though they are suppose to be major players of the book.  I couldn't warm up to Blake, even during his funny moments, and Darby's sister was just as bad.  There were some inconsistency in the story as well and that bugs me. The story could have been so much better, but it felt rushed and unbelievable to the point that I was rolling my eyes at times.


If you are looking for  a read to pass the time, and don't mind inconsistencies, then you might enjoy it for a one time read.  Other than that, I would give this book a pass for now.


MY RATING:

 
I did not like this book at all! 1 STAR

Eat Your Peas Daughter by Cheryl Karpen

EAT YOUR PEAS DAUGHTER
Author: Cheryl Karpen
Source: BookSneeze
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1404189831
ISBN-13: 978-1404189836

SUMMARY:

A delightful book to encourage your daughter and show her she is always in your heart.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to encourage and inspire that special daughter in your life, look no more! Eat Your Peas® Daughters is a 3-minute read with a forever message. Small doses of simple truths and insights are hand-illustrated to express your unending love and desire for the very best for her life. It’s a wonderful keepsake and reminder that she’ll forever and always be your girl.

MY THOUGHTS:

I absolutely loved this book.  Sure it is a quick read, just like the cover and description said.  I still read it several times and enjoyed it.  As a mother of teens, this book helped me say the things I have wanted to say to them but never really have.  I always want my children to know that they can come to me with anything and that I am always here to listen to their problems.

At times, life gets in the way and I forget all of the promises I made to myself when I became a Mother.  With this book, not only does it remind me of these promises, but it lets my children know of these as well.  How many times have you wanted your child to talk to you but everyone is always too busy? With this book it reminded me that they still need their Mother and it reminded me to always be there when life gets busy.

The illustrations were cute and fit the theme of the book.  The pages had a texture to them that gave it that fancy feel to it.

If you are looking for a book to help talk to your teens or even to have as a keepsake for years to come, I would get this book.  Not only is it great to give your child, but it would also make a great gift for a new mom for Mother's Day.  One I plan on buying for future baby showers!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

IMM: In My Mailbox (27)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Here is what showed up in my mailbox this week!

FOR REVIEW:

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (ARC)

Hourglass by Myra McEntire (ARC)

 Blood Sin by Marie Treanor

Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor

Huntress Malinda Lo

Eat Your Peas Daughter

Behind The Gates by Eva Gray (ARC)

It Happened One Season (Anthology)

Thanks to Scholastic, Egmont, BookSneeze, Avon, HarperCollins, Hachette and Penguin

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What did everyone else get? 

(CONTEST) Smokin' Six-Shooter by B.J. Daniels

SMOKIN' SIX-SHOOTER

Author: B.J. Daniels

SUMMARY:

Russell Corbett was all cowboy and wasn't about to let a lady lasso him! But Dulcie Hughes had him tied up in knots from the moment she nearly collided with his combine. She rode into town with her fancy rental car and city clothes to claim her secret inheritance. And neither tall tale nor handsome rancher would deter her from exposing a years-old cover-up at the Beaumont property. She expected to find answers, not fall in love. But like the threatening thunderhead on the horizon, the truth would come fast and fierce, and there would be no escaping the consequences.

----------------------------------------------------------

CONTEST:

Thanks to Harlequin Ambassadors, I have 3 copies to giveaway!  

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RULES:

1. This contest is open to the USA only.

2. No need to be a follower, but I would love it if you would!

3. Leave a comment with an email address to contact you with if you win.

4. Contest will end on 3/24/2011.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

(PROMO) Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse...

Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.

His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.

But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

OMG! I want this so much! Look at the cover! AMAZING! 

DISCUSSION POST: Borders Closure Update and More

I live in a small town that has no major book store.  If I want to purchase a new book on release day, I am better off by either buying online or traveling 50 miles to the next town to get it.  All we have in our small town is a few used book stores that don't have much of a selection, Goodwill, a grocery store and a Kmart.  It is slim pickings and newer releases don't arrive to these stores until months down the road.  If I want a book that is releasing a certain date, my best bet has always been to drive the 50 miles to the next town and buy it.  Sure there is online ordering, but I still wouldn't have it until days after release day.

Now not only does this make it hard for buying books, but it also makes it hard for any type of author signing event.  Most authors travel about 150 miles South of me before traveling up the coast line to San Francisco.  They can never make a pit stop within my range of driving.  It is very frustrating!  I was fortunate enough to meet Alyson Noel and TK Richardson though at a signing that they graciously attended at the Borders 50 miles away and at the Russo Books that is also in the area.  Those have been the only authors to have done this in a long time.  Now with the most recent information that has been released, it looks like they won't be doing it again.

Recently, Borders announced the closure of 200 stores after filing for Bankruptcy.  We all waited with our breath held hoping that our stores wouldn't be included on the list.  I know I was worried as well!  If my local Borders was on that list, I would have to travel over 100+ miles to another one.  I don't have time or money for gas to travel that far so needless to say, I was worried.  Yes, we have a Barnes and Noble, but they never have any good deals here and they hardly ever host an author for an event. They are too cheap and too better-than-thou to support the authors enough to hold an event.  Now this may not be true at other B&N's, but for ours, that is how it is.  They refuse to help you and they never seem to have the time to order or look something up for you.  In two words--they suck.  When the Borders list was released, I wiped the sweat on my brow and sighed with relief that ours was spared.

Now, Border's has announced an updated list adding 28 more stores bringing it to a total of 228.  Did my local store make the list? Yes.  I. AM. PISSED.  Instead of adding an additional store from another city that has 3 or 4 stores, they close one in a town where they are the ONLY one!  Then they try and tell me to check out their online store for ordering now.  Hello? What is the point? Unless you plan on shipping it days before release so I can have it in my hands on release day, I see no point in it.  I can go to Amazon and do the same thing. (For the full updated list of closures please click HERE)

Then I got to thinking about how much I love a printed book.  Yes, I caved and bought an e-reader, but I hardly ever use it.  Half the time I can't figure the darn thing out!  I knew that once the electronics took over the lovely print books, stores would close.  I still believe that ebooks have ruined the sales of print books.  Some of you have even emailed me and asked why I even care about this since I get ARCs all of the time.  Yes, I receive ARCs, but I also PURCHASE many books.  If I give a book a 4 or 5 star rating that I reviewed in ARC format, I can guarantee you that it goes directly to my list titled "BUY".  I always either pass on the ARC to another blogger/friend or donate it to the local library.  If it was a book I loved or by an author that I love, I always support them and purchase a copy.  Sometimes if I was not a fan of the book, I still buy a copy to host a giveaway with.  Unfortunately, I might not be able to do this as much now with only online purchasing available now.

So the next time you think about purchasing that book in ebook format instead of print format, think about how it is taking away from smaller towns who no longer have a book store to purchase print books anymore.  The electronics are taking away from the people -- who is a big number of people-- who still can't afford or want the luxury of e-readers.

What are your thoughts on Print Books vs. E-books?  Do you have a preference? Was it one of your local Border's closing?  What options do you have in your town for buying books?